8 Best Anthology TV Series to Watch Right Now
These captivating shows are sure to keep you hooked, and the best part? They won't burn a hole in your wallet.
1. Black Mirror
_17602.webp)
At the top of our anthology series roster sits Black Mirror. Channeling a chilling techno-paranoia akin to The Twilight Zone, this British series offers a unique blend of science fiction, satire, and dystopian futures. Each episode, sharply written and beautifully acted, portrays a standalone narrative about the human experience in our technology-riddled world.
The beauty of Black Mirror is that its speculative fiction often hits too close to home. Its narratives invite us to question our over-reliance on technology and its implications, making it a thought-provoking watch. With season 6 fresh out now, it's time to give Black Mirror a chance if you haven't already.
2. The Twilight Zone
No list of anthology series is complete without the iconic The Twilight Zone. The original series, helmed by Rod Serling in the '60s, is a masterclass in speculative fiction, blending science fiction, horror, and mystery. Its modern reboot carries the torch, offering new unnerving tales while preserving the original's socially conscious storytelling.
Each episode introduces viewers to a different world, a different set of characters, and a fresh storyline, leading to thought-provoking, often terrifying conclusions. The charm of The Twilight Zone is its unpredictability, which ensures viewers are on the edge of their seats, episode after episode.
3. American Horror Story
Creators Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk have kept fans captivated with the ever-evolving American Horror Story. Each season serves as a standalone story, depicting everything from haunted houses and freak shows to witches and cults. The series boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, and Evan Peters, many of whom return in different roles each season. American Horror Story is graphic, provocative, and not for the faint of heart.
4. Fargo
Inspired by the Coen Brothers' eponymous film, Fargo provides a pitch-perfect blend of dark humor, crime, and Minnesota nice. The anthology series, under Noah Hawley's deft direction, serves a fresh story, cast, and setting with each season, while preserving its thematic ties to the original film. From Martin Freeman's hapless Lester Nygaard to Chris Rock's crime boss Loy Cannon, Fargo's characters are unforgettable.
5. Love, Death & Robots
This mesmerizing anthology series is a buffet of animated shorts ranging from sci-fi and fantasy to horror and comedy. Love, Death & Robots is visually stunning, presenting each episode in a unique animation style that perfectly complements its narrative. Its stories are packed with futuristic societies, sentient dairy products, and other strange phenomena that push the boundaries of conventional storytelling. While varying wildly in tone and style, the episodes are all connected by three thematic elements (hint: they're in the title).
6. The Haunting Series
Mike Flanagan's horror anthology series, including The Haunting of Hill House and The Haunting of Bly Manor, offers a chilling exploration of haunted spaces and the tormented souls within them. Each season presents a standalone story of a haunted house and its deeply scarred inhabitants.
What sets these series apart from conventional horror fare is their profound exploration of human grief, trauma, and guilt, wrapped up in gorgeously gothic atmospheres. If you're looking for a horror series that will not only make your spine tingle but also tug at your heartstrings, The Haunting series is a must-watch.
7. Inside No. 9
This British dark comedy anthology series, brought to life by Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton, is a treasure trove of storytelling. Inside No. 9 features standalone episodes that blend horror, thriller, drama, and comedy, all confined to 'number 9' settings, like a suburban house or a dressing room. It's the show's masterful tonal shifts, compelling narratives, and unexpected twists that make it such a fascinating watch. If you're a fan of sharp wit, macabre humor, and narrative experimentation, Inside No. 9 is a must-see.
8. True Detective
True Detective, with its brooding atmosphere, layered narratives, and powerhouse performances, is a standout anthology series in the realm of crime drama. Each season presents a self-contained narrative, investigating a complex, often eerie, criminal case.
From the Southern Gothic-tinged first season led by Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson to the gritty urban crime story of the third season starring Mahershala Ali, True Detective is consistently gripping. Its nuanced storytelling, rich character development, and atmospheric settings make it an essential watch for any crime drama aficionados.