Television viewers who crave thrills and enjoy delving into the mysterious depths of society and the human mind are in for a treat this year! Get ready to be on the edge of your seat as a range of spine-chilling horror programs hit the screens. These shows will transport you to a world where supernatural forces wreak havoc, placing the characters in hair-raising predicaments. But that’s not all – some of these dark and twisted series take a unique twist, revealing that sometimes the scariest monster is none other than us, humans!
If you’re the kind of person who gets a thrill from exploring the darker side of life, you’re in luck! There are several upcoming series that will satisfy your cravings for spine-tingling stories.
One such example is the infamous American Horror Story. Each season, this gripping series introduces a fresh batch of characters who must navigate through horrifying terrors that will send shivers down your spine. Alternatively, there’s True Detective, a show that ventures into the deepest, darkest corners of society. No ghosts or ghouls here – instead, it uncovers the chilling truths about how our world truly operates when people give in to their primal instincts.
Get ready to be captivated by these captivating and bone-chilling series that will transport you to a world where the line between reality and nightmares becomes blurred. Brace yourself for an unforgettable journey into the unknown!
1. Mindhunter
Mindhunter is a thrilling crime drama series that takes us deep into the twisted minds of serial killers, drawing inspiration from gripping true crime stories. Set in the late 1970s, the show follows the journey of FBI agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench, brilliantly portrayed by Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany. Together, they use innovative techniques to understand criminal psychology and create profiles of these disturbed individuals. Through their investigations, Mindhunter offers a chilling glimpse into the dark side of human nature. The series captivates viewers with its meticulous attention to detail and profound exploration of complex human behavior, leaving a lasting impression that is hard to shake.
Actors: Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv, Joe Tuttle, Stacey Roca
Premiered: October 13, 2017
2. Black Mirror
Black Mirror is a highly-acclaimed series that delves into the disturbing and thought-provoking aspects of our present and future in a world consumed by technology. Each episode tells its own unique story, warning us about the potential dangers of advancements that surpass our understanding. The show, created by the clever Charlie Brooker, features an impressive cast including Bryce Dallas Howard and Jon Hamm, who bring these twisted tales to life. They explore issues like our addiction to social media, corporate espionage, and the unsettling consequences of artificial intelligence. As our technologically-driven society progresses, Black Mirror’s dark themes and satirical commentary will continue to resonate with audiences.
Actors: Daniel Kaluuya, Toby Kebbell, Rory Kinnear
Premiered: December 4, 2011
3. The Haunting of Hill House
The Haunting of Hill House is a spine-chilling tour that delves into trauma, loss, and guilt. It skillfully explores a family’s haunted past, leaving a lasting impact on its viewers. Creator Mike Flanagan weaves together the narratives of the Crain siblings and their parents, delivering an emotional depth rarely seen in the horror genre. The ensemble cast, featuring Victoria Pedretti, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, and Elizabeth Reaser, delivers an outstanding performance that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. As they battle both literal and figurative ghosts, the palpable atmosphere and heart-wrenching scenes make The Haunting of Hill House a horrific masterpiece. It is a haunting experience that will stay with audiences for years to come.
Actors: Michiel Huisman, Carla Gugino, Timothy Hutton, Elizabeth Reaser, Oliver Jackson-Cohen
Premiered: October 12, 2018
4. True Detective
HBO’s acclaimed crime series, True Detective, dives deep into the complexities of time, culture, and human darkness. With a stellar cast including Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, as well as Mahershala Ali and Stephen Dorff in later seasons, the show expertly portrays morally ambiguous characters and gritty situations. Creator Nic Pizzolatto’s talent for unraveling intricate plots and exploring the depths of the human soul truly sets this series apart. By jumping between timelines and intertwining characters’ personal struggles with external conflicts, True Detective keeps viewers engaged, leaving a lasting impact.
Actors: Mahershala Ali, Stephen Dorff, Carmen Ejogo, Josh Hopkins, Scoot McNairy
Premiered: January 12, 2014
5. Peaky Blinders
Plunging into the gritty and dark side of post-World War I Birmingham, Peaky Blinders introduces us to the Shelby crime family, led by the cunning and magnetic Tommy Shelby, played by the captivating Cillian Murphy. Creator Steven Knight skillfully combines elements of historical fiction, crime drama, and gripping storytelling to explore themes of family loyalty and power dynamics. The ensemble cast, featuring talents like Helen McCrory and Tom Hardy, deliver pitch-perfect performances that bring the story to life. With its complex characters, nuanced dialogue, and brutal depictions of violence, this visually stunning series has become a prominent force in the global television scene.
