Please enjoy this sneak peek of Episode 302 of Wicked City. Which debuts on ALLBLK, tomorrow, 10/24/24!

Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of episodes five and six of Teacup. Which debut on Peacock tomorrow!
 
Ep 105: I’m a Witness to the Sickness (Streaming Oct. 24)
Written By: Michael O’Shea
Directed By: John Hyams 
Logline:  In a flashback episode, Travis, the man holding James hostage, explains how he ended up shot and hiding in the Navarros’ basement. Through Travis’ tale, James learns the imminent danger his family faces...
 
Ep 106: You Don’t Know What It Means to Win (Streaming Oct. 24)
Written By: Francisca X. Hu
Directed By: John Hyams
Logline: James, Ruben, and the kids return to the Chenoweths’ with wounded McNab. Armed with the knowledge Travis imparted, James comes to a horrifying conclusion about his mother’s recent actions...

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘MadS’.
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One particular truth about horror that we don’t acknowledge enough, is that it often offers us, catharsis. Which may seem silly to read when one considers that we watch scary stories to get scared, but beyond the gore, beyond the jump scare and any other moments of terror we enjoy, there is real catharsis to be found within this genre. Because it really is a space to confront our fears and process them in a manner where we are safe. For regardless of how hard the story goes or what particular anatomy lesson we receive, we are facing our fears in that moment. We are staring down what unsettles us the most and no harm comes to us. Just a little elevated heart rate and a dab of sweat, and that really does help us to heal.

Which is why it should come as no surprise, that horror is starting to shift gears and explore some very real-world, intimate horrors on a more regular basis. To let us ponder upon the nature and the power of our traumas, our fears of losing people and everything in between. So, we can heal, so we can face those fears at last and that is also why… we are seeing some visceral stories about infection as of late. For we are only a few years removed from a global pandemic, one that scared the living hell out of all of us, and one whose traumas we may not have processed yet. So, why not let horror help us do that, and help us to move forward from that scary time in our lives, and it just so happens… that a brand-new feature on Shudder takes the time to do just that.

A feat that MadS accomplishes by taking us out for a night on the town. Wherein an everyday teenager and his friends find themselves embroiled in some scary moments. For on his way to a party, Romain has quite the scary encounter with a wounded and possibly mentally unwell woman, one that results in some close contact with her, and some terrifying behaviors from her that he tries to dismiss as mental health issues. But sadly, it is more than that. For shortly after being near her, Romain does not feel well, and nor do some of his friends that come into close contact with him, and there’s good reason for that. For that woman happens to be patient zero of a hideous virus that transforms people into violent monsters and now those free from infection must run and hide from the people they once called friends to try and survive an outbreak that no one understands or is ready for.

Which is… the perfect plot in which to explore, the emotional scars that Covid left us with. Because this story, perfectly replicates those early days of the virus. For just like in our world, information is scarce in this story, the virus moves through means that no one understands and for the most part… no one knows who has it. For there is no grand transformation here into a grey-skinned nightmare. Just moments of surprise and moments of terror, and that too, reflects that difficult era. And by putting all of this on display, the memories of those days flood back and we are faced with that terror of the unknown once more. Where we can in fact, process it, think about it and be reminded that we are safe now, and that makes for an amazing watch, one that is further enhanced by some other amazing moments.
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For this story has so much more to offer than just reflection and healing. It is at its core, a zombie horror film, one that showcases the opening hours of the outbreak and that leads… to some stunning moments of terror. The kind where we watch everyday people just transform into the violent monsters these creatures are, and oddly… lament their actions to an extent. Which is unique in its own right. Plus, we’d be remiss to not point out that one of the reasons this film is so impactful with its scares and its commentary on days gone by, is the sheer fact that it plays out in real time. Because the movie is shot a la Rope, so it looks like a continuous take. Which truly makes it feel as though we are trapped in this nightmare.

