Peacock’s ‘Hysteria!’ Teaser Brings Demons to the Suburbs

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Peacock’s ‘Hysteria!’ Teaser Brings Demons to the Suburbs

As a child of the ’80s who grew up with the fear of the Satanic Panic lurking around every corner, I can’t help but feel a strange mix of nostalgia and chills while watching the teaser for Peacock’s new series, “Hysteria!”. The eerie blend of Belinda Carlisle’s “Heaven Is a Place on Earth” with the unsettling image of a demonic face in a microwave is a perfect encapsulation of my own childhood fears.

After its impressive performance at the Olympics, Peacock Network is shifting back to its standard programming lineup, featuring among them a suspenseful drama set in the 1980s that centers around the Satanic Panic phenomenon of the time.

The broadcaster unveiled a sneak peek and announced that the series “Hysteria!” will make its debut on October 18th. This gripping drama follows a heavy metal high school band who, in an attempt to exploit public fear, end up in over their heads. The premiere episode will be available not only on Peacock but also simultaneously on USA Network and Syfy. The USA Network will additionally air follow-up episodes every Friday night.

As a devoted fan, I couldn’t help but get excited when I saw the teaser of Julie Bowen (from Modern Family) grooving in her kitchen to Belinda Carlisle’s “Heaven Is a Place on Earth”. However, my joy was abruptly interrupted by what seemed like an earthquake that disturbed her dance. To make matters worse, a chilling, demonic face appeared from the microwave, casting an eerie atmosphere over the scene.

“Hysteria!” explores the dual facets of a common generational anxiety: parents fearing their kids may be engaging in something sinister when left unsupervised, as stated by creators Matthew Scott Kane and David A. Goodman. It delves into the excitement of youth, characterized by rebellion and aspirations, while also confronting the dread of maturing and recognizing that the world you thought was stable has changed unexpectedly. Our aim is for this series to provide a shared experience of suspense, laughter, music, and emotional depth between parents and older viewers (of course, appropriate for their age). Growing up can be terrifying; so is being a parent.”

As someone who grew up in a small town during the late 1980s, I can imagine the intrigue and fear that surrounded the events depicted in this show’s logline. The disappearance of a beloved figure, the sudden interest in the occult, and the ensuing witch hunt would have been a chilling experience for anyone living through it. The idea of a struggling high school heavy metal band using the situation to their advantage is both clever and darkly humorous, reflecting the desperation and rebellious spirit that often characterizes teenagers. However, the escalating series of murders, kidnappings, and reports of supernatural activity would have added an air of terror and uncertainty to everyday life. This logline captures a unique moment in history while also providing a gripping story that explores themes of fear, identity, and survival.

In the thrilling production of “Hysteria!“, Bowen is joined by Anna Camp, Emjay Anthony, Chiara Aurelia, Kezii Curtis, and Nikki Hahn. Notable appearances are made by Bruce Campbell, Garret Dillahunt, Nolan North, Elijah Richardson, Milly Shapiro, Allison Scagliotti, and Jessica Treska in guest roles.

The Universal Studio Group’s UCP unit is behind the production of “Hysteria!”. Kane, Goodman, John Francis Daley, and Jonathan Goldstein (known for “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves”) are serving as executive producers along with Chris Bender and Jake Weiner from Good Fear Content. Jonathon Vogt-Roberts, who directed the initial and concluding episodes of the eight-episode series, is also involved. Scott Stoops from Good Fear is overseeing production as a supervising producer.

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2024-08-12 19:54