Day 5 is an American post-apocalyptic drama web series created by Burnie Burns, Matt Hullum, Josh Flanagan, and Chris Demarais.[1] Produced by Rooster Teeth, it premiered on their website on June 19, 2016.[2] The series depicts survivors navigating a world struck by a mysterious epidemic that causes death upon falling asleep, focusing on a drug addict named Jake who awakens to the apocalypse.[3] It ran for two seasons totaling 14 episodes, with season 1 airing from June to July 2016 and season 2 from August to September 2017, before entering indefinite hiatus.[4]
Overview
Premise
Day 5 is a post-apocalyptic drama series centered on a mysterious global epidemic that causes instant death to anyone who falls asleep, transforming society into a desperate network of insomniacs fighting to remain awake. The event strikes without warning, leaving the world in chaos as survivors resort to stimulants, caffeine, and other means to stave off slumber, resulting in urban decay, resource scarcity, and roving bands of sleep-deprived individuals. Set primarily in Austin, Texas, in the immediate aftermath of the outbreak—mere days after the epidemic begins—the narrative unfolds against a backdrop of eerily quiet streets, abandoned buildings, and dwindling supplies, emphasizing the fragility of human endurance in a world where rest is lethal.[4][1][5]The story follows Jake, a methamphetamine addict whose prolonged drug binge inadvertently saves him from the epidemic's initial wave, allowing him to emerge into the altered reality as one of the few survivors. Disoriented and battling withdrawal, Jake navigates the desolate city and soon encounters other holdouts, including the resourceful teenage boy Sam and the skilled radiologist Ally, forming an uneasy alliance amid the peril. These initial meetings highlight the raw survival instincts required in a society where trust is scarce and every moment of vulnerability could be fatal.[4][1][5]At its core, the series explores themes of survival, addiction, and human desperation, as characters grapple with physical and psychological tolls of enforced wakefulness while seeking the epidemic's origins—rumored to involve scientific experiments or conspiratorial forces. The quest for answers drives the group forward, underscoring the tension between individual self-preservation and collective hope for a cure or safe haven, such as whispers of a "Safe Sleep Zone." This premise sets the stage for a tale of resilience in the face of an incomprehensible catastrophe, without resolving the underlying mysteries.[4][6][5]
Production format
Day 5 episodes typically run for about 45 minutes each, structured as a serialized drama released weekly on Rooster Teeth's streaming platform to build suspense across its six-episode first season and eight-episode second season.[1][7]The visual style utilizes handheld cinematography with Cooke Anamorphic Prime lenses, selected by cinematographer Lee Phelan for their balance in dynamic shooting and to achieve a grounded, immersive post-apocalyptic aesthetic.[8]Sound design incorporates an original score composed by Graham Reynolds, contributing to the series' tense and eerie atmosphere through atmospheric music that underscores the survivalthriller elements.[9][10]The production blends post-apocalyptic drama, horror, thriller, and sci-fi genres, marking Rooster Teeth's departure into serious live-action storytelling focused on human survival amid an unexplained epidemic.[7][11]
Development and production
Conception and planning
The series Day 5 was conceived by Rooster Teeth executives Burnie Burns and Matt Hullum, alongside writers and directors Josh Flanagan and Chris Demarais, marking the company's initial venture into post-apocalyptic drama distinct from its established comedic and animated output. The concept originated in 2011.[6] The core premise—a global epidemic rendering sleep fatal—emerged from explorations of survival horror, with early production elements like a key crowd scene filmed at Rooster Teeth's RTX 2012 convention using over 1,800 fans as extras to depict mass casualties.[1] This reflected a protracted development timeline, allowing the team to refine the concept amid Rooster Teeth's growing live-action capabilities following projects like the 2015 feature Lazer Team.[6]Due to budgetary limitations and the suitability of Rooster Teeth's subscription-based streaming platform, the project shifted from potential longer-form ideas to a compact six-episode first season, designed for episodic release to build audience engagement.[1] Key creative choices centered on real-time progression across five days of escalating chaos, directly informing the title and heightening tension through the protagonist Jake's perspective as a drug-addicted survivor.[6] The narrative integrated social commentary on addiction's grip and societal isolation, portraying delirium and human fragility amid the apocalypse without veering into overt preachiness, while prioritizing character-driven suspense over expansive world-building.[6][12]Planning for the launch included early teases to build hype, with an initial trailer debuting at RTX 2014 and subsequent promotional materials rolling out in spring 2016.[1] The series premiered exclusively for Rooster Teeth subscribers on June 19, 2016, via the company's website and mobile app, with episodes dropping weekly to capitalize on the streaming model's direct-to-audience access.[13] Positive reception prompted immediate plans for expansion, leading to an eight-episode second season greenlit and filmed in 2017.[12]
