The Best Workplace Horror Flicks to Watch This Labor Day
With the entertainment landscape disrupted due to the writers and actors strikes, the upcoming fall television season, a time typically met with anticipation by TV enthusiasts, feels notably uncertain, especially for the horror genre. While there are numerous high-profile shows set to debut, the horror genre’s offerings seem to be particularly affected. If the strikes aren’t resolved soon, will the premiere dates for these chilling series remain unchanged? Some networks have already postponed their promising horror series from their original premiere dates. As fans of the genre, it’s disheartening; from a practical standpoint, it’s understandable. We remain hopeful that the dates in our fall TV preview list for horror shows will stay as planned. And while we eagerly await the return of our favorite shows, we also recognize the importance of the issues at the heart of the strikes and hope for a fair resolution for all involved.
The Changeling (Sept. 8th on Apple TV+)
DESCRIPTION: Drawing inspiration from Victor LaValle’s acclaimed novel, “The Changeling” is described as an adult’s fairytale, weaving together elements of horror, tales of parenthood, and a treacherous journey through an uncharted New York City.
CAST & CREW: The series stars LaKeith Stanfield, Clark Backo, Adina Porter, Samuel T. Herring, Alexis Louder, and Jared Abrahamson. Behind the scenes, the executive producers include Kelly Marcel, Megan Ellison, Patrick Chu, Ali Krug, Jonathan van Tulleken, and Melina Matsoukas.
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon (Sept. 10th on AMC)
DESCRIPTION: The newest addition to the “Walking Dead” universe delves into Daryl’s unexpected journey in France. Initially set to feature Carol (Melissa McBride) but now centering solely on Daryl, the narrative follows his quest to uncover the mystery of his arrival in France and his desperate search for a path back home.
CAST & CREW: The series showcases performances by Norman Reedus, Clémence Poésy, Adam Nagaitis, Anne Charrier, Eriq Ebouaney, Laika Blanc Francard, Romain Levi, and Louis Puech Scigliuzzi. The executive production team comprises Scott Gimple, David Zabel, Norman Reedus, Greg Nicotero, Angela Kang, Brian Bockrath, and Daniel Percival.
The Swarm (Sept. 12th on The CW)
DESCRIPTION: Drawing from its official synopsis, the series delves into a world where unchecked pollution and continuous climate change have awakened a mysterious force from the ocean’s depths. This enigmatic entity harnesses marine creatures as aggressive vessels, initiating a war against mankind. The narrative is adapted from Frank Schätzing’s renowned novel, and our insights from its premiere at the Berlin Film Festival can be found in our review.
CAST & CREW: The executive production team is spearheaded by Frank Doelger, Eric Welbers, Marc Huffam, and Ute Leonhardt.
The Other Black Girl (Sept. 13th on HULU)
DESCRIPTION: Adapted from Zakiya Dalila Harris’ captivating novel, the series delves into the life of Nella, a young Black editorial assistant who stands alone in her company’s racial landscape. Her solitude seems to end with the arrival of another Black woman, Hazel. Yet, as Nella gets to know Hazel, she becomes increasingly aware of a dark undercurrent running through the company.
CAST & CREW: The ensemble includes Sinclair Daniel, Ashleigh Murray, Brittany Adebumola, Hunter Parrish, Bellamy Young, Eric McCormack, and Garcelle Beauvais. At the helm of the production are executive producers Rashida Jones, Adam Fishbach, Zakiya Dalila Harris, Tara Duncan, Marty Bowen, and Wyck Godfrey, with co-showrunners Jordan Reddout and Gus Hickey guiding the narrative.
Wilderness (Sept. 15th on Amazon Prime Video)
DESCRIPTION: On the surface, Liv and Will’s life in New York exudes glamour and stability. However, the facade crumbles when Liv discovers Will’s infidelity. In an attempt to reconcile, he proposes they embark on her long-desired road trip. While he sees it as a chance for atonement, she views the journey through a darker lens, considering it a realm where misfortunes are commonplace and an ideal setting to exact her revenge.
CAST & CREW: The series features performances by Jenna Coleman, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Ashley Benson, and Eric Balfour. Steering the production are executive producers Marnie Dickens and Elizabeth Kilgarriff.
American Horror Story: Delicate (Sept 20th FX on HULU)
DESCRIPTION: American Horror Story: Delicate delves into the life of actress Anna Victoria Alcott, who, after several unsuccessful IVF attempts, is desperate to embrace motherhood. As acclaim for her latest film rises, a shadow of dread looms over Anna, making her suspect that an unseen force might be jeopardizing her dream of becoming a mother.
CAST & CREW: American Horror Story is renowned for its stellar cast, featuring a dynamic ensemble that rotates each season. Notable actors such as Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, and Jessica Lange have consistently delivered critically acclaimed performances. After a four-year break, Emma Roberts is set to reprise her role in the franchise, taking on the character of Anna Alcott. Roberts, who previously showcased her talents in Coven and other seasons, was last seen in 1984 as Brooke. The upcoming season also marks a significant milestone with Kim Kardashian making her acting debut, a revelation that took fans by storm when announced in April. Joining Roberts and Kardashian are beloved actors and newcomers alike, including Cara Delevingne, Matt Czuchry, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Annabelle Dexter-Jones, Julie White, Demi Moore, and Debra Monk, ensuring a captivating season ahead.
