The Best New Horror TV Shows

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Horror is having a major moment on TV. Recent years have brought a huge wave of scary new shows, ranging from big-budget adaptations of popular games and books to completely original series that are truly frightening. Both streaming services and traditional networks are investing in these dark stories, offering viewers a wide variety of options – from mind-bending psychological thrillers and monster movies to supernatural mysteries and updated slasher classics. This is a list of the best and most terrifying new horror series that have come out recently, signaling a new peak for the genre.

‘The Last of Us’ (2023)

This gripping drama, inspired by the popular video game, tells the story of Joel and Ellie as they journey across a ruined America overrun by creatures infected with a dangerous fungus. The show isn’t just about scares – it’s a deeply emotional story about the connection between a tough survivor and a young girl who might be the world’s last hope. While terrifying monsters like the “Clickers” and “Bloaters” provide plenty of frightening moments, the series mainly explores how people can be both incredibly cruel and surprisingly loving when society breaks down. It’s being praised for staying true to the original game while also expanding its rich story, and is raising the bar for adaptations of video games into television.

‘Alien: Earth’ (2025)

Noah Hawley reimagines the classic ‘Alien’ story in this new series, set years before the original movie. When a strange ship crashes on Earth, a young woman and a team of soldiers are sent to investigate the alien danger. By bringing the terrifying Xenomorph to our planet, the show creates a new sense of urgency and focuses on how to survive. The series mixes thrilling creature horror with a look behind the scenes at the powerful Weyland-Yutani Corporation, adding layers to the established story.

‘The Fall of the House of Usher’ (2023)

Mike Flanagan’s miniseries offers a fresh take on Edgar Allan Poe’s classic tales, centering on the wealthy and troubled Usher family and their pharmaceutical empire. When the Usher heirs begin to die in shocking and unexplained circumstances, the family’s patriarch, Roderick Usher, must face a haunting past and a dangerous bargain he made years ago. The show skillfully blends elements from different Poe stories into a unified and chilling narrative, complete with disturbing visuals and insightful observations about society. It’s a dark and compelling exploration of themes like greed, remorse, and the consequences of one’s actions.

‘It: Welcome to Derry’ (2025)

This series tells the story of Derry, the town from Stephen King’s novel, in the 1960s – before the events of the movie. It reveals how Pennywise the Dancing Clown came to be and explains the long history of frightening events that have haunted the town. The show shows what happened before the Losers Club formed, giving viewers a closer look at the ancient evil hiding beneath the streets. It perfectly captures the creepy, yet familiar, feeling of King’s classic story.

‘True Detective: Night Country’ (2024)

The latest season of this crime series moves to Alaska, where it’s always dark in winter. Detectives Danvers and Navarro are trying to find eight men who vanished from a research station. As they investigate, they find a mix of local beliefs and brutal murders. This season blends traditional police work with eerie, folklore-inspired horror, creating a deeply unsettling and frightening atmosphere. The remote location and the emotional strain on the detectives add to the chilling experience.

‘Dexter: Original Sin’ (2024)

This series is a prequel set in 1991 Miami, showing a young Dexter Morgan as he becomes a serial killer driven by a need for revenge. His father, Harry, teaches him a strict set of rules – the ‘Code’ – to ensure he only targets criminals who have avoided punishment. The show delves into Dexter’s early life, revealing how he developed his skills in forensics and learned to balance his secret life with the expectations of normal society. It’s a compelling look at the origins of a psychopath and his struggle to appear ordinary.

‘The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live’ (2024)

This new series brings back Rick and Michonne to finish their love story during a dangerous time in the zombie apocalypse. It shows what happened to Rick after he went missing and follows Michonne’s determined search for him. The show also introduces a powerful and ruthless group called the Civic Republic Military, expanding the world of the series. Fans can expect the thrilling action and heartfelt moments they’ve been hoping for.