Casting process
The casting process for Day 5 began several months prior to the start of production on season 1, overseen by showrunner and director Josh Flanagan as part of his role in managing the series' creative elements. Principal roles were filled through auditions and callbacks, with a focus on actors who could convey the intense psychological and physical demands of a post-apocalyptic survival narrative. Jesse C. Boyd was cast as the protagonist Jake, a role that required balancing vulnerability, grit, and reluctant heroism in the face of sleep deprivation; his selection came after an extended search and was finalized close to the filming schedule. Walker Satterwhite was chosen to play Sam, the young survivor, following a chemistry read with Boyd that demonstrated their natural rapport and dynamic as an unlikely duo navigating the epidemic's aftermath.[14]Supporting roles were similarly selected to complement the leads' performances and the story's escalating tension. Stephanie Drapeau was cast as Ally, the resourceful doctor, bringing a grounded intensity to the ensemble. Davi Jay portrayed Ellis, the pilot, with his physicality suiting the character's high-stakes action sequences. Some Rooster Teeth staff members, including Joel Heyman, Barbara Dunkelman, and Matt Hullum, were written into roles tailored to their strengths, such as Heyman as the antagonistic Bill.[15]For season 2, the casting emphasized expanding the world-building by introducing veteran performers to heighten the drama and introduce complex antagonists and allies. William Sadler was brought on as the enigmatic Sandman (Bob), a cult leader purportedly immune to the sleep plague, selected for his commanding presence in genre roles like those in The Shawshank Redemption and Iron Man 3. He was joined by Jake Busey in a guest capacity, leveraging Busey's experience in action thrillers such as Starship Troopers. Recurring additions included Ryan Cooper as Aidan, Electra Avellan as Paula, and Adriene Mishler as Gabbi, chosen to portray multifaceted survivors who create new conflicts and bonds within the group. Flanagan noted that these experienced actors were key to elevating the season's scope, allowing for "new, fun, and occasionally insane characters" that deepened the survivors' journey toward a rumored safe haven.[16][12]
Filming and post-production
Filming for Day 5 primarily occurred in Austin, Texas, leveraging the city's streets, parking lots, and production facilities to portray the desolate post-apocalyptic environment. Key locations included downtown areas like Congress Avenue, north Austin office buildings and parking lots, and areas near Rooster Teeth's headquarters adjacent to Austin Studios.[17][11][18]The production schedule for Season 1 spanned several years, with an early scene captured during Rooster Teeth's RTX 2012 convention and the trailer debuting at RTX 2014, leading to the series premiere in June 2016. Season 2 filming took place in early 2017, expanding the season to eight episodes compared to the original six.[1][11][7]One major logistical challenge involved coordinating extras to simulate the insomnia epidemic's chaos, particularly for outbreak sequences depicting mass casualties. A notable example was a scene shot at RTX 2012, where convention attendees served as background performers portraying pedestrians in a bustling town center before collapsing en masse, necessitating the temporary closure of public spaces like streets.[1]In post-production, visual effects played a crucial role in enhancing the epidemic's horror, with supervisor Wesley Meyers overseeing integrations such as environmental manipulations and scene composites, including the removal of set elements like platforms in water sequences. Editing, handled by Catie Cacci for Season 2, focused on building suspense through rhythmic pacing to underscore the survivors' desperation. The original score, composed by Graham Reynolds, amplified the dissonant tension of a world without rest.[19][20]
Cast and characters
Main characters in Season 1