Which gives rise to an innovative and stunning horror feature. One that really does take you by surprise from beginning to end. Because you simply don’t know what to expect here. You’re confused, nervous, worried, as we were so long ago, and you’re simply at the mercy of this story and that’s brilliant to say the least. Since it really does provide us with a visceral and raw horror feature, one that truly does allow for us to process the horror we endured a few years ago, while giving us a rough and tumble zombie story that holds nothing back when it comes to the scares, including the gore. Since writer/director David Moreau knows how to integrate that perfectly into this magnificent feature. One that truly teaches us… we are simply passengers in this life, and the sooner we realize to control what we can control, the better prepared we will be for moments akin to this, where the world asserts its power over us.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 204 of ‘The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that fans of hit AMC series, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol, have been patiently awaiting two important things to happen in season two of the show. The first, is resolution regarding the villains that populate this world. Simply because evil does not win in this world, the heroes of this world see to that, so fans have been counting down the days to the end of Genet and Losang, and of course… they’ve also been waiting for the reunion to end all reunions. That moment when Carol and Daryl stand next to each other again and bring us joy and remind us of the true power of friendship in the process, and well, after three incredible weeks of commentary and tension building, at long last… the show finally worked to give the fans what they wanted during this week’s episode.

For ‘La Paradis Pour Toi’ wasted little time in letting us know that Carol was going to be okay after being thrown in with Genet’s new batch of angry walkers. Since she smartly figured out how to hide among the corpses Genet created, and she managed to avoid dealing with the horror of the serum. All so she could escape post haste, with Codron no less, who was carted out as living bait for the dead… and make her way to the Nest. Wherein, pure chaos erupted. Mainly because Genet began her all-out assault on the place and that brought forth some of the patented action and adventure we’ve come to enjoy from this series. For the dead were everywhere, and terror was the order of the day and that brought about… sorrow and joy within the compound.

Sorrow from the fact that Losang’s darker tendencies were put on display in this tale. For while his world began to collapse, he continued to push Isabelle for information regarding Laurent’s whereabouts and when that did not go as planned, since Isabelle fought back… he was quick to stab her and leave her for death and resurrection shortly before leaving to fight the monsters in his stead. Which did not go well, for the variant walkers were tough and so many of Losang’s flock suffered and it truly seemed as though we were about to bid farewell to a character we love and eventually… we did. For Isabelle did not survive her injuries, but she was able to at least say goodbye to her love and be with Daryl one last time, simply because he escaped and that… led to the pure joy in this tale. 

Because once Daryl was out of his makeshift cell and causing good trouble, he ran into Carol and thus… came that big moment we were waiting for. Wherein two best friends, no longer separated by an ocean, were able to reunite and know that bond again, and that led… to an epic escape from the Nest and some powerful moments for certain. The kind that showcased how best friends don’t miss a beat when they reunite after some time, because this duo were quickly back to their quippy ways, and they were able to catch up and fill each other in using minimal words because of the trust they harbor and this reunion also allowed for us to learn, that Daryl has some emotional work to do in this story as well. Since clearly, he was shattered by losing Isabelle and Laurent and needs to process that pain as much as Carol.

But of course, there was mention of the fact that this story also resolved some darkness, and it accomplished that feat, in a supremely unique manner. Because eventually, Daryl and Carol were able to find a small village that Laurent traveled to with Fallou on their way back to Paris, and this was a fascinating place. For it was filled to the brim with people that were just plain older than everyone else, and because of that, they had a pact regarding death. In that, when someone passed in this quaint little village, those that went on, simply locked the fallen in their yard and let them live their second life. Giving rise to an eerie main street, one that was balanced nicely by the sweet couple that our heroes encountered along the way.
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For in this village was a loving couple, filled with a measure of hope and acceptance we’ve never seen in this universe before. They simply understood the rules, made peace with everything and just enjoyed the moment. Which was something we can all learn from, and sadly, one half of them wasn’t as gentle as the other. For the old man they spent time with here, was ready to turn Daryl and Carol over to Genet, to enjoy more hot meals and more time on this Earth, and that brought Genet herself to their humble abode to deal with the mess at hand, and that led to a tense and sorrowful sequence. One where the sweet old lady in this house perished and where… Carol dealt with Genet herself. For when there was a window to strike true, Carol used the very serum Genet created to end her in a violent and oddly satisfying manner.

