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?

It is definitely safe to say that the horror world lit up with joy over the news that Mark Duplass and Patrick Brice were bringing us a brand-new chapter in the Creep franchise. For this eerie saga is widely loved and often poured over by newcomers and legacy horror fans alike. Simply because it is that rare original story that offers up such unique ideas and concepts and of course, with there only being two films in the franchise… we all simply desire more. So, it really was quite the treat to learn that The Creep Tapes were coming and that they were going to be hosted by Shudder, the premiere horror streamer, and well, since the buzz remains strong, Shudder thought it best to build it up further.
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All by releasing a chilling trailer for the series, along with some key art and a lovely image that confirms that Peachfuzz will be back in the franchise to terrorize, and well, these gifts will indeed have the desired effect. Since the trailer makes it clear, we will be diving deeper into the maddening mind of a serial killer unlike any other in the horror genre, and horror fans will indeed be energized to dive into concepts and see where this next chapter will take us. Of course, since you’re ready to experience more from this franchise, Shudder was kind enough to supply us with the trailer, that photo and that art. To help us properly countdown the days to the next chapter in this harrowing yet engaging franchise.  

‘Shudder revealed today the official trailer and key art for the all-new series The Creep Tapes, the highly anticipated next installment of the iconic found horror footage franchise from writers and executive producers Mark Duplass and Patrick Brice. Duplass will reprise his leading role in the six-episode Shudder Original series set to premiere Friday, November 15 on Shudder and AMC+. The series will debut with a two-episode premiere, followed by new episodes releasing weekly on Fridays on both platforms.

The Creep Tapes continues to unravel the mind of a secluded serial killer who lures videographers into his world with the promise of a paid job documenting his life. Unfortunately, as the tape rolls, the killer’s questionable intentions surface with his increasingly odd behavior and the victims will learn they may have made a deadly mistake.
  
The Creep Tapes is produced by Duplass Brothers Productions and Shudder. Executive producers include series star Duplass and Patrick Brice who both also serve as co-writers, with Brice directing all episodes. Additional Executive Producers include Mel Eslyn, Jay Duplass and Chris Donlon, and Shuli Harel serves as co-executive producer.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Daddy’s Head’.
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One particular subject that is being explored heavily in popular media currently, is the power of grief, and it makes sense as to why. For we are finally coming to realize that all the old school advice on how to deal with it, is a bunch of utter nonsense. For we simply cannot power through our grief, and time does not heal all wounds. No instead, powering through just buries our pain deep enough that it takes years to resurface. Not to mention, time just lets the pain and the resulting trauma from it, grow. Allowing for dark days down the line when it resurfaces through a triggering incident with a vengeance. So, to better understand how to properly heal from it, through confrontation and resolution, it is being showcased in every genre imaginable.

To the point where even police serials are exploring the nature of it and how it impacts those who have little time to process its power, and of course… it is popping up often in horror. Simply because the smartest genre on the planet can use monsters and ghoulies, and ghosts, to become the allegory of our grief. So, we can explore its power and its dangers before the story shows us how to conquer it. But what’s fascinating about these many explorations, is that none of them have yet to ponder upon a fundamental question/fear regarding grief. Specifically, what does it feel like? Because answering that question, can help us truly understand it, and prepare us for it so we can seek help when it brings us to our knees, and at last… a new horror film on Shudder explores that all-important question.

A feat that Daddy’s Head accomplishes by plunging us into the heart of grief, all by introducing us to a family shattered by death. For Isaac and his stepmother, Laura, just lost James. The patriarch of the family and someone they both deeply loved, and their pain is fresh, and they are besides themselves. For they did not expect him to go, and quickly try to put the pieces back together with him out of their lives. But as they try to do so, something sinister appears to be preventing their healing process. In fact, Isaac believes that his father’s spirit has returned and is eager to be embraced by them. But Laura, is deeply worried instead that this is nothing more than something within Isaac, that exists as a result of his broken spirit, and she simply does not know how to stop it from persisting.