The main characters of Day 5 Season 1 are introduced amid the chaos of a deadly sleep epidemic, forming a core group of survivors whose diverse backgrounds and personalities drive the narrative's early tension and cooperation. Jake, portrayed by Jesse C. Boyd, serves as the protagonist, an affable yet volatile meth addict who emerges from a two-day binge to discover the apocalypse, relying on his resourcefulness and survival instincts while grappling with personal demons like hallucinations of his deceased sister.[6][21]Sam, played by Walker Satterwhite, is a precocious 13-year-old survivor who provides optimistic levity and unwavering loyalty to the group, often using his scavenging skills and quick wit to lighten dire situations and support his companions.[6][22]Ally, enacted by Stephanie Drapeau, acts as the group's pragmatic medical expert, an altruistic ER doctor working the night shift who manages health crises from exhaustion and infection, embodying a beacon of hope and rational decision-making in the face of despair.[6][22]Ellis, brought to life by Davi Jay, is a surly, no-nonsense aviator and red-eye pilot with combat-ready skills, joining the others as an enigmatic ally determined to uncover the epidemic's source through his focused, action-oriented approach.[6]In the initial days of the crisis, these characters' dynamics are marked by clashing traits—Jake's impulsiveness against Ally's caution, Sam's youthful humor offsetting Ellis's gruff demeanor—leading to tense alliances forged through shared peril, such as Jake and Sam's rapid bonding as an unlikely mentor-protégé pair, while the full group unites in scavenging and evading threats to stay awake and seek answers.[6]
New characters in Season 2
Season 2 of Day 5 expands the survivor ensemble with key additions that deepen the post-apocalyptic stakes, introducing rival factions and hints at the epidemic's engineered origins. These characters drive plot progression by fracturing alliances and unveiling broader conspiracies tied to the sleep plague, forcing the core group—Jake, Ally, and Sam—to confront external threats beyond mere survival.William Sadler plays Bob, alias the Sandman, an enigmatic and antagonistic figure leading a rival survivor camp with purported knowledge of a method to sleep safely amid the deadly epidemic.[16] His introduction amplifies conspiracy elements, as rumors of his group's access to a cure or reversal technology draw the protagonists into dangerous alliances, challenging their unity and revealing institutional forces possibly behind the outbreak.[12] Sadler's intense portrayal, informed by his history of commanding antagonistic roles in films like The Shawshank Redemption, heightens the narrative tension, transforming the Sandman into a pivotal antagonist whose calm demeanor masks manipulative intent.[16]Jake Busey portrays Carl, a deranged ex-soldier whose volatile aggression positions him as a rival leader figure, escalating interpersonal and factional conflicts within the fractured world.[16] Carl's belief that extreme violence counters the sleep affliction leads to brutal clashes that test the main survivors' moral boundaries and group cohesion, while his military background hints at connections to the epidemic's covert perpetrators.[23] Busey's menacing performance, echoing his intense turns in Starship Troopers, injects unpredictable menace, amplifying the season's shift from isolation to organized hostility.[16]Additional new survivors, including Ryan Cooper as Aidan, an Australian pilot who infiltrates the group under false pretenses; Electra Avellan as Paula, a protective mother navigating alliances with her young son; and Adriene Mishler as Gabbi, a determined seeker probing the plague's source, further propel the storyline by exposing divided loyalties and the epidemic's man-made underpinnings.[12] These roles collectively broaden the narrative scope, as their arcs intersect with the protagonists to uncover experimental origins and rival ideologies, ultimately straining the core trio's fragile bonds amid escalating delirium and betrayal.[24]
Guest and recurring roles
In Season 1, Alisha Revel recurred as Sarah, Ally's assistant who briefly allies with the core survivors, offering logistical support amid the early chaos before falling victim to the sleep epidemic, underscoring the precarious nature of temporary partnerships in a collapsing society.[25]Joe Estevez appeared in four episodes as Alonzo Alvarez, a local TV reporter whose increasingly unhinged broadcasts deliver fragmented updates on the outbreak, exemplifying the breakdown of information networks and public order.[25]Season 2 expanded the ensemble with recurring survivors like Adriene Mishler as Gabbi, a resourceful seeker probing the plague's origins who integrates into the protagonists' journey, providing investigative insights and bolstering group dynamics against isolation.[16] Ryan Cooper portrayed Aidan, an Australian pilot hunting the fabled Sandman's Oasis as a potential safe haven, whose quest introduces themes of elusive hope and interpersonal trust among disparate refugees.[16] Electra Avellan played Paula, a protective mother traveling with her son Angel (Tristan Alijah Garcia), whose family unit illustrates the desperate survival strategies of isolated households evading the epidemic's toll.[16][25]Notable guest roles enriched the lore through single-episode arcs, such as William Sadler as Bob, the mythical Sandman who demonstrates a method for safe sleep, revealing critical mechanics of the apocalypse and sparking pivotal plot revelations.[16]Jake Busey guest-starred as Carl, a deranged soldier pushing lobotomies as a radical "cure," embodying the rise of extremist threats and moral dilemmas in a lawless world.[16] These peripheral characters collectively deepen the portrayal of societal fragmentation, from opportunistic alliances to predatory outliers, without overshadowing the central narrative.