‘Gen V’ (2023)

This new series, set in the world of ‘The Boys’, is a college drama packed with superhero action, gruesome horror, and a thrilling mystery. At Godolkin University, students with superpowers are training to be heroes, but they quickly discover a dark secret: disturbing experiments are happening under the campus. Expect intense violence and terrifying visuals similar to ‘The Boys’, alongside a story that tackles the pressures of college life and the dangers of corruption. The show cleverly builds on the satirical world of Vought International, offering a new take through the eyes of young characters.

‘Dead Ringers’ (2023)

Rachel Weisz plays both of the Mantle twins, incredibly talented but overly dependent gynecologists who take medical ethics to their limits. This new take on a classic story focuses on women’s health and the dangers of unchecked ambition. The series is beautifully shot but also disturbing, mixing psychological thrills with realistic and sometimes graphic surgical procedures. It’s a thought-provoking look at who we are, the power of addiction, and the damaging relationship between sisters.

‘Swarm’ (2023)

This scary thriller centers on Dre, a young woman whose intense obsession with a pop star leads to shocking violence. While traveling, her fanatical devotion turns dangerous as she attacks anyone she sees as a threat to her idol. The show is a sharp critique of obsessive fan culture and how social media can isolate people. With a strange, dreamlike quality and sudden bursts of violence, it paints a disturbing picture of a mind falling apart.

‘The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon’ (2023)

After washing up in France – where the zombie outbreak first began – Daryl Dixon struggles to find his way back home across a country torn apart. This new location offers a different look for the series, with terrifying new types of zombies and fights reminiscent of medieval warfare. Daryl unexpectedly finds himself protecting a young boy who some believe is a savior, adding a surprising spiritual element to the story. The series breathes new life into the Walking Dead universe with its distinctive European setting and a story that focuses on Daryl’s journey.

‘Parasyte: The Grey’ (2024)

This South Korean series is based on a popular manga and tells the story of a world invaded by violent parasites that take control of people. A government team called “The Grey” is created to fight back, and the story follows a woman who shares her body with a parasite that didn’t fully take over. With stunning visuals and thrilling action, the show focuses on humanity’s struggle to survive and raises questions about what it means to be human when faced with a world-ending danger, and whether coexistence is possible.

‘Revival’ (2025)

I’m really hooked on this new horror series! It’s based on a comic and takes place in a small town in Wisconsin where people aren’t coming back as typical zombies – they’re fully aware and themselves. It follows Dana Cypress, the local officer, as she tries to manage the chaos after what they call ‘Revival Day’ – you can imagine the media frenzy, the religious groups getting involved, and the government trying to lock everything down. What’s so cool is it’s not just scares; there’s a real murder mystery woven in, and it’s all about how the town deals with having their loved ones back, but with some seriously unsettling baggage. It’s a really emotional and believable take on the whole resurrection idea.

‘The Beauty’ (2026)

This series, created by Ryan Murphy and inspired by a comic book, presents a world where a sexually transmitted disease paradoxically makes people stunningly beautiful, but ultimately fatal. The show centers on detectives trying to control the outbreak and the society captivated by this dangerous, alluring perfection. It’s a cautionary tale about obsession with appearance and the desire to fit in, wrapped in a visually striking, futuristic style that highlights how shallow the world has become.

‘Talamasca: The Secret Order’ (2025)

This series expands the world created by Anne Rice, focusing on the Talamasca – a hidden society dedicated to observing and studying witches, vampires, and other supernatural creatures. The show follows Talamasca agents as they investigate strange, paranormal events and work to keep the human and supernatural worlds from colliding. It connects the storylines of ‘Interview with the Vampire’ and ‘Mayfair Witches’ with a case-of-the-week format, exploring the rich history of the occult and the complex ethics of those who operate in secret.

