Horror-comedy fans have been feasting this year with hits like Widow's Bay and films such as Send Help and Ready or Not 2. Now, there's another reason to celebrate: the CW's beloved zombie procedural iZombie has found a new streaming home. As of now, all five seasons are available for free in the U.S. on Pluto TV and YouTube, marking the show's return to the digital landscape after departing Netflix in September 2024.
For those who missed it the first time, iZombie stars Rose McIver as Olivia "Liv" Moore, a medical student turned zombie who takes a job as an assistant coroner. When she consumes a victim's brain, she inherits their memories and personality traits, which she uses to solve crimes alongside detective Clive Babineaux (Malcolm Goodwin). The series aired from 2015 to 2019, carving out a niche amid the Arrowverse and Riverdale craze with its unique blend of mystery, humor, and supernatural drama.
A Comic Book Heart
The show is adapted from the Vertigo comic series by Chris Roberson and Michael Allred, and it wears its comic book influences proudly. From Allred's title sequence to the comic-panel transitions and stylized fonts, the series captures the essence of its source material. The visual design walks a line between gritty realism and playful cartoonishness, evident in Liv's choppy blonde wig and the bright, Jell-O-like brains she cooks into various dishes.
However, the adaptation takes liberties. Co-creator Rob Thomas explained at WonderCon 2015 that changes were made with "a logic to it." The protagonist's name was tweaked for a pun, her job shifted from gravedigger to coroner, the setting moved to Seattle, and other supernatural elements were trimmed. New characters, like Liv's confidant Ravi (Rahul Kohli), were added to enrich the story.
From Veronica Mars to iZombie
Fans of Veronica Mars will recognize the creative pedigree. iZombie was developed by Rob Thomas and Diane Ruggiero-Wright, both veterans of the beloved teen detective series. The shows share a DNA: strong-willed female leads navigating altered lives while solving weekly mysteries. But iZombie achieved something Thomas's other projects didn't—a planned, satisfying conclusion. As Thomas told Variety before the final season, "For the first time in my career, I know that this show is going to be over at the end of the season." The series wrapped up its long-running arcs, answering major questions for its devoted fanbase.
The Cast's Post-iZombie Success
The ensemble proved their versatility, and many have thrived since. McIver now leads the CBS sitcom Ghosts, where she plays a bed-and-breakfast owner who sees spirits. She's even expressed interest in reuniting with her former co-stars, calling them "comedic weapons." Rahul Kohli has become a staple of Mike Flanagan's horror universe, appearing in The Haunting of Bly Manor, Midnight Mass, and The Fall of the House of Usher, with more projects on the horizon.
If you're craving a binge-worthy mix of crime-solving and zombie antics, iZombie is now easier to access than ever. And for more horror-comedy recommendations, check out our list of horror-comedy series that nail the mix. Or, if you're in the mood for something different, explore Red Rose, a Netflix horror that turns your phone into a nightmare.
