Netflix's 4-Part Disaster Saga Is Worth Watching Even If It's Past Its Time

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The Netflix logo with the blurred background of the Stone world in Dr. Stone Custom Image by Vanessa Piña

Published Feb 4, 2026, 7:00 PM EST

Vanessa Piña has been a freelance writer for the ScreenRant anime section since 2024. As a senior writer, she focuses on timely coverage of the latest anime releases and updates on popular franchises.

While Netflix boasts a wide catalog of post-apocalyptic series that don't rely on the zombie formula, such as Snowpiercer and Sweet Tooth, only this four-season disaster series explores what would happen if all humans disappeared from Earth. Following its release in 2019, Dr. Stone experienced a surge in popularity during the pandemic, peaking as one of the best-selling manga series of 2020.

Sadly, although the hype has quieted since then, the franchise returned in full force last year with its most impactful season to date. Now that Dr. Stone is coming to its definitive end with its final part in April 2026, there's no better time for viewers to catch up on one of the best post-apocalyptic series of the last decade.

Dr. Stone Explores a Petrified World Thousands of Years Later

An Equally Funny and Educational Series, Dr. Stone Show To Rebuild Civilization From Scratch

In Dr. Stone, humanity is suddenly petrified by a mysterious light. As a result, all technology and science are lost and destroyed, and the world regresses to a Neolithic-like period of the Stone Age. In this state of zero population, Senku, a high school genius, awakens and begins using his scientific knowledge to rebuild civilization.

So while anime has gained fame for having protagonists who seek to fix everything by force, Dr. Stone breaks with the stereotype since Senku uses his intellect, reasoning, and science as his main assets to solve problems, ranging from something as mundane as acquiring basic hygiene products and sodas to engaging in a large-scale political war.

Dr. Stone showcases how to adapt to a wild world that no longer has any trace of humans. As Senku has to start from scratch, the series gifts viewers useful survival knowledge, such as how to create a rope or start a fire. Yet, Dr. Stone's biggest charm is how science is used to skip over different stages of humanity's evolution.

Dr. Stone Boast Plenty of Action Amidst Its Crazy Technological Roadmaps

From Science to Politics, Dr. Stone Doesn't Fail in Its Messages

drstone

Throughout its story, Dr. Stone encompasses many fields of human knowledge, such as mechanics, the chemical industry, and even metallurgy. During its serialization as a manga, Dr. Stone's creators even had a scientific advisor to ensure the veracity of the inventions, maintaining a certain authenticity and practicality despite the absurd situations that arise in the series.

However, although a science-based series might not sound as exciting as a survival story of a disaster about to strike, Dr. Stone doesn't just stick to technical explanations.

From curing diseases without the tools or medicines to gaining credibility in a period that values ​​physical strength more than inventions and the quest to overcome humanity's past mistakes, Dr. Stone is full of clashes, both ideological and between powerful warriors. The series isn't lacking in menacing antagonists, and the strategies and battles of wits leave viewers wanting to know what's next.

Dr. Stone's Overarching Mystery Adds Tension to the Story

The Culprit Behind the Petrification of Humanity

Senku Ishigami (Dr. Stone)

The series doesn't just focus on restoring humanity to its prime and recovering everything lost; Senku and the allies he gathers along the way gradually uncover clues about the petrification phenomenon. Dr. Stone not only features mind-blowing twists that redefine viewers' understanding of the events up to that point, but it's also full of revelations that will bring tears to their eyes.

Dr. Stone masterfully blends realism and sci-fi elements, making viewers wonder not only how petrification works but also the reason behind it. This mystery will not only keep viewers on the edge of their seats and eager to press the button for the next episode, but it also reaches a massive scale, defying all expectations.

Dr. Stone's Story Is About to Get Better

Netflix is Yet to Add Dr. Stone's Final Season

Senkuu in Dr Stone holding out his hand while holding an object.

After seven years, the story of Dr. Stone is about to come to a close. Titled Dr. Stone: Science Future Part 3, the final season of the series will premiere in spring 2026. Although Netflix currently only has the first three seasons of Dr. Stone, it's likely the streaming platform has opted to release the entire season rather than in separate parts.

This would result in a better experience for viewers, as they wouldn't have to wait months between each part and could enjoy the final stretch of the series all at once. Especially considering that the last Dr. Stone installment was highly praised as one of the best in the series, with greater stakes and an emotionally heavy climax.

Anime has reached a wider audience recently, and Dr. Stone is one of those must-see titles even for viewers who aren't particularly fans of animation. Dr. Stone is a fun adventure that gives viewers a lot to think about and is not only appealing to science and post-apocalyptic geeks but also to those interested in learning a thing or two.

Dr. Stone (2019)

Release Date July 5, 2019

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Aaron Dismuke

    Senku Ishigami

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Brandon McInnis

    Gen Asagiri

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