Actors: Cillian Murphy, Natasha O’Keeffe, Paul Anderson, Sophie Rundle, Finn Cole
Premiered: September 12, 2013
6. Fargo
Set in the snowy landscapes of Minnesota, Fargo is a gripping series that combines crime, corruption, and dark humor. Inspired by the Coen Brothers’ film, it features an incredible cast including Billy Bob Thornton, Kirsten Dunst, and Ewan McGregor. Created by Noah Hawley, the show expertly blends mysterious storylines with a touch of the absurd, capturing the twisted reality of Midwest life. With its captivating wit and intricate storytelling, Fargo has become a powerhouse in television.
Actors: Juno Temple, Jon Hamm, Jennifer Jason Leigh, David Rysdahl, Joe Keery
Premiered: April 15, 2014
7. Taboo
Set in early 19th-century London, Taboo is a thrilling series that takes viewers on a journey with the mysterious adventurer James Keziah Delaney, played by the captivating Tom Hardy. As he seeks revenge for his father’s death, Delaney must navigate a world filled with betrayal and murder. The show’s dark and brooding atmosphere explores complex themes such as mysticism, political instability, and the raw brutality of humanity. Taboo was created by Steven Knight, Tom Hardy, and Hardy’s own father, Chips Hardy, and offers a captivating narrative full of deception and intrigue. Packed with unpredictable twists and turns, this gripping drama is impossible to resist.
Actors: Tom Hardy, Leo Bill, Oona Chaplin, Richard Dixon, David Hayman
Premiered: January 7, 2017
8. You
In the psychological thriller, “You,” Penn Badgley delivers a chilling performance as Joe Goldberg, a bookstore employee. Joe is not your ordinary protagonist, as he has a dangerous charm and a disturbing habit of stalking. He firmly believes in love-at-first-sight, which takes the story to unsettling places. The show’s creators, Sera Gamble and Greg Berlanti, skillfully create an unnerving atmosphere where stalking is portrayed as a twisted form of romance, unbeknownst to our oblivious main character.
“You” delves into the dark side of social media, relationships, and modern dating. It reveals the true horrors that lurk beneath the surface, leaving viewers on edge and making them question their own online presence. Despite the serious themes, the show balances it with dark humor, adding depth to the story. The performances are compelling, keeping the audience engaged and intrigued. As the plot unfolds, it constantly keeps the viewers guessing, ensuring they are trapped in the twisted maze of 21st-century love.
In short, “You” is a psychological thriller that stands out from the rest. With a mesmerizing performance by Penn Badgley, it explores the unsettling world of Joe Goldberg, a man who blurs the line between stalking and love. Sera Gamble and Greg Berlanti skillfully expose the dark side of social media and modern dating, leaving viewers tense and questioning their own online presence. With a blend of dark humor and compelling performances, “You” is a series that captivates the audience, ensnaring them in the twisted maze of 21st-century love.
Actors: Penn Badgley, Tati Gabrielle, Charlotte Ritchie, Lukas Gage, Tilly Keeper
Premiered: September 9, 2018
9. The Haunting of Bly Manor
The Haunting of Bly Manor is a gothic horror tale that captivates its audience with a mix of love, loss, and sorrow. This series serves as a follow-up to The Haunting of Hill House and is created by Mike Flanagan. Inspired by Henry James’ novella The Turn of the Screw, the heart of the show’s darkness lies within the mysterious secrets of the English mansion. With an exceptional cast that includes Victoria Pedretti, Rahul Kohli, and T’Nia Miller, The Haunting of Bly Manor weaves a tragic love story wrapped in enigma. It successfully combines a bone-chilling atmosphere with emotional depth, demonstrating the genre’s ability to tell nuanced tales.
Actors: Victoria Pedretti, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Henry Thomas, Amelia Eve, T’Nia Miller
Premiered: October 9, 2020
10. The Handmaid’s Tale
Margaret Atwood’s chilling dystopian novel, The Handmaid’s Tale, has been transformed into a captivating TV series that delves into power dynamics and the fight for survival in a repressive society. With Elisabeth Moss at the helm, her powerful portrayal of Offred, a Handmaid subjected to sexual servitude and oppression in Gilead, leaves a lasting impact. Creator Bruce Miller brings this poignant story to life with cinematic detail, delving into themes of misogyny, resistance, and the indomitable spirit of humanity. The Handmaid’s Tale boasts an exceptional cast and compelling storytelling, making it a harrowing yet mesmerizing show that lingers in the viewer’s mind.
Actors: Elisabeth Moss, Joseph Fiennes, Yvonne Strahovski, Samira Wiley, Alexis Bledel
Premiered: April 26, 2017
