After an 11-year absence from free streaming platforms, the cult classic thriller "iZombie" is now available to watch in its entirety on Pluto TV. The entire five-season run of the series, which premiered in 2015, began streaming for free on August 1.
iZombie, developed by Rob Thomas and Diane Ruggiero-Wright, stars Rose McIver as Liv Moore, a Seattle medical resident whose life takes an unexpected turn when she is transformed into a zombie. After attending a party that devolves into a zombie outbreak, Liv awakens with an insatiable craving for brains, a pale complexion, and white hair. This transformation forces her to abandon her previous life, secluding herself from friends and family and ending her engagement. She takes on a new career at the local morgue, which provides a discreet source for her brain consumption.
The series adopts a procedural structure where Liv gains access to the memories and talents of the individuals whose brains she consumes. This unique ability makes her an invaluable, albeit unconventional, asset for solving crimes. The show maintains a tone that is both lighthearted and darkly humorous, echoing the style of Thomas's earlier work on "Veronica Mars." For instance, in one episode, consuming a murder victim's brain allows Liv to track down the killer, but she also inherits the victim's kleptomania, leading to inconvenient and humorous situations.
McIver's performance as Liv Moore effectively balances humor and detachment, making her character compelling as both sweet and dangerous. She is supported by a cast that includes Rahul Kohli as Ravi, a zombie ally actively seeking a cure, and Malcolm Goodwin as Clive, Liv's detective partner who is perpetually baffled by her uncanny intuition but relies on her assistance.
As the series progresses, "iZombie" evolves beyond its initial premise. What begins as a contained story about a zombie solving crimes gradually expands into a larger conspiracy that explores traditional zombie genre themes, including outbreaks and their societal impacts. Thomas intended to build a robust zombie mythology from the outset, with a central zombie-related storyline mirroring the seasonal mystery arcs of "Veronica Mars."
Despite the shifting narratives and tonal developments, "iZombie" consistently retains its core essence and quirkiness. The series is known for its stylized sequences, such as Liv meticulously preparing plates of brains with various condiments, creating scenes that are simultaneously amusing, unsettling, and captivating. This approach offers a fresh perspective on the zombie archetype, transforming the brain-eating undead into a compelling protagonist.
The availability of "iZombie" on a free streaming service like Pluto TV presents a prime opportunity for both new viewers to discover the series and for long-time fans to revisit its unique blend of supernatural drama, crime solving, and dark humor.