User reviews

Set in the town of Happy Hollow, Michigan in 1989, teenager Dylan Campbell (Emjay Anthony) along with his best friends Jordy (Chiara Aurelia) and Spud (Kezii Curtis) are members of an aspiring heavy metal band named Dethkrunch which has yet to garner any attention. After popular quarterback Ryan Hudson (Brandon Campbell) disappears with an occult pentagram symbol the only clue to his disappearance, whispers of Satanic rituals and occult activity start permeating throughout the town as Sheriff Ben Dandridge (Bruce Campbell) tries to dispel while maintaining a proper investigation. Noting how publicized Hudson's death has become thanks to the occult connections, Dylan floats the idea to his band mates to capitalize on the rumors by rebranding their band with Satanic imagery which Jordy and Spud are hesitant to do before ultimately going forward with it. The rebrand gets the band their long sought after attention as well as winning Dylan the affection of his crush Judith (Jessica Treska), but when a moral crusade led by Christian activist Tracy Whitehead (Anna Camp) starts garnering support among the atmosphere of fear and paranoia, Ryan and his friends are placed in their crosshairs.

Hysteria! Is the newest series from NBC/Universal streaming service Peacock from creator Matthew Scott Kane. Kane first wrote the pilot script back in 2019 and having been inspired by prevalence of misinformation and reality distortion that had taken up much of real life discourse and wanted to explore that by paralleling it with the Satanic Panic of the 80s. Now premiering in time for Halloween, Hysteria! Proves to be a smart and entertaining good time with a sharp satirical edge with just a bit of nostalgia mixed in.

While undeniably cut from a similar cloth to Stranger Things (with that series having tackled Satanic Panic in season 4), Hysteria! Largely goes a different direction with the series possessing a more vaguely supernatural/psychological bent in contrast to the sci-fi trappings of Stranger Things. The main kids of Dylan, Jordy, and Spud are well played by Emjay Anthony, Chiara Aurelia, and Kezii Curtis respectively and the series does well playing the long game in playing with their characterizations. While Anthony's Dylan isn't all that likable for much of the series, the show is aware of it as it calls him out for putting his friends in danger in his exploitative pursuit of popularity and the superficial attention of his "dream girl" who as time goes on reveals herself to be less in line with his idealized romantic fantasies with her "girl next door" allure slowly eroded to reveal less Molly Ringwald and more Susan Atkins. Jordy is definitely something of a stealth protagonist as despite her goth exterior she's also the most rational and down to Earth member of the trio who also has painful history with former friend Faith Whitehead played by Nikki Hahn after a schism developed between them courtesy of Faith's mother Tracy wonderfully and despicably played by Anna Camp. Kezii Curtis also adds some nice bits of levity being the eccentric oddball of the group complete with him spouting insane conspiracy theories.

Outside of the primary cast, the supporting players are also quite good in their roles and help create an engaging ensemble. Julie Bowen plays Dylan's mother Linda and convincing plays a downward trajectory of a woman slowly unraveling in the face of fear and uncertainty that the literal devil may be among them. Nolan North (whom I know best for voicing Nathan Drake in the Uncharted games) is really good playing the anchor of the Campbell family who tries to keep things rooted in reality only for him to frustratingly possess a multitude of questions without answers. We also have the always welcome Garrett Dillahunt playing a slimey character who is effortlessly loathsome. Last but certainly not least is Bruce Campbell as the town's sheriff Ben Dandridge. While Campbell is always a welcome addition thanks to how much energy and passion he brings with him, more often than not he's usually called to play a winking self-awareness. Here however, Campbell feels like he's going for a more dramatic (though not without humor) route for his character, a frustrated lifelong lawman trying to keep his town sane, and it's probably the most "authentic" (for lack of a better word) role Campbell's done since The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. In the 90s.

