Hasitha Fernando with a selection of TV shows for you to binge this Halloween…
Spooktober is upon us once again, so I guess it’s time to binge-watch some awesome horror related content, right? Easier said than done, however, in an age where streaming services rule supreme, choosing what to watch have never been harder. So, in order to assist you on this impossible mission here are a list of horror-tinged TV shows that debuted from last Halloween season up to this point. Have a gander folks!
1. Hellbound (Netflix)
Hellish beings mete out violent condemnation at random, sending individuals to hell which lead to the rise of a fanatical group founded on the idea of divine justice.
Starring Yoo Ah-In, Kim Hyun-Joo, Park Jung-Min, Won Jin-A, and Yang Ik-Jun.
Based on the 2019 South Korean web-series comic “Jiok” written by Yeon Sang-Ho and illustrated by Choi Kyu-Seok of the same name, this dark fantasy horror-drama courtesy of streaming giant Netflix offers blood-splattering thrills and a though provoking narrative to boot. Following in the wake of the critically acclaimed Squid Game, which was released the same year, Hellbound delivers an equally captivating premise that injects timely social commentary and some gnarly visceral horror to make it an unforgettable thrill ride from start to finish.
2. Dexter: New Blood (Showtime)
Everyone’s favorite part-time serial killer makes a comeback, with grisly results.
Starring Michael C. Hall, Julia Jones, Jennifer Carpenter, Clancy Brown, and Jack Olcott.
Fans of Dexter had good reason to rejoice last year when Dexter: New Blood debuted. The popular TV show headlined by Michael C. Hall, follows the murderous exploits of forensic analyst cum serial killer Dexter Morgan as he deals out his own form of vigilante justice against criminals inadequately punished by the justice system. Dexter: New Blood is the newest chapter in his body strewn journey, and it’s as gore filled and disturbingly funny as its brilliant predecessor.
3. All of Us Are Dead (Netflix)
Trapped students must escape their high-school, which has become ground zero for a zombie virus outbreak.
Starring Yoon Chan-Young, Park Ji-hu, Cho Yi-hyun, Lomon, Yoo In-soo, and Lee Yoo-mi.
Another fantastic export from South Korea produced by Netflix, All of Us Are Dead is a coming-of-age zombie horror drama which packs an unexpected punch and follows a surprisingly emotional narrative that centers around a group of students trying to survive a zombie apocalypse. With flicks like Train to Busan and TV series like Kingdom, under her belt, South Korea is fast developing a solid reputation for zombie horror, and All of Us Are Dead the latest to join that reputed pack.
4. Shining Vale (Starz)
A dysfunctional big city family moves to a new house in the suburbs, only to discover their home already has an uninvited guest.
Starring Courteney Cox, Greg Kinnear, Gus Birney, Mira Sorvino, Judith Light, and Dylan Gage.
This horror-comedy TV series undoubtedly went under the radar of many. Even with familiar names like Courteney Cox, Greg Kinnear and Mira Sorvino attached to it, Shining Vale didn’t receive the attention it should have. Nevertheless, its ain’t too late to play catch up. Filled with unexpected plot twists, witty dialogue and engaging performances this underrated horror-comedy is certainly something you’d want to look up this Halloween season.
5. Archive 81 (Netflix)
An archivist takes on a job restoring damaged videotapes, and finds himself drawn to a darker mystery with grisly consequences.
Starring Mamoudou Athie, Dina Shihabi, Evan Jonigkeit, Julia Chan, Ariana Neal, Matt McGorry, and Martin Donovan.
A popular horror podcast is the inspiration for this nifty little supernatural horror piece executive produced by none other than James Wan. A suspenseful, nerve-wracking drama that brings to mind J-Horror classics like Ringu and Kairo, Archive 81 is a twisty-turny thriller that will certainly keep you at the edge of your seat, whilst delivering a thoroughly engaging story that’s sure to get under your skin. Damn shame we won’t be getting another season of it though.
6. The Midnight Club (Netflix)
In a hospice for the terminally ill, eight young adults gather every midnight, to tell each other scary stories.
Starring Iman Benson, Igby Rigney, Ruth Codd, Annarah Cymone, Chris Sumpter, Ayah Furukawa, Adia, and Heather Langenkamp.
Developed by horror maestro Mike Flanagan who brought us last year’s exquisite Midnight Mass, this is an adaptation of Christopher Pike’s young adult novel of the same name. And like Flanagan’s previous efforts this too is very much a humanistic horror piece, which offers plenty of scares but also takes an emotionally toll on the viewer by the of the show. Give this one a looksee. You will not regret it.
7. From (Epix)
The residents of an isolated town struggle to find a way out when mysterious forces attempt to keep them from leaving.
Starring Harold Perrineau, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Eoin Bailey, David Alpay, Elizabeth Saunders, Shaun Majumder, Scott McCord, and Ricky He.
Clearly inspired by the literary works of Stephen King, particularly Desperation, Salem’s Lot and Under the Dome, From is headlined by Lost alum Harold Perrineau and ably assisted by a strong ensemble cast who deliver on the money. A great character centric drama featuring an intriguing premise, the show possesses a high-sense of urgency and unrelenting tension that’ll have you hooked from the get go. Definitely worth a binge watch.
8. Interview with the Vampire (AMC)
The vampire Louis de Pointe du Lac recounts his lengthy life story to a renowned journalist.
Starring Jacob Anderson, Sam Reid, Bailey Bass, Eric Bogosian, Assad Zaman, Steven Norfleet, Kalyne Coleman, and Rae Dawn Chong.
Anne Rice’s iconic tale of vampirism received its cinematic adaptation back in 1994 in the form of Neil Jordan’s divisive gothic horror-drama. The leads played by Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt proved to be a tantalizing draw for younger audiences the world over, who were enamored by the teenage heartthrobs, even if they weren’t fans of the books. Flashforward to 2022 and we have AMC’s take on the source material, and so far, there’s a lot to love in this darkly erotic vampire yarn. Quite a lot.
9. Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (Netflix)
The story of one of the most notorious serial killers in the United States, largely told from the perspective of his victims.
Starring Evan Peters, Penelope Anne Miller, Molly Ringwald, Richard Jenkins, Niecy Nash, and Colin Ford.
Movies and TV shows about notorious serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer are a dime-a-dozen at this point. But this Netflix production does a lot of things right in their interpretation of the gruesome events that transpired. Anchored by a powerhouse of a performance by Evan Peters of American Horror Story fame, Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story is an unnervingly chilling tale you will not want to miss.
10. Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities (Netflix)
An anthology of sinister stories told by a host of revered horror creators.
Starring Crispin Glover, Andrew Lincoln, Tim Blake Nelson, Dan Stevens, Essie Davis, Sophia Boutella, Ben Barnes, Rupert Grint, F. Murray Abraham.
Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities is a collection of the Oscar-winning filmmaker’s personally curated stories, described as being equally sophisticated and horrific. The series is probably the icing on the cake of this Halloween season. Boasting an exceptional ensemble cast the anthology of stories are brought to life by the creative crème de la crème of modern horror cinema, and promises one hell of a ride from start to finish.
Hasitha Fernando is a part-time medical practitioner and full-time cinephile. Follow him on Twitter via @DoctorCinephile for regular updates on the world of entertainment.
