Creepshow Season 1 Review: Practical Effects For The Win!

Four seasons (and two specials) of "Creepshow" are currently viewable on Shudder. Season 1 premiered in 2019. This is a horror anthology which means several shorter stories are presented. They are tied together with a wraparound story and a narrator. The narrator for "Creepshow" is the CREEP. He is not to be confused with the CRYPT KEEPER from "Tales from the Crypt".

"Creepshow" is based on the EC horror comics of the 1950s. Other shows based on the comics include: the afore mentioned "Tales from The Crypt", "The Vault Of Horror", "The Haunt Of Fear" etc. These stories are not meant to be hard core horror. Instead they feature gore and dark humor for both kids and adults.

Besides the TV series, there are 3 "Creepshow" movies. The original is from 1982 and was directed by George A Romero and written by Stephen King (in his screenwriting debut). Talk a great horror pedigree! I covered this franchise back in episode 43 of the podcast. Feel free to check that out for more details.

Season 1 has 6 episodes with 2 stories in each episode. The series is produced by Greg Nicotero (of "The Walking Dead" fame). He previously worked with Romero. The show segments are directed by different directors including Tom Savini. Famous actors include: Adrienne Barbeau (who starred in the first movie), David Arquette, Tobin Bell (from "Saw"), Giancarlo Esposito, Tricia Helfer, Dana Gould, Big Boi, Bruce Davidson, Jeffrey Combs, etc.

Episode 1: Gray Matter and The House Of The Head- "Gray Matter" is from Stephen King. Josh Malerman (who wrote "Birdbox") did the second story.
Episode 2: Bad Wolf Down and The Finger- "The Finger" is one of my favorite episodes. Love ya Bob!
Episode 3: All Hallows Eve and The Man In The Suitcase. "The Man In The Suitcase" was definitely a fun ride.
Episode 4: The Companion and Lyndia Laynes Better Half- I know most people probably dont agree but I just love the confined spaces of the "Lyndia..." story where people are trapped somewhere and cant get out.
Episode 5: Night Of The Paw and Times Is Tough In Musky Holler
Episode 6: By The Silver Water Of Lake Champlain and Skincrawlers- Lake Champlain is written by Joe Hill.

Grade: 4 1/2 Monsters (out of 5). Ratings of anthologies are typically a mixed bag. There are usually a few standout episodes but the rest may be "meh". I prefer anthologies though because if you dont like a story, stick around and you'll have a new one soon. Having said that, I enjoyed season 1 overall. The intro is great, the standard dissolve btwn comics and live action is always a hit to me. I like how they continued using color saturation with bright reds, greens, purples. I always MUCH prefer practical effects over CGI. They are done well here for the most part (especially with the Creep). Interested in learning more? There are several behind the scenes videos on YouTube with interviews with Stephen King, Greg Nicoteri and Adrienne Barbeau. Also check out Easter eggs at: https://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3579823/8-easter-eggs-fun-trivia-uncovered-set-shudders-new-creepshow-series-set-visit/