Horror TV Recommendations for People (Sara)

This is a continuation of the movie post, but just focusing on TV. It quickly devolves into K-drama propaganda because they do horror series so well without being awful about it. Not feeling the mental commitment of a scary movie? These are just as good. 

From Bent Neck Lady to Mom Jeans.

The Haunting series (2018- ): My all time favorite horror series. I cannot emphasize how amazing this show is. Episode 6 of Hill House is one of most amazing television episodes I've ever seen and could easily stand on its own. Goosebumps just thinking about it. Look for the ghosts in EVERY scene in Hill House because it makes it even better. I loved Bly Manor as well, and it had me in cathartic tears. Netflix, 2 seasons.

This woman was my favorite part.

Marianne​ (2019):  This French series was a hit in the States, but due to arbitrary Netflix rules it never got renewed for another season, despite ending on a cliffhanger. While there are a lot of plot holes, the performances are exceptional, and it brings the scares. It makes me sad, because it is difficult finding horror series that don't rely heavily on rape for shock value that brings nothing to the story *coughAmericanHorrorStorycough*. I ADORED the lead in this series SO FUCKING MUCH. Netflix, 1 season.

Voting lines when ballot drop off boxes are made illegal.

Kingdom (2019- ): If you wished you could watch a GoT style political drama but without all the graphic rape and misogynistic bullshit, this is your show! It takes place in Joseon-era Korea, and follows a Prince trying to escape political assassins, overthrow, and of course zombies. The show really focuses on the concept of what a true leader should be, and bringing people together as the times are a-changing. While the political drama is the driving force of the show, it always manages to maintain the horror aspect and keeps it scary. It's gory, with season 2 being gorier with battle scenes. There is a special film called Ashin of the North that followed season 2 to give the background on a new, very important character. This movie does include off screen SA, and the entire movie is a tough watch as betrayal being the main theme (it's her villain origin story so everything sucks for her!). You could technically skip this movie, but if you watch the show and end up falling in love with it (like me), then you'll be watching. Netflix, 2 seasons + special movie.

An actual reluctant hero that's believable.

Sweet Home (2020- ): This is a comic book style monster series. Like a lot of the Korean productions, they focus on character development over anything else. Not just individual character development either - how they interact is so important. They added a badass woman to the show that wasn't in the comic and actually made all the women stronger characters. There is a dog, and don't worry, it doesn't die. There is attempted SA that is prevented by another female character. There's also a presumed pedophile, which, adds this really wild element to the plot (no child abuse happens). Netflix, 1 season (just confirmed more to come and I'm very excited!)

Fuck was this dude evil. Love to see it.

Hellbound (2021- ?): Supernatural monster show? Possibly a cult thing going on? This show, plus the following two in this list are highly critical of capitalism and certain Western ideals. This show was very underrated. I would say it leans more action/thriller than horror, but there's monsters in it so I'm including it. It's smart and intelligent, while still being fun. I am hoping there's another season this year. Netflix, 1 season.

Let's take a moment to appreciate South Korean teenage athleticism.

All of Us Are Dead (2022- ): I love Korean zombie shows. They just do them so well! I was always pretty meh about the zombie thing until Koreans did more with the genre than just the "real threat is people" troupe. I love every. Fucking. Character. Even the bad guys. That's my biggest criticism of this show. Why do you make me so invested in everyone when the title is "all of us are dead?!" There is no SA, but there is triggering sexual coercion, blackmail and extortion towards one character from the main teenage antagonist. It is upsetting, but nothing graphic or violent, and they creatively deal with it as the show progresses. Stars bff hottie from Squid Game. Netflix, 1 season (season 2 confirmed). 

Fuck this image pisses me off. 2 of these hotties are on my shit list.

Squid Game (2021- ): I'm assuming you've seen this show, because everyone has, but it's on this list JUST IN CASE. I know technically it's a drama, but it's... horrifying! This show is proof you can make a disturbing and violent show without graphic rape. I hope the fact that it's a hit in America doesn't influence future seasons because I'll be crushed otherwise. K-drama snobs that judge people for this being their first K-drama are silly because this show is SOLID in every fucking way. Stars all the hotties from Squid Game​. Netflix, 1 season (more to come).