Tag: series

Posted on

Supernatural Television


Previously I wrote about a larger project I am working on that involves supernatural fiction in all its forms. I first discussed supernatural novels and today I am discussing supernatural television series. This does not include all supernatural television series. The criteria are similar to my selection of supernatural novels. I’m only looking at TV series from the last 35 to 40 years and they must involve supernatural events excluding science fiction. I do make some exceptions with TV series based off novels or films only because the TV series surpassed the original source material in popularity.

One can consider this list to be some of my favorite television series. Some are not but I included them on the list because they fit the criteria and were popular shows during their time or still are. I even include some cartoons and Anime. This is a short list compared to the amount of supernatural television series and please keep in mind, the list is short only for my convenience otherwise I would be overworked. The project is extensive as I’ve prepared it and opening up to all the things would make the project impossible to finish. I would like to finish this project within the next couple years.

Here is my list of the best supernatural television series’.

  • Are You Afraid of the Dark? (1990–2000)
  • Courage the Cowardly Dog (1999–2002) *
  • Penny Dreadful (2014–2016) *
  • American Horror Story (2011– )
  • Grimm (2011–2017)
  • Santa Clarita Diet (2017– ) *
  • Being Human (2008–2013)
  • The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy (2001–2007)
  • Death Note (2006-2007) *
  • Charmed (1998-2006)
  • Stranger Things (2016- ) *
  • Twin Peaks (1990-1991) *
  • iZombie (2015- )
  • The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017 ) / The Originals (2013- )
  • Channel Zero (2016-2018) *
  • True Blood (2008)
  • Hemlock Grove (2013–2015) * – Case Study (Rule Exception)
  • Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1996-2003) / Angel (1999-2004) – Case Study (Rule Exception)
  • Supernatural (2005– ) – Case Study

The titles with the asterisk are shows that only have three or less seasons. Some of them will likely have more as they are ongoing, but I wanted to differentiate between the popular shows that were short lived and the shows that continue to be popular after many seasons. As with the list of novels, the case studies are works that have transcended their original media source and have become media franchises. The television show Supernatural (2005 – ) is a case study simply because of its popularity solely as a television show. It’s the first show of this genre that continues to grow in popularity as it continues edging closer to two decades of syndication.

I’ve barely scratched the surface of all the data I must consume for this project and I am not entirely sure what the point of it will be. What will be my argument in this book length essay? What will be my hook for gaining new readers? How are all these shows, novels, films, games, and comics connected? Why does it matter? These are questions I’ll attempt to answer as I review all the things. All the Supernatural Things. Perhaps that will be the title of the project. Perhaps I’ll never finish this project. It’s something to do.