The Last Kids on Earth is a children's animated television series, based on the book series of the same name by Max Brallier, that premiered on Netflix on September 17, 2019, with an hour-long special. A ten-episode second season, or "Book 2", titled The Last Kids on Earth and the Zombie Parade, premiered on April 17, 2020.[1] The third and final season, also known as "Book 3", was released on October 16, 2020. An interactive special, subtitled Happy Apocalypse to You, was released on April 6, 2021.[2]
| The Last Kids on Earth | |
|---|---|
 Book 1 promotional poster | |
| Genre | |
| Based on | The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier |
| Directed by |
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| Voices of |
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| Theme music composer | Mike Shields |
| Composer | Marcelo Trevino |
| Country of origin | United States Canada |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 3 |
| No. of episodes | 21 (+ 1 special) |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Editor | Darren Bachynski |
| Running time | 23–60 minutes 27 minutes (special) |
| Production companies |
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| Original release | |
| Network | Netflix |
| Release | September 17, 2019 – April 6, 2021 |
Voice cast and characters
edit| Character | Voiced by | Appearances | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Book 1 | Book 2 | Book 3 | ||
| Jack Sullivan | Nick Wolfhard | Main | ||
| Dirk Savage | Charles Demers | Main | ||
| June Del Toro | Montserrat Hernandez | Main | ||
| Quint Baker | Garland Whitt | Main | ||
| Rover | Brian Drummond | Main | ||
| Bardle | Mark Hamill | Main | ||
| Skaelka | Catherine O'Hara | Main | ||
| Thrull | Keith David | Guest | Main | |
| Chef | Bruce Campbell | Main | ||
| Rezzoch | Rosario Dawson | Main[a] | ||
Main
edit- Nick Wolfhard as Jack Sullivan, a 13-year-old orphan and gamer turned hero thanks to the apocalypse.
- Charles Demers as Dirk Savage, a former school bully turned strongman and monster fighter on Jack's team. He likes cooking and gardening.
- Montserrat Hernandez as June Del Toro, a tomboyish 13-year-old girl who is Jack's crush but did not reciprocate his feelings, but starts to develop some in Book 2. She was trying to survive on her own until her parents come back for her with a rescue party; but she joins Jack's team and learns to have fun during the apocalypse. She was editor-in-chief of the school's paper.
- Garland Whitt as Quint Baker, Jack's nerdy best friend who invents most of the gadgets the kids use to survive in their post-apocalyptic environment.
- Brian Drummond as the vocal effects for Rover, a blue-furred canine-like monster who befriends Jack in Book 1 and becomes the team's pet and mascot.
Villains
edit- Keith David as Thrull, the main antagonist in Book 2 who poses as the kids' friend at first before betraying them and his fellow monsters in Book 2.
- Rosario Dawson as Rezzoch,[3] the main antagonist of the series as revealed in Book 2, episode 2; has her first lines and first full appearance in Book 2, episode 8 before becoming a series regular as of the 9th and Book 2 finale episodes.