‘Hysteria!’ (2024)

This series is set in the late 1980s, during the peak of the ‘Satanic Panic.’ It follows a high school metal band trying to get famous, so they use the town’s growing fascination with the occult for publicity. But their plan backfires when real, strange crimes start happening. The show mixes dark humor with scary moments, showing how fear and false information can destroy a town. It perfectly recreates the look and anxious atmosphere of the 80s, but with a fresh, modern feel.

‘Teacup’ (2024)

This horror thriller, from the creator of popular films like ‘The Conjuring,’ unfolds on a secluded ranch in rural Georgia. When a strange and unseen danger traps a diverse group of neighbors, they must work together to survive. As fear and suspicion grow, hidden secrets come to light. The series expertly builds suspense with its confined location and the ambiguity of the creature hunting them. It’s a compelling look at how people react when pushed to their limits, blending science fiction elements with the intense atmosphere of a survival horror story.

‘Grotesquerie’ (2024)

Ryan Murphy’s latest show is a creepy and unsettling horror drama about a detective and a nun working together to investigate a string of awful crimes that hit close to home. Led by Niecy Nash-Betts, the series explores dark themes like corruption within religion and the breakdown of society. It’s a complex and twisted story that blends psychological thrills with supernatural horror, and is known for its shocking visuals.

‘The Creep Tapes’ (2024)

Inspired by the popular ‘Creep’ movies, this series presents a frightening story told through ‘found footage.’ It centers around a serial killer who tricks videographers into coming to his house. Each episode focuses on a different victim and reveals another disturbing ‘tape’ from the killer’s collection, showcasing his unpredictable and terrifying personality. Mark Duplass returns to play the killer, giving a performance that is both strangely likable and deeply creepy. The series uses a different story each episode, creating a variety of awkward and suspenseful situations that tap into common social anxieties and fears.

‘Dead Boy Detectives’ (2024)

This series, part of the world of ‘The Sandman’, centers on two teenage ghosts who choose to stay in the living world to solve paranormal crimes. Along with their psychic friend, Edwin and Charles battle witches, demons, and other supernatural beings—all while trying to avoid being caught by Death. The show is a mix of spooky gothic horror, young adult adventure, and comedy, and it builds upon the magical universe created by Neil Gaiman with a fresh, lively style.

‘Agatha All Along’ (2024)

Following her appearance in ‘WandaVision,’ Agatha Harkness returns in this series as she tries to get her magical powers back. Her journey takes her along the treacherous Witches’ Road, where she gathers a group of struggling witches. Together, they face challenges that push their abilities and minds to the limit. The show blends dark fantasy and horror, drawing inspiration from traditional witch stories and films. It explores the hidden, magical side of the Marvel universe with a playfully spooky vibe.

‘Gyeongseong Creature’ (2023)

This thrilling historical series is set in Korea in 1945, under Japanese occupation. It follows a businessman and detective who go undercover at a hospital to investigate disturbing experiments. There, they find a terrifying creature created by human ambition and must struggle to survive while exposing the dark truth. The show blends the atmosphere of a period drama with the scares of a monster movie, exploring the lasting wounds of colonialism through a supernatural story. With impressive visuals and exciting action, it’s a captivating series.

‘A Killer Paradox’ (2024)

This gripping thriller follows a typical college student whose life changes when he unintentionally kills a man – who turns out to be a serial killer. He continues to accidentally eliminate criminals, attracting the attention of a determined detective. What follows is a tense pursuit as the detective tries to catch him. The show delves into questions of right and wrong, justice, and whether there’s something otherworldly about the student’s string of accidental deaths. It’s a fresh take on the vigilante story, mixing dark humor with psychological thrills.

‘The Bequeathed’ (2024)

A woman who unexpectedly inherits her family’s cemetery soon finds herself caught up in a terrifying series of events and killings. Investigating her family’s past reveals a disturbing history rooted in shamanism and dark rituals. The story creates a deeply unsettling atmosphere, blending Korean folklore with intense family drama to fuel the horror. It’s a gradually unfolding mystery that highlights how powerfully our family history can shape our present and future.

