10 Small Town Horror TV Shows To Watch Now

As a child of the ’80s who grew up with my nose buried in Stephen King novels and a remote control perpetually clutched in hand, I can confidently say that these three small-town horror TV shows have left an indelible mark on me and countless others.

The horror genre has long proved itself ideal for long-form storytelling, which is why several shows have endured on television as pioneering classics. The medium allows for a deeper exploration of dark themes, psychological terror, and the creeping unease that steadily builds over time and seasons. There also seems more potential for slow-burn storytelling when horror TV shows are set within a close-knit, isolated small town. The setting is ripe with dark secrets and a sense of being cut off from the hustle and realism of the outside world.

Horror TV shows set in small towns create an eerie but enchanting, self-contained fictional sphere where menace becomes a common thing and mysterious forces are stronger than ever. The ten shows mentioned in this list are examples of how small towns can become the perfect backdrop for foreboding intrigue and horror. From possessed dolls to vampiric mayhem, the TV shows present the creepiest of places to tell the scariest of tales.

10 Chucky (2021 – Present)

Following on from the Child’s Play franchise and as a continuation of 2017’s Cult of Chucky, this TV series transports you to the quiet town of Hackensack, New Jersey. After the infamous killer doll Chucky is inexplicably discovered at a neighborhood yard sale, a series of peculiar deaths ensue. When 14-year-old Jake Wheeler delves into these mysterious happenings, all evidence points towards the fiery-haired doll that was once just a plaything but now appears to possess an evil and alarming consciousness of its own.

A Fresh Take On A Classic Slasher

Chucky represents a fresh take on the popular slasher series, transitioning it from the big screen to television with a darkly humorous reinterpretation of the iconic character. Unlike many TV reboots, this one distinguishes itself through its skillfully designed horror aspects and captivating portrayals by Brad Dourif as the psychotic doll and an eclectic group of misfits, headed by Zackary Arthur, who band together to defeat Chucky. Spanning three thrilling seasons, the series delves further into Chucky’s sinister background while maintaining a consistently chilling atmosphere.

9 Midnight Mass (2021)

Under the guidance of director Mike Flanagan, the storyline of Midnight Mass revolves around Riley Flynn, a young man who seeks a fresh start in his hometown of Crockett Island after spending four years in prison. Simultaneously, this small town welcomes a captivating yet enigmatic priest who vows to rejuvenate their faltering faith. However, his questionable methods stir unrest among the tight-knit community, which is later followed by a string of bizarre and foreboding occurrences.

Leaves You in a State of Hypnosis

Flanagan’s limited series structure effectively serves as a captivating exploration of religious fervor and existential anxiety. The close-knit town’s somber solitude, coupled with the escalating tension in each episode, generates an unsettling depth. Actors Zach Gilford, Kate Siegel, and Hamish Linklater deliver outstanding performances, showcasing their characters’ convictions and imperfections while leaving no room for compromise in portraying the genuine terror that haunts them. In summary, Midnight Mass is a skillfully crafted slow-burn masterpiece.

8 NOS4A2 (2019 – 2020)

NOS4A2 is a captivating tale set in the quaint, perpetually festive town of Christmasland. This imaginative Christmas Village, where Christmas is celebrated every day, serves as the backdrop for the story of the enigmatic Charlie Manx, a menacing figure who thrives on preying upon children’s minds. One day, young, working-class artist Vic McQueen uncovers her unique talent – she can track down Manx and his sinister transportation of souls to Christmasland. Determined to put an end to this horrifying realm, Vic harnesses her powers in a valiant attempt at its destruction.

Road Trip into the Supernatural

NOS4A2 represents a captivating television adaptation of Joe Hill’s supernatural horror novel, the offspring of famed author Stephen King. It masterfully blends suburban unease with enchanting fantasy elements, immediately drawing viewers in. Not only do the characters Vic and Manx exhibit intricate paranormal abilities, but their tense conflict adds an atmospheric depth to the series. However, what truly sets NOS4A2 apart is its vivid depiction of Christmasland, a town filled with clever plot twists and striking visuals that culminate in an unforgettable climax.

7 The Outsider (2020)

For quite some time now, Stephen King’s novels have served as fertile ground for movie and television adaptations. One such adaptation is “The Outsider,” which takes its title from one of his books with the same name. The narrative revolves around Terry Maitland, a man who becomes entangled in a case that seems like an open-and-shut victory after being falsely accused of the heinous murder of a young boy. In charge of the investigation is Detective Ralph Anderson, who encounters some extremely peculiar evidence that seems to exonerate Terry instead.

Delivers Sophisticated Scares

King’s extremely unnerving, slow-burn psychological thriller gets new life on HBO at the hands of Richard Price, who weaves an exquisite small-town mystery that leaves audiences scratching their heads until the very end. The series spans ten tightly wound episodes with flawless pacing as the unsettling events unfold one after the other. Holding a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it is a series that can hold the audiences’ attention throughout – in no small part thanks to an amazing performance from standout Cynthia Erivo.

6 Bates Motel (2013 – 2017)

In simple terms, “Bates Motel,” which is a prequel to Alfred Hitchcock’s film of the same name, is set in the 1950s and focuses on the teenage years of Norman Bates, a character created by Robert Bloch for his novel “Psycho” from 1959. The story unfolds in the peaceful coastal town of White Pine Bay where Norman runs the Bates Motel with his mother, Norma. However, their relationship is strained due to its codependent nature, and as Norman grapples with it, he starts experiencing peculiar changes in his psyche.

