Fear the walking dead theme song sounds like z nation

The Fearful Similarities Between 'Fear The Walking Dead' Theme Song and 'Z Nation'

For fans of post-apocalyptic TV shows, there's a particular earworm that can strike at any moment: the theme song from AMC's hit show 'Fear The Walking Dead.' For those who've also binge-watched Syfy's lesser-known sibling series 'Z Nation,' you might be forgiven for doing double takes. But what exactly is behind this sonic similarity? Let's dive into the world of TV themes and explore why sometimes, imitation really does seem to be more than just flattery.

The theme song in question from 'Fear The Walking Dead' was composed by Marco Beltrami and his longtime collaborator, Tyler Bates. Known for their work on a wide range of genre films (think: the 'Scream' franchise), they've honed an unmistakable dark, brooding sound that perfectly captures the moodiness of apocalyptic America.

On the other hand, 'Z Nation''s theme was crafted by Bear McCreery and Sean Callahan. With credits ranging from shows like 'The Vampire Diaries,' these composers certainly know a thing or two about crafting infectious hooks with an edgy edge.

So why does music for similar genres of television seem to sound so alike? One theory suggests that in the ever-competitive world of TV theme composition, creators often borrow elements and tropes from successful predecessors as a form of homage or simply because what works, works. After all, who doesn't love an infectious earworm stuck in their head after watching just one episode?

Another possibility lies deeper within human psychology itself: studies have shown that our brains are wired to recognize patterns more easily than we might think. This phenomenon is known as the 'mere exposure effect,' where repeated exposure to similar stimuli can actually lead us to perceive them as being identical, even if they aren't.

Whatever the reason behind this striking similarity between two seemingly disparate TV themes may be, one thing's for certain: both 'Fear The Walking Dead' and 'Z Nation''s theme songs have certainly made an indelible mark on fans' collective consciousnesses. So next time you catch yourself humming that familiar tune from your favorite post-apocalyptic show, just remember – sometimes fear really is the best option.

References:

1. Wikipedia: United States Armed Forces

2. IMDB: Fear The Walking Dead (TV Series 2015–2023) Soundtrack

3. Songfacts: Z Nation Theme Music

Fear the walking dead theme song sounds like z nation