Halloween: Five Horror TV series to Watch
Inside No. 9
Inside No. 9 is an anthology series by Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton. While not all of the episodes are in the horror genre, enough of them are and that’s why it’s on the list. That’s not to mention how solid the scripts are for the episodes. I’ll list the horror-themed episodes, as well as the guest stars appearing in them. Trust me, this is one series you should watch if you haven’t.
S01E02 A Quiet Night In – This isn’t a full-on horror though you can argue there are horror elements. The episode is a homage to silent movies and focuses on two cat burglars trying to steal a painting. Even though it was accidental, one of the guest stars is a homage to silent movies too. Oona Chaplin is the granddaughter of Charlie Chaplin. Meanwhile, the other guest star is Denis Lawson. Star Wars fans know him as Wedge Antilles. He’s also the uncle of Obi-Wan Kenobi himself, Ewan McGregor.
S01E06 The Harrowing – A teenager housesits a gothic mansion while its owners are away. She’s not alone in the house as the owner’s brother lives there too but that’s when she realises she isn’t as safe as she thinks… The episode guest stars the late Helen McCrory, Aimee-Ffion Edwards, Poppy Rush and Sean Buckley.
S02E06 Séance Time – A young woman visits a séance but not everything is what it seems. The episode features Alison Steadman, Sophie McShera, Dan Starkey and Alice Lowe.
S03E01 The Devil of Christmas – The episode revolves around a director’s commentary on a shlocky horror movie they directed based on the Krampus tale. Sir Derek Jacobi, Jessica Raine, Rula Lenska and George Bedford guest star.
S03E06 Private View – A group of strangers are invited to a new art installation but what connects them? This is a fun homage to slasher movies. It guest stars Fiona Shaw, Peter Kay, Morgana Robinson, Montserrat Lombard, Felicity Kendal and Johnny Flynn.
S0404 To Have and to Hold – The title suggests a romantic episode but one of the couple holds a terrifying secret that pushes this into the horror category. It guest stars Nicola Walker, Miranda Hennessy, Magdalena Kurek and Tom Mulheron.
S04E06 Tempting Fate – Council workers are cleaning out the flat of a recently deceased pensioner. Things take a turn when they discover a video that suggests how they died. Nigel Planer, Weruche Opia and Ruben Cryer guest star,
S05E00 Dead Line – Originally broadcast live. I won’t say anything else about it but if you didn’t see it live, you missed out on one of the most frustrating but great television experiences ever. It guest stars Stephanie Cole, Robin Berry, Chandrika Chevli, Sophie Jugé, Rich Keeble and Emma Stannard.
S05E06 Stake Out – A month ago, a Police Officer’s partner was killed. All evidence of his death is missing and the officer has a new partner who asks too many questions. It guest stars Malik Ibheis and Rebecca Callard.
S0602 Simon Says – After a TV fantasy ends with a disappointing series finale, one fan takes it upon himself to force the author to change his mind. Lindsay Duncan and Nick Mohammed guest star.
S06E05 How Do You Plead – Sir Derek Jacobi returns, this time in a role where we see him. A barrister on his deathbed has a secret to confess. It also stars Aaron Neil and Stanley Lane.
S07E02 Mr King – A teacher starts at a new school but the students are unable to stop talking about their previous teacher. Guest starring Annette Badland.