I really quite enjoyed Hysteria!. While it does take a few episodes to really settle into a groove, there was a compelling atmosphere and story at play that kept me engaged even in instances where the characters made boneheaded (by design and with context) decisions. While the show doesn't overtly season bait, it does leave the door open for more while telling a complete story and assuming Universal and Peacock are inclined I'd love to see Matthew Scott Kane and co. Return to the compelling world created here.

The good old Eighties, when some Christian conservatives attempted to stop kids from listening to wild heavy music supposedly associated with Satan and the likes. This series has playful fun with this basis, via a suburban town of Happy Hollow, where the residents and their teenagers get caught up in some strange going-ons, led by a high school heavy metal band and its wild antics - with the demonic Satan along for the ride.

Bruce Campbell as the chief of police is a bonus and an absolute hoot, as is Julie Bowen, a concerned mother who is flung around by an entity, and even gets to have visions of the evil creature with the horns. Emjay Anthony Is perfect as the son, Dylan, going to great lengths to get that girl, even if it means starting your own satanic cult!

There is plenty going on in this series; school bullying, doing anything to get attention, peer pressure, craving acceptance, and all things associated with teenage angst. Most of all it's about the hysteria parents create to deal with the situation.

I'm only on episode 3 but I have to take a second to say how Bruce Campbell is absolutely killing it in this show. I'm used to him being kind of over the top acting (not because he over acts, but because that's what the role called for) like Evil Dead but in this he really really really is doing a great job of like playing a sheriff. It's coming off like very genuine the way he's acting his. You know his hand movements and not just the words that he's saying but all of it just seems very very genuine. At this point I'm just trying to get to my 200 word mark because I'm not done watching the show.

Cable was down so I found this by accident. Peacock is not my usual streamer but I got a good price for it. Anyway I didn't expect much but I like a good horror comedy and this was better then expected. I like that it was set in the 80s because it gave it a "leave it to beaver" feel to it. The parents are those you would expect from an 80s TV show.

When a teenage football star vanishes and is later found in what looks like a ritual death two stories begin to run parallel. Three outcasts who have a hard rock band that no one attends decide to use it as way to get publicity for their band. They convince everyone that they are satanist which works for a hot minute but then make them prime suspects for the murder.

The second story is the adults all getting into a frothy religious hysteria (get it) over their children. The two main people are Linda and Tracey. Tracey makes a good villain in this as she is perfectly willing to use Linda's fear of not understanding her son and his choices as way to get the town in to hysteria.

The show isn't perfect but it does say interesting things about how parents fear not understanding their children when they don't follow the plan for them. But it also shows that there is real danger masked in fear and paranoia. This is a fun show and it if you are looking for something to watch it is worth a look.

This show captured 1989, the satanic panic, and the style of all those old supernatural horror films to the 'T'. I suspect that when the network saw it, they had them edit out a few minor shots that might give away what was a possible ending, so they could do a second season. At least I hope so. But having lived through that period, I can say they did it very well.

While not a comedy, it did keep me laughing at all the nods to other films of that genre, which in way reminded me of Stranger Things, but they limited jump scares, nudity blood, and ultra violence, and still made a good show. My hat is off to the producers and directors and writers.

PS the cast is all good, and this is Brice Campbell's 2nd best role after Bubba Ho Tep.

I went in to this completely blind, and my first impressions was that it was going to be a dark comedy and satire from the 1980's satanic panic. It turned out to be a teen drama best suited for the likes of MTV. Once again, it's another 80s throwback where most of the cast look like they're out of 2024 cosplaying 80s characters and getting it all wrong. The story lines are all over the place but they do come together for the most part. I binged watched this in one day and it very well much could have been a 2 hr movie. The not so subtle ending really ruined what could have been an amazing wrap up. I can't really recommend the show, but it wasn't bad. It's definitely a one and done with no rewatchability. They really missed the mark on just how funny the satanic panic was in the 80s when we all knew it was bs.

Hysteria! Is a thriller/horror set in a small American town in the 80s, that centres around the mysterious death of a teenager, and the spreading panic of its rumoured connection to a high-school metal band and their cult following of satanists.