But while it was lovely to see good triumph over evil again in this story, one cannot forget that sometimes… one fallen monster can easily be replaced by another, and that happened here. Because Genet did not kill Losang after seizing control of the Nest. Likely to keep him around for information and a rainy day as she was wont to do, and that… was problematic for our heroes. Because without a leader, Genet’s scattered forces turned to Losang to step in and guide them, and of course… he was more than happy to help with that. For now, he could spread the good word further and use vast resources to find his messiah and continue to propagate his lie, and bring suffering in the process. Spelling nothing but trouble for our heroes down the line.

All of which brought forth, a stunningly epic episode. One that truly delivered on everything we’ve been waiting for. For at last, Genet paid the piper for her special evil, Codron played the hero, and of course… the greatest best friends in the history of television are together again, and that’s a good thing. Because one evil has replaced another, one that flat out will be more ruthless than Genet ever was since he believes that God is on his side, and Laurent will need their strength to stay safe. But while we wait to see what that battle looks like; we can celebrate just an incredible story. One that really did deliver on that big moment and made it worth our while and special, and it was just a real treat to see Daryl and Carol together again and doing what they do best, and that will make the wait for next week’s episode quite painful, since we are now more than eager to see them continue to do good in this faraway land. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Hysteria!’

​One particular question we are asking often these days, is how did we get to this point? Which is a broad question that applies to a bevy of concerns. For instance, our society is super polarized, with people making politics a huge part of their identity now and there are folks digging in hard from a religious standpoint. Not to mention, people are doing some fascinating things when it comes to the desire to be seen and noticed by the world. For instance, cosplayers will pay tribute to the death of a famous person by posting a ‘tribute’ in costume that draws attention to their skills, rather than just paying respects, and others will do stupid stuff to enjoy clout. All of which just leaves us scratching our heads because this doesn’t seem like behavior we should see in our modern world, and we don’t know how it came to this.

But there are answers to this, and honestly, we merely need to look back at our past to better understand how such behaviors took root and are rampant now, and it just so happens that Peacock and USA Network are now home to a horror story that will examine such matters, while scaring the hell out of us. A feat that Hysteria! accomplishes by transporting us back to the past. To the year 1989 to be exact, in the small Midwest town of Happy Hallow to be more precise. Wherein we meet a trio of teenagers named Dylan, Spud and Jordy, who yearn to be popular and would love for everyone to appreciate their band, and they find quite the opportunity to make that happen in ‘The Satanic Panic’. For a jock goes missing in this story, and the strange circumstances surrounding his exit speak to the possibility that something evil is happening in this small town.

That, and a surprise moment between Dylan and his crush, prompts the band to go dark and tie their music with satanic death metal. Which piques everyone’s attention and gives them the clout they so desire. But there are problems that come with hitting the limelight in such a manner. For their desire to do this in the midst of a crisis, prompts so many to begin to wonder if something genuinely evil is happening here, and that brings stunning fear to this town, and some strange occurrences as well. That speak to something sinister hiding in the shadows of this town after all. Which is… the perfect way to explore the central theme present here. Since that does indeed showcase why people are willing to do sink to low levels for clout, and it involves, being marginalized. Because that’s hard to reconcile, not being someone that is seen or matters… so those folks believe that it is worth their while to go for it and see what it is like to be noticed regardless of what type of attention it brings.

But what’s amazing about this intelligent and delightfully 80s story, is that it also harbors, some genuinely unsettling moments of horror. After all, the opening sequence where the jock is kidnapped, is about as scary as it gets and harkens back to the slashers of the era. Not to mention, the lurking darkness in this town is also unsettling. Because there really does seem to be something quite evil hanging out in Happy Hallow and it would seem a lot of what happened here, has awakened it. As though bringing harm to an innocent allowed for this darkness to thrive. Not to mention that ending, and those visuals really do leave add to the mystique of the story. Plus, it is also quite exciting that the show has more commentary waiting in the wings regarding that central question we are all asking in 2024.