‘Uzumaki’ (2024)

This animated series is based on Junji Ito’s famous horror manga. It tells the story of a town plagued by a strange curse – an obsession with spirals. As the curse takes hold, things become increasingly bizarre and terrifying, driving the townspeople to madness and subjecting them to gruesome transformations. The animation beautifully captures the original manga’s detailed black-and-white artwork, creating a truly unsettling visual experience. It’s a captivating and disturbing exploration of cosmic horror that doesn’t follow typical rules.

‘The Bondsman’ (2025)

Kevin Bacon plays a bounty hunter who comes back to life as an undead man. He gets a chance to restart his career—but only if he tracks down and eliminates demons. The show is a fun mix of action, horror, and comedy, following Bacon’s character as he tries to juggle hunting supernatural creatures with pursuing his dream of being a country music star. It’s a fresh take on crime shows with a supernatural twist, combining serious moments with over-the-top humor, and delves into ideas about making amends for past mistakes and facing the repercussions of your actions.

‘Pluribus’ (2025)

Created by Vince Gilligan, this science fiction horror series presents a world changed by an alien virus that links everyone’s minds together, creating a seemingly perfect, unified consciousness. The show centers on a few people who are immune to the virus and must find their way through this strange new world where personal identity is lost. The true horror comes from the loss of individuality and the unsettling idea of a peace that’s been forced upon everyone. It’s a suspenseful, thought-provoking thriller that explores what we might sacrifice for harmony and what it truly means to be free.

‘The Institute’ (2025)

This series, inspired by the Stephen King novel, follows Luke Ellis, a remarkably intelligent child who is abducted and held in a secret facility. There, he’s part of a group of children with psychic abilities – like telepathy and telekinesis – who are being experimented on. The Institute, as the facility is known, is a harsh and unforgiving place where staff cruelly exploit the children’s powers for unknown reasons. The show highlights the contrast between the children’s innocence and the cold, systematic cruelty they experience, telling a gripping story of how they fight to survive and resist their captors despite seemingly impossible challenges.

‘Hell Motel’ (2025)

A group of true crime fans gets an exclusive invitation to the reopening of a secluded motel, infamous for a decades-old cult massacre. Once they arrive, they discover the horror isn’t just in the past, and a new killer begins hunting them down. The show is a modern take on the slasher genre, cleverly commenting on how tragedy is often exploited for profit. Expect plenty of gruesome deaths and surprising twists that will keep you guessing until the very end.

‘School Spirits’ (2023)

A teenage girl finds herself in the afterlife, back at her high school, and realizes she’s been murdered. Now, she has to figure out who killed her. Stuck between worlds with other ghosts, she deals with the drama of the afterlife while watching her friends and family continue their lives. The show is a blend of mystery and supernatural teen drama, offering a new take on ghost stories. It’s both emotionally engaging, with characters you care about, and suspenseful as she tries to solve the mystery of her own death.

‘Goosebumps’ (2023)

This new series is based on R.L. Stine’s classic ‘Goosebumps’ books. It centers on five high school students who unintentionally awaken frightening supernatural creatures in their town. While trying to contain the monsters, they discover their parents have a hidden connection to these forces. Unlike the original books, this show tells one continuous story, allowing for more complex characters and a scarier atmosphere. It’s a great blend of the familiar ‘Goosebumps’ feel and modern teen horror.

‘Mayfair Witches’ (2023)

This series, part of Anne Rice’s interconnected universe of supernatural stories, centers on a neurosurgeon who unexpectedly learns she comes from a long line of powerful witches. She must come to terms with her abilities while also facing a dark, ancient threat that has plagued her family for years. Set in a beautiful, gothic world, the show delves into themes of women finding their strength and the lasting impact of trauma across generations, offering a captivating and mysterious story that adds to the rich magic already established in Rice’s novels.

