When it comes to spine-chilling television, most people immediately think of popular shows like American Horror Story and The Walking Dead. However, there are actually a number of hidden treasures in the genre that may not be as well-known but are sure to captivate both young and old horror fans. These lesser-known gems, although some more mysterious than others, are definitely worth checking out.
One of the things that sets these under-the-radar horror television shows apart from others is the variety they offer. From classic anthology series to spine-tingling adaptations of horror films, they bring something unique to the table that you won’t find in other TV series. So, whether you’re a fan of the ’80s or prefer more modern offerings, here are some hidden horror shows that every horror fan should give a chance.
And speaking of hidden horror TV shows, a recent addition to the list is Scream. This show is a must-watch for any horror enthusiast.
1. Penny Dreadful
Penny Dreadful was a horror fantasy series that aired on Showtime from 2014 to 2016. Starring Josh Hartnett as Ethan Chandler, the series followed a gunman in 1891 who is hired to find the daughter of adventurer Malcolm Murray, who has been captured by a horrifying creature.
One of the notable aspects of the show is its inclusion of classic movie monsters and even Satan himself. Eva Green portrays the iconic character Vanessa Ives, who has left a lasting impression on pop culture. Penny Dreadful received positive reviews from critics, with Season 2 even achieving a rare 100% fresh score.
What sets Penny Dreadful apart from other shows is that it wasn’t canceled, but rather concluded by its creator John Logan after Season 3. Logan believed that the story had been fully told and that there were no new directions for the series to explore. Despite having a dedicated fanbase during its original run, the show has unfortunately faded from public memory since its final episode.
2. From
Hey there! So, this awesome show called ‘From’ hit our screens on February 20, 2022. It’s the brainchild of John Griffin and features the talented Harold Perrineau playing the role of a sheriff in a town where the folks are trapped and tormented by creepy creatures lurking in the shadows.
Let me tell you, this show is a real nail-biter with a touch of mystery. It gives off major Stephen King vibes, like it could be an adaptation of one of his long-lost novels. No wonder it received a ton of love from viewers in its first season and even snagged two nominations for the prestigious Saturn Awards. Pretty impressive, right?
3. Hannibal
When it comes to Hannibal Lecter, most people immediately think of Anthony Hopkins. However, fans of Bryan Fuller’s underrated TV series Hannibal would argue that Mads Mikkelsen delivers the best portrayal of the iconic villain.
Based on the Thomas Harris novels Red Dragon, Hannibal, and Hannibal Rising, the show centers around FBI agent Will Graham (played by Hugh Dancy), who forms a complex relationship with the sophisticated and murderous cannibal, Dr. Hannibal Lecter.
Despite its unfortunate cancellation after only three seasons, both viewers and critics were blown away by the show’s stunning visuals, outstanding performances, and captivating storylines. Hannibal has earned a reputation not only as one of the greatest horror series of all time, but also as one of the best television shows ever created.
4. Masters of Horror
Back in 2005, there was this filmmaker named Mick Garris who had directed some pretty cool movies like Critters 2: The New Batch, Sleepwalkers, and Riding the Bullet. He decided to create a horror series for Showtime, where each episode would be directed by a different awesome horror filmmaker. The series was pretty intense, had some funny bits, and was just overall super entertaining. People really loved it when it first came out.
Now, out of all the episodes directed by these big names, there were a few that really stood out. One of them was called “Jenifer” and it was directed by Dario Argento. Another one was “Dance of the Dead” by Tobe Hooper. And then there was this controversial episode called “Imprint” by Takashi Miike. These episodes were so good!
But here’s the bummer: Showtime didn’t want to continue the show for a third season. So Mick Garris had to come up with a new plan. He ended up reshaping the series into something called Fear Itself.
It’s a shame though, because Masters of Horror had some iconic horror moments. It’s kind of sad that the show has kind of fallen off the radar now.
5. Creepshow
Shudder’s Creepshow is a cool TV series that’s based on the awesome collaborative film by George A. Romero and Stephen King. Just like the original, Creepshow has a wicked comic-book vibe and tells loads of terrifying tales. And get this, each episode usually has two stories packed in!
