Overrated Horror TV Shows Everyone Seems To Like

Horror TV shows have become incredibly popular over the last twenty years, with streaming services and cable channels putting a lot of money into making them. While many series find a large audience and devoted fans who love following the stories and characters, some shows receive a lot of attention and praise that doesn’t always match their quality. This list looks at several well-known horror series that have sparked a lot of discussion, even though critics haven’t always agreed on their merit.

‘American Horror Story’ (2011–)

American Horror Story, created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, is a show where each season tells a different horror story in a new setting. While the stories change – from haunted houses to mental institutions and witch gatherings – a group of familiar actors appears in different roles each time. The show has been a long-running success on cable, winning many awards and attracting a large audience. It’s known for its distinctive look, often featuring shocking violence mixed with over-the-top characters.

‘The Walking Dead’ (2010–2022)

This show, based on the comic book series by Robert Kirkman, centers around a group of people trying to survive in a world filled with zombies. Led by Rick Grimes, the group searches for safe places to live while facing threats from both the zombies themselves and other groups of survivors. The series became incredibly popular around the world, leading to several spin-off shows and other adaptations. Despite changes to the characters and how the show was made, it remained a hit with audiences for over ten years.

‘Stranger Things’ (2016–2025)

I’m a huge fan of this Netflix series! It’s set in the 80s in this small town called Hawkins, Indiana, and it’s got this amazing mix of spooky, supernatural stuff with a ton of 80s nostalgia. The story kicks off when these friends are looking for one of their own who goes missing, and they stumble onto this crazy alternate dimension called the Upside Down. You can really see the influence of classic directors like Spielberg and Carpenter in it, which I love. It’s been massively popular – everyone was talking about it, and it still is, which is totally deserved!

‘The Vampire Diaries’ (2009–2017)

Mystic Falls is a town filled with supernatural secrets, and this teen drama explores the relationships – both romantic and otherwise – between vampires and the humans who live alongside them. The story centers on Elena Gilbert, who unexpectedly finds herself choosing between two vampire brothers, Stefan and Damon Salvatore. Over eight seasons, the show became incredibly popular, spawning spin-offs like ‘The Originals’ and ‘Legacies,’ and building a huge fan base online. It quickly became a go-to series for young adult horror fans.

‘True Blood’ (2008–2014)

This HBO series, inspired by the Sookie Stackhouse books, is set in a world where vampires are openly living among humans. The story centers on Sookie, a waitress with the ability to read minds, and her romantic relationship with a vampire in the Louisiana town of Bon Temps. As the show progresses, it introduces other supernatural beings, like werewolves and faeries, adding layers of complexity to the plot. It became hugely popular with both critics and audiences during the peak of the vampire genre’s popularity.

‘Bates Motel’ (2013–2017)

This series is a prequel to the movie ‘Psycho,’ showing how Norman Bates and his mother, Norma, came to be. After Norma’s husband dies, they buy a motel in a small town hoping for a fresh start. The show delves into Norman’s deteriorating mental state and the complex, often troubling, bond he shares with his mother. Throughout its five seasons, it was highly acclaimed for the acting of Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore.

‘Hannibal’ (2013–2015)

This chilling psychological thriller explores the complex connection between FBI profiler Will Graham and the brilliant, yet cannibalistic, Dr. Hannibal Lecter. Will possesses a unique ability to understand serial killers, but it deeply affects his own mental state. The series is known for its stunning visuals and its clever use of food and crime scene investigation. Although it didn’t immediately attract a large audience, it gained a dedicated and passionate fanbase.

‘Supernatural’ (2005–2020)

Brothers Sam and Dean Winchester drive across the country, investigating and battling demons, ghosts, and other supernatural creatures. The show started with self-contained stories each week, but later developed into larger, season-long arcs involving angels and the potential end of the world. It’s the longest-running American live-action fantasy TV series ever, concluding after fifteen seasons and continuing to be a major draw for fan conventions.

