Warning: This article contains spoilers for Kaos!
Many great shows like Netflix’sKaosexist that explore mythology and power dynamics while incorporating fantasy and dark humor elements. Since its release,Kaoshas quickly become a fan favorite, reimagining beloved Greek myths within a fresh, contemporary story. Unfortunately, theending ofKaosincludes a major cliffhanger that leaves viewers yearning for a second season.
WhileKaos' creator offered a hopeful update, no official word has come out as to the fate of Netflix’s Greek mythology series. There’s good reason to be concerned, sinceNetflix has canceled shows after one season, even when they’ve performed well.IfKaosgets renewed, it will also likely be at least a year before another season comes out, based on the streaming platform’s usual patterns. Luckily, plenty of shows already exist that can fill in the gap when it comes to shows focused on mythology, dark comedy, and fantasy.
One of the best shows forKaosfans to watch is Netflix’s animated seriesBlood of Zeus, another original story incorporating real mythology. In this story, a human named Heron learns he’s the son of Zeus and is fated to defeat a demonic army. BothBlood of ZeusandKaosincorporate the gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures – making them perfect for Greek mythology enthusiasts.
Additionally,they both explore the question of determinism versus free will, highlighting the nuances in between. The stories include a group trying to overthrow the gods. Lastly, the series have strong worldbuilding that’s impressive to watch.Blood of Zeuswill especially appeal toKaosviewers who enjoy animated adult series. The show includes beautiful animation that fuses together American styles, Japanese styles, and art nouveau – taking clear inspiration from the Netflix seriesCastlevania.
For viewers who enjoyed the dark comedy and historical perspective,The Decameronis the perfect choice afterKaos.The Decameronfollows a group of noble people and their servants who go to a villa to escape the Black Plague. BothThe DecameronandKaosare macabre, historically focused, and hilarious in twisted ways. The settings are beautiful, a fun contrast with the dark narrative elements. The two series also show off the incredible acting abilities of up-and-coming star Leila Ferzad, showcasing her comedic timing and dramatic chops.
10 Biggest Unanswered Questions & Mysteries In Netflix’s Kaos
Netflix’s Kaos provides a clever, modernized retelling of Greek mythology that leaves plenty of questions and mysteries for a potential season 2.
There is one significant difference between the two series. While both allude to the terrible behavior of the privileged and powerful,The Decameronhas a pandemic angle that will feel especially poignant, given that the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic occurred so recently. As such, viewers should consider whether they would enjoy jokes on that topic before engaging with the show. It’s an excellent choice for those who used gallows humor to get through lockdown.
Kaosis notable for its modernization of Greek mythology, and viewers who enjoy this aspect of the show might also enjoy the Norwegian Netflix seriesRagnarok, which modernizes Norse mythology. In the series, a boy named Magne, who is the reincarnation of Thor, must fight to prevent another Ragnarök – the events that lead to the end of the world in Norse myths.
LikeKaos, the story is fresh rather than recycled. The visuals in the two series are impressive, thoughRagnarokleans moody, whereasKaosleans whimsical. Both series also comment on modern issues and messages through the lens of fantasy and mythology.Ragnarok will be especially appealing to individuals who prefer a more dramatic tone, as opposed to the dark comedy angle inKaos. Additionally, Ragnarok offers a glimpse into a different pantheon of gods that is equally chaotic and entertaining.
For fans of Greek mythology, the British adventure-fantasy seriesAtlantiswill keep the excitement going after finishingKaosseason 1. The name Atlantis is a misnomer because the series doesn’t focus on the highly advanced, utopian lost city as it’s typically known in the stories. Instead, the protagonist, Jason, washes up on the shores of Atlantis, where the world of Greek mythology is real.KaosandAtlantishave many of the same mythological characters, showing how the stories can be interpreted differently. Both series also explore the concept of destiny.
Main And Supporting Characters In BothAtlantisandKaos:
Cassandra
Eurydice
WhileNetflix’sKaosisn’t appropriate for kidsdue to mature themes and visuals,Atlantisis more teen-friendly, receiving a rating of 13+ onCommon Sense Media. The series only includes allusions to drinking alcohol and some sexual innuendos, which could appeal to parents who want a more child-appropriate alternative focusing on Greek mythology.
Kaosshakes up Greek mythology by centering on the voices of women characters who were previously overlooked or minimized in favor of the surrounding men. After watchingKaos, viewers can move on to the seriesXena: Warrior Princessto continue watching women’s empowerment within the context of Greek myths. The show follows the eponymous character who sets out to make up for her dark past with the help of a bard named Gabrielle. During this quest, she crosses paths with numerous other mythological figures.