‘The Horror of Dolores Roach’ (2023)

Dolores Roach returns to her old neighborhood in Washington Heights after being unfairly imprisoned, only to find it drastically changed. She starts a massage business in the basement of a local empanada shop, but financial hardship pushes her to desperate acts. This leads her down a dark path, and she unintentionally becomes a serial killer, disposing of her victims in a horrifying way. The show is a twisted urban legend, reminiscent of Sweeney Todd, combining shocking violence with dark comedy and sharp social commentary. It’s driven by a powerful performance from the lead actress and a truly unsettling story.

‘Based on a True Story’ (2023)

A couple anticipating their first child launches a podcast centered around a local serial killer, hoping to tap into America’s fascination with true crime. As they get more involved with the murderer, their lives become chaotic and increasingly dangerous, but also surprisingly funny. The show is a darkly comedic thriller that playfully examines the ethical issues within the true crime world and our culture’s desire for celebrity. It expertly blends suspense and humor for a uniquely entertaining experience.

‘Wilderness’ (2023)

A couple’s idyllic American National Parks vacation takes a dark turn when the wife uncovers her husband’s affair. What began as a dream trip quickly becomes a quest for revenge as they confront both the challenges of the rugged wilderness and the crumbling state of their marriage. This gripping psychological thriller uses the expansive, lonely landscapes to reflect the characters’ inner struggles, filled with unexpected twists and a haunting look at the consequences of betrayal.

‘Red Rose’ (2022)

In England, a group of teenagers stumble upon a terrifying secret when they download a strange app called “Red Rose.” The app quickly turns sinister, making dangerous requests and threatening their lives. It preys on their reliance on technology, isolating them and manipulating them through their phones. The series is a scary and emotional story that blends supernatural horror with the real fears of being constantly connected and exposed online, exploring themes of grief, friendship, and the dangers hidden within the internet.

‘The Rig’ (2023)

A crew working on an oil rig off the coast of Scotland is suddenly isolated when a strange, thick fog rolls in. As the crew starts acting strangely and unsettling events begin to occur, they struggle to survive both the harsh conditions and each other. The series blends environmental horror with a tense, isolated thriller, creating a deeply unsettling and claustrophobic experience. It delves into the dangers of harming the environment and the mysteries hidden beneath the ocean’s surface.

‘Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre’ (2023)

This animated series brings to life twenty of Junji Ito’s scariest stories, exploring everything from bizarre and dreamlike situations to truly shocking and disturbing imagery. Each episode is a self-contained horror story, filled with unsettling elements like floating balloons, cursed items, and dark family histories. The show highlights Ito’s incredible creativity and his talent for finding horror in everyday life, making it a treat for fans of strange and creepy fiction.

‘Castlevania: Nocturne’ (2023)

This animated series takes place during the French Revolution and centers on Richter Belmont, who teams up with other hunters and magicians to defeat a powerful vampire leader. It builds upon the world of Castlevania with a new historical backdrop and characters. Expect stunning visuals, thrilling action, and a dark, gothic atmosphere. The story blends the chaos of the revolution with a supernatural battle, resulting in a grand and compelling narrative.

‘Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead’ (2023)

This anime follows a stressed-out office worker who finally gets a break from his terrible job when a zombie outbreak begins. Instead of being scared, he decides to make the most of the situation by creating a list of things to experience before he potentially turns into a zombie himself. The show is a fun and energetic twist on the typical zombie story, blending scary moments with humor and a surprisingly positive outlook. It also cleverly pokes fun at the pressures of modern workplaces, all while featuring plenty of zombie action.

‘Dan da dan’ (2024)

This exciting anime centers around two high school students – one who’s a believer in ghosts, and the other in aliens – as they battle both supernatural and extraterrestrial dangers. The show is a fast-paced mix of action, horror, and comedy, with a distinctive and unusual art style. Filled with creepy ghosts and strange aliens, the story is unpredictable and full of surprises. The chemistry between the main characters and the show’s constant momentum make it really stand out from other anime in the same category.