Which is the perfect plot in which to explore… what grief feels like. Because those early days is where its fresh and where it consumes us quickly and writer/director Benjamin Barfoot takes full advantage of that moment to bring about a stunning exploration of its power. Going so far as to showcase the hollowness we feel when we initially grieve, the stunning ache that fills that void and how we are just not ourselves when it hits us hard. For we are simply broken in that moment, and all of that is expressed here in stunning detail, even the stuff that freaks us out after we’ve lost someone. Since so many of us think we hear the voices of the departed and/or see flashes of them. Courtesy of the fact that grief can be a fickle bitch like that… and play tricks upon our mind.
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Oddly enough, it is those tricks that Benjamin uses… to make this a true horror story. Because Isaac really does believe he hears his father and sees his horrific visage post death and that leads… to some genuinely scary moments. The kind that makes use of shadows and the less is more mentality to outright shock us. Through moments that reveal more than we want to see, and this twist also allows for the story to explore the horror of what grief turns us into. Since it does indeed put us in a dark place where we are bitter and verbally vicious because we are struggling to process the waves of emotions that are surging through our veins at absolute warp speed. All of which brings forth, a stunningly brilliant and powerful motion picture.

One that really does do the impossible and exposes to the world the true power of grief. Of the emotional rollercoaster it takes us upon. Which in turn allows those who haven’t battled its power and its strength, a chance to steel their nerves and prepare for the inevitable. And for those who have dealt with it, this is a stark reminder of why telling people to ‘get over it’ is a terrible idea and that they need care and grace. Because this is a scary experience, one that is properly sold via amazing performances that at times feel a little too real. But that is what great horror does, it paints a picture that stays with you, and this is that rare horror film that will haunt you long after it’s come to an end. Courtesy of a stark reminder that grief is a monster that is very real… and waits patiently for us in the shadows.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 203 of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular aspect of storytelling, that is genuinely fascinating, is how many different types of villain origin stories exist. For there are stories that showcase individuals that are in essence, born evil and bide their time to create chaos. While others explore a tragic origin story of a lost soul that turns their back upon people as time rolls on, and some… showcase monsters that exist to serve as the yang to the yin to the hero of the story. And what makes this so fascinating is that we apply these scenarios to real-world thinking and ponder often which of them apply to real evil. When in reality, villains are created in our world in a supremely simple manner. Something that only one franchise has properly understood, and put on display.

For The Walking Dead Universe understands that villains are more often than not, the marginalized people of the world. Who were unable to enact change to injustices they could not stand, until they survived the collapse of the world they despised. For then they were free to do things their way and every single villain in this series has been this kind of person, and those in The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol are no exception to that rule. In fact, last night’s episode of the show explored in detail that particular truth, and how it impacts lives in such an awful manner at the beginning of mankind’s second chance, and ‘L’Invisible’ accomplished such feats by exploring how Genet and Losang became the villains they are in this particular story.

For Genet, that involved… watching the government and society do nothing to help the innocents, whom she considered herself to be, before and during the end of the everything. For back at the beginning of the end, she was a janitor at the Louvre. One that was disillusioned with everyone and everything in this life, and that only grew worse when the dead began to return to life. For the government’s actions forced her to watch her husband die at the mottled hands and jaws of the walking dead, and the lack of a response warped her mind further and prompted her to rebuild the world in an image she thought proper. Where the mistakes of the past would never be repeated thanks to brute force and that made for a fascinating origin story here. One that caused all kinds of trouble for Carol.

Because she met Genet and sized her up as only, she can, before exploring Genet’s compound and the many secrets it harbored. All so she could see what would benefit her here, and it turned out that the only plus side to being at the compound, was Codron. Who told her where to find Daryl, and that prompted her failed escape. One that forced her to lie to Genet and tag along to finally be near her friend. Since she accompanied Genet’s forces to the perimeter of the Nest. For its location was discovered and Carol was put in quite the tough spot when all was said and done. Since Genet recognized Carol’s lies and put her in line to be turned into a weapon of living death, all because she couldn’t stand dealing with a positive thinking equal.