Chucky: Season 3 (Oct. 4th SYFY)
DESCRIPTION: Season 3 of Chucky takes a dramatic turn as the malevolent doll’s insatiable hunger for dominance leads him to the very heart of American power: the White House. The narrative unfolds the mystery of how Chucky infiltrated this iconic residence and delves into his sinister intentions within its historic walls.
CAST & CREW: The series welcomes back familiar faces such as Fiona Dourif, Jennifer Tilly, Alyvia Alyn Lind, Zackary Arthur, and Björgvin Arnarson. The iconic voice of Chucky, provided by Brad Dourif, is also set to return, and fans can anticipate appearances from other cherished characters from the franchise’s storied past.
The Fall of the House of Usher (Oct. 12th on Netflix)
DESCRIPTION: Drawing inspiration from the haunting tales of Edgar Allan Poe, the narrative revolves around the formidable Usher siblings, architects of a vast pharmaceutical dynasty. As heirs begin to meet untimely deaths, the family’s buried secrets resurface, led by a enigmatic woman from their history. This limited series marks possibly the final collaboration between Netflix and Mike Flanagan, known for The Haunting of Hill House, as he has transitioned his company’s primary partnership to Amazon.
CAST & CREW: The series boasts a stellar cast including Bruce Greenwood, Carla Gugino, Mary McDonnell, Carl Lumbly, Mark Hamill, Michael Trucco, T’Nia Miller, Paola Nuñez, Henry Thomas, Kyleigh Curran, Samantha Sloyan, Rahul Kohli, Kate Siegel, Sauriyan Sapkota, Zach Gilford, Willa Fitzgerald, and Katie Parker. At the production’s helm are executive producers Mike Flanagan, Trevor Macy, Emmy Grinwis, and Michael Fimognari.
Living for the Dead (Oct. 18th HULU)
DESCRIPTION: From the minds behind Queer Eye comes a unique twist on ghost hunting. Living for the Dead follows a vibrant team of five queer ghost hunters as they traverse the nation, bridging the gap between the living and the departed. Venturing into renowned haunted sites, they challenge norms and embrace both realms with compassion and flair. While the title might evoke memories of 30 Rock, the series promises a fresh, LGBTQ+ take on the Ghost Hunters reality genre.
CAST & CREW: The series is narrated by the talented Kristen Stewart and produced by a team of executive producers including David Collins, Michael Williams, Rob Eric, Renata Lombardo, Kristen Stewart, CJ Romero, and Elaine White.
Bodies (Oct. 19th Netflix)
DESCRIPTION: Bodies, is not your typical crime procedural. Drawing inspiration from the mind-bending graphic novel by Si Spencer, the series offers a unique narrative structure. It follows four detectives from distinct eras in London’s history, all delving into the same chilling case: an unidentified body discovered in Whitechapel. As they each unravel the mystery, they stumble upon a dark conspiracy that has persisted for an astonishing 150 years, intertwining their fates across time.
CAST & CREW: Leading the series are Kyle Soller, Stephen Graham, and Amaka Okafor, supported by talents like Jacob Fortune-Lloyd and Shira Haas. The direction is helmed by Marco Kreuzpainter, with Haolu Wang directing several episodes. Paul Tomalin, known for creating the Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood and the Channel 4 crime drama No Offence, serves as the showrunner and co-lead writer. Joining him as another co-lead writer is Danusia Samal, credited for Hulu’s The Great.
A Murder at the End of the World (Nov. 14th FX Streaming on HULU)
DESCRIPTION: Dive into a riveting mystery where a reclusive billionaire beckons a diverse group of guests, including a Gen Z detective with a knack for hacking, to a secluded retreat. The atmosphere takes a dark turn when one of the attendees is discovered dead, challenging the young sleuth’s abilities in a high-stakes investigation.
CAST & CREW: The ensemble boasts talents such as Emma Corrin, Brit Marling, Harris Dickinson, Alice Braga, Joan Chen, Raúl Esparza, Jermaine Fowler, Ryan J. Haddad, Pegah Ferydoni, Javed Khan, Louis Cancelmi, Edoardo Ballerini, and Clive Owen. Guiding the narrative behind the scenes are executive producers Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij.
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (November Apple TV+)
DESCRIPTION: In collaboration with Legendary, this sci-fi drama expands the cinematic universe established by films like Godzilla (2014), Kong: Skull Island (2017), and the subsequent sequels, culminating in the anticipated Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. Set in the aftermath of the cataclysmic battle that solidified the existence of monsters, the narrative follows two siblings on a quest to unravel their family’s ties to the enigmatic organization, Monarch. Their search for answers propels them into the realm of titans and a deep dive into the past, centering around Army officer Lee Shaw in the 1950s. As the story unfolds over three generations, they unearth revelations that could reshape their understanding of the world.
CAST & CREW: The series features a stellar cast including Kurt Russell, Wyatt Russell, Anna Sawai, Kiersey Clemons, Ren Watabe, Mari Yamamoto, Anders Holm, Joe Tippett, and Elisa Lasowski. The creative force behind the scenes comprises executive producers Chris Black, Matt Fraction, Joby Harold, Tory Tunnell, Matt Shakman, Andy Goddard, Brad Van Arragon, Andrew Colville, Hiro Matsuoka, and Takemasa Arita.