Supporting
edit- Mark Hamill as Bardle, a gruff monster conjurer that takes up residence in Joe's Pizza who, like June, has been investigating the most recent phenomena and paranormal events.[3]
- Catherine O'Hara as Skaelka, a female monster warrior that takes up residence in Joe's Pizza and becomes a friend of June's.[4]
- Bruce Campbell as Chef, a cranky Squid monster that takes up residence in Joe's Pizza.[4][5]
Episodes
editSeries overview
edit| Season | Episodes | Originally released | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Book 1 | 1 | September 17, 2019 | ||
| Book 2 | 10 | April 17, 2020 | ||
| Book 3 | 10 | October 16, 2020 | ||
| Special | April 6, 2021 | |||
Book 1 (2019)
edit| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "The Last Kids on Earth" | Will Lau | Max Brallier & Scott Peterson | September 17, 2019 | |
|
Living solo in his recently-monster-infested town, 13-year-old Jack will have to think fast, find friends, and get creative if he wants to survive. | ||||||
Book 2 (2020)
edit| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | "Mall Quest" | Steve Rolston | Max Brallier | April 17, 2020 | |
|
Fed up with his friends' bickering, Jack hopes a quest to the mall will get the buds back on good terms — because this is getting annoying. | ||||||
| 3 | 2 | "Jack the Slayer" | Steve Rolston | Jennifer Muro | April 17, 2020 | |
|
Jack's attempts to impress his monstrous new pals with his uprising tale upsets June, Quint and Dirk, who feel like he's taking all the credit. | ||||||
| 4 | 3 | "Bestiary Master" | Steve Rolston | Scott D. Peterson | April 17, 2020 | |
|
Feeling useless when it comes to the fine art of fighting monsters, Quint sets out to prove himself to his friends. | ||||||
| 5 | 4 | "The Zombie Parade" | Steve Rolston | Haley Mancini | April 17, 2020 | |
|
While exploring a graveyard, Jack and Quint get emotional — really emotional — as they face a deadly venomous monster. Meanwhile, June and Dirk find they have a lot in common. Oh, the horror! | ||||||
| 6 | 5 | "The Thrull of Victory" | Steve Rolston | Joshua Pruett | April 17, 2020 | |
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While Thrull trains Jack to go after monsters and zombies with a new attitude, Quint and Dirk dig through trash — and June follows a hunch. | ||||||
| 7 | 6 | "Stay on Target" | Steve Rolston | Joshua Pruett | April 17, 2020 | |
|
Quint, Dirk and June are pumped for their up-all-night zombie stakeout. But Jack's running late... and he's supposed to bring the snacks. | ||||||
| 8 | 7 | "June Gloom" | Steve Rolston | Haley Mancini | April 17, 2020 | |
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When the gang visits June's old house, Jack assumes it'll be a fun walk down memory lane. But the crew instead learns an important lesson: Never assume. | ||||||
| 9 | 8 | "Follow That Butler" | Steve Rolston | Max Brallier | April 17, 2020 | |
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After adding another monster to the bestiary, Jack, June, Quint and Dirk learn a troubling truth: Their work is far from over. | ||||||
| 10 | 9 | "Always Darkest" | Steve Rolston | Scott D. Peterson | April 17, 2020 | |
|
Jack's vow to never trust another monster is put to the test. Quint, Dirk and June look to acquire a little — well, actually a lot — of weed killer. | ||||||
| 11 | 10 | "Dawn of Rezzoch" | Steve Rolston | Jennifer Muro | April 17, 2020 | |
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Quint's been captured, Thrull's on a rampage and Jack's got a wish: to put an end to all of this mayhem, once and for all. | ||||||
Book 3 (2020)
edit| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 1 | "Energy Crisis" | Steve Rolston | Jennifer Muro | October 16, 2020 | |
|
Desperate for a reliable energy source, Jack, June, Quint and Dirk head to the planetarium, where a generator awaits — along with something else. | ||||||
| 13 | 2 | "Zombies Killed the Radio Star" | Steve Rolston | Jalysa Conway | October 16, 2020 | |
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The gang makes a stunning discovery at a fire station, Jack falls head over heels for a video game, and June has an urge to communicate. | ||||||
| 14 | 3 | "Tournament of the Dead" | Steve Rolston | Joshua Pruett | October 16, 2020 | |
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Feeling June, Quint and Dirk need to stop working so hard, Jack convinces his pals to take part in an over-the-top tournament with the monsters. | ||||||