Tragic, Heartbreaking, and Funny

In this modern adaptation, we delve into the lives of these characters before Hitchcock’s iconic tale, blending humor with suspense. It unfolds over five captivating seasons, immersing viewers in the enigmatic Bates family while sending shivers down their spines from the eerie environment they inhabit. Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore deliver outstanding performances, breathing life into the complex pairing of Norma and Norman, adding a fresh twist to the horror genre on television.

5 Shining Vale (2022 – Present)

In the quaint town of Shining Vale, Courtney Cox portrays Pat Phelps, a former bestselling author whose marital indiscretions led to a scandalous fallout in bustling New York City. To escape their tumultuous life, the family, including Pat and her husband Terry, move to a serene mansion in small-town Connecticut. Despite their hopes of rekindling their relationship in this new setting, they soon discover that the grand house harbors an ominous influence that jeopardizes their familial harmony.

This is What a Suburban Nightmare Looks Like

Despite its ominous title and premise, “Shining Vale” cleverly combines elements of comedy with horror. The series introduces a compelling and realistic portrayal of a dysfunctional family right from the start, while the main character, Pat, played by Courteney Cox, grapples with midlife crises that lead her to question whether she’s possessed or merely insane. Greg Kinnear brings charm as Pat’s bickering partner, and laughter ensues from the blend of domestic drama and subtle horror throughout the series.

4 Wayward Pines (2015 – 2016)

The television series “Wayward Pines” is based on a trilogy of books by Blake Crouch, and it follows U.S. Secret Service agent Ethan Burke as he investigates the disappearance of two colleagues in the mysterious town of Wayward Pines. As he delves deeper into their cases and talks to the locals, he starts to doubt his surroundings, ultimately realizing that no one seems to be able to leave this peculiar town.

A Mind-Bending Psychological Thriller

As a fervent advocate, I’d say I found “Wayward Pines” underrated and unfortunately cut short before its time, despite being exceptionally brilliant. Critics often label it as eerie and peculiar, with a hint of familiarity in its supernatural narrative approach. Yet, it manages to distinguish itself through unexpected plot twists and startling revelations. Notably, it marks a comeback for M. Night Shyamalan, who directed the pilot episode and oversaw the rest as an executive producer. In essence, it presents a refreshing take on the small-town horror genre, offering something unique and intriguing to viewers.

3 Twin Peaks (1990 – 1991)

“Twin Peaks, with its enigmatic allure yet equally chilling, stands out among the most impactful TV series from the ’90s. The narrative revolves around FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper, who steps into Twin Peaks, a peculiar logging town nestled in the mountains, to probe an odd murder of high school student Laura Palmer. Initially appearing as a run-of-the-mill case, it rapidly transforms into a progressively ominous and surreal tale as Agent Cooper delves deeper.

Who Killed Laura Palmer?

As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but marvel at the groundbreaking impact of Twin Peaks, a masterpiece co-created by Mark Frost and David Lynch. This enigmatic series revolutionized aesthetic storytelling, redefining the mystery-horror genre with its captivating small-town setting that left an indelible mark on TV. The quirky characters it introduced continue to inspire their counterparts in other productions, while the eerie atmosphere it created still lingers, a testament to its enduring influence. Kudos to the exceptional performances by Kyle MacLachlan and Sheryl Lee, whose dedication to their roles kept the mystery alive for three seasons and nearly 50 episodes.

2 Salem’s Lot (1979)

Under the guidance of director Tobe Hooper and inspired by Stephen King’s 1975 novel, the gripping miniseries Salem’s Lot revolves around author Ben Mears, who revisits his quaint hometown, Salem’s Lot, Maine. Simultaneously, an enigmatic European man named Straker receives a mysterious crate at his residence; within lies his associate, Kurt Barlow, an ancient vampire. As these occurrences intertwine, Mears uncovers the eerie existence of bloodthirsty vampires lurking in the town.

A Terrifying Vampire Classic

Salem’s Lot boasts an exceptional ensemble, with David Soul and James Mason leading the charge in this renowned adaptation. They masterfully portray the struggles of small towns besieged by chilling vampire nightmares. Praised by critics as a refreshing triumph that reshaped the genre, it presents unexpected plot developments, unleashes spine-tingling supernatural fears, and ushers in an innovative age of vampire narratives.

1 Stranger Things (2016 – 2025)

The outstanding TV series set in a small town, Stranger Things, represents Netflix’s most significant success in recent times. This captivating show takes viewers back to the 1980s in the small town of Hawkins, Indiana, where a boy named Will Byers appears to have vanished mysteriously. His distraught mother, Joyce, the police chief Jim Hopper, and Will’s friends embark on a quest to find him. However, the truth that emerges is more bizarre than expected – a talented girl with unique abilities and evidence of an alternate universe.

Thrives on Nostalgia and Mystery

The Duffer Brothers unveil a series of mysterious occurrences reminiscent of 80s thrillers, sparking our collective curiosity. Starring an impressive cast like Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Natalia Dyer, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Joe Keery, and others, Stranger Things showcases exceptional acting performances. Its intricate craftsmanship, chilling conspiracies, captivating sci-fi enigmas, and contemporary cultural nods contribute to its success.

2024-11-07 04:32