‘Penny Dreadful’ (2014–2016)

This series, set in Victorian London, tells the stories of how famous horror characters – including Dorian Gray and Victor Frankenstein – first came to be. The show brings these iconic figures together with new characters in a dark, gothic world, focusing on their personal journeys and exploring deep ideas alongside supernatural events. It ran for three seasons and later led to a spin-off series set in Los Angeles.

‘The Haunting of Hill House’ (2018)

This limited series, created by Mike Flanagan, is a fresh take on Shirley Jackson’s famous novel. It centers on a family grappling with painful childhood memories and the supernatural presence in their former home. The story moves between the past and present, revealing how past experiences shape the siblings’ current emotional lives. Critics praised the show for its powerful storytelling and impressive production quality.

‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ (2018–2020)

This series offers a mature and spooky take on the classic Archie Comics character, Sabrina Spellman, who is half-human and half-witch. The show follows Sabrina as she navigates her magical identity while protecting her loved ones from dark, supernatural threats. Unlike the lighter, nineties sitcom, this Netflix adaptation delves into horror and the occult, and concluded after four parts with several crossover episodes.

‘Scream Queens’ (2015–2016)

This horror comedy series follows a sorority at Wallace University as they’re stalked by a masked killer. It’s a playful take on classic slasher movies, starring Emma Roberts and Jamie Lee Curtis, and uses a vibrant, colorful style with witty, satirical conversations. While it built a large following online, the show was unfortunately canceled after two seasons.

‘Teen Wolf’ (2011–2017)

Inspired by the 1985 movie, this series centers on Scott McCall, a high school student who becomes a werewolf. He has to learn to live with his new powers and defend his town from supernatural dangers. Over six seasons, the show grew from a teen romance into a more complex story with a wider cast of characters, including banshees, kitsunes, and hunters. The series ended with a recent feature film.

‘Fear the Walking Dead’ (2015–2023)

This series, a spin-off of ‘The Walking Dead’, begins by showing how a blended family deals with the very start of the zombie outbreak. The story quickly moves from Los Angeles, heading south to the Mexican border and beyond, as the characters learn to survive in this new, dangerous world. Over its eight seasons, the show went through several changes in direction and with its cast. It also added to the overall story of ‘The Walking Dead’ by introducing new places and ways to stay alive.

‘The Purge’ (2018–2019)

Inspired by the hit movie series, this show portrays a 12-hour period each year when all crime is legal across America. Each season focuses on different characters and their struggles to survive the night or get even with others. The series delves into the societal and political consequences of this annual event, offering a more in-depth look than the films. It aired for two seasons before being canceled.

‘Midnight Mass’ (2021)

This short series is set on a remote island where a captivating priest starts performing what seem like miracles, stirring up excitement and devotion among the locals. As he arrives, strange things begin happening. The story explores ideas about faith, overcoming addiction, and what happens when we die, all within the confines of a close-knit small town. It’s known for its long, thoughtful speeches and deep conversations about life after death.

‘The Midnight Club’ (2022)

Every night, a group of teenagers facing terminal illnesses gather at a hospice to share spooky stories. They jokingly make a promise: whoever dies first will try to reach out to the others from beyond the grave. This Netflix series, inspired by Christopher Pike’s novels, mixes the emotional lives of teens with supernatural horror. Unfortunately, it was canceled after just one season and didn’t get a second.

‘Resident Evil’ (2022)

This series, based on the popular video game, tells two parallel stories focusing on the daughters of Albert Wesker. One storyline reveals hidden truths about the Umbrella Corporation, while the other is set in a future devastated by catastrophe. The show includes many monsters from the games, along with new plotlines. Unfortunately, it was canceled soon after it premiered because it didn’t receive consistently positive reviews and didn’t attract enough viewers.