However, while Carol was dealing with that madness, we came to learn all about Losang. Whom we discovered, was a broken man for a very long time. Who grew up filled with fear and let that fear control his every move. To the point where the only thing that ever gave him purpose, was faith. For it let him cope with his fear and use thoughts and prayers to cool them, and of course… the chance to change the world gave him direction and strength at last. As though finally giving the world a gift would make him part of it, and worthy of its rebuilding. Which was why, he drugged Laurent and trotted him out to be devoured by a newly turned Sylvie, who died trying to save Laurent from this very fate in the first place. Because she recognized that Losang was doing this to fulfill personal needs over the needs of the many.
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Thankfully, Daryl, Isabelle and Fallou came to stop the madness and did so, at a price. For while they saved Laurent and had him escape with Fallou… Isabelle and Daryl suffered mightily at the dark nature of faith. For they were beaten and tortured and had their future put in question. Because this is the end result of unchecked fanatical faith in a world without rules. Suffering, death, unnecessary sacrifice and a chilling understanding as to what failure might bring. Since Daryl asked that question of Losang and was told… there would be no reason to continue if he was wrong and Laurent turned, as he likely would. All of which showcased a sorrowful villain, one that doesn’t even know he’s in the wrong, and is deeply lost because of his broken past. To the point where he is desperate to find and create meaning through this ‘prophecy’, and that helped to give rise, to a powerful episode.

One that truly made the franchise proud. For those origin stories were right up there with Negan’s painful journey, Alpha’s pitiful one and Philip ‘The Governor’ Blake’s pathetic one. But again, this franchise understands villains and how to build them, and of course… they remind us in the process… how we can prevent their creation. For one can only wonder what path Losang would have walked if he was given care and told its okay to be afraid, and that it takes time to find our path in life. Not to mention, who would Genet be if she was treated like she mattered and given help and care? But alas, that’s more for us to think upon. For in this world, they are the problem, and they are the evil that Daryl and Carol must overcome, and it would seem, it won’t be long before they are forced to do just that.

For the barbarians are now at the gate and ready to topple the Nest, and Losang is ready for more bloodshed from within to keep the status quo and that will indeed bring forth some ugly challenges for our heroes. But while we wait to see how they tackle them; we can celebrate one amazing tale. One that once again showcased how this universe excels at worldbuilding and put on display, some genuinely scary moments. Since it was horrifying to see Laurent come within seconds of enduring a bite, and it was also quite scary to see Carol meet her match and of course, it was just great to learn how Genet and Losang came to be the people they are today. Courtesy of a franchise that loves to tell an enriching story and give everyone their time in the spotlight, so we know exactly who they are and who we are dealing with. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Teacup’.
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If there is one particular thought we often carry in this life, it is that the worst-case scenario, will never happen to us. Because the worst of the worst isn’t reserved for us. After all, we live in America. Where health care is aces and where law and order rule the land. So, the uprisings we see on the news that destabilize a nation cannot happen here, and there will be no spreading of plague or illness because of the science we have around us, the kind that truly allows for us to just live in peace and see that madness from afar through the comfort of television and social media. But what’s fascinating about this thought, is that it is about as false as they come. 

Because the world is and will forever be filled with chaos and all it takes sometimes is a single moment or the perfect storm to bring the worst-case scenario to our doorstep. In fact, we’ve seen it happen in the past few years, courtesy of an insurrection in Washington D.C., alongside… a pandemic that kept us inside and kept us filled with rightful fear. For who knew in those early days what it would do to people. Yet, we still try to hold to that thought, in part because it has been difficult for us to process the reality that we are indeed vulnerable in such a manner and also because… those days were just that damn scary, and that thought offers comfort. So how then do we process the trauma of those days? Well, storytelling is one particular way, since it can put our concerns, fears and pain on display, and it just so happens that Peacock is now home to a horror show… that takes a moment to outright confront our trauma in its series premiere.

A feat that Teacup accomplishes in ‘Think About the Bubbles’ and ‘My Little Lighthouse’ by plunging us into the heartland of America. Wherein we meet the Chenowith family, who are simply doing their best to get by since their future is uncertain as a unified family. Mainly because the father and mother in the family, James and Maggie, are on the outs. For James has been unfaithful and Maggie wants a husband that only wants her, and as they ponder upon their future… something awful lurks in the shadows. For in the woods surrounding their home is a great evil. One that can claim any soul with a solid look into the eyes of its victim, and what that victim becomes is terrifying to say the least and unfortunately for them, that evil has found its way into their home through their son, Arlo. And now, this family and the unfortunate few who made their way onto their property must figure out how to defeat this great evil. One that is so powerful that any who try and leave and avoid confrontation… will pay the ultimate price