Now, let me tell you about one of the fan-favorite episodes. It’s got this freaky story called “Gray Matter” by none other than Stephen King himself. This one’s all about a slimy monster that’ll give you the shivers. Oh, and did I mention that the series has its own mascot? They call it “the Creep,” and it’s usually this cool animatronic puppet, but sometimes it shows up as an animated character. How rad is that?
6. The Strain
The Strain is a vampire series that aired on FX from 2014 to 2017. Created by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan, it is based on their trilogy of novels. The show follows Dr. Goodweather, played by Corey Stoll, who discovers a strain of vampirism while investigating a plane’s mysterious deaths. To save the world, Dr. Goodweather must team up with his colleagues and civilians.
The pilot episode attracted nearly 3 million viewers, and the rest of the season performed similarly well. Critics also responded positively, giving the first season an 84 percent certified-fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes.
However, Season 3 faced lower ratings and negative critical responses, resulting in a disappointing 55% Rotten Tomatoes score. This decline may have led FX to make the fourth season the last one, but it ended up being a significant improvement in quality.
Initially, the show started strong and seemed poised to become a pop culture staple. Unfortunately, as it progressed, it gradually faded into obscurity.
7. Tales from the Darkside
Tales from the Darkside, a 30-minute-per-episode anthology horror series, was quite the standout during its run from 1983 to 1988. The mastermind behind this spine-chilling creation was none other than George A. Romero, renowned for his work on Night of the Living Dead and the anthology horror film, Creepshow.
During its heyday, the series held a special place in the hearts of horror enthusiasts. However, as time went on, it gradually slipped into the shadows of obscurity.
Over its four-season span, the show treated audiences to a collection of terrifying stories. From a mischievous Halloween goblin to a malevolent piano, and even a playful parody of The Exorcist, viewers were subjected to a wide range of horrifying segments.
Following the unfortunate cancellation of the series, a feature film adaptation titled Tales from the Darkside: The Movie emerged in 1990. Interestingly, this film included a story that was originally intended for Creepshow 2, further adding to the intrigue surrounding this dark and mysterious universe.
8. Channel Zero
Channel Zero is an awesome horror series that deserves just as much recognition as American Horror Story. It’s created by Nick Antosca and each season is an adaptation of a different creepypasta.
In Season 1, we follow a cursed children’s TV show, and in the subsequent seasons, we get stories about a haunted house of existential horror, a demonic family of cannibals, and a terrifying imaginary friend come to life.
Unfortunately, Channel Zero got canceled by Syfy in early 2019 after four seasons. It’s a shame because the show’s quality actually improved while its ratings seemed to go down. It makes you wonder what kind of amazingness we could have gotten if the show had continued.
It’s a real shame that Channel Zero often gets overlooked compared to other similar titles. If you haven’t given this series a chance, you’re missing out on a major staple in modern-day horror television.
9. American Gothic
American Gothic, a CBS series that only lasted one season, made quite an impact. Lucas Black, known for his role in Sling Blade, played Caleb Temple, a young boy who finds out his father is a murderous sheriff named Lucas Buck, who claims to possess supernatural abilities.
To add to the intrigue, a young Sarah Paulson appears as a ghost in the show. It’s hard not to be intrigued by that!
Running from September 22, 1995, to July 11, 1996, American Gothic garnered positive reviews from critics and quickly gained a cult following.
10. The Exorcist
Released in 1973, The Exorcist is often considered one of the scariest movies ever made. It even spawned a film franchise. However, not many people recall the genuinely frightening Fox series with the same title. Acting as a direct sequel to the original film, The Exorcist TV show follows two priests who investigate cases of demonic possession.
Each season of the show focuses on a different case. One season delves into a family dealing with possession, while the next explores an at-risk foster home. The series boasts an impressive cast including Geena Davis, John Cho, and Alan Ruck.
Despite receiving positive reviews from both critics and audiences, The Exorcist TV show unfortunately got the axe after just two seasons.