‘Ratched’ (2020–)

This show tells the story of how the notorious nurse from ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ became who she was. Sarah Paulson plays the lead role, portraying a woman working within the mental health system in the mid-1900s. As you’d expect from a Ryan Murphy production, it’s visually striking and full of suspense. Originally, the show was intended to run for several seasons, delving into what drove the main character.

‘Lovecraft Country’ (2020)

The show centers on a young man’s road trip across 1950s America, searching for his father. Along the way, he faces the dangers of a racially segregated society and encounters terrifying creatures drawn from the stories of H.P. Lovecraft. It’s a unique mix of historical fiction, science fiction, and horror. Despite receiving award nominations, the series wasn’t picked up for another season.

‘Castle Rock’ (2018–2019)

This series, set in the fictional Maine town Stephen King often writes about, draws on characters and ideas from across his many books. Each season tells its own complete story, while also connecting to places and events from his novels. Produced by J.J. Abrams, the show was released on a streaming service and intended to build a connected universe for King’s most well-known horror creations.

‘Slasher’ (2016–)

This horror series features a new masked killer and a different group of victims each season. It’s inspired by classic slasher movies from the 80s and 90s, known for its inventive and suspenseful kills. The show has aired on multiple networks and streaming platforms over the years, and each season delves into topics like revenge, the impact of social media, and religious fanaticism.

‘Ash vs Evil Dead’ (2015–2018)

Bruce Campbell is back as Ash Williams in this TV series, a continuation of the popular ‘Evil Dead’ movies. Ash is forced out of retirement to fight a fresh wave of Deadites, using his trusty chainsaw and shotgun. Like the original films, the show is a mix of horror and humor. Over three seasons, it introduced a cast of new characters who joined the battle against evil.

‘Wayward Pines’ (2015–2016)

When two agents go missing, a secret service operative is sent to a strange town in Idaho to find them. He quickly learns the town is enclosed by an electric fence and governed by incredibly strict laws. Inspired by the novels of Blake Crouch and with M. Night Shyamalan as an executive producer, the show dramatically changed its story direction with a major science fiction reveal in its first season.

‘Sleepy Hollow’ (2013–2017)

This show updates the story of Ichabod Crane for today’s audience, bringing him back to life in the 21st century. He partners with a police lieutenant to fight the Headless Horseman and other paranormal dangers. The series blended crime investigation with historical stories and mysterious occult knowledge. Over its four seasons, the show went through changes in style and actors before finishing its run.

‘Grimm’ (2011–2017)

A detective investigating homicides learns he comes from a long line of Grimms – people who secretly hunt dangerous creatures inspired by folklore and fairy tales, particularly those collected by the Brothers Grimm. He struggles to balance his work as a police officer with his inherited duty to protect humans from these supernatural beings, known as Wesen. The show gained a loyal following and aired for six seasons.

‘Hemlock Grove’ (2013–2015)

This Netflix series follows the unsettling events that unfold in a Pennsylvania steel town after a young girl is murdered. The story centers around a prominent family and a mysterious new resident who locals suspect is a werewolf. Known for its intense transformation effects and gloomy mood, the show was among Netflix’s earliest original productions and aired for three seasons.

‘Brand New Cherry Flavor’ (2021)

In the 1990s, a budding female director heads to Hollywood to make her first film, but her dream quickly turns into a strange and frightening experience. Determined to get revenge on a controlling producer, she teams up with an enigmatic woman who practices dark magic. This limited series is filled with disturbing body horror, unsettling hallucinations, and even supernatural kittens. Inspired by a novel, it’s been praised for its unusual visuals and distinctive atmosphere.

‘Archive 81’ (2022)

A professional tasked with repairing old videotapes from the 1990s gets pulled into the mystery of a woman who disappeared. He finds the tapes are linked to a sinister cult living in a rundown apartment building. The show tells the story across two different time periods, slowly revealing a terrifying, otherworldly puzzle. Although critics liked it, Netflix canceled the series after just one season.

