The CW's post-apocalyptic action series The 100, which ran for exactly 100 episodes, is now available to stream for free on Pluto TV. Premiering in 2014, the show draws parallels to the pressure-cooker scenarios found in Battlestar Galactica and The Hunger Games, trapping remnants of humanity in unforgiving systems with brutal stakes where survival often necessitates impossible decisions.
Set 97 years after a nuclear catastrophe rendered Earth uninhabitable, the series follows the descendants of humanity's survivors aboard the Ark, an orbital space station grappling with a failing life-support system. To test the habitability of Earth's surface, the Ark's authoritarian government sends 100 incarcerated teenagers – deemed expendable due to the station's draconian laws where adults are "floated" into space for minor offenses – to the planet.
The premise, inspired by Kass Morgan's young-adult novel of the same name, was developed nearly concurrently with the book. Showrunner Jason Rothenberg's adaptation diverges from the source material, establishing its own characters, mythology, and narrative path. The initial cohort of 100 includes individuals like Clarke Griffin, a political prisoner imprisoned for discovering the Ark's oxygen shortage, and Octavia Blake, who was jailed for the mere offense of being a second child. Upon reaching the ground, they discover a dangerous yet beautiful world where their actions are not immediately policed, and humanity may not be as extinct as they were led to believe.
The early episodes of The 100 lean into typical CW sensibilities, featuring attractive characters and emergent romantic entanglements. However, the series rapidly dismantles this facade of freedom. The teenagers must contend with the immediate needs for food, shelter, medicine, and protection from unseen threats. Clarke emerges as a natural leader, while Bellamy Blake champions the preservation of their newfound autonomy, creating a political struggle that defines their nascent society and establishes them as rivals. The dynamic between Clarke and Bellamy has been a significant draw for fans, spawning the "Bellarke" ship.
Concurrently, the adults on the Ark face their own crisis as the station's resources dwindle. Leaders like Chancellor Jaha and Marcus Kane are forced to confront ethical dilemmas and commit further atrocities to prolong the survival of a select few.
This dual-crisis structure echoes Battlestar Galactica's focus on dwindling populations and the brutal realities of maintaining civilization. The teenagers on the ground, meanwhile, are reminiscent of The Hunger Games or Lost with a younger cast, sacrificed by an authoritarian society and tasked with building a new civilization in a hostile environment. Their journey transforms them into reluctant leaders, with their primary challenge being the complex inter-community dynamics and the struggle to prevent each group from viewing others as expendable.
As the first season progresses, The 100 expands beyond a simple survival narrative. The teenagers encounter rival societies known as "Grounders," uncover remnants of the past, and discover inconsistencies in the Ark's historical accounts. While many characters initially fit familiar teen-drama archetypes, they quickly demonstrate a capacity for extreme violence, leading to rapid shifts in alliances and costly victories. The series does not shy away from killing off major characters to serve the narrative.
By the second season, the scope of The 100 widens, and conflicts become more intricate. Characters, even protagonists like Clarke, engage in morally ambiguous actions, and individuals once perceived as villains develop greater depth. The storytelling becomes faster and more pulpy than Battlestar Galactica, yet both series effectively explore the moral compromises made when facing existential threats.
Despite its grim themes, The 100 remains distinctively a CW series, characterized by messy romances, frequent betrayals, and characters who maintain a striking appearance even after extended periods in the wilderness. This blend of grim political sci-fi with accessible young-adult adventure provides addictive momentum, driven by constant revelations, dramatic romantic moments, and looming catastrophes.
Over its seven seasons, The 100 repeatedly reinvents itself, pushing its characters into increasingly unconventional science fiction territory. While later seasons may not always capture the immediate impact of the initial terrestrial plotlines, the showrunner's willingness to take risks is commendable. Central to the series throughout its run is the question of what humanity deserves to become after surviving global catastrophe. Generations removed from their ancestors' destructive actions, these survivors must grapple with a life of violence, trauma, and the legacy of their forebears.
All seven seasons of The 100 are available to stream on Pluto TV, offering approximately 70 hours of content. The first two seasons alone provide a compelling reason to revisit the series and give the young survivors of Earth a chance.