Zoo (2015โ2017) is a sci-fi thriller television series based on the novel by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge. The show aired on CBS for three seasons and explores the idea of animals rebelling against humanity, creating a gripping, action-packed narrative with an underlying ecological message.
The story begins when Jackson Oz (James Wolk), a zoologist, and his journalist friend Jamie Campbell (Kristen Connolly) notice strange animal behaviors worldwide, including coordinated attacks on humans. As these incidents escalate, Jackson teams up with a motley group of experts, including Mitch Morgan (Billy Burke), a sarcastic veterinarian; Abraham Kenyatta (Nonso Anozie), a safari guide; and Chloe Tousignant (Nora Arnezeder), a French intelligence agent. Together, they investigate the phenomenon, uncovering a conspiracy involving a shadowy corporation and a genetic mutation that has caused animals to turn against humans.
The series evolves from a mystery-thriller in the first season into a full-blown apocalyptic drama, with escalating stakes as the team races to find a cure for the mutation and stop humanityโs extinction. The later seasons delve into moral dilemmas, advanced genetic engineering, and the ethical cost of saving humanity at the expense of the natural world.
While Zoo received mixed reviews, it gained a loyal fan base for its unique premise, suspenseful storytelling, and a mix of action and humor. Critics praised its creativity but noted that some of the scientific explanations and plot developments stretched plausibility. Despite its cancellation after the third season, Zoo remains a fun and adventurous series for fans of high-concept sci-fi and animal-based thrillers.