Netflix has just dropped a gripping new series that’s being compared to The Last of Us and The Walking Dead. All episodes of The Eternaut are now available on the streaming giant as of April 30, 2025. This series is an adaptation of the Eisner Award-winning graphic novel from Argentina, originally penned by Héctor Germán Oesterheld and illustrated by Francisco Solano López between 1957 and 1959, before being compiled into one volume in 2015.
The plot revolves around a deadly snowfall on a summer's night in Buenos Aires, which wipes out most of the population and leaves thousands stranded. The story follows Juan Salvo and his friends as they embark on a desperate fight for survival. But the toxic snowstorm is just the beginning, with a more sinister threat looming. The only way to survive is to band together, as no one can make it alone.
As the series has only just been released, there are only a handful of reviews available online, meaning it hasn't yet registered a score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, IGN were quick to draw parallels with other post-apocalyptic series, stating: "The Eternaut, Netflix's gritty and moody adaptation of an influential, nearly 70-year-old Argentine comic book. A thoughtful and twisty take on the post-apocalyptic survival genre, this series makes terrific use of its South American locations to tell a story about people too stubborn to die." Their review also notes that "the basic concept and approach of The Eternaut should be familiar to fans of The Walking Dead and similar shows," before concluding that "about halfway through this first season, the science-fiction action intensifies, with some wild twists and spectacular special effects."
Meanwhile, Collider describes The Eternaut as a "chilling apocalyptic tale that's more than capable of sweeping you up into its story, with an at-times trudging narrative that somehow knows exactly when to sprinkle in the right twist to keep you watching." What's On Netflix suggests that fans of The Last of Us, The Walking Dead, and Snowpiercer should definitely give the show a chance. They commented: "A visually dazzling rendition of a snowed-in Buenos Aires and a strong flair for drama, The Eternaut runs high on emotions. But it may be set back by the audience fatigue and well-trodden themes of post-apocalyptic movies and shows."
However, they highlight that Netflix only made the first three episodes available to press for preview. This is something this reporter can confirm, having watched these episodes ahead of their release and can verify that the comparisons above are accurate. The tone and approach of the show, at least in its early stages, is very similar to the early seasons of The Walking Dead. It's hard not to draw parallels between the lead character's challenging journey into the snowy wilderness with The Last Of Us, as HBO airs its second season. Although the plot starts off at a slower pace, it quickly gains momentum as the main characters are introduced, dropping subtle hints along the way. By the end of the second episode, it becomes clear that there's a larger mystery unfolding, leaving viewers eager to uncover more.
As fans begin to binge-watch the series, one enthusiastic viewer took to social media to rave about it, saying: "I know it’s early in the year to decide, but this show definitely has become my favourite new show. Breathtaking visuals, incredible production, amazing cast, and definitely an awesome story. I really hope there's a second season coming fast." The Eternaut is streaming on Netflix.
The series, directed and written by Bruno Stagnaro, effectively leans into the mystery of its narrative. The apocalyptic event is framed through the eyes of a small group of people who have gathered for a regular card game. This strong conceit introduces viewers to the characters and their dynamics, a group of old friends plus one new odd person out. As the situation unfolds, they watch in horror as windows ice up and people start falling dead in the street. At one moment of nearly unbearable tension, they desperately try to signal to someone in a house across the road not to open their window, in a vain attempt to wrest some control in the chaos.
Characters start losing their cool mere hours into being cooped up together, making poor decisions and turning on each other. But The Eternaut, in its opening episodes, isn’t as relentless in its cruelty or bleakness as The Last of Us, and seems more interested in genuinely asking how we overcome the very human instincts of distrust and cruelty in times of chaos. Early on, it’s not always successful in this exploration, largely relying on static gender divisions as husbands and wives argue about the place of violence in this new world and whether to help strangers they encounter.
As you might expect of a show of this nature, one of the core characters is more cynical and prone to violence and distrust of strangers than the others. Moments after the snow starts falling and the group pieces together what’s going on, he grabs a gun and starts strategizing about how they’re going to make it out alive, in ways that make his wife viscerally uncomfortable. It’s made clear this attitude is in part because of the media he consumes, as one character jokes, “Now comes the part where we kill each other for resources, like those shows you like.”
Despite some narrative beats that don’t always land, The Eternaut offers a grounded, tense sci-fi story with cool production design. To travel in the toxic snow, characters must design air-tight suits with gas masks and everyday items. The production team came up with five different kinds of snowflakes to depict the lethal snowfall accurately, using kitchen salt, dry foam soap, and perlite to create the wintry dystopia.
The Eternaut is not just a series; it’s a cultural phenomenon that resonates with the legacy of its source material. The graphic novel has been a symbol of collective resistance, class struggle, and antiwar sentiment in Argentina. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling that transcends generations. As Netflix brings this tale to a new audience, it also revives the discussions around its historical context and the enduring legacy of its creator, Héctor Germán Oesterheld.
With all four episodes now streaming on Netflix, viewers are invited to dive into this chilling narrative that explores human resilience and the complexities of survival in a world turned upside down. Will The Eternaut secure a second season? Only time will tell, but the buzz surrounding this adaptation suggests that many are eager for more.
