I disagree. There was another show with the same premise, Revolution. Though they had a little bit more information available as to why machinery and weapons other than black powder rifles and flintlocks, which were heavily unreliable.
Though this does help a bit: http://www.amc.com/shows/into-the-badlands/exclusives/the-world#history-anchor
"Because firearms have been banned, bladed weapons are commonplace and martial arts have flourished. In this world, power is taken, and only the stongest and most brutal prosper."
Anyway, I fell in love with season one and I'm gradually working my way through the second season. I only wish the episodes were available for download so that I could watch them when I'm waiting in the parking lot before my shift at work.