It's a nod to 80s slashers as well as coming-of-age high school drama, so I went into it expecting to be bombarded by the long list of clichés embedded in both genres. Instead, I thought the characters were so well cast, and the dialogue well written, that I was able to buy into the narrative without feeling like everything was overtly cheesy. Any annoyances I had in that regard stem from the fact that the teenagers (and their decision-making) can be frustrating as hell. But then again, they're teenagers.

The power of religious and social prejudices over a community form a large driving force behind the narrative, but overall, Hysteria! Is a really well-balanced cocktail of murder-mystery and paranormal horror. The show unravels its secrets gradually, so that we get an understanding of what's happening well before the protagonists (rather than during a tell-all final episode twist), but not before we're left to guess who will take what drastic measures to benefit their own agendas.

For those fans of all things 80s, and its heavy music scenes in particular, you're also bound to get a jolt of excitement from the soundtrack, which comprises a host of artists like Iron Maiden, Kiss, Mötley Crüe and Alice Cooper.

Hysteria! Showcases the power of suggestion during the satanic panic of the 80s, and exposes us to the warring forces that strive to either bring a community together, or tear it apart. In any case, it's nice to see the high school jocks, freaks and nerds all coming together, even if that is only briefly, while hailing satan around a candle-lit pentagram.

One of my rules for the cinematic universe: watch everything with Bruce Campbell. So, naturally, I put Hysteria on my screen. First off, it's one of the weaker projects that got Bruce involved. Hysteria isn't bad and is professionally made, but the pacing drags, and there's too much of filler time. In my opinion, the story would have worked better cut down to a two-hour movie - many scenes and dialogues just pad the runtime and nothing else. The characters are mostly caricatures too we've watched countless times. Verdict: watchable, and if you're committed to watching everything Bruce has worked in, you will give Hysteria your time, of course. What to expect: some teen drama, some elements of comedy, a little piece of horror, some twists.

Start to finish this is pure, addicting awesomeness! It was so fun. I had a hard time going to work and Waiting to be finished!

Bruce Campbell plays the sheriff and that alone is awesome, But it takes place in the 80s during the Satanic panic and has just about everything you could want out of a show! A bit of Horror, comedy and a lot of heart!

I'm definitely going to revisit it from start to finish because I got through the whole thing in less than a day!

If you wanna have a fun time during the Halloween season, I highly suggest this show! The acting is also pretty damn good! Have fun with it and I hope that you enjoyed it as much as I did!

"Hysteria!," created by Matthew Scott Kane and premiered in October 2024 on Peacock, is a horror-thriller series set in the midst of the 1980s "Satanic Panic" in America. The series follows the disappearance of a high school quarterback, leading three outcasts to form a satanic metal band, which soon becomes the target of a townwide witch hunt.

One of the series' strengths lies in its ability to capture the paranoia and hysteria of the time period, with a blend of horror and social commentary. The characters are deeply flawed yet endearing, with the band members' naivety and ambition providing a comedic anchor. The supporting cast, including Julie Bowen, Jessica Tresca, and Emjay Anthony, adds depth and complexity to the narrative.

The production values are high, with a distinctive visual style that captures the gritty and paranoid atmosphere of the 1980s. The editing and music choices enhance the tension, creating a sense of unease and horror.

However, the series does have its shortcomings. Some viewers may find the humor to be hit-or-miss, with some jokes falling flat. Additionally, the pacing can be uneven, with some episodes feeling rushed and others dragging on.

Despite these shortcomings, "Hysteria!" remains a compelling and entertaining series. It's a must-watch for fans of horror-comedies and those who appreciate the work of Matthew Scott Kane.

Rating: 7 out of 10.

It's 1989. Dylan, Jordy and Spud are the outsiders who nobody notices and have a heavy metal band that nobody cares about. When the star football player dies in an apparent Satanic cult ritual, Dylan is inspired by cheerleader Judith to exploit the situation to get the band some notoriety.