Rooster Teeth staff cameos
In Day 5, Rooster Teeth incorporated subtle cameos by its staff members to add layers of self-referential humor and fan service, aligning with the company's signature style of embedding meta-elements into its productions. These appearances were typically non-speaking or background roles that did not influence the main narrative, allowing viewers familiar with Rooster Teeth's ecosystem to spot the nods without disrupting the series' tense post-apocalyptic atmosphere.Barbara Dunkelman appears as Flip, a mysterious drug dealer at the morgue rave, in a small speaking role that serves as an easter egg for longtime fans. Similarly, other staff members feature in brief cameos, such as Gavin Free as the Morgue Raver, Matt Hullum as Dale (Sam's father), and Aaron Marquis as a museum narrator and Skinemax star.These cameos were primarily integrated during Season 1's filming at events like RTX, where staff could seamlessly blend into large-scale outbreak depictions or temporary safe zones, leveraging the convention's energy for authentic crowd dynamics. The purpose was to enhance viewer engagement through recognizable faces, fostering a sense of community without detracting from the story's dramatic tension.[26]By Season 2, such staff appearances became scarcer to preserve the heightened dramatic tone and focus on the evolving plot, shifting emphasis away from lighthearted winks toward deeper character exploration and suspense, though some like Aaron Marquis continued in minor roles. This evolution reflected the production team's intent to mature the series' identity while retaining subtle ties to Rooster Teeth's roots.[16]
Episodes and release
Season 1 (2016)
Season 1 of Day 5 consists of six episodes originally released between June 19 and July 31, 2016, exclusively on the Rooster Teeth website for FIRST members. The season introduces the core premise of a global epidemic where falling asleep proves fatal, following survivors navigating the early chaos. Episodes aired on a near-weekly schedule, with the pilot serving as an extended entry point to establish the post-apocalyptic setting.[27]The following table lists the episodes, their release dates, and brief non-spoiler synopses highlighting key developments:
Episode
Title
Release Date
Runtime
Synopsis
1
Waking Nightmare
June 19, 2016
~45 min
Meth addict Jake emerges from a drug-induced haze to discover a world altered by the sleep epidemic, setting the stage for his survival journey.[28]
2
Cognitive Dissonance
June 26, 2016
~40 min
As delirium from sleeplessness affects the characters, initial alliances form amid the unfolding crisis.[27]
3
Night Terrors
July 3, 2016
~42 min
One survivor heads toward Dallas seeking answers, while others encounter new threats in their path.[27]
4
Sweet Dreams
July 17, 2016
~41 min
Clues about the epidemic surface in Dallas, prompting risky travels and reunions in Austin.[27]
5
Beacons in the Dark
July 24, 2016
~43 min
Research into the outbreak is shared among the group, alongside investigations into mysterious signals.[27]
6
Wide Awake
July 31, 2016
~49 min
Tensions rise at a key facility as theories about the epidemic are put to the test, concluding the season.[27]
Episodes ranged from approximately 40 to 49 minutes in length, longer than typical Rooster Teeth web content to allow for deeper narrative immersion. The release strategy emphasized exclusivity for FIRST subscribers, a paid sponsorship program, with episodes dropping Sundays to build anticipation. Promotional efforts included a teaser trailer in May 2016 and a full trailer in early June, alongside behind-the-scenes featurettes like "Creating Day 5," which detailed the production's shift to dramatic thriller elements.[29][26]The season's arc focuses on the formation of survivor groups, such as those led by Jake and Ellis, as they grapple with the epidemic's origins and immediate survival challenges, including fatigue and isolation. It builds mystery around the event's cause—tied to a sudden global onset five days prior—while introducing interpersonal dynamics and hints of larger societal remnants. The narrative culminates in a cliffhanger at Dr. Abrams' facility, leaving unresolved questions about potential cures and broader threats.[1][30]Unique to Season 1's production, the pilot episode features an extended runtime dedicated to world-building, depicting the desolate urban landscapes of Austin and the psychological toll of the apocalypse to immerse viewers in the stakes from the outset. Filming occurred primarily in Austin, Texas, leveraging Rooster Teeth's local resources for authentic post-apocalyptic visuals.[30]