Which is a plot, that wastes zero time in scaring the audience. Because this is that rare horror story that goes hard from the start, granted there are breaks in the tension, but that opening scene, is so uncomfortable and so twisted, that the vibe is essentially set from the get-go. Which allows for the ugliness to persist and hang over the story and it only grows in power as the evil takes root, and that truly lays down the foundation for a genuinely scary story. One that hints that we are going to be in for some genuinely chilling moments and some stunning gore, as evidenced by the ‘transformation’ that takes place in episode two when someone breaks the rules, and that alone makes for a worthwhile journey. One that is indeed further enhanced by its delicious commentary regarding the show’s central theme.
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Because it finds a way to reflect our false hopes to be isolated away from trouble and puts our trauma on display with the setting of the show. Since that Romero-esque, Night of the Living Dead setting… reflects how we think we are safe from what lies beyond and that it cannot find us because of where we thrive. But it can, and the arrival of McNab, with his mask and his demands that isolation take place completely echo the pandemic and the helplessness of those dark days. All of which speaks to how, we have no control in life, and we cannot control what finds us. We can only roll with it, process it and handle it as best we can, and while that doesn’t happen here… this clearly sets the stage for a journey wherein these characters either will or won’t, and we can learn accordingly from their actions. 

All of which brings forth, a smart and intense horror story. One that is refreshing and original with its concepts and plays out with a solid sense of realism because of its real-world echoes. Which is something you can never go wrong with, because great horror connects with us before it scares us and that is truly what this series does. Courtesy of those plot elements, the amazing writing that sets the stage and the wondrous acting present here. Since that too adds to the realism and horror of the moment. But what matters most is that this really is a story that is intended to take us on a wild ride, one that will teach us plenty about living in the moment, and what matters, since we are at the mercy of a world that thrives upon chaos so profound, that it can find us anywhere, at any time. Until next time.

To learn more about ‘Teacup’, visit our interviews with Showrunner Ian McCulloch and Cast Members Yvonne Strahovski, Scott Speedman, Chaske Spencer, Rob Morgan, Emilie Bierre, and Caleb Dolden.

One would think that the surge of horror that is currently hitting the airwaves and theaters, would dilute its majesty. Because there is always a prevailing belief that there are only so many ideas to go around and that flattery and imitation are always part of popularity surges, and there is merit to that line of thinking. Since we have in the past seen horror make use of similar concepts on a fairly consistent basis. But what’s truly amazing about the genre right now, is that that particular problem simply isn’t coming to light. Because we keep getting refreshing and original horror stories and well, there is good reason as to why the market isn’t flooded with the same ol’, same ol’.
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In that, with there being such high demand for more horror, creative minds everywhere are simply letting loose with ideas, and that is allowing for all kinds of incredible explorations to take place. Wherein we are learning more about the human condition and the fears we carry with us on a regular basis, and the genre truly is taking the time to offer new twists on old fears we tend to not think of in 2024. Such as say, the ones that have us believe that something bad will happen if we are suddenly isolated in the world, or that perhaps those we love could turn on us thanks to external forces, and it just so happens, that a brand-new series on Peacock, explores those more obscure fears in a manner that is genuinely terrifying.

A feat that Teacup accomplishes by introducing us to the Chenowith family at a very precarious time in their lives. For Maggie and James are experiencing marital strife and their family has yet to know how bad that strife truly is, and to make matters worse… they haven’t a clue that something sinister is lurking in the woods around their home. But there is a great evil hiding in the shadows, and it is inching closer and closer to their home, and it finds its way into their walls in the most unexpected way imaginable. Which gives rise, to utter terror for the family, and those, unfortunate enough to be on their property. For this evil brings with it penalties if one tries to escape its might, and to make matters worse… it is eager to toy with them in a manner that rattles trust, and now this family must fight to survive what it doesn’t understand.

Which really is a modern twist on old fears. Because we think in 2024 that isolation isn’t possible with technology and family life, and the trust it engenders, is so deeply cherished in this day and age that we don’t ever think twice that it can falter. But here, isolation is the order of the day, and family life is not what it seems, and trust is nowhere to be found, and that genuinely rattles the viewer and ruins the idyllic setting of this series. Which adds a genuine sour vibe to the story that appears very early on, and it never leaves. If anything, that tension only grows as the show continues along and it often reaches a horrifying fever pitch. One that explodes into shocking moments of terror that genuinely unsettle and, in some cases, result in a touch of nausea for the visuals that come forth.