It's impossible not to compare this show to Stranger Things, since there are similar characters, and it treads the same ground as that show's fourth season subplot. But speaking as someone who was ACTUALLY falsely branded a Satanist (yes, Satanic Panic was very much a thing), I feel like Hysteria did a much better job with that story. The show has a supernatural slant, but it's more grounded in reality than Stranger Things ever was. And as someone else mentioned, the fashions and music run the gamut of the '80s (even stretching back to the '70s), but that's also an issue with the other show -- it's difficult to replicate an exact time, so I can overlook it.

A cast can make or break a show, and they clearly had a great casting director. As Dylan and Judith, Emjay Anthony and Jessica Treska each exude 80s charisma. As Jordy, Chiara Aurelia feels like an authentic goth girl. Bruce Campbell perfectly cast as the town's sheriff, who provides most of the funniest moments. Julie Bowen is great as Dylan's mother, who has the acting chops to sell it when her story descends into cliché. And I have to mention Nolan North as Dylan's father, a character that's wonderfully written and performed (it's weirdly refreshing to see a dad who's not a clueless buffoon). Sort of typically, they underwrote the black Spud character, but Kezii Curtis still made him loveable. However, the second black lead, a bully named Cliff, was imbued with tremendous depth by Elijah Richardson.

There are a couple things that keep Hysteria from being as great as the first season of Stranger Things, but it's definitely better than some of the subsequent seasons. The story's wrapped up nicely with a few teases for another round.

There is little fun to be had within these episodes. The few memorable characters are able to rise above poor direction and writing. The "teens" are not nerdy or sassy but talk like 20-something's. They say things which the director clearly took no time to explain to them - so it's not funny or a secret joke. Even the leads are 100% caricatures; I should at least like one of them and not want to see them die a horrible death. The episodes are too long; brevity is the sole of horror with teens. Get in, get scared and get OUT! This is a 6/10 and not a 5/10 because of Bruce Campbell. Watch S4 of Stanger Things instead and see a true representation of this age in Eddy.

Mostly boring, mostly teen drama that cannot be saved by a somewhat talented cast due to the dull plot and dialogue. Does not feel very 80's at all, especially when injecting modern slogans such as "I just want to be seen. Truly seen!" sometimes multiple times per episode.

Additionally, this show is built off of the tired Hollywood stereotype of all Christians being either incredibly stupid or simply pure evil. I'm not religious, so it doesn't offend me, but wow is it surely stale at this point.

With Bruce Campbell, Julie Bowen, Anna Camp and Garret Dillahunt among the cast, I did have a bit of hope this could be at least be barely watchable and it did manage to meet that low bar. The younger portion of the cast aren't the worst I've ever seen, but induced yawns on the whole. If you don't have a lot of time for TV then skip this one, 100%.

After finishing Modern Family for a second time, I was once again overwhelmed by the post-series depression... the next day I randomly saw a post about Hysteria!, featuring a picture of Julie Bowen, so that was my sign that I have to watch it, to help me get over my sadness.

I wasn't expecting much from it, but I have to admit I actually enjoyed it.

There were times when the main kid, Dylan, annoyed me so much, there's no way a teen would behave that way in real life, not sure if it was his character or just the acting?

Also some parts of the story feel inconsistent with the ending. Maybe a season 2 would explain that?

The series feels like a mix of genres, but overall it wasn't bad and Julie was great in this too, so for me it was a refreshing viewing experience.

I stumbled upon this show by accident while browsing through a catalog of new releases and decided to start the first episode purely based on the poster. I thought, "Maybe it'll be something like Stranger Things or the Fear Street trilogy," but it turned out to be completely different. It's been quite some time since I've felt this kind of excitement-similar to when I watched The Haunting of Hill House.

This show isn't overly serious, but it's not a comedy either. I really enjoyed it overall, though I felt the ending was a bit lacking. I was expecting something different, and it ended up feeling a little cliché. That said, I still recommend giving it a watch!