Season 2 (2017)
Season 2 of Day 5, consisting of eight episodes, premiered on August 6, 2017, for Rooster Teeth's FIRST subscribers on a weekly schedule.[31] The season concluded on September 24, 2017, and featured an extended runtime per episode compared to Season 1, enabling deeper exploration of the lore surrounding the sleep epidemic.[1] Episodes incorporated fan engagement through social media discussions on Rooster Teeth's platforms.[24]The season's narrative arc builds on the events of Season 1 by deepening the conspiracy behind the global epidemic, introducing partial explanations tied to experimental facilities and unnatural origins, while escalating group fractures through interpersonal conflicts and betrayals.[24] Internal tensions among the core survivors—Jake, Sam, Ally, and Ellis—intensify due to sleep deprivation's psychological toll, leading to hallucinations and moral dilemmas that strain alliances. The storyline culminates in an open-ended finale that resolves some immediate threats but leaves broader questions about the epidemic's permanence unanswered, setting up potential future developments.[32] Unique to this season are heightened action sequences, including high-stakes chases, aerial pursuits, and confrontations with militarized groups, alongside seamless integrations of new characters like Aidan and Paula to expand the world's scope.[33]The episodes are as follows:
Episode
Title
Premiere Date
Synopsis
1
Manifest Destiny
August 6, 2017
Ellis encounters Aidan at an airfield under duress and is coerced into piloting a plane, while his former teammate eliminates a group aware of the epidemic's secrets; meanwhile, Jake, Sam, and Ally begin their search for Ellis amid emerging threats.[32]
2
Oasis
August 13, 2017
The reunited group pursues Gabbi toward a rumored Safe Sleep Zone, as Aidan and a new companion attempt infiltration of the enigmatic Sandman’s Oasis.[32]
3
Lucid
August 20, 2017
Aidan and Paula settle into their new environment at Oasis, while the main group confronts deranged soldiers employing an unconventional method to maintain wakefulness.[32]
4
Circadian Rhythms
August 27, 2017
The team travels by air with Ellis concealing his deteriorating mental state, and Abrams reveals details about the facility's abandonment.[32]
5
Sleepwalkers
September 3, 2017
The protagonists traverse the desert in pursuit of Oasis, Aidan maneuvers through internal camp dynamics, and Meredith secures an unexpected ally.[32]
6
Parasomnia
September 10, 2017
As the groups close in on the camp, one key member reaches a breaking point; Aidan's decisions at Oasis trigger severe repercussions.[32]
7
Apnea
September 17, 2017
Converging forces initiate a battle for control of the sleep zone, heightening the stakes for survival.[32]
8
Dawn
September 24, 2017
Revelations about otherworldly influences making sleep lethal unfold, as Jake and the crew endure pursuits, crashes, and firefights to evade capture.[32]
</PREMIERE_TABLE>
Following the shutdown of Rooster Teeth in March 2024, with the site closing on May 15, 2024, episodes of both seasons are now available for free on platforms including Tubi and the Internet Archive.[34][35]
Reception and legacy
Critical reception
Upon its release, Day 5 received generally positive reviews from critics, who commended its tense post-apocalyptic atmosphere and strong performances, particularly Jesse C. Boyd's portrayal of the protagonist Jake, a meth addict navigating survival amid a sleep-induced apocalypse.[6] The series drew comparisons to The Walking Dead for its survival drama elements, with reviewers noting how it effectively builds suspense through interpersonal conflicts and the horror of sleep deprivation rather than traditional zombie threats.[6] IndieWire awarded it an A grade, highlighting its "gory glory" and ability to hold its own against established apocalyptic narratives like Lost and Fringe.