Overrated Horror TV Shows Everyone Seems To Like

Horror television has seen a massive surge in popularity over the last two decades with streaming platforms and cable networks investing heavily in the genre. Many series achieve mainstream success and gain dedicated fanbases that celebrate every narrative twist and character development. However, certain productions receive high levels of praise that some viewers find disproportionate to their actual storytelling quality or execution. This list examines several prominent horror series that have dominated cultural conversations despite varying critical responses.

‘American Horror Story’ (2011–)

This anthology series created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk explores different horror tropes and settings in each season. The show features a recurring cast of actors who take on new roles as the themes shift from haunted houses to asylums and covens. It has received numerous awards and high viewership ratings throughout its lengthy run on cable television. The production is known for its stylized visuals and graphic depictions of violence alongside campy characterizations.

‘The Walking Dead’ (2010–2022)

Based on the comic book series by Robert Kirkman, this show follows a group of survivors navigating a world overrun by zombies. Rick Grimes leads the ensemble cast as they seek shelter and struggle against both the undead and hostile human factions. The series became a global phenomenon and spawned multiple spinoffs and media adaptations. It maintained a massive audience for over a decade despite significant changes to its core cast and creative direction.

‘Stranger Things’ (2016–2025)

This Netflix original series blends supernatural elements with eighties nostalgia in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana. A group of young friends discovers a parallel dimension known as the Upside Down while searching for their missing companion. The show heavily references classic films from directors like Steven Spielberg and John Carpenter. It has achieved record breaking viewership and remains one of the most talked about programs on streaming media.

‘The Vampire Diaries’ (2009–2017)

Set in the supernatural town of Mystic Falls, this teen drama focuses on the lives and romances of vampires and humans. Elena Gilbert finds herself caught in a love triangle between two vampire brothers named Stefan and Damon Salvatore. The series ran for eight seasons and successfully launched a franchise including ‘The Originals’ and ‘Legacies’. It developed a massive social media following and became a staple of young adult horror programming.

‘True Blood’ (2008–2014)

This HBO series is based on the Sookie Stackhouse novels and takes place in a world where vampires have come out of the coffin. Sookie is a telepathic waitress who falls in love with a vampire in the small town of Bon Temps, Louisiana. The show incorporates various supernatural creatures like werewolves and faeries into its increasingly complex plotlines. It was a major critical and commercial success during the height of the vampire fiction craze.

‘Bates Motel’ (2013–2017)

Serving as a contemporary prequel to the film ‘Psycho’, this series depicts the early lives of Norman Bates and his mother Norma. They purchase a motel in a coastal town to start a new life after the death of Norma’s husband. The show explores the psychological decline of Norman and his complicated relationship with his mother. It received praise for the performances of Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore over its five season run.

‘Hannibal’ (2013–2015)

This psychological horror series focuses on the relationship between FBI profiler Will Graham and the cannibalistic psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter. Will has the ability to empathize with serial killers which takes a heavy toll on his mental health. The show is noted for its high level of visual artistry and sophisticated approach to culinary and forensic themes. It developed a loyal cult following despite its initial struggle to maintain high network ratings.

‘Supernatural’ (2005–2020)

Two brothers named Sam and Dean Winchester travel across America hunting demons and ghosts and other paranormal entities. The series began as a monster of the week procedural before expanding into epic narratives involving angels and the apocalypse. It holds the record for the longest running American live action fantasy television series. The show concluded after fifteen seasons and remains a central pillar of fan convention culture.

‘Penny Dreadful’ (2014–2016)

Set in Victorian London, this series weaves together the origin stories of several literary horror characters. Figures like Dorian Gray and Victor Frankenstein cross paths with original characters in a dark and gothic atmosphere. The show emphasizes character development and philosophical themes alongside its supernatural conflicts. It concluded its original run after three seasons and later inspired a city of angels spinoff.

‘The Haunting of Hill House’ (2018)

Created by Mike Flanagan, this limited series is a modern reimagining of the classic novel by Shirley Jackson. It follows a fractured family as they confront the traumatic memories of their childhood home and the ghosts that haunt them. The narrative jumps between two timelines to explore how the past influences the present mental states of the siblings. The show gained widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and technical filmmaking.

‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ (2018–2020)

This dark coming of age story reimagines the Archie Comics character as a half human and half witch. Sabrina Spellman must reconcile her dual nature while fighting the evil forces that threaten her and her family. The series features a darker tone than the previous nineties sitcom adaptation and leans into horror and occultism. It ran for four parts on Netflix and concluded with a series of crossover events.

