While there’s no shortage of exciting newhorrorTV shows, there’s also plenty of great series from the past that desperately need to be brought back. It’s always a shame when a show iscanceled before its time, and the horror genre is a hotbed forunderrated seriesthat were prematurely axed by their network, cult classics that never got the love they deserve, and franchise spin-offs that deserve another chance. While it’s not often that canceled shows manage to make a comeback successfully, all these shows could have excellent revivals.
Some of thebest horror TV showsof all time came to an end, with viewers left craving more. This was the case for plenty of scary series, anxiety-inducing anthologies, and frightening franchise entries that spooked viewers before coming to an end way too soon. Although it’s always exciting when a new, original horror series connects with viewers,it would be equally thrilling if these old shows were brought back.
7The Exorcist (2016 - 2017)
2 Seasons
The Exorcistfranchise has had a haphazard history since the release of its iconic 1973 movie, although one of the few installments that got things right was the direct sequel TV series of the same name. By ignoring the events of the various film sequels,The Exorcistavoided the pitfalls of a cheap rebootto actually honor and expand upon the legacy of the original film. Featuring Alfonso Herrera and Ben Daniels as a pair of exorcists who investigate cases of demonic possession,The Exorcisteven featured the reappearance of Regan MacNeil, played by Geena Davis.
As a legitimately scary series that’s packed with great characters and boasts a recognizable IP,The Exorcistwas a mature horror series that filled a much-needed gap in the TV landscape. With really strong writing and genuinely compelling storylines,The Exorcistshould never have been canceled, and bringing it back and letting it come to a natural conclusion feels like a no-brainer.
6The Haunting (2018 - 2020)
Horror filmmaker Mike Flanagan has had an astounding track record of breathing new life into dormant franchises, as powerfully seen in his anthologyThe Hauntingseries. With the first season based on Shirley Jackson’s classic storyThe Haunting of Hill Houseand the second installment tackling Henry James’sThe Turn of the ScrewforThe Haunting of Bly Manor, it’s shocking that this hit Netflix series did not return for a third season.
With a flexible format that could use countless classic horror stories as inspiration, Flanagan has previously discussed adapting Richard Matheson’sHell Houseas a third season in the series (viaBloody Disgusting), although these plans never came to fruition. Withthe door still open forThe Hauntingto return someday, audiences eagerly wait for Netflix and Flanagan to bring back this well-loved and highly stylish horror series.
5Freddy’s Nightmares (1988 - 1990)
A Nightmare on Elm Streetwas one of the biggest horror series of the 1980s, and despite underrated later entries like Wes Craven’sNew Nightmare, it has struggled to maintain its relevance in modern times. WithFreddy Krueger as one of horror’s most recognizable figures, it feels like a waste for this terrifying, dream-intruding serial killer to flounder in obscurity for so many years. While an attempt at a reboot of the franchise in 2010 fell flat on its face, perhaps the best way to bring Krueger back would be with the often overlooked anthology seriesFreddy’s Nightmares.
This series saw Robert Englund reprise his role as Freddy and told dark and grim tales set on Elm Street, only some of which featured Krueger as the antagonist. This was a fascinating way of expanding upon the lore of theA Nightmare on Elm Streetseries, and the show’s return could be a smart way to revive the franchise without the pressure of a feature film. As a series that was never fully appreciated in its own time, modern audiences might be more receptive to a revival ofFreddy’s Nightmares.
4Tales From The Crypt (1989 - 1996)
7 Seasons
While horror-centric anthology series likeAmerican Horror StoryandBlack Mirrorhave proved this format’s enduring popularity, one classic show that has fallen by the wayside wasTales from the Crypt. This HBO horror series was hosted by the wisecracking Cryptkeeper, a puppet corpse who added a unique sense of humor to this eerie series. With the series executive produced by major filmmakers like Richard Donner, Walter Hill, and Robert Zemeckis, a modern reboot could include contributions from the biggest voices in horror today, like Ari Aster, Jordan Peele, and Mike Flanagan.
Tales from the Cryptwas a trailblazing series for its time, as its status as a premium cable TV show meant it was not restricted by the standards and practices of network television. This willingness to push boundaries relating to graphic violence, profanity, and sexual activity made the series stand out, and a revival could carry this legacy forward to produce more transgressive horror stories that push viewers outside of their comfort zones.
3Bates Motel (2013 - 2017)
5 Seasons
The five-season runof Bates Motelwas a fascinating contemporary prequel toPsycho, the iconic horror from author Robert Bloch that was made famous by Alfred Hitchcock’s acclaimed film adaptation.This compelling horror series gave context to how Norman Bates became the killer we meet inPsychoand showcased the impact his overbearing mother had on his warped psychology. WhileBates Motel’sfinal season acted as an interesting reinterpretation of Hitchcock’s original movie, there are still plenty of aspects of Norman’s character that could be explored if it returned for a sixth season.
Bates Motelhas been off the air for several years now, and it would be thrilling to see Freddie Highmore reprise his role as Norman as an older man. This would be a great way to rewrite the wrongs of the past and take inspiration from the best bits of thePsychofilm sequels, which have historically received mixed reviews from critics. With a well-developed world and an all-time great horror protagonist to follow, it would be a shame not to continue the story ofBates Motel.
3 Seasons
The comedy horror seriesAsh vs Evil Deadpicked up on the story of Ash Williams 30 years after the events of the first threeEvil Deadmovies. The show maintained the film series' signature wacky sense of humor and compelling mythology of deadites and demons, with Bruce Campbell seamlessly slipping back into the role of the chaotic, slapstick hero. With Ash joined by a new cast of younger characters,Ash vs Evil Deadfelt like a modern update on a classic story that worked exceedingly well on the small screen.
Despite great reviews, incredible production values, inspired writing, and fantastic performances,Ash vs Evil Deadwas canceled after three seasonsdue to low viewership. This was a travesty for horror fans who were left devastated by the show’s premature ending. Campbell has stated that it’s possible the show could return as an animated series (viaCollider), although this has yet to be released.
1Hannibal (2013 - 2015)
A TV series based onThomas Harris’s fictional serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecterfelt like it was always going to live in the shadow of Anthony Hopkins’s all-time great performance inThe Silence of the Lambs, yetHannibalmanaged to do the impossible and carve out a legacy all of its own. As a show focused on the complex relationship between FBI special agent Will Graham and the forensic psychiatrist and sinister killer Hannibal, the strength of this series was down to two astounding performances by Hugh Dancy and Mads Mikkelsen.
Running for just three series,Hannibalwas one of the most notable examples of a show needlessly cut short before its time, and talks to renew this NBC series with Amazon Prime or Netflix never worked out. Even though it’s now been a full decade sinceHannibalwent off the air,horrorviewers have not lost hope that it could still be revived in some way. This enduring interest proves thatHannibaldesperately needs to return.