| 15 | 4 | "Nightmare King" | Steve Rolston | Haley Mancini | October 16, 2020 | |
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Jack and the gang close in on a much-needed antenna for their radio. Meanwhile, all four of the kids experience odd visions of a dark future. | ||||||
| 16 | 5 | "Junkyard Jack" | Steve Rolston | Jalysa Conway | October 16, 2020 | |
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As Jack's anxiety about the future continues to grow, he and the team scramble to find the antenna for the radio. | ||||||
| 17 | 6 | "Tunnel Vision" | Steve Rolston | Scott D. Peterson | October 16, 2020 | |
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Jack sets out to confront the Wretch, June gets on Quint's nerves, and Dirk learns of an unappetizing third test to become an honorary monster. | ||||||
| 18 | 7 | "Zom-B-Goners" | Steve Rolston | Max Brallier | October 16, 2020 | |
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Everyone leaps into action when an exhausted Quint discovers that his zom-b-gone torches are offline. Meanwhile, Dirk is forced to team up with Chef. | ||||||
| 19 | 8 | "Funland" | Steve Rolston | Jennifer Muro | October 16, 2020 | |
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Jack convinces June, Quint and Dirk to go to an amusement park, where the friends quickly discover they aren't the only ones there. | ||||||
| 20 | 9 | "Belly of the Beast" | Steve Rolston | Joshua Pruett | October 16, 2020 | |
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After Rezzoch pulls Jack into an alternate realm, Bardle transports June, Quint and Dirk in hopes they can save him before it's too late. | ||||||
| 21 | 10 | "Stay Tuned" | Steve Rolston | Scott D. Peterson | October 16, 2020 | |
|
Finally free from Jack's head, the weary gang reinhabits their bodies only to learn that — surprise, surprise — the battle is far from over as they face off against Rezzoch’s most powerful monster yet… The ULTIMATE King Wretch! | ||||||
Special (2021)
edit| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | — | "Happy Apocalypse to You" | Steve Rolston | April 6, 2021 | |
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It's June's birthday so she, Jack, Quint and Dirk go search around Wakefield to gather supplies for the party while making choices they come across. | |||||
Production
editOn September 26, 2017, it was announced that Thunderbird Entertainment's animation studio Atomic Cartoons had optioned the screen rights on Max Brallier's book series The Last Kids on Earth with the intention of producing an animated television series.[6][7]
On February 26, 2018, it was announced that Netflix had given the production a series order. Executive producers include Brallier, Scott Peterson, Jennifer McCarron, and Matthew Berkowitz. Brallier and Peterson are also expected to write the series as well. Production companies involved in the series include Thunderbird Entertainment's animation studio Atomic Cartoons.[8][9]
On March 13, 2019, the series cast was announced, including Mark Hamill, Rosario Dawson, Catherine O'Hara, Keith David, Bruce Campbell, Garland Whitt, Montserrat Hernandez, Charles Demers, and Nick Wolfhard as the lead character Jack Sullivan.[10]
It was initially reported that the series would be released on May 30, 2019,[11][12] but it instead premiered on September 17, 2019.[13]
Merchandise
editJakks Pacific launched a toyline based on the series in early 2020.[14] Outright Games published a video game tie-in The Last Kids on Earth and the Staff of Doom, for across consoles and PC in 2021.[15] A graphic novel, subtitled Thrilling Tales from the Tree House, is currently released as of April 6, 2021.[16]
Reception
editThis section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (April 2022) |
The series received a mixed reception. Ashley Moulton of Common Sense Media reviewed the interactive special, "The Last Kids on Earth: Happy Apocalypse to You," describing it a "fun interactive episode" with scary scenes and cartoon violence. She stated that because of the special's format, some elements from the original series is lacking, but that the special is "very fun nonetheless."[17]
Awards
edit| Year | Award | Category | Nominee(s) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Daytime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Special Class Animated Program | Max Brallier, Matthew Berkowitz, Jennifer McCarron, Scott Peterson | Won[18] |
Notes
edit- ^ Dawson is credited as main cast from Book 2, Episode 9 onwards.