Because clearly, the desire for some to have everyone return or join sweet baby Jesus, alongside the fear present in this town and the distrust that is growing… speaks volumes to some deep discussions on Modern America and the division we are currently battling, and the origins of it, and all of that makes, for a magnificent series premiere. For this is horror at its finest. After all, it has something for everyone. Because there’s scares abound and intense moments that chill, plus there’s fine commentary to be found within the framework of the show and above all, there are some horror legends present here. Since Anna Camp is True Blood royalty, and Bruce Campbell needs to introduction, just our awe. Because Hail to the King, baby. All of which just makes for a delightful watch, one that has us ready for more and ready for answers regarding what the hell is happening in Happy Hallow. Until next time.

To learn more about the creation of this series, visit our interviews with Co-Showrunners Matthew Scott Kane and David A. Goodman, and cast members, Emjay Anthony, Chiara Aurelia, and Kezii Curtis.

It is definitely safe to say that modern pop culture is heavily influenced by the 1980s, for several reasons. After all, a great deal of creatives who grew up in that epic decade, are now in charge of storytelling and are paying homage to the best parts of the 80s in their work. Not to mention, the decade really did offer up some iconic stories, the kind that we are still in love with today. To the point where children of the 80s are showing their kids the stories they grew up on, making those epic tales generational in nature and course… it was also… a super important decade in horror history. Since it was filled to the brim with groundbreaking horror features whose elements and tropes are still in use to this day.
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In addition to all of that, the nostalgia for the era is at an all-time high, and that’s allowing for stories set in that decade to come to life often, allowing for this decade to dominate pop culture in the 21st Century. And it just so happens that a brand-new series on Peacock, serves as the perfect tribute to all the best parts of that era, including the genre that dominated the day. A feat that Hysteria! accomplishes by offering up a story that is not only set in 1989 but is a horror story in its own right. One that plunges us into the lovely town of Happy Hollow at the height of the Satanic Panic, and well… something dark is happening in this lovely town.

For one of the most popular kids in school has gone missing, and there are many who wonder if some sort of evil force from outside of the town has brought about his disappearance. A fear that only grows when a local band, comprised of everyday teens, seek to piggyback on that notion by posing as a band that is all about that Satanic lifestyle. But when the darkness in this town grows and more strange occurrences take place, questions rise regarding this band’s role in the whole mess. All of which gives rise, to a fantastic horror series. One that really does impress in so many ways. Starting with the fact, that it really is a perfect tribute to 1980s horror. Since it gets the vibes right, and the look right as well. In fact, just about every single shot in this story has that perfect glow and VHS wash that everyone associates with 80s horror. But the wonder of this story goes beyond its ability to fit into the zeitgeist of 2024 nostalgia.

Because this is also a hyper intelligent homage, one that puts the Satanic Panic on display, something that was a weird and wildly big deal in the late 1980s, and while it thankfully burned out in the early 1990s, the paranoia and the division it created has relevance here. Since there are moments in this series that feel eerily reminiscent of today, and the division we currently harbor from a political standpoint, and even the strange push from the church to be relevant and dominant in matters both political and moral in 2024 finds root here, giving rise to commentary on the cyclical nature of our society. Not to mention, even the band just hopping on the bandwagon has its own bit of commentary, regarding our current obsession with trends and clout. Which in turn just adds to the majesty of this series, because good commentary like that is often found in great horror and that’s really what this series is, and it backs that up… with some stunning scares as well.

For what happens in this town is genuinely creepy, and the scares are both original and familiar. Thanks to moments that either pay homage to the slasher and horror stories of the 80s or offer something refreshing and new, and all of these elements blend together to bring forth a must-see series for Halloween. Because it really is something quite special and something quite delightful. Since it is the perfect blend of scares and intelligence, and the tribute to a beloved era is never overwhelming. Courtesy of some amazing writing that’s been put forth by co-showrunners Matthew Scott Kane and David A. Goodman, and it also doesn’t hurt that this series boasts a stunning cast. One that features Anna Camp and Julie Bowen, and even horror legend Bruce Campbell gets in on the fun, and the principal cast, consisting of Emjay Anthony, Chiara Aurelia, and Kezii Curtis hold their weight as well.

