I put it to you that there is absolutely nothing scarier than the opening credits of Are You Afraid of the Dark. I may have graduated onto bigger and slightly less Canadian horror, but even today that music makes a chill run down my spine. It will serve as proof forevermore that most kids can handle dark subject matter and actually like to be scared. My mom and I watched Are You Afraid of the Dark together every Saturday night, and it was always a thrill. They weren't afraid to tell different types of stories -- some weeks had ghosts, some were dark fairy tales, some had monsters, and one even had a renegade virus from back when computers were all scary and threatening (I guess). It's not easy doing horror for kids. You aim too low and the kids are insulted, but you push too far and your viewers are too busy crying themselves to sleep to watch your show anymore. Are You Afraid of the Dark was awesome, and it almost always hit the right note. Which was your favourite Nickelodeon show? Share your favourites below in the comments thread.
Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.
