If there’s one thing Netflix knows how to do, it’s generate buzz around its shows. And in 2019, Daybreak delivered exactly that. A coming-of-age story wrapped in a post-apocalyptic comedy-drama, Daybreak was quirky, irreverent, and packed with heart. It was a show that celebrated individuality, challenged conventions, and dared to be different. But despite its loyal fanbase and critical acclaim, Netflix axed it after just one season, leaving us wondering what could have been.
A Unique Premise
Adapted from Brian Ralph’s graphic novel, Daybreak debuted in October 2019 and quickly stood out with its zany concept. Imagine a high school comedy mashed up with Mad Max and sprinkled with the self-aware charm of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. The result was a series that revelled in its absurdity while exploring surprisingly poignant themes.
Set in a post-apocalyptic Glendale, California, the series follows Josh Wheeler (played by Colin Ford), a 17-year-old searching for his missing girlfriend Sam Dean (Sophie Simnett) amidst a world overrun by “ghoulies” (zombie-like adults) and ruled by teen cliques. The jocks, cheerleaders, gamers, and stoners have all formed tribes, each carving out their niche in this chaotic new order.
What made Daybreak truly unique was its tone. The show embraced its weirdness, breaking the fourth wall, switching perspectives, and infusing every scene with dark humour. Yet beneath its playful exterior lay a heartfelt story about friendship, identity, and resilience in the face of unimaginable odds.
The Cast That Made It Shine
The show’s charm owed much to its stellar cast. Colin Ford brought a relatable mix of optimism and vulnerability to Josh, making him an endearing protagonist. But Daybreak was far from a one-man show.
Alyvia Alyn Lind stole scenes as Angelica, a 10-year-old pyromaniac with a sharp wit and a knack for chaos. Her dynamic with Josh and Wesley Fists (Austin Crute), a samurai-sword-wielding pacifist grappling with his past as a high school bully, was one of the show’s highlights. Crute’s layered performance brought depth and nuance to Wesley, making him a fan favourite.
Matthew Broderick—the original Ferris Bueller himself—lent his gravitas and comedic timing as Principal Burr, a character whose seemingly benign facade masked a darker agenda. His presence felt like a passing of the torch, cementing Daybreak as a love letter to teen films of the past while carving out its own identity.
Themes That Resonate
Beneath the outrageous humour and apocalyptic antics, Daybreak tackled themes that hit home. It was a show about survival, not just in the physical sense but emotionally and socially. The apocalypse became a metaphor for the trials of adolescence, where every day feels like the end of the world.
The series explored identity and belonging with nuance and sensitivity. Wesley’s journey of self-discovery as a queer, Black teenager was beautifully handled, offering representation that was both authentic and inspiring. Angelica’s struggle to prove herself despite her young age and rebellious nature struck a chord with anyone who’s ever felt underestimated. And Josh’s quest to find Sam revealed deeper truths about love, loss, and the danger of idealising others.
Daybreak also offered biting social commentary. Its depiction of tribalism among teens reflected real-world divisions, while its absurd humour allowed it to critique societal norms without feeling preachy. The show’s irreverence was its strength, providing a lens through which to examine serious issues with levity and insight.
The Cancellation That Shocked Us
Despite its critical acclaim and passionate fanbase, Netflix announced Daybreak’s cancellation in December 2019, just two months after its debut. The decision blindsided fans and creators alike, especially given the show’s potential for growth.
For me, the most frustrating part was the unresolved storylines. The first season ended on a cliffhanger, with Sam revealed as the new leader of the teens—a twist that upended Josh’s expectations and promised a compelling power struggle in the next season. We’ll never know how the characters would have navigated this new dynamic, and that’s a loss that still stings.
What Might Have Been
The cancellation of Daybreak feels particularly unjust because of the show’s untapped potential. Season two could have delved deeper into the characters’ arcs, expanded the post-apocalyptic world, and explored the fallout of Sam’s ascent to power. The creators had laid the groundwork for a rich and complex narrative, blending humour, action, and heartfelt moments in a way few shows manage.
There was also room to further explore the show’s inventive storytelling techniques. Its use of multiple perspectives and genre-blending elements gave it a unique voice, one that could have evolved even further in future seasons. The possibilities were endless, making its cancellation all the more frustrating.
Why Daybreak Still Matters
Even with its premature end, Daybreak left an indelible mark. It was a show that dared to be different, embracing its quirks and celebrating the messiness of youth. Its characters were flawed, funny, and relatable, and its themes struck a chord with audiences of all ages.
For fans like me, Daybreak is a reminder of the fragility of creative endeavours in the streaming era. It’s also a testament to the power of storytelling to connect us, even in the face of uncertainty. While we may never see the resolution of Josh, Sam, Angelica, and Wesley’s journeys, their stories live on in our hearts and imaginations.
Here’s to Daybreak, a show that burned brightly, if briefly, and left us wishing for more. Its apocalypse may have come too soon, but its legacy endures.
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