7.7 / 10 (based on 12 reviews)
In six episodes of 45 minutes, Terror investigates the questions that are raised with every new terrorist attack, but have always remained unanswered. Terror investigates the ways people deal with political violence. Both victims and terrorists speak candidly about the mark terrorism has left on their lives. Has their perception changed through the passage of time, or do they hold on to their own ideals?
Genre: Documentary
Main Cast: Bill Clinton, Emmanuel Macron, Charles de Gaulle, Ali Soufan
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1 season, 6 episodes
Shows Most Like Terror (2019)
The Terror (2018)
7.9 / 10 (based on 46337 reviews)
Supernatural, semihistorical, horror anthology series, where each season is inspired by a different infamous or mysterious real life historical tragedy.
Genre: Adventure, Drama, History, Horror, Thriller
Main Cast: Jared Harris, Derek Mio, Tobias Menzies, Kiki Sukezane
Creators: David Kajganich, Max Borenstein, Alexander Woo
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2 seasons, 20 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Terror (2016)
7.8 / 10 (based on 39 reviews)
Suroosh Alvi investigates the global jihadi movement: traveling to some of the most volatile countries, he speaks to victims, activists, government officials and fighters on both sides of the War on Terror to discover the line between isn’t always clear.
Genre: News
Main Cast: Suroosh Alvi
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5 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
The Exorcist (2016)
7.9 / 10 (based on 29516 reviews)
Follows three priests dealing with cases of a demonic presence targeting a family and a foster home.
Genre: Drama, Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Main Cast: Alfonso Herrera, Ben Daniels, Kurt Egyiawan, Hannah Kasulka
Creators: Jeremy Slater
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2 seasons, 20 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime
Taboo (2017)
8.3 / 10 (based on 141574 reviews)
Adventurer James Keziah Delaney returns to London during the War of 1812 to rebuild his late father’s shipping empire. However, both the government and his biggest competitor want his inheritance at any cost – even murder.
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Main Cast: Tom Hardy, David Hayman, Jonathan Pryce, Oona Chaplin
Creators: Steven Knight, Chips Hardy, Tom Hardy
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1 season, 16 episodes, 59.0-minute runtime
Penny Dreadful (2014)
8.2 / 10 (based on 125207 reviews)
Explorer Sir Malcolm Murray, American gunslinger Ethan Chandler, scientist Victor Frankenstein and medium Vanessa Ives unite to combat supernatural threats in Victorian London.
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Main Cast: Josh Hartnett, Timothy Dalton, Eva Green, Reeve Carney
Creators: John Logan
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3 seasons, 27 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Castle Rock (2018)
7.5 / 10 (based on 47649 reviews)
Based on the stories of Stephen King, the series intertwines characters and themes from the fictional town of Castle Rock.
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Main Cast: Bill Skarsgård, André Holland, Lizzy Caplan, Melanie Lynskey
Creators: Sam Shaw, Dustin Thomason
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2 seasons, 20 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Legend of Cambria (2018)
7.5 / 10 (based on 81 reviews)
A kingdom torn apart by deception and revenge is reunited by the youngest heir to the throne. Camber battles fate, pure evil, and unexpected forces on his epic journey from boy to king.
Genre: Fantasy
Main Cast: Colin Farrell, Morgan C. Jones, Darren Bransford, Danny O’Connor
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1 season, 7 episodes, 40.0-minute runtime
In 2019, the TV landscape was graced with a show that, while not reinventing the wheel, certainly polished it to a high sheen. “The Terror,” an anthology series, made its debut with a story that was as chilling as it was captivating. This wasn’t just another entry into the crowded field of historical drama or horror; it was a blend of both, executed with a level of craftsmanship that demanded attention.
The Premise
At its core, “The Terror” is about human endurance, the limits of survival, and the darkness that can emerge when people are pushed to their breaking points. Season one takes us on a harrowing journey with the crew of two British naval ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, as they attempt to navigate the Northwest Passage. What starts as a mission of discovery quickly devolves into a fight for survival against the unforgiving Arctic elements, dwindling supplies, and an unseen threat lurking beyond the ice.
Why It Stands Out
Historical Accuracy
One of the show’s most compelling aspects is its commitment to historical accuracy. The creators didn’t just slap some snow on a set and call it the Arctic. They dove into the real-life accounts of the lost Franklin Expedition of 1845, upon which the first season is based. The attention to detail in the ships, costumes, and even the characters’ dialects adds a layer of authenticity that immerses you in the period. It’s like stepping into a time machine, if that time machine was also occasionally terrifying.
Character Depth
“The Terror” doesn’t rely on cheap thrills or horror tropes to keep you engaged. Instead, it invests heavily in its characters, making their struggles, fears, and fleeting moments of hope palpable. The ensemble cast, led by Jared Harris, Tobias Menzies, and Ciarán Hinds, delivers performances that are nothing short of mesmerizing. You’re not just watching these men battle the elements and each other; you’re with them, feeling every setback and small victory as if they were your own.
The Horror Element
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room—or, more accurately, the monster on the ice. The supernatural element of “The Terror” is handled with a subtlety that’s rare in the genre. It’s not about jump scares or gore; it’s about the creeping dread that comes with the unknown. The show masterfully builds tension, using the landscape and the characters’ deteriorating mental states to create a sense of unease that culminates in moments of genuine terror.
Cultural Impact
While “The Terror” might not have the mainstream recognition of some of its contemporaries, its impact on the landscape of horror and historical drama is undeniable. It’s a masterclass in how to blend genres without losing the essence of either. The show has sparked discussions about the nature of historical storytelling, the ethical implications of dramatizing real-life tragedies, and the ways in which horror can be used to explore deeper themes of humanity and survival.
A Fresh Take on Horror
In a genre that often relies on well-trodden paths, “The Terror” offers something fresh. It’s proof that horror can be about more than just scaring the audience; it can also challenge them, make them think, and even move them. The show’s use of horror elements to explore the darker aspects of human nature and history is a reminder of the genre’s potential to tell complex, meaningful stories.
Lessons in Survival
Beyond its entertainment value, “The Terror” offers some hard lessons about survival. It’s not just the physical challenges that the characters face but the psychological ones. The show delves into the ways in which extreme conditions can bring out both the best and the worst in people. It’s a study in leadership, camaraderie, and the human will to survive against all odds.
Why You Should Watch It
If you haven’t yet watched “The Terror,” you might be wondering if it’s for you. Here’s the thing: it’s not just for fans of horror or history. It’s for anyone who appreciates well-crafted storytelling, complex characters, and a bit of psychological depth with their thrills. It’s a show that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting questions and sparking curiosity.
It’s More Than Just a TV Show
“The Terror” is an experience. It’s a journey into the unknown, both literally and figuratively. It challenges perceptions, pushes boundaries, and offers a glimpse into a historical event that, while tragic, is fascinating in its complexity. It’s a reminder of the power of storytelling and the ways in which TV can be more than just entertainment; it can be art.
Final Thoughts
In a sea of content where it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices, “The Terror” stands out as a beacon. It’s a show that demands attention, not just for its technical excellence or its stellar performances, but for the way it weaves together different elements to create something truly unique. Whether you’re a history buff, a horror aficionado, or just someone looking for a show that offers depth and substance, “The Terror” is worth your time.
In the end, “The Terror” is a testament to the enduring appeal of stories that explore the human condition. It’s a show that, despite its historical setting and supernatural elements, feels incredibly relevant. It’s about fear, hope, survival, and the indomitable human spirit. And if that’s not worth watching, what is?