References
edit- ^ Milligan, Mercedes (April 3, 2020). "Netflix Trailers 'The Last Kids on Earth' Season 2". Animation Magazine. Archived from the original on April 10, 2020. Retrieved April 3, 2020.
- ^ "The Last Kids on Earth: Happy Apocalypse to You". Netflix. Archived from the original on March 24, 2021. Retrieved March 11, 2020.
- ^ a b Oller, Jacob (April 15, 2020). "First Look: Mark Hamill and Rosario Dawson Have a Monster Good Time in The Last Kids on Earth". Syfy Wire. Syfy. Archived from the original on September 8, 2020. Retrieved April 15, 2020.
- ^ a b Trumbore, Dave (April 13, 2020). "Exclusive: 'The Last Kids on Earth' Season 2 Characters Revealed in First-Look Images". Collider. Archived from the original on April 16, 2020. Retrieved April 15, 2020.
- ^ Squires, John (April 14, 2020). "Here's the New Monster Being Voiced by Bruce Campbell in Netflix's "The Last Kids on Earth" [Image]". Bloody Disgusting. Archived from the original on April 16, 2020. Retrieved April 15, 2020.
- ^ McLean, Tom (September 26, 2017). "Atomic Brings 'The Last Kids on Earth' To TV". Animation World Network. Archived from the original on February 9, 2019. Retrieved February 28, 2018.
- ^ Whyte, Alexandra (September 26, 2017). "Atomic Cartoons options The Last Kids on Earth". Kidscreen. Archived from the original on March 1, 2018. Retrieved February 28, 2018.
- ^ Petski, Denise (February 28, 2018). "'The Last Kids On Earth' Animated Comedy Series Based On Books Ordered By Netflix". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on March 1, 2018. Retrieved February 28, 2018.
- ^ Vlessing, Etan (February 28, 2018). "Netflix Orders Animated Series 'The Last Kids on Earth'". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on March 1, 2018. Retrieved February 28, 2018.
- ^ Ramos, Dino-Ray (March 13, 2019). "'The Last Kids On Earth': Mark Hamill, Rosario Dawson, Catherine O'Hara and Others Set For Netflix Animated Series". Deadline. Archived from the original on March 22, 2019. Retrieved March 14, 2019.
- ^ Kain, Erik (May 1, 2019). "Here's Everything Coming To Netflix In May And What To Watch". Forbes. Archived from the original on May 15, 2019. Retrieved May 15, 2019.
- ^ Knight, Rosie (May 2, 2019). "Everything Streaming on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon in May". Nerdist. Archived from the original on May 14, 2019. Retrieved May 14, 2019.
- ^ Vorel, Jim (August 20, 2019). "Exclusive: Netflix to Unveil Its Animated Last Kids on Earth Zombie Comedy This September". Paste. Archived from the original on August 20, 2019. Retrieved August 20, 2019.
- ^ Milligan, Mercedes (May 13, 2019). "JAKKS Named Master Toy for 'Last Kids on Earth' from Atomic Cartoons, Cyber Group". Animation Magazine. Archived from the original on November 7, 2019. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
- ^ "Atomic Cartoons and Cyber Group Developing 'The Last Kids on Earth' Game". Animation World Network. October 31, 2019. Archived from the original on November 5, 2019. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
- ^ "First Look: 'Last Kids on Earth' Interactive Netflix Special, Graphic Novel in Works". Animation Magazine. March 25, 2021. Archived from the original on March 26, 2021. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
- ^ Moulton, Ashley (October 5, 2021). "The Last Kids on Earth: Happy Apocalypse to You Review". Common Sense Media. Archived from the original on October 8, 2021. Retrieved April 28, 2022.
- ^ "Daytime Emmy Awards: 'Dragon Prince,' 'Ask the Storybots' & 'Last Kids on Earth' Win Key Animation Categories for Netflix". Animation Magazine. July 27, 2020. Archived from the original on September 8, 2020. Retrieved July 28, 2020.