Though the two series share similar feminist sentiments,Xena: Warrior Princessincludes more swordfights, actions, and serious moments thanKaos. The older series also only includes sapphic subtext between the two main characters, whereasKaosis rife with LGBTQ+ representation. Watching these two series back-to-back will show just how far Hollywood has come in the past three decades.
After finishingKaos, viewers might want to watch a show that’s based on mythology but different in every other way.Kamigami no Asobi, translated toMischief of the Gods, is the perfect choice. The anime miniseries follows Yui Kusanagi, the daughter of a Shinto shrine, who is chosen to teach at a school created by the Greek god Zeus. She must teach the students, who are other gods, human nature and emotions to mend the divide between mortals and gods.
Aside fromKamigami no Asobiobviously being animated instead of live-action,the Japanese show is also much more grounded and heartwarming thanKaos, despite both shows falling into the fantasy genre.Kaoscontrasts normal human emotions with the grandiosity of the gods, making it more fantastical. Additionally, rather than taking from one faith system,Kamigami no Asobiincludes gods from Greek, Norse, and Japanese mythology.
Cupidis an underrated and binge-able TV show that’s perfect to watch afterKaos. In the 2009 show, a man named Trevor Pierce believes that he’s Cupid (though he’s more similar to his Greek mythology counterpart Eros). He thinks he must match 100 couples before returning to Mount Olympus but quickly gets placed under the care of a psychiatrist and self-help guru named Dr. Claire McCrae.
LikeKaos,Cupidis a contemporary story under the framework of mythology.Because the series only lasted one season on ABC, the show is a quick watch, but it will offer plenty of laughs. UnlikeKaos,Cupidisn’t dark or morbid, leaning more into the tone of a sitcom. However, both shows feature fantastic actors, with theKaoscast featuring Janet McTeer and Jeff Goldblum andCupidstarring Bobby Cannavale and Sarah Paulson.
IfKaosgets picked up for a second season, it will likely take a while before new episodes are released.What We Do in the Shadowscan effectively fill that gap for viewers who enjoy the blend of dark comedy and fantasy. The FX TV show follows four vampires named Nandor, Laszlo, Nadja, and Colin Robinson, who live together in Staten Island and struggle to fit in with modern society.
10 Things Netflix’s Kaos Gets Right About Greek Mythology
Netflix’s Kaos does an impressive job of capturing the flawed characters and dramatic stories of Greek mythology from over a millennium ago.
At face value, these series seem drastically different, especially sinceWhat We Do in the Shadowsis formatted as a comedic mockumentary. However, both shows lean heavily into gallows humor and dark themes that could be off-putting to anyone outside the target audience. In addition to being tonally similar, they both feature non-human characters alongside humans. Ultimately, with five seasons out andWhat We Do In the Shadowsseason 6on the way, there are plenty of episodes to maintain viewers during the gap betweenKaosseasons.
While the story ofKaosis set in the world of Greek mythology, the show explores important themes that resonate with modern viewers. Another show that follows this framework is the Starz showAmerican Gods. Based on the titular novel by Neil Gaiman,American Godscenters on a man named Shadow Moon who gets caught up in the battle between the old gods and new gods in modern-day America, a world with which he’s unfamiliar.
UnlikeKaos,American Godsisn’t set within the construct of a single existing pantheon, blending together multiple faith systems to create the old gods. They go up against personifications of concepts like technology, media, and globalization – which represent the new world.KaosandAmerican Godsmay have different theological systems, but they both explore a shift in power and values.
Percy Jackson & The Olympians
Quickly after its release,Kaoswas dubbedPercy Jacksonfor adultsdue to the shows’ similar themes, pacing, and Greek mythology foundation. Disney+‘sPercy Jackson and the Olympiansfollows the titular young hero who learns that he’s the son of Poseidon and gets caught up in a conflict between the gods. The series incorporate the same cynical depiction of the gods, albeit Percy Jackson downplays some of the more mature aspects.
Both shows have the same feeling that the characters are on an epic quest with world-changing stakes, propelling the stories forward.KaosandPercy Jacksonalso both offer a contemporary take rather than a period piece. The most significant difference between the series is thatPercy Jacksonis aimed towards a younger audience, making it perfect for viewers who want to introduce children to the mythology ofKaoswithout the more risqué elements of the original myths.