All of which gives rise, to a magnificent horror series. One grounded in simple fears and it makes use of some real-world moments to truly add to the terror. Since there are hints of pandemic commentary here. All of which comes courtesy of magnificent writing, led by showrunner Ian McCulloch, and amazing acting from a cast that sells the moment. Giving rise to a story that feels real, feels out of control and chills you to the bone as it plays out and the best news of all, is that you don’t have to wait that long to begin to experience the nightmare that Teacup is. For its first two episodes are streaming now on Peacock and we hope you give it a look and follow along. To see where this titillating tale of terror will take us as, this poor family fights for its very survival against this invisible and utterly horrifying evil.

Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of the Series Premiere of Teacup. Which debuts on Peacock tomorrow!
 
Ep 101:  Think About The Bubbles (Streaming Oct. 10)
Written By: Ian McCulloch 
Directed By: E.L. Katz 
Logline: There’s something in the air at the Chenoweths’ isolated farm/clinic; the animals are acting strangely, and the humans are uneasy. Maggie is doing her best to avoid a tense conversation with her husband, James, when their son, Arlo, goes missing. The rest of the family, including grandmother Ellen and daughter Meryl, join the search, along with several neighbors... 
 
Ep 102: My Little Lighthouse  (Streaming Oct. 10)
Written By: Ian McCulloch 
Directed By: E.L. Katz 
Logline: With the cars dead, no cell service, and the power out, the Chenoweths and their neighbors Ruben, Valeria, and Nicholas Shanley and Donald and Claire Kelly, desperately seek help. Meanwhile, Maggie tends to Arlo’s wounds and realizes something very strange is going on with her son...

There was a time in family entertainment, where the old saying; ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ ruled the day. Because once a production company found a formula that kids enjoyed, and parents were comfortable with it… they just stuck with that formula and well, everyone was happy. Because the kids were entertained, and the parentals felt good about their kids watching something wholesome and worthwhile, and for a very, very long time… that was indeed the standard because why deviate from something that satisfied all?
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But somewhere along the line, it became clear, that a great disservice was taking place by sticking to familiar territory and just offering up the same old, same old. In that, there were some family stories that were powerful in nature that were not reaching their potential. For had these stories tried to branch out, do something new, they could have been legendary in nature and that… has allowed for family entertainment to begin to grow in the past decade or so and explore new concepts and really take children and their parents on an enriching ride, and one particular show that is leading the charge in this as of late, is Curses! on Apple TV+.

For this particular series just dropped its second season on the network, and it truly is a masterclass on how family entertainment can be so much more. On how it can tell compelling and powerful tales that harbor growth and deep-rooted lessons, and it can explore so much without ever leaving behind what made it great. Which is precisely what season two accomplishes, since the plot remains familiar, with the Vanderhouven family still on their mission to return cursed artifacts to free the family from more trouble, with Alex now at their side. Giving rise to what we love, and that of course leaves us comfortable and feeling safe and that’s when the show drops some wondrous surprises upon us.

Because in-between that comfort… are moments that grow this series and move it in a bold new direction. For season two is epic in nature, and even more frightening than season one, thanks to moments that ramp up the scares just a little bit. Not to terrorize mind you, but to just up the ante and really take everyone on an emotional ride. Plus, there’s great depth to be found here as well. Since this is a series that points out correctly, that life doesn’t go back to normal after life changing events. There is an adjustment period, a time to heal, and that’s a wonderful lesson to find here, one that can and will inspire conversations in the home about healing, about trauma and that really does make this quite the special season of storytelling.

Of course, it also doesn’t hurt, that horror legend Robert Englund is part of this now as well. Since he plays an important role in season two and is as amazing as ever and he truly compliments the already amazing cast that we’ve grown to care for, and all of these elements, bring forth an amazing season of storytelling and are proof positive… that family entertainment should never stay stagnant. It should challenge itself; it should try new things because this is what you get when you do. A story that is deep, intelligent and ups the ante in so many ways, and it is just wonderful to see this series back on the air and enjoy its eerie vibes once more, and you don’t have to wait a second longer to enjoy its majesty. For season two of Curses! is on Apple TV+ right now, and we here at NTG hope you give it a look and enjoy everything it has to offer.