‘Dark Gathering’ (2023)

This anime follows a college student who can sense ghosts, and a young girl who convinces him to help her capture dangerous spirits. They travel across Japan to investigate haunted places and hunt down the most powerful and frightening entities. The show blends the fun of collecting – similar to a game like Pokemon – with truly scary ghost stories and unsettling visuals. It’s a dark, intense series that doesn’t hold back on the creepy and gruesome side of the supernatural.

‘Inspector Rishi’ (2024)

This Tamil-language series is a creepy crime thriller set in the mountains of India. A police inspector who doesn’t believe in the supernatural is sent to investigate a string of strange murders, which locals blame on a forest spirit. As he investigates, he finds himself caught between real-world crimes and possible supernatural forces. The show combines a classic police investigation with local legends and a chilling atmosphere, offering a unique and captivating mystery rooted in Indian culture.

‘My Undead Yokai Girlfriend’ (2024)

A college student accidentally summons a spirit girlfriend through a ritual, and their connection turns out to be more complicated than he expected. This horror-comedy blends Japanese folklore with a modern setting, offering a mix of funny, spooky, and heartwarming moments. While it’s a lighter take on the supernatural, the show still features impressive creature designs and a touch of romance.

‘Domino Day’ (2024)

This supernatural thriller, set in Manchester, follows a witch who uses dating apps to find people whose energy she needs to survive and grow her powers. But she’s not alone – a group of witches is determined to stop her. The show explores feelings of isolation and the challenges of dating today, all while mixing romantic relationships with a dangerous magical conflict. It features a fascinating take on magic and a main character who isn’t simply good or evil.

‘Hell Motel’ (2025)

This entry seems to overlap with a previous one, but ‘Hell Motel’ is a unique show on Shudder, created by the team behind ‘Slasher’. It’s set at the ‘Cold River Motel’, where guests are killed off in ways inspired by the satanic panic of the past. The show follows a ‘whodunit’ format with disturbing and realistic special effects, making it a fun watch for slasher movie fans who enjoy a good mystery and suspense.

‘Wayward’ (2025)

This thrilling series takes place in the seemingly perfect, yet mysterious town of Tall Pines. It centers around a boarding school with a dark secret and unsettling creatures hiding in the nearby woods. Starring Mae Martin and Toni Collette, the story unfolds to reveal a disturbing pattern of cult-like control, manipulation, and dangerous genetic experiments. The show is full of suspense and subtle horror, focusing on the abuse of young people. What starts as a growing feeling of dread eventually leads to shocking discoveries.

‘Wolf Pack’ (2023)

A wildfire in California unleashes a frightening creature, leading two teenagers to become werewolves and start a new pack. The series, starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, follows these teens as they learn to navigate their new lives and investigate the monster that’s after them. It uses the supernatural world of werewolves to explore feelings of anxiety and the impact of environmental disasters, all while delivering a twisty, mystery-filled story.

‘The Walking Dead: Dead City’ (2023)

Maggie and Negan journey to the ruins of Manhattan, a city abandoned after the apocalypse, to find Maggie’s son who has been taken hostage. They encounter hordes of walkers and dangerous groups of people who now rule the crumbling city. The show focuses on the tense and complicated dynamic between Maggie and Negan as they navigate this dangerous urban landscape, filled with terrifying new types of walkers and a constant sense of dread.

‘Dexter: Resurrection’ (2025)

Picking up where the last series left off, this new season brings back Michael C. Hall as the infamous serial killer, proving his story isn’t finished. The show explores what’s left of his life after its collapse, quickly pulling him back into a dangerous world filled with questionable choices. Expect answers to unresolved mysteries and a fresh direction for the character, all while maintaining the intense psychological focus of the original series and introducing exciting new dangers.

We’re curious—which of these new horror shows have really scared you? Tell us your top picks and anything you’d recommend in the comments below!

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2026-02-08 23:52