But the best news of all, is that you don’t have to wait to enjoy this series, in fact… you have a bevy of options when it comes to watching it. For all eight episodes are on Peacock now, and if you don’t have Peacock, but do happen to have cable, you can watch it weekly on USA Network starting tonight, and we hope you give it a look. For this really is quite the unique horror series, one that truly blends together so many wonderful elements of nostalgia and commentary, about a wild moment in time. Courtesy of a grand exploration regarding how Americans struggle to adapt with the ever-changing times.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episodes Three & Four of ‘Teacup’. To revisit the Series Premiere, click here.
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Often times in horror stories, two things ring true. In that, the characters will rarely deal with the shocking fallout of the horrible things they are experiencing, and answers won’t come in the story until late. Simply because… horror stories want to keep that tension rolling, so not giving people a chance to breathe and reflect adds to that terror and offering surprises at the end of the story, provides the viewer with pure shock value, the kind that brings forth an epic finale, and this has been commonplace for ages on end. But in this new era of storytelling, there are stories now pondering as to whether or not such matters can change and enhance scary stories for the better and Teacup on Peacock is proving, that is most certainly the case.

For the next two episodes in this saga, ‘Quite for No Reason’ and ‘In the Heart of the Country’ took the time to do both of those things, while still finding new ways to surprise us and scare us and it really did waste little time in giving everyone a moment to breathe. For a fair chunk of episode three allowed for everyone to just rest for a bit and reflect upon their new normal. Wherein they could process the reality of the situation, and many of the revelations that came forth in the last episodes. Allowing for real and genuine reflection to take place, the kind that was relatable and powerful, and familiar. Since this sequence once again felt akin to the horrors we experienced not that long ago, and it was refreshing to see this kind of humanity on display. Since it truly isn’t something that shows up in horror enough.

But there was mention of some answers to be found here as well, and much of that was handled via Arlo. Who revealed that whatever entity he now carried, was named Harbinger, and that it wanted to offer up some measure of help. Which was why it led Meryl and Nicholas into the woods to reveal the being’s origins and offer up a fix. As it turned out, Harbinger was a being from another world, and residue from its landing would allow for everyone to leave if they consumed just enough of the goop. But alas, that might not happen now because of a wild encounter with McNab, who apologized and offered grace to Harbinger, since they are in fact, old friends. One that McNab is eager to help in any capacity, provided of course… he can survive the wound inflected upon him in this tale. 

Plus, more answers came forth by way of a surprise on the farm. In that, law enforcement arrived and the agent that stepped onto the property provided some insight into what the heck was going on. In that, whatever this creature from the heavens was, created a harmonic field in its presence. One that would rip anyone to shreds if they crossed the border of that field, hence that blue line, and of course… he wanted to meet the being and deal with it violently. Something Maggie was not good with since she knew it would mean the end of Arlo, and she also didn’t trust the man in the slightest. So, she knocked him out, isolated him and came to learn he had big plans for Arlo. But before she could discover what that was, a massive surprise came into play.

In that, the man was also infected with whatever came down from the stars, and he transferred that essence into Ellen, who destroyed her former body. Making it clear that Harbinger has enemies, and that moment helped to usher in… the terror. Because McNab was right, no one can be trusted, and it is shockingly difficult to discover who is who in this story and that’s terrifying, and the scares didn’t end there. Since we don’t know if James and Ruben are safe. For they went out to a neighbor’s farm to check on that family and perhaps enlist their help. Only for them to find death and destruction before Ruben was locked away in a silo, one that harbors a living surprise from these aliens and James… encountered a bloody and wounded survivor that wanted believable answers… or James’ life.

