Now, then, I had suggested to my Twitter friend and fellow horror blogger, Ruby Violence, to do a blog on horror TV shows. Now, it's my turn, particularly with the return of TB. Due to censorship issues doing horror on TV is difficult. Though, the amount of violence now allowed on TV is much greater. And, in general, genre shows have gotten much better and smarter, moreso with the aforementioned liberty now allowed on channels like HBO and Showtime. So, sit back and enjoy my picks. If you feel there is some show that should be on this list, definitely let me know!
9. Friday the 13th: The Series- Controversial when it aired, for it's TV pushing gore, it could also be pretty corny, sometimes. And, the episodes followed a definite pattern, but likable characters and actors (and the hotness of Robey) made this one the best horror show on regular TV, at it's time. It far outshines stuff like Monsters and Freddy's Nightmares and holds a very special place in my heart. Watch the episodes surrounding the cursed coin, that feature zombies and Satanic cults, for those in doubt of whether this show belongs on this list.
8. Harper's Island- It only lasted for one season, but this mystery/ slasher series really rocks hard. One by one people invited to a wedding (that of beautiful Katie Cassidy, pictured at left) die at the hands of what could be a killer thought to be dead. The deaths are pretty gruesome for TV, the cast is good, and the babes are hot (but Cassidy is the best!). I only started watching this show now on Chiller TV, but I'm really into it. I highly recommend it!
7. Tales from the Crypt- The first HBO original series. Without there would be no Sopranos, True Blood, etc. Filled with amazing casts and directors, the great mix of horror and humor makes this THE best pure horror anthology TV show of all time. Being on premium cable meant the show could get away with the kind of graphic gore, sex, and nudity that regular TV could not ever show. The show lasted for a long time, and it meant that as a horror fan you had to subscribe to HBO. It also earns points for the fact that each episode was based on an issue of the 50s classic horror comic (along with it's sister mags The Haunt of Fear and The Vault of Horror), meaning that Crypt's influence was undeniable on practically all forms of horror entertainment.
6. The X-Files- While, the core of the series was sci-fi, IE alien investigations, make no bones about it, this show worked best when it went all out horror. Well, expect for vampires, it really, er, sucked at that. But, it held it's own when it came to: werewolves, ghosts, demonic possession, witches, Satan worshipers, mutants, monsters, serial killers, psychics, etc. Episodes dealing with inbred hillbilly killers (which shocked Fox execs and earned itself the rare, on regular TV, rating of TV-MA) and the death fetishist (let's call a spade a spade, he was a necrophiliac) rank among horror's finest on TV, as well as some of the most boundary pushing (again for free TV). All that said, the last two seasons or so, suck and swallow alien cock.
5. True Blood- Man, I can honestly say that I can be pretty obsessive when it comes to this show. The first season was good, but it's the magnificent second season that truly blew me away. I already talked about the last season and my hopes for this one. But, at it's best TB is smart, sexy, and gory. It's got a great cast of characters and actors. But, it's romance at it's core works. And, that is really important here that it does. The amount of sex, nudity, and babes makes it a feast for eyes. And, the gore splattering reminds you that this ain't not Twilight shit. I remain a Trubbie and proud of it!!!
4. Angel- THE greatest spin-off in the history of TV. Darker than Buffy, Angel started off good, but like it's sister show it didn't hit it's stride until the second season. It ended with a far superior season (when compared, again, to it's sister show). With a very likable and intense lead and his great supporting cast, the show's mix of horror, humor, fantasy, and detective story worked exceptionally well. The fact there were some real hot babes was, to me, an added bonus. Oh yeah, the episode were Angel gets turned into a puppet is one of the finest on any TV show, of any genre!
3. Dexter- One of the best acted and smartest TV shows ever made is the best way to describe Dexter. The show hit it's pinnacle two seasons ago with the Trinity killer. Lithgow remains the show's best villain. Sadly one problem that has marred the other seasons (well, other that the first one and the Trinity one), and that's having a fitting ending. Last season was a great example of a great season, with a terribly weak ending. Still, when it's on track this is as captivating as TV gets. And, it also features what is easily one of the most interesting lead characters on any TV show.
2. Buffy the vampire Slayer- For a long time, to me, this was the pinnacle of TV, and not just horror. That it was based on a terrible movie, only makes that much more impressive. The first season was fun, but once season two came it trampled all the horror that came before it. Smart, funny, scary, and even moving. I cared so much for these characters, that I cried when Buffy's mom died! And, Spike was (is?) my hero! I even dyed my hair to look like him. And, then there was the babe factor, and the writing! Really. For a show with a rather silly name the scripts were really intelligent. Season five, with the awesome and beautiful villainess Glory, remains one of my fav seasons on any TV show. Sadly, the last season was it's weakest, by far, but the final episode rules!
1. Supernatural- When I first heard of this show, I was like, "Oh, no, Buffy with dicks". But, little did I imagine how great it would be. Each season is better than the last. The two leads are great, likable, and interesting characters. The violence pushes what can be done regular TV, the babes rank among some of the yummiest on any show. And, just when you think that can't top themselves, they do. This show NEVER fails to amaze me. I thought they could not top Lucifer, from two seasons ago, I was wrong. Last season was incredible. I don't know how they do it, and do it so fucking well. I pretty much worship this show. Nothing before it can touch the level of quality it has set for itself. Oh yeah, the car is fucking cool, too! Oh, and so is the use of rock music!!! Honestly, I could gush on and on about this show, but I will end before I come off as a fanboy... Hmm, I think it might just be too late for that!
