10 Must-See Horror TV Series

      Vanessa Maki presents a collection of horror TV shows you should check out…

      While we often discuss our love for horror films, it's important to consider horror television as well. Committing to a TV series, especially if you’re watching multiple at once, can be intimidating. But when you discover a show that resonates with you as a horror fan, it’s exhilarating—particularly when it’s something that hasn’t received widespread attention.

      There’s no need to feel guilty about enjoying popular series or those with dedicated fan bases; however, expanding your horizons to explore fresh and potentially thrilling content is also a plus. This list aims to take you on a journey through horror TV shows you may not have encountered or had the chance to see. Prepare for a wild ride through various horror subgenres—it might get a bit bumpy!

      The Strain (2014-2017)

      This series offers a unique take on vampires, diverging from the traditional portrayals we’re accustomed to. The Strain centers around individuals battling an ancient viral strain of vampirism that wreaks havoc in New York. Based on a trilogy by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan, this show redefines vampire horror with a fresh perspective on these creatures.

      The Strain provides horror enthusiasts with rich character dynamics, Nazi vampires facing their retribution, original vampire lore, and a significant amount of gore. While it may not be flawless and some characters may occasionally frustrate, that’s fairly typical in most shows. It’s definitely worth the investment of your time, especially if you enjoy series filled with unexpected twists.

      Ash vs Evil Dead (2015-2018)

      Get ready to groove with the Deadites! Ash vs Evil Dead follows Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell) as he attempts to save humanity from the Deadites once more. It exists within the canonical Evil Dead universe, featuring numerous callbacks sure to delight fans. Expect plenty of charm, blood, guts, crude humor, and unforgettable moments.

      This series is a delightful blend of comedy and horror, though Ash's character has his flaws, which shouldn't be surprising. It also brings memorable characters into the mix, leaving viewers wishing for more than just three seasons. Overall, it makes for the perfect binge-worthy horror series.

      Wolf Creek (2016-2017)

      If you found Mick Taylor (John Jarratt) terrifying in Wolf Creek (2005) and Wolf Creek 2 (2013), you’re in for more chills in this series. Season one follows a young woman seeking revenge against Mick for her family's deaths. In season two, a group of tourists battles for survival as Mick hunts them down.

      While the seasons differ significantly in plot, and one may appeal more than the other, Wolf Creek does not hold back on gore and violence. Fans of Australian horror will likely appreciate the series’ atmosphere. It's definitely worth a look if you enjoyed either of the films; otherwise, it may not be to your taste!

      Slasher (2016 – )

      Move over American Horror Story; your Canadian counterpart is in the house. Slasher is a horror anthology series set in the same universe, exploring different groups of people embroiled in murder mysteries with diverse motivations. It shares similarities with AHS, though some viewers prefer Slasher.

      Each season of Slasher presents something unique, with some seasons being favored over others. However, common features include a range of characters, queer representation, practical effects for gore and violence, and entertaining kills. You don’t need to start from the beginning, which is part of the charm of anthology series!

      Dead of Summer (2016)

      A horror series set in a summer camp with supernatural elements? That sounds intriguing! Dead of Summer takes place at a Midwestern summer camp in the late '80s, where its inhabitants face horror they weren’t prepared for. Although the series was canceled after one season and has some rough spots, it embraces its sillier elements.

      This show might serve as a good introductory horror series for younger audiences interested in teen horror. While it may not be groundbreaking, the various twists will keep you engaged. If you enjoy supernatural horror and summer camp themes, you may find enjoyment in what this series has to offer, along with a diversity of characters—always a plus!

      Van Helsing (2016-2021)

      A fierce bisexual woman leading a gritty vampire horror series? That’s exactly what Van Helsing provides. The plot follows Vanessa Van Helsing (Kelly Overton) as she wakes from a three-year coma into a post-apocalyptic world overwhelmed by vampires. The series expands on the lore of Abraham Van Helsing by introducing Vanessa as his descendant, who possesses a unique blood profile.

      Van Helsing is often underrated, offering many horror fans what they may seek in other shows. With plenty of gore, solid performances from the cast, relatable characters, diversity, and ruthless vampires, it’s a show that tends to be overlooked due to its budget—don’t let that stop you from giving it a chance.

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