There’s nothing I enjoy more than being on the edge of my seat. I’m not talking horror or gore. I’m talking pure, can’t take your eyes off the screen, I can’t believe this is happening suspense. With the news that the early 90’s classic Twin Peaks would be returning next year with eighteen new episodes I began re-watching seasons 1 & 2 from 1990 and 1991. I also got to thinking about the best suspense TV shows I’ve watched. I’ve watched 8 of the 10 on the list and included the two others on reputation. This is a very subjective list, so if you have other suggestions I’d love to hear them.
Twilight Zone: This may be the original classic suspense show. I didn’t see it in it’s first run, but saw it later in re-runs. I fly fairly regularly for my job and I’m always tempted to yell ‘There’s a man on the wing!” If you get the reference, in the comments tell me what actor screamed it.
The X-Files: A 90’s classic that returned to the small screen for a limited run last year. It was great in it’s time and improved as it grew in popularity. Not every episode was the perfect cocktail of suspense and disbelief, but it was often enough to make my list.
American Gothic: Maybe I just like this because I have the painting on a tie. Which is more famous, the painting or the movie? Who heard of one but not the other? I didn’t see this show, but loved the title and heard others give it high praise. You win 50 points to spend in The Phil Factor gift shop if you can tell me, without looking it up, what artist did the famous painting.
LOST: Apparently I’m stuck in the 90’s. For one glorious season LOST was awesomely suspenseful and mysterious. Then the writers all seemed to lose their minds.
The Walking Dead: There’s just so many. So many zombies. Just the tiniest scratch. Any moment you could become one of them. Your group is getting picked off one by one. There could be one or one hundred around any corner. You just never know.
American Horror Story: I haven’t watched this one. Yet. I plan to, but no one else in my family wants to see it, so I have to find some time to watch when no one is around. That’s the best time to watch scary stuff anyway, right?
In Search Of… Leonard Nimoy rest in peace. This was a late 70’s-early 80’s show that was part documentary, part reality show where they tried to debunk paranormal phenomena. As a kid I wanted to watch but it always freaked me out.
Kingdom Hospital: Also known as Stephen King’s Kingdom Hospital. This was a one season series that was based on a Danish show. Look it up on Netflix or Hulu. Completely creepy, suspenseful and weird. I loved it.
Stranger Things: Check this one out on Netflix. It was a new series for 2016. It’s only 8 episodes but season 2 begins on Oct. 27. This show set out to capture the aura of those cool, creepy 80’s Stephen King based movies and it succeeded brilliantly.
Twin Peaks: As I said, I recently began re-watching the original series and it stands the test of time. It’s still awesomely creepy and weird. If you were a fan of the show and want to see a funny, hour-long spoof featuring many of the actors and actresses from the original look up the show Psych on Netflix and find the Dual Spires episode in 2010/5th season of the show. After you do that, go back and watch the entire Psych series from season 1. It’s brilliantly funny with a little suspense.
So what did I miss? What would you add to the list and what would you take away? Please give opinions and suggestions. I’d love some good, new or old shows to watch. Have a great Tuesday! ~Phil
My girls and I cannot wait for October 27th and Season 2 of Stranger Things!
Me and my son are looking forward to it too
Waiting eagerly for the Walking Dead to return
I cheated and had to google the man on the wing actor which then pissed me off royally that I didn’t already know it because I remember that episode very clearly, except for that particular actor obviously. In Search Of used to freak me the fuck out when I was a kid. The only thing on this list that I watch now is Walking Dead. I hated the last two seasons, but I’m going to take it to the bitter end. This was a very rambly comment. My apologies.
No apologies needed. Your rambly comments are my favorites!
William Shatner!
You’re the only one who got the answer so far!
I’ve watched/am watching 6 of those – you should really try American Horror Story. Some seasons are better than others.
William Shatner on the TV series. In the movie, it was John Lithgow
Wow! You know your Twilight Zone
Love it. Saw every episode. (When it was on originally)
It would have to be The Twilight Zone for me. Plus, the British Version, known as ‘Tales Of The Unexpected.’ It was screened on a Sunday night in the 1980s and always gave me nightmares, but I could never stop watching it. I love the X-Files, but some of the stories were very weak.
I’ll have to look up tales of the unexpected and see if I can get it on Netflix
I’m one of the very few who does not have NetFlix, so I can’t help you on that one. Also, check out a BBC series called ‘The Living And The Dead.’ It only ran for one season, but had the best ending to a TV show that I’ve ever seen. Each episode was also an avid ‘edge of your seat’ viewing. Unfortunately, the BBC is not making a second series, but I hope somebody else will pick the show up.
http://www.denofgeek.com/uk/tv/the-living-and-the-dead/42968/the-living-and-the-dead-has-not-been-renewed-for-series-2
Thanks for the recommendation. I will see if I can get that here in the states.
For me scariest episode of X Files is easily Irrestible, it does not even have Aliens in but a very creepy man who is obsessed with collecting hair and finger nails of dead women. He also calls Scully a really creepy name of girly girl.
I think I remember that episode. I do love me some X-Files. How do you like the new episodes?
I think they are ok but not as near good as old ones.
I’m kind of half and half with them . Some have been very good and others not so much. But that’s the way I felt with some of the old ones as well.
Overall though, I am thoroughly enjoying having Mulder and Scully back