Horror-based TV shows have long been popular, with examples ranging from American Horror Story to Supernatural to Stranger Things, but not every show in the genre becomes so recognizable. In fact, one pretty terrifying example has slipped through the cracks. Deserving more recognition than it receives, Salem is a unique gothic horror series from 2014. A deep cut, though it may be, Salem tells a terrifying story with witches, torture, and even the devil, making it the perfect supernatural horror series for those who feel like they’ve seen them all.
Salem was WGN America’s first scripted drama, and unfortunately, the network didn’t long outlast the series. Yet, with Salem now streaming on Hulu, it is the perfect time for fans of the horror genre to catch up on what they have been missing. Starring Janet Montgomery, Salem is loosely inspired by the Salem Witch Trials in the 17th century. This history already gives the show a brutal backdrop, and the dark, supernatural elements only add to that. The series ran for three seasons, totaling only 36 episodes, making it a fairly easy binge-watch for those drawn in by the idea of a supernatural horror crossed with a period romance.
What Is ‘Salem’ About?
The story follows Mary Sibley (Montgomery), the wife of a prominent townsman in Salem, Massachusetts, during the height of the infamous witch trials, but little do people know that she is actually a witch herself. The fictional series explores a darker truth behind this period in history, as it not only establishes that the witches are real but are orchestrating the bloody events to serve their own purpose. As the leader of the coven, Mary fuels the growing hysteria of the local Puritan population in hopes of summoning the devil himself. This new perspective effectively rewrites the already horrific event to make it even darker. With this premise, Salem is filled with dark magic and chilling scenes that will fascinate fans of the genre.
However, Salem is about more than witchcraft, as Mary’s love life further escalates the story. When her former lover, John Alden (Shane West), unexpectedly returns to Salem after being presumed dead, Mary faces a personal complication. Despite believing he was dead, she still has feelings for John, but it isn’t so simple. Not only is Mary married to John’s rival, George Sibley (Michael Mulheren), but as her old flame becomes involved with the witch trials, the issues between them grow. Mary faces a personal conflict as she attempts to hide the truth from John while moving forward with her plan. The high stakes and elements of forbidden romance enhance the series, setting it apart from other supernatural horror shows as Mary’s emotions and ambitions clash.
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Horror Fans Will Love ‘Salem’
There is a lot that stands out about Salem, but what recommends it most is the fact that, for a network series, it includes a shocking amount of gruesome content. In a time before streaming rewrote the guidelines of what TV could do, Salem truly explored the dark extremes of witchcraft. From the beginning, the series is unafraid to include the demonstrations of dark magic, sacrifices, and even executions, allowing the audience to see the terrifying elements they signed up for. These disturbing moments cover ground ranging from a woman bathing in blood to medieval torture devices, allowing the series to embrace its genre to the fullest extent. The terrifying direction the series takes may be a warning to some, but for those who love horror, Salem‘s willingness to push limits sets it apart.
Salem may not have received a long run, but three seasons make it the perfect quick binge for anyone in need of a horrific watch or with a morbid fascination with the history of witches (though be aware that, besides the fact that women were accused of witchcraft in Salem, there is little that has to do with truth here). Now that Salem is streaming on Hulu, it’s the perfect time to settle in and enjoy this exploration of witchcraft and forbidden romance.
Salem is streaming on Hulu in the U.S.
