Review: Shudder’s ‘Creepshow’ Series is Horror Anthology TV at its Best
Creepshow, premieres on the AMC Network owned Shudder on September 26. The new series is based on the 1982 film, which featured stories written by author Stephen King. The film and its 1985 sequel honored the EC comic book style of horror tales.
To bring this style into a new age, Shudder enlisted horror effects icon Greg Nicotero. As showrunner, Nicotero quickly added new and old faces to bring new stories to life. The premiere episode features two stories that make for a perfect introduction into the anthology horror series.
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New Stories
Episode one opens with a segment entitled “Gray Matter”. Which is based on a short story by Stephen King, and adapted by Byron Willinger and Philip de Blasi. The adaptation stays true to King’s original story, which was featured in his collection of short stories Night Shift (1978). Directed by Greg Nicotero, the story follows a father with a drinking problem. After the death of a loved one, his drinking gets out of hand and he soon discovers that he is unable to quench his thirst. “Gray Matter” stars Adrienne Barbeau (The Fog), Giancarlo Esposito (“Better Call Saul”) and Tobin Bell (Saw).
The second segment, “The House of the Head”, was written by Josh Malerman (Bird Box). Directed by John Harrison (Tales from the Darkside) and stars “Walking Dead” actress Cailey Fleming as Evie. This installment follows Evie as she arranges her favorite dolls into her doll house. But after a severed toy head suddenly appears in her dollhouse, she struggles to protect them.
A Rebirth of Horror TV
The writers and cast expertly tell the stories, with practical effects and tension abound. Much like Creepshow and its sequel, the stories unfold quickly, yet fully. With small interludes with a new incarnation of the Creeper. There are lots of Easter eggs and odes to Stephen King throughout the episode. Nicotero and Shudder have created a new series that feels familiar in all the best ways. But still gives its audience new stories and scares. Overall, Creepshow is a fun return to episodic comic book horror.
What works for the series is it’s ability to adapt the stories for tv. On top of a great team of cast members the first episode feels like a rebirth for the age of comic horror. The show feels like settling into a horror movie that you know and love. But with completely new stories to tell.
Subtle call backs to the original film can be found by those who know and love it. Creepshow feels like walking into a creepy house and settling in for a fun evening of frights. The cast which is full of familiar faces, adds to the overall sense of good old fashion horror TV. This series was made for those who were raised on Tales from the Crypt or Tales from the Darkside. But it also updates the genre and effectively brings it into a new era. Creepshow is just good old fashion anthology horror tv.
You can check out a behind the scenes look at Creepshow below. The series will feature 12 original segments over six episodes, with the first episode premiering on September 26. Leave a comment below and let us know what you’re excited to see. Be sure to follow ScaryNerd for more of all things horror!
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This sounds like it is right up my alley and it is perfect timing too with Halloween being so near! I will have to check more into this, thanks for sharing this with all of us.
Woah! This is something I will enjoy! Heading to look more about it!
Ohhhh. I’d be watching this with my eyes closed. I’m such a scaredy cat, but watching the behind the scenes, seems like I could handle it 😉
I love a horror movie/series! and this one sounds absolutely amazing! I’ll definitely check it out. thanks for sharing!
Halloween is right around the corner and I will be adding this to my horror flick shows. I have always been a big fan of old Creepshow series.
This. Looks. AWESOME! I am in love with Stephen King and the story lines here sound awesome! I will definitely have to check this show out as I’d never even heard of it!
It’s been quite long since I watched a horror movie or a television series. The programming in our country is more drama oriented and hence not many good options are there. However I would love to catch up on this series. Sounds exciting.
This looks pretty scary! Not sure I’d watch it alone!
I admit I’m not a fan of horror shows, but this does sound interesting! I might have to try one episode.
Ok. Wow. this is why I am not a fan of horror movies.
You know, when I was a kid I used to live on this kind of stuff. Now I don’t want anything to do with it. However, my teenage son, like myself when I was young, constantly wants to see these things with their friends. For this reason, I am always reading reviews because I still am careful as to what I will allow him to watch. So thanks!
I’m a huge fan of the horror anthology genre! This sounds perfect to watch this spooky season, I’m so intrigued
Oh man! Not my thing at all! I’m such a scaredy cat! I’ve been sent this to my brother, though… hopefully he can get it in the UK through the wonders of the internet. Thanks for a great in depth review
thanks! I didn’t know about it and it totally looks like something I’d enjoy! Thanks for posting!
I used to love a good scary show/movie as a teen/young adult, but now I have zero interest. I’ve tried but horror and sci-fi just don’t sink in with me. Maybe it’s time to give it another whirl…Halloween is coming!
Never heard of this series before but that sounds interesting. Will have to check this out especially since Halloween is near. 🙂
Ooo just in time for Oct. I love Scary move/tv shows!