TV fans have days to binge ‘mesmerising’ horror series ahead of finale

It’s the show everyone is talking about: Apple TV‘s horror-comedy Widow’s Bay.

Walking the tightrope between horror and comedy is no easy feat, but this 10-part show starring The Beast In Me’s Matthew Rhys does it.

TV viewers are calling it ‘one of the most unexpected’ successes of the year.

Described as a mix of Stephen King and Parks and Recreation – which would in fact make sense as the creator of this series also wrote the American mockumentary sitcom – Widow’s Bay currently holds a near-perfect 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes and is generating buzz.

Fans have sung the show’s praises as they’ve found it during the run, with just two episodes left to air, including a highly anticipated finale next week.

Among the show’s fans are acclaimed spook director Guillermo del Toro, who hailed it as one of the best streaming shows in some time.

Writing on X, Del Toro said: ‘In my estimation Widows Bay may very well be the best streaming series in a long time… and hands down one of the most mesmerising acts of narrative prestidigitation in horror.’

The Frankenstein director then retweeted another user’s praise the show, writing: ‘This show is so perfect. I love the comedy horror balance and the characters are fascinating.

‘I’m on the flashback episode and it’s like stumbling upon a great horror movie! There’s so many SECRETS I can’t wait to find out what’s going on with this island.’

He isn’t alone in his gushing praise. Writing on X, Mandolyn said: ‘Watched the first 2 episodes of Apple’s Widow’s Bay and it is delightful.

‘Perfect blend of creepy, superstitious, seafaring town with lots of comedy. One part in ep 2 was particularly terrifying to me for no reason, really well shot.’

Calling it ‘absolutely terrifying’, Shura also wrote: ‘The series is awesome so far, and the cinematography and colors are a masterpiece.’

Aziz added: ‘I liked the atmosphere and the psychological horror too, as well as the camera angles and colors. The touch of comedy is perfect.’

‘A great start to a series I’ve been waiting for for a long time, the first two episodes are beautiful.’

Omar alternatively asked: ‘Ain’t no way I’m sleeping tonight, what did I get myself into?’

Meanwhile, Carey rather simply declared that: ‘I love Widow’s Bay so much.’

‘I had a few episodes towards the end, when reading them, I would make an involuntary noise. I sincerely hope the audience has the same reaction.’

Set on an island just off the coast of New England in America, Widow’s Bay follows the attempt of town mayor Tom Loftis (Rhys) to revive his struggling community.

However, despite tourists beginning to flock to this destination, it soon becomes apparent that the town’s superstitions are starting to come true and the island is actually cursed.

Starring alongside Rhys, Stephen Root plays local sceptic Wyck while Kate O’Flynn is Tom’s rather bizarre assistant.

An official synopsis reads: ‘The mayor of a New England town resolves to turn it into the next tourist hot spot, despite local warnings that it’s cursed.’

Speaking to Metro, The Americans star Rhys said: ‘We all jumped at the scripts. It felt like a very real world. It was very detailed and intricate.

‘I had a few episodes towards the end, when reading them, I would make an involuntary noise. I sincerely hope the audience has the same reaction.’

A version of this article was originally published on May 3.

Widow’s Bay airs on Apple TV on Wednesdays.

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