‘Scream Queens’ (2015–2016)

This horror comedy anthology focuses on a sorority at Wallace University that is targeted by a serial killer in a devil mask. The show parodies slasher film tropes and features an ensemble cast led by Emma Roberts and Jamie Lee Curtis. It uses a brightly colored aesthetic and satirical dialogue to deliver its brand of slasher mystery. The series gained a significant online presence but was canceled after its second season.

‘Teen Wolf’ (2011–2017)

Loosely based on the 1985 film of the same name, this series follows high school student Scott McCall after he is bitten by a werewolf. He must navigate his new supernatural life while protecting his town from various mythological threats. The show evolved from a teen romance into a darker ensemble drama involving banshees and kitsunes and hunters. It concluded after six seasons and recently returned as a feature length film.

‘Fear the Walking Dead’ (2015–2023)

This first companion series to ‘The Walking Dead’ initially explores the onset of the zombie apocalypse through the eyes of a blended family. It moves the setting from Los Angeles to the Mexican border and beyond as the characters adapt to the new world. The show underwent several creative reboots and cast changes throughout its eight seasons. It expanded the lore of the franchise by introducing new locations and survival strategies.

‘The Purge’ (2018–2019)

Based on the popular film franchise, this series depicts the events of a twelve hour period where all crime is legal in America. Each season follows different groups of characters as they attempt to survive the night or seek revenge. The show explores the social and political implications of the purge through a longer television format. It ran for two seasons before being canceled by its network.

‘Midnight Mass’ (2021)

This limited series takes place on an isolated island where a charismatic priest brings mysterious miracles to the community. The arrival of the new clergyman coincides with a series of inexplicable events and growing religious fervor. The show focuses on themes of faith and sobriety and mortality within a small town setting. It received significant attention for its lengthy monologues and philosophical discussions about the afterlife.

‘The Midnight Club’ (2022)

A group of terminally ill teenagers at a hospice facility meet every night to tell scary stories to one another. They make a pact that the first person to die must attempt to contact the others from the grave. The series is based on the works of Christopher Pike and blends teen drama with supernatural horror. It was created for Netflix and ended after its first season without a renewal for a second chapter.

‘Resident Evil’ (2022)

This adaptation of the famous video game franchise follows two timelines involving the daughters of Albert Wesker. One timeline shows the sisters discovering secrets about the Umbrella Corporation while the other depicts a post apocalyptic future. The show features numerous creatures from the games alongside original narrative elements. It was canceled shortly after its debut due to mixed reception and viewership numbers.

‘Ratched’ (2020–)

This series serves as an origin story for the infamous asylum nurse from the novel ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’. It stars Sarah Paulson as a woman who navigates the mental health system in the mid twentieth century. The production features the vibrant colors and suspenseful atmosphere typical of a Ryan Murphy project. It was initially planned for multiple seasons and explores the motivations of its title character.

‘Lovecraft Country’ (2020)

This series follows a young man as he travels across the segregated United States in the fifties to find his missing father. The journey involves surviving both the horrors of racism and terrifying monsters inspired by H.P. Lovecraft. The show blends historical drama with science fiction and supernatural horror elements. It received several award nominations but was not renewed for a second season.

‘Castle Rock’ (2018–2019)

Set in the fictional Maine town created by Stephen King, this anthology series features characters and themes from his vast body of work. Each season tells a self contained story that references various locations and events from King’s novels. The production was executive produced by J.J. Abrams and aired on a streaming platform. It aimed to create a shared universe for the author’s most famous horror concepts.

‘Slasher’ (2016–)

This anthology series focuses on a different masked killer and a new set of victims in every season. The show pays homage to the classic slasher films of the eighties and nineties with a focus on creative kills and mystery. It has moved across several different networks and streaming services during its production history. Each season explores themes like revenge and social media and religious extremism.

‘Ash vs Evil Dead’ (2015–2018)

Bruce Campbell returns as the iconic character Ash Williams in this television sequel to the ‘Evil Dead’ film trilogy. Ash must come out of retirement to battle a new outbreak of Deadites with his signature chainsaw and boomstick. The show maintains the blend of gore and slapstick comedy that the original movies are known for. It ran for three seasons and featured various new characters joining the fight against evil.

