15 Anthology Series Where Every Episode Feels Completely Different

Anthology TV shows are interesting because each episode tells a completely new story. Unlike most shows that have ongoing plots, these feature different characters and settings every time. This format lets creators try out different genres and styles without being tied to a single storyline. Writers and directors can explore a wide range of topics, from sci-fi to romance, all within the same series. The shows below are great examples of this – they successfully tell a new story with each episode.

‘Black Mirror’ (2011–Present)

Created by Charlie Brooker, this British sci-fi series looks at the surprising and often unsettling results of new technology. Each episode is a self-contained story set in a different world – sometimes the near future, sometimes an alternate version of the past. The show can be darkly funny or genuinely frightening, depending on the story. Each installment features a new cast and director, giving it a unique look and feel. Ultimately, the series explores how we interact with technology and the digital world, often in a thought-provoking and disturbing way.

‘The Twilight Zone’ (1959–1964)

The Twilight Zone, hosted and largely written by Rod Serling, was a groundbreaking show that mixed fantasy, science fiction, and horror. It’s best known for its surprising endings and the thought-provoking morals hidden within its strange stories. The show typically started with normal people in everyday situations that quickly became bizarre or supernatural. Writers cleverly used these fantastical plots to explore important social issues of the time, such as prejudice and war. Because of its diverse storytelling, The Twilight Zone remains a hugely influential example of the anthology series format.

‘Love, Death & Robots’ (2019–Present)

This animated series, created by Tim Miller and David Fincher, showcases short films from different animation studios worldwide. The animation styles are incredibly diverse, ranging from incredibly realistic computer graphics to classic hand-drawn animation and comic book-inspired visuals. Each short tells a quick science fiction or fantasy story, and the length of each episode varies to fit the story it tells. The series explores a wide range of topics, from the bizarre – like intelligent yogurt – to epic tales of soldiers battling supernatural forces.

‘Inside No. 9’ (2014–2024)

Created by and starring Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton, this British series is unique because each episode is connected only by the number nine. Each story unfolds in different settings, like a train car or a typical house, and shifts unexpectedly between lighthearted comedy and intense, frightening moments. The show is famous for its complex storylines and surprising twists that completely change how you understand everything you’ve just watched. This flexibility lets the creators cleverly reference a wide range of styles, from old silent movies to classic Shakespearean plays.

‘Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities’ (2022)

Guillermo del Toro put together this horror anthology, giving different directors and writers a chance to showcase their talents. Each episode starts with an introduction from del Toro and then presents a complete, standalone horror story. The episodes vary in style, ranging from classic gothic tales to more modern, realistic monster stories. The filmmakers had the freedom to use practical effects and choose colors that best fit their individual stories, and the series features adaptations of works by authors like H.P. Lovecraft, as well as original scripts.

‘Room 104’ (2017–2020)

Created by Mark and Jay Duplass, this series takes place entirely within the walls of a typical American motel room. Though the setting is ordinary, each episode features a new guest and explores a wide range of stories, from musicals to sci-fi thrillers. The show isn’t afraid to experiment with different ways of telling these stories, sometimes using things like dance or animation. It proves that you don’t need a big budget or elaborate sets to create compelling and diverse narratives.

‘The Outer Limits’ (1963–1965)

This well-known show centers around science fiction tales, particularly those involving aliens and time travel. What sets it apart from other shows of its time is its frequent use of self-contained episodes featuring a unique creature or problem each week. The series was known for its impressive creature designs and special effects, especially considering when it was made. Unlike many similar fantasy shows, it generally took a more realistic and thoughtful approach, using these stories to examine what it means to be human when confronted with the strange and the unbelievable.

‘Tales from the Crypt’ (1989–1996)

Tales from the Crypt features a host, the Cryptkeeper, who introduces each scary story. The show is based on classic horror comics from the 1950s and often included well-known directors and actors. Each episode presents a darkly humorous and often over-the-top tale of someone getting a gruesome comeuppance for doing something wrong. The show blends dark comedy with scary visuals and supernatural themes, and it visually recreates the look and feel of the original comics.

‘Alfred Hitchcock Presents’ (1955–1962)

Alfred Hitchcock hosted this show, which was known for its gripping crime dramas and suspenseful thrillers. Each episode centered around mysteries and murders, avoiding supernatural or science fiction themes. Hitchcock’s witty introductions and endings were a clever way to get around rules preventing criminals from seemingly escaping justice. The stories typically followed everyday people caught in situations involving lies and blackmail. The series also helped launch the careers of many future Hollywood directors.

‘Philip K. Dick’s Electric Dreams’ (2017)

This show brings the short stories of science fiction legend Philip K. Dick to the screen. Each episode is its own self-contained story, diving into ideas about artificial intelligence and what’s real. The stories are set in a variety of places, from far-off planets to futures that feel very much like our own. The show’s look and feel change with each story, reflecting whether it’s a gritty detective tale or a personal family drama. A diverse group of international actors play the complicated characters from Dick’s work.

‘Masters of Horror’ (2005–2007)

Mick Garris designed this series to give well-known horror directors complete creative control, letting them make hour-long films without studio meddling. Iconic directors like John Carpenter and Dario Argento each contributed original stories. The episodes are incredibly diverse, ranging from classic slasher films to chilling psychological thrillers and even sharp political commentary. Because there were no restrictions, the filmmakers were able to include strong violence and mature content rarely seen on television back then. Each episode is essentially a self-contained movie, squeezed into a television time slot.

‘Creepshow’ (2019–Present)

Developed by Greg Nicotero, this series is a modern take on classic horror, inspired by old-style comic books. Each episode usually presents two distinct stories, brought to life with impressive practical effects and visuals reminiscent of comic book panels. The show blends lighthearted, campy moments with truly frightening monsters and supernatural events. It features both adaptations of stories by renowned authors like Stephen King and Joe Hill, as well as original tales. The goal is to recreate the feeling of reading a scary magazine late at night, hidden under the covers.

‘Star Wars: Visions’ (2021–Present)

Animators from Japan and other countries have created original short films set in the Star Wars universe. These stories aren’t restricted by existing Star Wars lore, allowing for fresh and unique takes on the Jedi and Sith. The shorts feature a wide variety of art styles, from classic black and white to vibrant, modern designs. Each film introduces its own characters and worlds, separate from the main Star Wars movies. This creative freedom lets the filmmakers explore diverse cultures and artistic approaches within the beloved space opera setting.

‘Modern Love’ (2019–2021)

This series is based on the well-known ‘Modern Love’ column from the New York Times. Each episode tells a different story about human connection – things like love, family, and friendship. While most stories are set in New York City, the show features a wide range of people and filmmaking approaches. You’ll see everything from stories about dating with bipolar disorder to unusual but strong friendships. Overall, it’s a moving look at how complicated relationships can be today.

‘Amazing Stories’ (1985–1987)

Steven Spielberg’s anthology series brings captivating and imaginative stories to life. Each episode explores different genres, from fantasy to wartime drama, and is directed by well-known filmmakers like Martin Scorsese and Clint Eastwood. The show emphasizes heartfelt stories and boasts the impressive quality of a big-screen movie, blending magical and ghostly tales with funny and thrilling adventures.

Please share your favorite episode from any of these anthology series in the comments.

2025-11-28 14:46