[6]Critics also praised the acting across the ensemble, including standout child performances from Walker Satterwhite and Mallory Mahoney, which added emotional depth to the group's dynamics.[6] For Season 2, TV Fanatic gave the series a 4 out of 5 rating, appreciating how the expanded world-building intensified the torment of sleeplessness and introduced engaging new characters without feeling superfluous.[24] The aggregate user score on IMDb stands at 7.3 out of 10, based on 1,549 ratings, reflecting solid appreciation for its innovative premise.[1]Some reviewers pointed to pacing issues in the shorter Season 1 episodes, which clock in around 10-15 minutes each, occasionally rushing character development amid the rapid plot progression.[30] Others noted that the sci-fi elements surrounding the epidemic's origins felt underdeveloped, prioritizing immediate survival thrills over deeper lore exploration.[30]Within the genre, Day 5 was appreciated as Rooster Teeth's successful pivot from animation and comedy to live-action drama, marking a bold departure that showcased the studio's versatility in crafting high-stakes thriller narratives.[6]
Viewership and fan response
Day 5 achieved moderate viewership within Rooster Teeth's ecosystem, with the Season 1 premiere episode "Waking Nightmare" accumulating 550,000 views on YouTube after its initial exclusive release to FIRST subscribers.[28] The series launched during a period when Rooster Teeth's paid FIRST membership stood at 135,000 subscribers, providing early access to new episodes and contributing to the show's audience base.[36] Season 2 episodes, also starting behind the paywall before broader YouTube availability, saw the opener "Manifest Destiny" reach 138,000 views, reflecting sustained but niche interest among the platform's gaming and animation-focused viewers.[19]Fan engagement was evident through interactive events and online interactions tied to the production. A pre-premiere livestream featuring cast members Josh Flanagan, Barbara Dunkelman, Chris Demarais, Aaron Marquis, and others allowed real-time questions from viewers, fostering early excitement around the series' apocalyptic premise.[14] RTX conventions further amplified community involvement, with the 2016 event—attended by approximately 60,000 fans—hosting panels and the debut screening of Season 1 Episode 3, drawing substantial crowds to discuss plot developments and character arcs.[37]The community response highlighted appreciation for the show's thematic depth and production ambition, positioning it as a standout in Rooster Teeth's portfolio for its departure from comedy into drama. However, some fans voiced dissatisfaction with lingering mysteries and cliffhangers in the Season 2 finale, contributing to calls for resolution amid the series' conclusion. Overall, Day 5 cultivated a dedicated following that valued its exploration of survival and human resilience, evidenced by its 7.3/10 average user rating on IMDb from over 1,500 reviews.[1]
Cancellation and future prospects
In December 2019, co-creator and showrunner Josh Flanagan departed Rooster Teeth, confirming he would have no further involvement with Day 5 and effectively shelving plans for a third season that had been teased in a 2018 production update. No episodes for Season 3 were ever produced, as production priorities shifted amid internal changes at the studio.[5][38]The closure of Rooster Teeth by Warner Bros. Discovery in March 2024 further complicated the series' accessibility, with the company's website and apps shutting down on May 15, 2024, temporarily limiting official streaming options for archived content like Day 5. This move, attributed to evolving digital media challenges and shifts in consumer behavior, led to the layoff of approximately 150 employees and raised concerns about the preservation of Rooster Teeth's library.[39][40]In February 2025, Rooster Teeth co-founder Burnie Burns acquired the brand and many of its remaining assets through his company, Box Canyon Productions, reviving operations with a focus on new and classic content. As of November 2025, no official confirmation has been made for a Day 5 Season 3, though the acquisition includes plans for reviving select legacy series. Episodes of the show continue to be streamable on the relaunched Rooster Teeth platform and third-party archives.[41][42][43]