‘Wayward Pines’ (2015–2016)

A secret service agent arrives in a mysterious Idaho town to investigate the disappearance of two fellow agents. He soon discovers that the town is surrounded by an electrified fence and ruled by strict rules. The series was based on the novels by Blake Crouch and executive produced by M. Night Shyamalan. It revealed a significant science fiction twist during its first season that shifted the direction of the story.

‘Sleepy Hollow’ (2013–2017)

This modern day retelling of the classic legend features Ichabod Crane being resurrected in the twenty first century. He teams up with a police lieutenant to stop the Headless Horseman and other supernatural threats. The show combined police procedural elements with historical flashbacks and occult lore. It underwent several changes in tone and cast members before concluding after four seasons.

‘Grimm’ (2011–2017)

A homicide detective discovers that he is a descendant of hunters who protect humanity from supernatural creatures known as Wesen. The series is inspired by the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm and features a variety of creature designs. The protagonist must balance his duties as a law enforcement officer with his responsibilities as a Grimm. It developed a dedicated fanbase and ran for six seasons on network television.

‘Hemlock Grove’ (2013–2015)

This Netflix original explores the strange occurrences in a Pennsylvania steel town after the murder of a young girl. The plot involves a wealthy family and a newcomer who is suspected of being a werewolf. The show is known for its graphic transformation scenes and dark atmosphere. It was one of the first original series produced for the streaming platform and ran for three seasons.

‘Brand New Cherry Flavor’ (2021)

A young filmmaker goes to Hollywood in the nineties to direct her first movie but ends up in a surreal nightmare. She seeks revenge against a powerful producer by enlisting the help of a mysterious woman who uses dark magic. The limited series features body horror and hallucinations and supernatural kittens. It is based on a novel and received attention for its bizarre imagery and unique tone.

‘Archive 81’ (2022)

An archivist is hired to restore a collection of damaged videotapes from the nineties and becomes obsessed with the story of a missing woman. He discovers a connection between the tapes and a dangerous cult residing in an old apartment building. The series uses a dual timeline structure to unravel a cosmic horror mystery. Despite positive reviews the show was canceled after its first season on Netflix.

‘Marianne’ (2019)

This French horror series follows a famous novelist who realizes that the terrifying characters she writes about are appearing in the real world. She returns to her hometown to confront the malevolent spirit that has haunted her dreams since childhood. The show emphasizes tension and jump scares through its atmospheric cinematography. It was praised for its frightening visuals before being discontinued after one season.

‘Scream: The TV Series’ (2015–2019)

This adaptation of the ‘Scream’ film franchise introduces a new masked killer who stalks a group of teenagers in the town of Lakewood. The series updates the meta commentary of the original movies for the social media era. It featured different storylines and casts across its three seasons on television. The show attempted to replicate the slasher mystery format for a younger audience.

‘Being Human’ (2011–2014)

A vampire and a werewolf and a ghost attempt to live together in a normal house while struggling with their supernatural conditions. This North American remake of a British series focuses on the internal conflicts and humanity of its monstrous leads. The characters deal with addiction and loss and the desire to lead ordinary lives. It ran for four seasons and developed a strong cult following on cable.

‘1899’ (2022)

From the creators of ‘Dark’, this series follows a group of European migrants traveling to New York on a steamship. They encounter another ship missing for months and a series of inexplicable and nightmarish events begin to occur. The show features a multilingual cast and a complex puzzle like narrative structure. It was canceled by Netflix after its first season which ended on a major cliffhanger.

‘From’ (2022–)

The residents of a mysterious town in middle America are trapped and unable to leave the city limits. They must survive the threats of the surrounding forest including terrifying creatures that come out at night. The series explores the psychological toll of the situation as the characters search for a way home. It has gained popularity for its suspenseful atmosphere and enigma driven plot.

‘Yellowjackets’ (2021–)

This series tells the story of a high school girls soccer team whose plane crashes in the remote northern wilderness. The narrative jumps between their survival in the nineties and their lives as adults twenty five years later. It incorporates elements of psychological horror and cannibalism and supernatural mystery. The show received high critical acclaim and became a major hit for its network.

‘Servant’ (2019–2023)

Produced by M. Night Shyamalan, this series follows a grieving couple who use a lifelike reborn doll to cope with the loss of their child. They hire a mysterious young nanny to care for the doll and strange occurrences begin to happen within their home. The show is set entirely in a Philadelphia townhouse and uses a claustrophobic atmosphere to build tension. It concluded its story after four seasons of psychological and supernatural twists.

