The early 2010s in the television landscape were more of an experimental space, undergoing a seismic shift. The success of shows like The Walking Dead had proven that even the horror genre could thrive on the small screen, paving the way for a wave of genre-defining series. Among these was Guillermo del Toro’s The Strain, a visceral, blood-soaked vampire thriller that premiered on FX in July 2014.

Created by del Toro and novelist Chuck Hogan, and helmed by showrunner Carlton Cuse, the series was based on their novel trilogy of the same name. A vampire thriller combined with de Toro’s signature blend of grotesque creature design, mythological depth, and juicy storyline, The Strain was a show designed for modern audiences fond of the genre.

From its initial days to its tantalizing ending, the series delivered a chilling narrative about a viral outbreak in New York City. For four seasons,...