When the weekend rolls around, you might be tempted to dive into the latest buzzy shows everyone's talking about. But sometimes, the best viewing experience comes from uncovering a hidden gem—a series that flew under the radar but delivers a rich, immersive story. That's exactly what Netflix's The Rain offers: a post-apocalyptic sci-fi drama that's been quietly winning over audiences since its debut in 2018.
Created by Danish filmmakers Jannik Tai Mosholt, Christian Potalivo, and Esben Toft Jacobsen, The Rain was Netflix's first original series from Denmark. It premiered on May 4, 2018, and quickly earned critical acclaim, boasting an impressive 82% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The show also found a dedicated audience, racking up around 11.2 million hours of viewership in the last six months of 2025 alone, according to FlixPatrol. If you haven't watched it yet, now's the perfect time to catch up.
What Is The Rain About?
The series kicks off with a family in a frantic rush. A father (Lars Simonsen) grabs his teenage daughter Simone (Alba August) and young son Rasmus (Lucas Lynggaard Tønnesen) from school, and along with their mother (Iben Hjejle), they flee to a high-tech bunker in the middle of a forest—just as deadly rain begins to fall. The rain carries a virus that wipes out most of Scandinavia, and the family barely makes it to safety.
But their refuge is short-lived. After their mother suffers a tragic accident and their father leaves, claiming he's the only one who can save the world, Simone and Rasmus are left alone. Their father's parting words to Simone are cryptic: "No one can find Rasmus. He's the key to it all." Six years later, Simone has kept her brother hidden, but when their food runs out, they're forced to venture into the dangerous new world. They soon join a small group of young survivors, and together they navigate the perils of a contaminated environment and the desperation of other humans. Along the way, they also grapple with the same coming-of-age and teenage dilemmas that existed long before the apocalypse.
Why The Rain Is a Perfect Weekend Binge
Post-apocalyptic shows are a dime a dozen these days, from The Last of Us to Silo and Paradise. But The Rain stands out for its complex writing, intriguing characters, and compelling performances. As Haleigh Foutch wrote in her 2018 review for Collider, "The Rain introduces you to characters who seem to fulfill familiar archetypes in the genre and slowly, cleverly reveals who they really are. It's a handy trick and an excellent piece of well-paced storytelling that always keeps you invested, because each and every character turns out to be vastly more interesting than you think they're going to be."
With three seasons and 20 episodes total, The Rain is a manageable commitment for a weekend. The mystery surrounding Rasmus and the virus keeps the narrative taut from start to finish, and the character development is top-notch. It's a show that rewards patient viewers, and it's a testament to the strength of international storytelling on streaming platforms.
If you're looking for something to sink your teeth into this weekend, give The Rain a shot. It's a gripping, emotionally resonant sci-fi series that deserves a spot on your watchlist. And if you're in the mood for more underrated sci-fi gems, check out why Colony is a must-binge on Prime Video. Or, if you're craving more Netflix sci-fi thrills, see why Squid Game remains an unbeatable thriller. And don't forget to check out Netflix's September 2026 must-watch movies for more viewing inspiration.
