10 Horror TV Shows That Broke All The Rules

Shows like Supernatural and Grimm have done remarkably well by working on the ‘mytharc’ basis, but where did they get it from? The mytharc generally refers to an overarching ‘mythical’ storyline - the serial plot - that lasts not just one episode, but is recurring across a whole season or series, and the X-Files is largely credited as being the first and most successful show to use this gimmick.

This well-loved monster-mashing procedural followed special agents protagonists Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. Working in a department dedicated to old, abandoned cases, the pair encounter all sorts of cryptids, aliens and miscellaneous monsters, tackling their work with adamant supernatural belief and cold scientific persuasion respectively.

Years later the show is hailed as one of the most beloved supernatural horror series out there, partially thanks to the memorable performances of its leading duo David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson. Not only do we have them to thank for years of great TV, but also for a whole lot of mytharc-based series that came after them.