‘The Strain’ (2014–2017)

Guillermo del Toro co-created this series about a viral outbreak of ancient vampirism that threatens to consume the world. A team of scientists and a veteran vampire hunter join forces to stop the spread of the biological threat. The show features unique creature designs that diverge from traditional vampire folklore. It ran for four seasons and depicted the societal collapse caused by the infection.

‘Chambers’ (2019)

A young woman receives a heart transplant and starts to experience disturbing visions and personality changes. She becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth about the donor’s mysterious death and the family that provided the heart. The series explores themes of identity and occultism within a desert setting. It was canceled after one season despite having a high profile cast.

‘Ares’ (2020)

This Dutch horror series follows a medical student who joins a secret student society in Amsterdam. She discovers that the organization is built on a dark and demonic secret that involves the history of her country. The show uses gothic imagery and psychological horror to explore the price of power and wealth. It consists of eight episodes and focuses on the descent of the protagonist into a world of shadows.

‘Curon’ (2020)

A mother returns to her mysterious hometown in northern Italy with her teenage twins and subsequently disappears. The children must investigate the secrets of the village and a haunted lake that has a submerged bell tower. The series blends local folklore with supernatural elements and family drama. It explores the concept of shadow selves and the hidden darkness within people.

‘Ghost Wars’ (2017–2018)

Set in a remote Alaskan town, this series follows a local outcast who must use his psychic abilities to save the community from a paranormal uprising. The town is being haunted by ghosts that are capable of physical harm and psychological manipulation. The show features various supernatural encounters and explores the backstories of the townspeople. It was canceled after one season on the Syfy network.

‘Damien’ (2016)

This series serves as a sequel to the 1976 horror film ‘The Omen’ and follows the adult life of Damien Thorn. Now a war photographer, Damien has forgotten his satanic past but is forced to confront his identity as the Antichrist. The show depicts his struggle against the dark forces that protect him and the people who want to destroy him. It ran for a single season before its cancellation.

‘Helstrom’ (2020)

Based on Marvel Comics characters, this series follows the children of a powerful and mysterious serial killer. The siblings track down the worst of humanity and supernatural threats using their unique abilities. The show leans into the horror aspects of the source material with a dark and somber tone. It was the final production from Marvel Television before it was folded into Marvel Studios.

‘The Terror’ (2018–2019)

The first season of this anthology series tells a fictionalized account of Captain Sir John Franklin’s lost expedition to the Arctic. The crew of two ships faces freezing temperatures and starvation while being hunted by an elusive monster. The second season shifts the focus to a Japanese American internment camp haunted by a shapeshifting spirit. The show is praised for its historical detail and psychological tension.

‘The Exorcist’ (2016–2017)

This series serves as a sequel to the original 1973 film and follows two priests who perform exorcisms on possessed individuals. The first season connects directly to the events of the movie while the second season explores a new case at a foster home. The show focuses on the battle between faith and demonic forces in a modern setting. It developed a dedicated following but was canceled after two seasons.

‘The Mist’ (2017)

Based on the novella by Stephen King, this series depicts a small town that is suddenly enveloped by a thick mist containing monsters. The residents are trapped in various locations and must deal with the psychological breakdown of their community. The show expands on the original story by introducing new characters and subplots. It was canceled after one season due to low ratings and reception.

‘The Order’ (2019–2020)

A college student joins a secret society that practices magic and finds himself in a war between werewolves and practitioners of the dark arts. The series combines horror elements with a lighthearted and often comedic tone. It explores themes of family secrets and the dangerous consequences of using magic. The show ran for two seasons on Netflix before being discontinued.

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

This mockumentary series follows the nightly lives of four vampires who have lived together for hundreds of years on Staten Island. Based on the film by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, it explores the mundane aspects of immortal life. The show uses comedy to deconstruct classic horror tropes and features a variety of supernatural guest stars. It has received critical acclaim and numerous award nominations.

‘Sweet Home’ (2020–2024)

In this South Korean series, residents of an apartment building find themselves trapped as humans begin turning into monsters. The protagonist is a high school student who must work with his neighbors to survive the outbreak. The show features unique creature designs and explores the inner desires that cause the transformations. It became a global hit for its streaming platform and expanded its story across multiple seasons.

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