The fourth season of M. Night Shyamalan’s Servant has terrified viewers. Although it will stop with this season, horror aficionados can fill the need with other materials. Many television programs have eluded notice and can be regarded as underestimated.
There are many undiscovered horror gems available if you look hard enough. There are numerous films that can scratch that craving, ranging from the Shudder anthology Creepshow to the Hannibal starring Mads Mikkelsen.
‘Ash vs. Evil Dead’ (2015-2018)
Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell), who takes place 30 years after the events of the Evil Dead film series, needs to reaffirm his heroic credentials.
Even though it was a continuation of a well-known horror franchise, this definitely merited more attention. Sam Raimi also contributed. It refined the gore and humor, served as a startling resurrection, and featured Campbell in all of his legendary glory. Campbell also said that an animated Ash vs. Evil Dead sequel might be coming soon.
‘Bates Motel’ (2013-2017)
This show serves as a modern prologue to Psycho by Alfred Hitchcock. Prior to the events of the 1960 classic, it explores the lives of Norman Bates (Freddie Highmore) and his mother, Norma (Vera Farmiga).
Farmiga and Highmore’s on-screen chemistry is what makes this show. This program expertly recounted the origin story of Bates, one of the most recognizable horror film villains ever, as his mental state deteriorated.
‘Being Human’ (2009-2013)
The first episode of the series features a ghost, a werewolf, and a vampire who are forced to contend with the pressures of domestic daily life.
Because it has received favorable reviews and is a favorite among viewers, this British series needs further exposure on a global scale. It was impressive how effortlessly it kept to a strong conclusion without lingering too long. Among the celebrities were Russell Tovey and Lenora Crichlow. Due to its popularity, a North American adaptation with the same name debuted in 2011.
‘Creepshow’ (2019-)
The new Shudder series, which is based on the popular Stephen King anthology film of the same name, follows the Creep as he introduces a number of intriguing horror stories.
Even though Greg Nicotero’s Creepshow may not be underappreciated, there could be greater awareness of it. There is truly something for everyone here, with episodes that cover a range of moods and subgenres, from werewolves fighting Nazis to a parody of Evil Dead. With horror aristocracy like Tobin Bell (Saw), Justin Long (Barbarian), and Jeffrey Combs (Reanimator) appearing in some of the episodes, it has star power as well.
‘Hannibal’ (2013-2015)
This program centers on the titular figure (Mikkelsen), a well-known psychiatrist and covert serial killer. Hugh Dancy, a young FBI criminal profiler who discovers himself empathizing with serial killers, plays a key role in the investigation into his relationship.
Fans of Hannibal Lecter are in a privileged position since they can select between two outstanding lead performances, with Mads Mikkelsen’s possibly being even more famous than Anthony Hopkins’. It could even be challenging to consider this underrated given how highly regarded it is and how many honors it has received. However, there may still be some additional knowledge of it. Mikkelsen made the part feel like his own, and it’s a shame the show was cancelled.
‘iZombie’ (2015-2019)
Liv (Rose Mclver) is a medical examiner for the Seattle Police Department who has transformed into a zombie and uses her natural appetite for flesh. She consumes the victims’ brains to momentarily absorb their memories.
Despite a disappointing conclusion, this supernatural police procedural program had a remarkable reputation and concluded after a fifth season. It was unquestionably a fascinating take on the zombie sub-genre because it masterfully blended zombie terror with biting humor. It undoubtedly appealed to a youthful market and was based on the same-named comic.
‘Penny Dreadful’ (2014-2016)
To combat the dangers posed by a supernatural presence in Victorian London, an explorer, an American gunslinger, a scientist, and a medium must work together.
This British program, which boasts excellent acting and fine direction, merits greater international recognition. Timothy Dalton’s career as James Bond was further enhanced by the show, which constantly received great ratings from critics.
‘Scream’ (2015-2019)
This serialized anthology series, which is based on the Wes Craven classic, focuses on teens who are the targets of an unidentified Ghostface killer.
Although obviously not as well-known as the movies, this series deserves more praise than it has received. Particularly for ardent Scream series fans, there was a lot to like. The second season of the show features the best tension between the dark and light tones.
‘Servant’ (2019-2023)
When their thirteen-week-old son passes away in the movie Servant, Dorothy (Lauren Ambrose) and Sean Turner (Toby Kebbell) experience sadness. To help her deal with the loss, Dorothy uses a lifelike reborn doll. Things start to get weird and scary for the couple.
The Apple TV program has consistently received favorable reviews. Rupert Grint shown his versatility in a part outside of the Harry Potter series with strong performances in cramped settings. This is undoubtedly Shyamalan at his best—scary with touches of humor.
‘The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
The novel follows five adult siblings who discover that their early paranormal experiences are still having an impact on them today. The story is divided into two timelines.
In the 2010s, Mike Flanagan became well-known in the horror genre thanks to the commercial success of films like Gerald’s Game and Doctor Sleep. He also demonstrated that he could handle the small screen with this limited series. Flanagan is a maestro of both the big and small screen in addition to the other spin-off series.
