Watch these 8 black LED TV shows to get your horror fix

Horror and television have co-existed since the medium’s inception, including classic shows such as The Twilight Zone AND Alfred Hitchcock presents. Of course, this genre has experienced periods of stagnation and revival. Unfortunately, Black-centric horror films are rare, despite being a huge demographic of the genre. However, the horror revival of the 2010s resulted in many Black-led shows. Series like Black box AND Transition they proved that this audience is hungry for representation. These and other television shows connect various elements to the Black American experience.

Here are nine black LED TV shows you need to watch to get your horror fix.

(Photo: FX)

American Horror Story: Sabbath (2013–14)

FX anthology series American Horror Story does has gained a reputation for shocking storylines and otherworldly horror, and of course, season three was no exception. It was about a group of Salem witches living in modern-day New Orleans. In the thirteen-episode season, the group lived for many centuries, watching the events of the Miss Academy.

After Murder House AND Refuge made a sensation, AHS: Sabbath continued the horror, relying on experimental flashbacks, jumping between the present day and the group’s past incarnations. The captivating miniseries touched on the group’s relationships and everyday life, delving into the themes of witchcraft, trauma, death and aging. The series even touched upon topics of sexuality, black mysticism and supernatural spectacle.

These circumstances contributed to the great roles of Angela Bassett and Gabourey Sidibe. The cast elevated the New Orleans witch story, including Sarah Paulson, Francis Conroy, Kathy Bates, Jessica Lange, Patti LuPone, Lance Riddick and Mike Colters. AHS: The Sabbath received critical acclaim, good ratings and numerous awards and nominations for the Golden Globe, Emmy, SAG, Critics’ Choice. The season’s popularity led to the creation of another season, Apocalypse.

Stream American Horror Story: Coven on Hulu.

(Photo: HBO)

Lovecraft Country (2020)

As one of the most influential black dramas of the decade, the acclaimed HBO series – available with a Max subscription – reinvented its best-selling source material by adding science fiction elements. The show’s only season saw the main character’s journey with his childhood friend and uncle to find his father in the Jim Crow South of the 1950s.

Lovecraft country placed the iconic Green Book at the center of the narrative of racism in South America. the otherworldly series featured unexplained events with elements of the supernatural, horror, and afrofuturism. Of course, these aspects emphasized the process of trauma and healing as the characters uncovered discoveries and secrets.

A mix of genres translated into an acting showcase by Jurnee Smollett, Jonathan Majors, Courtney B. Vance and Aunjanue Ellis Taylor. Even the show’s supporting cast was large and consistent. Lovecraft country became a hit with critics and viewership, winning many awards and nominations for the Golden Globe, Emmy, SAG, Critics’ Choice. It even gained cult status on the Internet. Unfortunately, HBO canceled the order for the second season, shortening the production time.

Stream Lovecraft country on Max.

(Image: Amazon Prime Video)

They (as of 2020)

This anthology, available with a Prime Video subscription, examines the issue of race in America through a black lens. Explores the topic in different periods. In the first season, a black family moves from a traumatic journey from North Carolina to California, while in the second season, a black detective from Los Angeles solves a gruesome murder.

Their places America’s racial problems at the center of the Great Migration narrative. This timely anthology series combines the supernatural, horror, and dark mysticism. These aspects relate to trauma and healing. The paranormal element featured throughout both seasons as Covenant centers around family and Fear analyzes police-citizen relations.

Each season is a showcase of Deborah Ayorinde’s acting, surrounded by a wonderful supporting cast. The first season divided fans and critics over its alleged “black trauma porn” narrative, while the second season was positively received by reviewers and audiences.

Stream Their on Amazon Prime Video.

(Image: Amazon Prime Video)

Swarm (2023)

The Prime Video miniseries explored pop culture through an amusement park mirror. He delved into the increasingly one-sided, parasocial relationships between celebrities and their fandoms. The seven-episode miniseries introduced viewers to the world of music fanatic Dre, whose fanaticism began to take over her world, comparable to Beyonce and her Beyhive.

It is allowed to gather around online music fandom Swarm use Dre as a surrogate. Watching the miniseries shows a mix of comedy, horror and thriller. These elements came together to portray themes of trauma, obsession, and murder. The topic provided an excellent background for intersocial relations, the media and the psychology of music fanaticism.

