Peacock has recently dropped the official trailer, key art, and fresh photos for Hysteria!, a thrilling new series that dives deep into the Satanic Panic of the 1980s.
The trailer introduces us to a sleepy Michigan town suddenly thrust into chaos as a high school heavy metal band finds themselves at the center of an occult-fueled frenzy. Packed with eerie nostalgia, ‘80s rock, and unsettling supernatural twists, Hysteria! promises a spine-chilling yet oddly playful ride through one of the darkest periods of modern American history.
The creators, Matthew Scott Kane and David A. Goodman describe the show as a unique look at generational fear. They aim to capture the rebellious spirit of youth while exploring the unsettling shift that happens when the world around you suddenly changes. And judging by the trailer, which teases masked killers and supernatural elements, the show doesn't shy away from paying homage to classic ‘80s horror films while offering a fresh perspective on a historical panic that still resonates today.
Curious about what lies beneath the surface? This article reveals everything we know so far about Hysteria!—from the plot to the cast to the eerie vibe that sets it apart. But be prepared for a few surprises along the way!
Keep checking back, as we'll continue to update this article with more details as they emerge.
Release date & Where to Watch
Hysteria! will premiere on Peacock on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024with all eight episodes available to stream. The first episode will also air on USA Network and SYFY that day, with USA Network airing new episodes every Friday. The series is rated TV-MA.
Plot
Hysteria! is set in the late 1980s during the height of the “Satanic Panic,” a period marked by widespread fear of Satanic influence on America's youth. The series takes place in the quiet town of Happy Hollow, Michigan, which is thrown into chaos when the high school varsity quarterback, Ryan Hudson, mysteriously disappears. Rumors of his abduction by a Satanic cult ignite a wave of paranoia among the conservative townsfolk.
Amid the panic, a struggling heavy metal band of teenage outcasts seizes the opportunity to rebrand themselves as a Satanic metal band, hoping to capitalize on the town’s obsession with the occult. However, their decision backfires when a series of bizarre murders, kidnappings, and supernatural events begin to plague the town, putting them at the center of a deadly witch hunt. What begins as a misguided ploy for fame turns into a battle for survival, as the teens are forced to confront both the town’s hysteria and the dark forces that might be at play.
Blending pop-horror thrills with dark humor, Hysteria! explores the generational fear of rebellion and the blurred lines between perception and reality, all set against the backdrop of a deeply superstitious era. As the band members grapple with their town’s unraveling, the show offers a chilling look at how far paranoia can spiral—and what happens when the monsters under the bed become all too real.
Cast
- Julie Bowen (Modern Family) as Linda Campbell
- Anna Camp (Perfect Harmony) as Tracy Whitehead
- Emjay Anthony (Chef) as Dylan Campbell
- Chiara Aurelia (Fear Street: Part Two) as Jordy
- Kezii Curtis (Secret Headquarters) as Spud
- Nikki Hahn (American Housewife) as Faith
- Garret Dillahunt (Burn Notice) as The Reverend
- Nolan North (Uncharted) as Gene Campbell
- Elijah Richardson (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier) as Cliff
- Milly Shapiro (Hereditary) as Ingrid
- Allison Scagliotti (Warehouse 13) as Officer Olsen
- Jessica Cod (Sharp Objects) as Judith
- Bruce Campbell (Ash vs Evil Dead) as Chief Dandridge
Episode Guide
- Season 1 Episode 1: The Satanic Panic (Friday, Oct. 18, 2024)
- Season 1 Episode 2: Die Young (Friday, Oct. 18, 2024)
Official Trailer
The Hysteria! trailer offers a glimpse into the eerie town of Happy Hollow, set to the nostalgic tune of Belinda Carlisle's “Heaven Is a Place on Earth.” It opens with Linda Campbell enjoying the music on her Walkman before her peaceful routine is shattered by a strange energy disturbance. As she investigates, she's met with a terrifying pair of demonic eyes. The trailer also teases more horror with a teenage girl being abducted by a masked intruder and Linda being stalked by an unseen entity. Watch the chilling clip below.
Behind the Scenes
The series is the brainchild of writer and executive producer Matthew Scott Kane, a horror veteran whose credits include American Horror Story and Annabelle Comes Home. Kane also wrote an episode of Stitchers and made his debut as a showrunner with Hysteria!.
Behind the camera, Hysteria! boasts an impressive lineup of executive producers, including John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein (Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, Game Night), alongside Chris Bender and Jake Weiner for Good Fear Content (My Spy, Mulan). Jordan Vogt-Roberts (The Kings of Summer, Kong: Skull Island) directed two episodes, including the premiere and finale, and also serves as an executive producer.
The series is produced by Universal Studio Group’s UCP, with Scott Stoops acting as supervising producer for Good Fear. Executive producers Kane and David A. Goodman (The Orville) highlight the generational clash at the heart of the show, exploring the contrast between the rebellious spirit of youth and the often fearful, reactionary attitudes of adulthood.
Written by ODD Balls
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