All of which gave rise, to a pair of magnificent episodes, that really did do the impossible. Because we really did watch these folks deal with the horror of their situation and reflect upon it and offer a measure of grieving for the loss of their freedom, which was refreshing. Plus, it was equally as fascinating to enjoy a little science fiction twist in this tale and get some answers. Not all of them mind you, to keep the mystery going. But it was nice to finally have an idea of what’s going on and what everyone is up against, and it really did accomplish all of that while creeping us out. Because the neighbor farm scenes were just unsettling and terrifying and the reveal that another like Harbinger is on the farm, was chilling and compelling. Enough that we are undoubtedly counting down the minutes to next week’s episodes, to see where this incredible series is headed next. Until next time.

It is definitely safe to say that hype for the Anne Rice Immortal Universe on AMC Networks, is at all an all time. Thanks in large part to the stellar second season that Interview with the Vampire put on display, along with the announcement that the Talamasca are getting their own series… and of course… we know that Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches is in the midst of filming its second season. Which also adds to the excitement hanging over this franchise and well… that buzz is only greater after today.
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Simply because earlier, AMC Networks released some first-look photos and the premiere date for season two of the show at New York Comic Con 2024 earlier today, and well, we simply won’t keep you waiting and will get right down to sharing all the details from today’s announcement, along with those images. Because we know how much you want more from this amazing franchise, one that is going places that few horror franchises have ever gone before.

‘Today, on the Main Stage at New York Comic Con, AMC Networks announced that the anticipated second season of Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches will premiere on January 5, 2025 on AMC and AMC+. The panel, moderated by TV Guide Magazine’s Damian Holbrook and featuring executive producer Mark Johnson, showrunner Esta Spalding, and cast members Harry Hamlin, Tongayi Chirisa and Alyssa Jirrels, also included an early screening of the season two premiere. The company also released new season two photos.
 
Based on Anne Rice’s Lives of the Mayfair Witches, season two of Mayfair Witches continues the journey of Rowan Mayfair (Alexandra Daddario) after she has unwittingly given birth to the demon Lasher (Jack Huston). She is determined to understand what he has become – human or monster? – and to use him to fulfill her purpose as a healer, but when tragedy strikes, she must put aside her own desires and fight to protect her family.
 
The series is executive produced by Mark Johnson, Showrunner Esta Spalding, Tom Williams, Michelle Ashford, Christopher Rice and the late Anne Rice, and is produced by AMC Studios.

About AMC Networks:
AMC Networks (Nasdaq: AMCX) is home to many of the greatest stories and characters in TV and film and the premier destination for passionate and engaged fan communities around the world. The company creates and curates celebrated series and films across distinct brands and makes them available to audiences everywhere. Its portfolio includes targeted streaming services AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, ALLBLK and HIDIVE; cable networks AMC, BBC AMERICA (operated through a joint venture with BBC Studios, which includes U.S. distribution and sales responsibilities for BBC News), IFC, SundanceTV and WE tv; and film distribution labels IFC Films and RLJE Films. The company also operates AMC Studios, its in-house studio, production and distribution operation behind acclaimed and fan-favorite originals including The Walking Dead Universe and the Anne Rice Immortal Universe; and AMC Networks International, its international programming business.’

Please enjoy this sneak peek of the season three premiere of Wicked City. Which debuts on ALLBLK, tomorrow, 10/17/24!

Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of episodes three and four of Teacup. Which debut on Peacock tomorrow! As an added bonus, also enjoy this behind-the-scenes special effects featurette of the show!
 
Ep 103: Quite for No Reason (Streaming Oct. 17)
Written By: Ian McCulloch 
Directed By: Chloe Okuno 
Logline: After learning a devastating secret about his wife, Ruben joins James on a mission to get help at the nearby Navarro farm. Arlo reveals both what’s happening to him and the strange and terrifying reality of the situation they are in as he leads Meryl and Nicholas into the woods.
 
Ep 104: In the Heart of the Country (Streaming Oct. 17)
Written By: Ian McCulloch 
Directed By: Chloe Okuno 
Logline: James and Ruben are both held captive at the Navarro farm. On their way back from the woods, Arlo, Meryl, and Nicholas, encounter McNab, a mysterious man who desperately wants to help. Or does he?