I have been a fan of horror since 1976 when I was 4 years old. Even though Snow White was not technically a horror film, the evil queen's transformation into the witch scared me. I recall the first true horror film was at the drive-in and watching The Omen. I remember trying to look in my scalp for the mark of the Beast lol. The movie that scared me was The Exorcist, even after 45 years I can not bring myself to watch it again. It was that traumatic. When I was 7 and at home from school sick, I decided to read my mother's novels Amityville Horror and Carrie. Those novels influenced my writing. I have been writing horror ever since.
I love horror television shows and here is a list of my 15 favorite shows (in no particular order) If you haven't heard of some of them go check them out!
Poltergeist the Legacy. 1996-1999. A secret society called the Legacy fought evil, supernatural forces in order to keep mankind safe. Some episodes were intense. Even though the series is called Poltergeist it was not associated with the films. I would give it an 8 out of 10.
2. Friday the 13th: The Series. 1987-1990. Again a TV series not affiliated with the films. A lot of people were expecting Jason and were disappointed. I feel it was a good show but used the popularity of Friday the 13th films to sell the show. The premise was a woman named Micki inherited an antique shop from her Uncle. Her Uncle made a deal with the devil and cursed the objects sold from the shop. Micki and her cousin had to locate the cursed objects, bring them back, and seal them away. Many spooky episodes. I give it 7 out of 10.
3. Freddy's Nightmares. 1988-1990. Freddy Kruger was the host of this anthology series. The episodes ranged from good to fair. It only aired for 2 seasons. I did enjoy the fact that Freddy was the host and the first episode was a prequel to the movies. All in all, I liked it. I give it 6 out of 10.
4. Kindred the Embraced. 1996. Only aired for one season, I feel it was not given a chance. Kindred the Embraced set the stage for others to come such as the Originals and True Blood. It centered around a San Francisco Detective and vampire clans. The series was loosely based on the game Vampire: The Masquerade. If you can find it I definitely recommend watching it. 8 out of 10.
5. Forever Knight. 1992-1996. Another spin on Vampire lore. Nick Knight is a homicide detective as well as a Vampire. His friend, the city medical examiner is the only one who knows his true nature. He wants to be a better Vampire and make amends for the atrocities he did to the human race. I enjoyed this show and recommend it. 8.5 out of 10.
6. Moonlight. 2007-2008. Looks like a pattern with these shows. Only one season for this Vampire show as well. Mick St. John was bitten by his wife 60 years earlier and made into a Vampire. He uses his abilities to help others in need. I would give this show 7 out of 10.
7. Penny Dreadful. 2014-2016. All of the literary favorites were featured, Frankenstein's monster, the monster's bride, Dorian Grey, Invisible Man, Jekyll and Hyde, Dracula, the Devil, Witches, and the American Werewolf (in London). This show is the most horrific out of my list. It is a must-see if you haven't watched it. 9 out of 10.
8. Werewolf. 1987-1988. I loved this show. It didn't last long just one season. The show follows Eric a grad student who was bitten by a werewolf. In order to break the curse, he must find the werewolf who bit him and kill him. The wolf transformation looked painful and was done well. 8.5 out of 10.
9. Tales from the Crypt.1989-1996. This is one horror TV series that had a long run. The crypt keeper was the host of the anthology. The episodes featured well-known actors. Some of the episodes were spooky and some were just a little creepy. 8 out of 10.
10. Tales from the Darkside. 1984-1988. Out of all the anthologies, this one is my favorite. Created by George A. Romero and featuring stories by Stephen King, Clive Barker, George A. Romero, Tom Savini, Harlan Ellison, and many others. Each tale was unique, experiencing horror from the minds of some of the best in the genre. Definitely 9 out of 10.
11. True Blood. 2008-2014. The first 4 seasons I enjoyed. The last 2 were mediocre to me. It still is one of my favorites. Based on the Sookie Stackhouse novels, it was a refreshing take on vampires, werewolves, fairies, witches, and shifters. 8 out of 10.
12. 666 Park Avenue. 2012-2013. Another short-lived series based on a novel. I was shocked when it was canceled. The show reminded me of the movie The Devil's Advocate. The tenants in the high-rise apartment building made deals with the owners unwittingly losing their souls. I think this show could have continued but they cut the storyline short due to the cancellation. 8 out of 10.
13. Supernatural. 2005-2020. This show had longevity. I was hooked from the first episode (I had a story idea very similar to this in progress) I loved the family dynamic and the scary episodes. The lighthearted ones were also enjoyable. Seeing the show end was bittersweet. 9 out of 10.
14. The Walking Dead. 2010-present. I loved this show the first few seasons but lost interest. I may once again attempt to watch it. The first season was phenomenal. There was a sense of horror and fear when watching it. As the seasons progressed we got some truly evil villains. I was skeptical of a zombie TV show but they pulled it off. Season 1-4 9 out of 10. After season 4, 7 out of 10.
15. American Horror Story. 2011-present. This anthology series gives you a new nightmare each season. First beginning with Horror House. It is by far my favorite season along with Coven. The disturbing visuals and top-notch storytelling are why American Horror Story continues to satisfy fans. 9 out of 10.
As I made this list I realized how many more shows I love. Here are some honorable mentions:
The Originals, Creepshow, Hemlock Grove, Castle Rock, Nos4A2, Hannibal, Dracula, Stranger Things, and Lock and Key. Next blog My favorite Thriller tv shows.