‘Marianne’ (2019)

This French horror show centers around a successful novelist who discovers that the frightening characters from her books are coming to life. She goes back to her childhood home to face a sinister entity that has plagued her dreams for years. The series builds suspense and relies on shocking moments, using striking visuals to create a scary atmosphere. While it received positive feedback for its frightening imagery, it was unfortunately cancelled after just one season.

‘Scream: The TV Series’ (2015–2019)

As a huge fan of the ‘Scream’ movies, I was really intrigued by the TV series. It takes the core concept – a new masked killer terrorizing teens – and moves it to the town of Lakewood. What I especially appreciated was how it updated the clever, self-aware commentary from the films to reflect our current obsession with social media. Over its three seasons, the show explored different storylines and brought in new characters, all while trying to capture that same slasher-mystery vibe, but geared towards a younger audience.

‘Being Human’ (2011–2014)

This show follows a vampire, a werewolf, and a ghost as they try to navigate everyday life together in a regular house, despite the challenges of being supernatural creatures. A remake of a British series, it’s a character-driven story that explores the personal struggles, humanity, and desires for normalcy of its monster leads, tackling themes of addiction and loss. The show aired for four seasons and gained a dedicated fanbase on cable television.

‘1899’ (2022)

The team behind ‘Dark’ created this series about European immigrants traveling to New York by steamship. Their voyage takes a disturbing turn when they come across a ship that’s been lost at sea for months, and strange, frightening things start happening. The show boasts a diverse, international cast and a complicated, mysterious storyline. Unfortunately, Netflix canceled it after just one season, leaving viewers with an unresolved cliffhanger.

‘From’ (2022–)

In a strange American town, the people are trapped and can’t escape. They face danger from the nearby forest, especially at night when frightening creatures emerge. The story follows how this situation affects them mentally as they desperately try to find a way back to their normal lives. It’s become popular thanks to its tense and mysterious storyline.

‘Yellowjackets’ (2021–)

Okay, so I just finished watching this incredible series, and wow. It centers around a girls’ soccer team whose plane goes down in the wilderness – a really harsh, remote part of the country. What’s so compelling is it tells the story on two timelines: what happened to them immediately after the crash in the nineties, and then where they are as adults, twenty-five years later. It’s not just a survival story though; it gets seriously dark, with psychological horror, hints of cannibalism, and this really unsettling supernatural mystery woven throughout. Honestly, the critics loved it, and it became a huge success for the network – and I totally get why!

‘Servant’ (2019–2023)

This series, from director M. Night Shyamalan, centers on a couple struggling with the loss of their child. They find comfort in a remarkably realistic reborn doll and hire a young, enigmatic nanny to look after it. Soon after, unsettling events begin to plague their home. The entire story unfolds within the confined space of a Philadelphia townhouse, creating a tense and unsettling atmosphere. After four seasons filled with psychological suspense and supernatural surprises, the series reached its conclusion.

‘The Strain’ (2014–2017)

This series, co-created by Guillermo del Toro, centers around an outbreak of an ancient, vampire-like virus that could destroy the world. A group of scientists and an experienced vampire hunter team up to fight the spread of this dangerous biological threat. The show stands out with its original and unusual creature designs, moving away from typical vampire myths. Over four seasons, it portrays the breakdown of society as the infection takes hold.

‘Chambers’ (2019)

After receiving a heart transplant, a young woman begins having unsettling visions and notices changes in her personality. Driven to understand the circumstances surrounding the donor’s death, she fixates on the donor’s family and the secrets they hold. Set against a desert landscape, the show delves into questions of identity and explores occult themes. Despite featuring a well-known cast, it was unfortunately canceled after just one season.

‘Ares’ (2020)

This eight-episode Dutch horror series centers around a medical student in Amsterdam who pledges a secret society. She soon uncovers a sinister, demonic secret deeply rooted in her nation’s past. The show blends gothic visuals with psychological thrills to examine the corrupting influence of power and money, and follows the protagonist’s disturbing journey into a hidden, shadowy world.

