Best in Show: Quick Binge Television (Pt. I of II)

For years, horror television has been on an upward climb to the top of entertainment. Shows like The X-Files and The Walking Dead have amassed large, dedicated fan bases, while older classics like Are You Afraid of the Dark? and The Twilight Zone continues to sparkle in the back of our minds. But, the former are long-running and if behind, near impossible to catch up on, while the latter are great on single watches, but are episodic anthologies that don't need your love or adoration for the consistent characters. That's why this week's list covers shorter series (vague term, oh well) that you can sit down and watch in, say, a week. Miniseries, limited series and concluded shorter series are all included to ensure, no matter the time constraints, there's something to watch and invest in.


(imdb.com)

10. Channel Zero: Candle Cove (SYFY)

With the release of the follow-up to the limited series recently debuting, there is simply no better time to watch the self-contained 6-episode SYFY original, Channel Zero: Candle Cove. With terrifying puppets, some great camera work and cinematography, this series builds a spooky atmosphere that'll engross viewers more every episode. It's loopy and twisting plot is odd, but will maintain interest and while some of the acting is a little mediocre, the characters and story are all entertaining enough to keep it all worthwhile.

(imdb.com)

9. The Exorcist (FOX)

The second season of this FOX television show has just started airing, but left behind are much of the original cast and story first featured. The first season is a call back to horror classics, most namely The Exorcist of which it considers itself to be a direct sequel of. The second season will continue the unraveling story of two central characters, but their move to a different home and family will surely make the first season feel terrifically separate. The first season is arguably largely underrated, as it keeps a firm line in mainstream horror territory, rather than taking the plot in an action, drama or arthouse direction. Sure, there's a central family that'll tug at the heartstrings, but this show isn't made for anyone other than horror fans, and for that, we should be appreciative.

(imdb.com)

8. Dead Set (E4 - now on Netflix)

Based on the British version of the reality show, Big Brother, this 5-episode series brings the zombie apocalypse to a group of hopeful reality stars trapped and cut off from the outside world. When things start to go haywire, it's pretty clear that something is wrong, but for our \contestants, what exactly is happening begins as a mystery. This show is gory, sometimes a little comical and with a fantastic turn by breakout star, Riz Ahmed (The Night Of), it's a must-see.

(imdb.com)

7. American Horror Story: Roanoke (FX)

Despite its complex premise, this UnREAL-like season of American Horror Story, is one of the most organic and straightforward of the season. Featuring a sleuth of actors, characters and actors who played characters, this show-within-a-show is creative, and honestly scary. With some cheap jump scares, some terrifying tension and an unravelling plot that leaves a bloodbath in its wake; Roanoke was a welcome change from the limited series' convoluted artsy years.

(imdb.com)

6. IT (ABC)

Before Bill Skarsgard took over as Pennywise the Dancing Clown, Tim Curry starred as him in the iconic IT miniseries. While its graphics are dated and the plot gets a little off the rails, this ABC series gave viewers plenty reason to be afraid of the dark. Featuring an equally absurd and horrifying clown demon, IT tells a story nearly everyone knows now. And, while the new one is a fantastic entry in Stephen King's world, the original miniseries is quite the accomplishment that shouldn't be forgotten.