11 Scariest Horror-Themed TV Shows To Binge-Watch This Halloween 2020

2. True Detective

While ostensibly a crime anthology series, True Detective wears its horror influences on its sleeve.

In season one, during an investigation into the murders and disappearances of several women in Louisiana, the two investigating detectives, Rustin Cohle (Matthew McConaughey) and Martin Hart (Woody Harrelson), uncover a conspiracy to cover up a history of gruesome, ritualistic murders throughout the region.

In addition, multiple witnesses make references to “The Yellow King”, a figure first created by Robert W. Chambers in his 1895 book of short stories, The King in Yellow; Chambers’ stories reference a fictional play which drives anyone who views it to madness.

The somewhat disappointing season two jettisoned many of the horror elements in favour of a more straightforward police corruption story, but some of the literary horror references returned in season three (albeit tucked away in the margins as opposed to front and centre in season one).

In season three the abduction of a pair of siblings, and the subsequent murder of one and the mysterious disappearance of the other proves to be a case that haunts detective Wayne Hays (Marshalia Ali) for the next twenty-five years.

Although each series is unconnected, the recurring theme of influential politicians obstructing investigations into murderous cults persists throughout the three seasons.