‘Curon’ (2020)

When a mother vanishes after bringing her teenage twins back to her secretive hometown in northern Italy, the children are left to uncover the truth. Their investigation leads them to the village’s hidden secrets and a mysterious, haunted lake with a sunken bell tower. The series combines local legends, supernatural occurrences, and compelling family drama, delving into the idea that everyone has a hidden, darker side.

‘Ghost Wars’ (2017–2018)

This series, set in a secluded Alaskan town, centers around a loner who has psychic powers and must protect the community from a surge of dangerous paranormal activity. The town is plagued by ghosts that can both physically hurt people and mess with their minds. The show features a variety of supernatural events and delves into the histories of the town’s residents. Unfortunately, Syfy canceled it after just one season.

‘Damien’ (2016)

This show is a continuation of the 1976 horror movie ‘The Omen,’ following Damien Thorn as an adult. He’s now a war photographer who has blocked out his past, but is soon forced to remember he’s the Antichrist. The series focuses on his battle against both the evil powers that support him and those who want to eliminate him. Unfortunately, it only lasted one season before being cancelled.

‘Helstrom’ (2020)

This series, inspired by Marvel Comics, centers on the children of a notorious and enigmatic serial killer. They use their special powers to hunt down dangerous criminals and supernatural beings. The show embraces the darker, more frightening elements of the original comics, creating a consistently bleak and serious atmosphere. Notably, it was the last television project produced by Marvel Television before it became part of Marvel Studios.

‘The Terror’ (2018–2019)

I’m totally hooked on this anthology series! The first season reimagines the real story of Captain Sir John Franklin’s lost Arctic expedition, and it’s terrifying. Imagine being stuck in the freezing cold, starving, and hunted by some kind of creature! Then, the second season is completely different – it’s set in a Japanese American internment camp and centers around a spooky, shape-shifting ghost. What I really love is how much detail they put into the historical setting and how genuinely tense and creepy it is. It really gets under your skin!

‘The Exorcist’ (2016–2017)

This show is a continuation of the 1973 film and centers on two priests who battle demonic possession through exorcisms. Season one ties directly into the original movie’s story, while season two introduces a new case involving a foster home. The series explores the conflict between faith and evil in today’s world, and although it gained a loyal fanbase, it was unfortunately canceled after two seasons.

‘The Mist’ (2017)

This series, inspired by Stephen King’s novella, tells the story of a town suddenly cut off from the world by a mysterious, monster-filled mist. The show focuses on how the townspeople cope with being trapped and the resulting collapse of their community. While it builds upon the original story, it also introduces new characters and storylines. Unfortunately, it was canceled after just one season because it didn’t attract enough viewers or positive reviews.

‘The Order’ (2019–2020)

This show follows a college student who discovers a hidden magical society and gets caught in a conflict between werewolves and those who practice dark magic. It blends scary moments with humor, and delves into family mysteries and the risks of using magic. After two seasons, Netflix cancelled the series.

‘What We Do in the Shadows’ (2019–2024)

This funny series presents a behind-the-scenes look at the everyday lives of four vampires who share a house on Staten Island. Inspired by the film by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, the show focuses on the surprisingly ordinary side of being immortal. It playfully subverts traditional vampire stories with humor and includes appearances from other supernatural creatures. The series has been highly praised by critics and has been nominated for many awards.

‘Sweet Home’ (2020–2024)

This South Korean show centers around the residents of an apartment complex who are suddenly caught in a terrifying outbreak – people are turning into monsters! The story follows a teenage boy who teams up with his neighbors to try and survive. Known for its original monster designs and the psychological reasons behind the transformations, the series quickly became popular worldwide on its streaming platform and has continued with multiple seasons.

Share your thoughts on which horror series you think is the most overrated in the comments.

2026-01-05 16:52