The fusion of pop culture and horror was praised for its subtle and quirky portrayal of main character Dominique Fishback. Even the supporting cast like Chloe Bailey, Damon Idris, Rory Culkin, Billie Eilish and Nirine S. Brown performed admirably. Swarm became an internet phenomenon, a critical favorite and a streaming hit, earning multiple Emmy nominations.

Stream Swarm on Amazon Prime Video.

(Photo: AMC/MGM+)

From (2022-present)

The ongoing sci-fi series takes horror and mystery to another level. The series centers around reluctant residents trying to escape their town in the face of unknown creatures of the night.

WITH turns into The Twilight Zone territory with fear of the unknown. Similarly The Twilight Zone AND WITH’spiritual predecessor Lostcombines science fiction with horror and mystery. Secrecy, the unknown and otherness are the main themes of the series, delving into the complexity of family, grief and loneliness.

Harold Perrineau’s emotions and facial expressions make him the perfect main character for the series. Other stars also make great appearances: Catalina Sandino Moreno, Ricky He, Scott McCord and Corteon Moore. WITH it continues to receive great critical acclaim and several Saturn Award nominations.

Stream WITH on MGM+

(Image: Hulu)

Another Black Girl (2023)

The Hulu streaming series drew from the work of its best-selling namesake. The basis of the book allowed the series to bring to life the story of a young editorial assistant who experiences strange events when her publishing house hires another black woman.

Another black girl examined the unspeakable plague – racism in corporate America. Like its source material, the series combined satire with elements of mystery, horror and thriller, adding a layer of complexity. This aspect was suitable for examining otherness, symbolism and workplace culture. Through these themes, the story touched on the “there can only be one” mentality, jealousy and envy in the workplace, toxic enemies, and corporate wrongdoing.

Of course, the show’s main stars, Sinclair Daniel and Ashleigh Murray, brought the book to life with their stellar performances and palpable chemistry. Supporting stars like Garcelle Beauvais, Bellamy Young and Brittany Adebumola gave stellar performances. Although the series and its cast were critically acclaimed, it ended after one season.

Stream Another black girl on Hulu.

(Image source: Netflix)

Archive 81 (2022)

The Netflix streaming series has taken the basics of its beloved podcast namesake to another level. The podcast’s story was translated into real life as the series told the story of a young archivist who questions the mysterious disappearance of a director and a burned-out building.

Archive 81 took its cues from the source, focusing its narrative on found footage and cults. Following these aspects allowed the series to combine crime thriller, supernatural and horror. Thus, the plot moved towards discovering the past, occult phenomena and paranormal phenomena in Dan’s research. These themes reinforced the show’s planned interactions and Dan’s connection to the mystery.

Mamoudou Athie proved that he is a leader in men’s material with his complex performance. Castmates such as Dina Shihabi and Martin Donovan also appeared in other standout roles. The show’s critical acclaim and steady out-of-this-world numbers didn’t keep it from being canceled after one season.

Stream Archive 81 on Netflix.

(Image: Hulu)

Related (2022)

The Hulu streaming series brings Octavia Butler’s sci-fi classic to the screen. The book-to-screen adaptation centered around a young woman experiencing a time loop between 2016 and 19th-century Maryland.

Reviving the classics of Afrofuturism is allowed Relatives to explore time travel and the trauma of slavery. Building on these ideals created a mix of science fiction and psychological thriller. References to trauma and historical context ran throughout the series, delving into blood relationships, interracial marriage, and American history.

Mallori Johnson left a mark in her screen debut, bringing every aspect of Dana to life. Her supporting castmates like Elsa Davis, Micah Stock, Ryan Kwanten and Gayle Rankin helped Johnson improve her performance. The alternate time travel series was met with critical acclaim, but the praise couldn’t save Relatives since being canceled after one season.

Stream Relatives on Hulu.

These Black-led horror series will leave viewers scared, curious, laughing, or shocked upon their first viewing or rewatch. Of course, other awards such as Proteus, Horror NoireAND October Faction won the audience’s recognition despite short series.

Horror remains a popular genre in Hollywood as many projects are hitting the screens this year. Many upcoming horror-centric series including Twisted Metal AND Grotescariaare scheduled to premiere on network television, cable and streaming. Browse our TV lineup to see what shows will be premiering this year.