10 Recent Horror TV Shows That Had No Right To Be This Good
These small-screen horror stories did not skip out on delivering memorable frights
The horror genre on television is experiencing something of a Silver Age, with many talented creatives in front of and behind the camera delivering modern genre classics and redefining what the genre is expected of and can deliver. Despite this, with all the wealth of excellent stories being delivered to audiences' homes, there are a few duds that slip through the cracks.
Said misfires are expected, as not every effort can be a home run, but once in a while a series with a seemingly questionable set of factors behind it comes along and blows fans' expectations out of the water. The reasons behind the lack of hype vary, such as iffy source material, pie in the sky narrative ambition, or certain subgenre trappings not lending themselves well to being adapted.
Whatever the reasons may be, some genre entries transcended these limitations and delivered entertaining and captivating stories with memorable characters that can stand alongside the very best the genre can offer.
From reimaginings of seminal book adaptations, to ambitious anthologies and video game adaptations, these ten series are proof that initial doubt is not always a surefire thing.
10. Dead Boy Detectives
Based on the DC Comics run of the same name, this Netflix horror mystery dramedy works as a zany and light on its feet counterpart to the more serious and otherworldly Sandman series (also on the streaming giant). It works due to its quirky tone, earnest nature and nimble writing, which effortlessly juggles numerous ideas whilst still retaining a sense of fun and wonder.
The series follows Charles Rowland (Jayden Revri) and Edwin Payne (George Rexstrew), two detectives at the aptly-titled Dead Boy Detective Agency who chose not to transition to the afterlife and instead use their new status as undead beings to solve crimes of a supernatural nature. In addition to its infectious tone, the show works due to the performances and chemistry of its leads, who bounce off each other remarkably well regardless of the situation they find themselves in.
The themes are also weighty, focused on ideas such as life beyond death, identity (its LGBTQ representation is impressively handled) and is not afraid to go dark when necessary. Beyond that, the production values are strong, with its Gothic aesthetic expertly counterbalanced with a fun, vivid use of colour.