I came across this and thought YES! I am a fan of metal and have been for 40+ years, and clearly remember the hysteria in the USA (although I'm from England and reside there) pertaining to Metal and it's links to Satanic worship, and the ensuing Witch Hunt by the Washington Wives and. PMRC, so I was eager to watch this and have a laugh (hopefully).

The first 10 - 20 minutes I found funny and it played on so many misconceptions and stereotypes, but after than it settled into a typical murder/whodunnit plot/

The 2 most frightening things were the Bible collective in a small town in America and there double standards, and secondly - why would you have cane furniture on casters (wheels).......my god what were they thinking!!!!

I agree with posts about the 3 main characters not being up to the parts - they just aren't 80's material at all. Bruce Campbell is...well Bruce Campbell.

I will continue to watch it because I hope the Bible bashers hopefully with get the come uppence. I do so hope so.

I was very reluncant to give this a try. I am glad i took the time out to watch it. Its worthy guyz, give it a watch. I didn't like the trailer. Its the TRUE reason why i neva gave it a try. I'm not sure who made the tralier - THEY DID THE SHOW NO JUSTICE. The concept.....aaww, the storyline.....hhhmmm but the overall of each character and the plot twist on small town life popularity as in acceptance eitha as an kid or an adult revenge & karma oh lets not forget true friendship super malipuation went on in the show but its overall made its ingredients -BINGE WORTHY. Three thumbs ups and 7 stars on a scale of 10. Kudos!

Hysteria! Was a really pleasant surprise. Visually it shares a lot with Stranger Things, but on the other hand it has similar elements to Midnight Mass. At the same time it's easy series to watch. All in all the show is a mixture of murder mystery, coming of age story, horror... Again, Stanger Things anyone?

What separates Hysteria from other shows is how it handles the comedy-side of the story. Show doesn't take itself too seriously, but at the same time it avoids most pitfalls. TV mystery on satanic panic could easily be either a serious detective drama or slapstick comedy of goofy metal band. Hysteria! Is able to bake something else from premise, which feels both familiar and fresh.

Additionally, I really like the way how it handles references to pop culture and how the chemistry between actors works.

It's really hard to make anything really satisfying by mixing lots of genres and reusing already well known recipe of "Stranger Things". I would have expected a mediocre show, but had such a thrilling time binging this one. Keeping fingers crossed for upcoming seasons! Thus giving it a solid 8, but if you are really into nostalgia and love teen drama with mystery and horror, it's easy to give even an extra point.

Alright show for the most part, can ffw through slow parts(anything with the kids) which makes it tolerable. My big big issue with these throwback style shows like this and Stranger Things is they never get the 80's right especially the period in time they say it is, not my 80's. Such a weird mish mash of different eras during the decade. Clothes and style from say '82 then next scene stuff we didn't have or do until '89. Also would it hurt to use crt filter or a lower non progressive scan resolution to really give the 80's feel? Videogames do it so well now, Late Night With the Devil a perfect example of time period that feels like time period. Haircuts almost always look like wigs or a piece. Never were we so diverse either. Especially in the Midwest in the clique-centric 80's. This makes it tough to watch as someone the age of the adults in this show who was there, from Flock Of Seagulls to New Kids across AC/DC to Kid N' Play as a card carrying member, not my 80's, not really even a representative of the era. If you get past that and call it fantasy, mediocre.

When I first read the synopsis for Hysteria, featuring heavy metal themes and the legendary Bruce Campbell, I knew I had to give it a shot. As a huge fan of metal music, I was intrigued enough to dive in, and I'm pleased to report that it turned out to be a pretty decent experience overall.

Set in 1989, the show kicks off with the murder of a teenager in a small Michigan town, sparking rumors of a satanic cult and bizarre events like an earthquake and possessions. The protagonist, Dylan Campbell, is a high schooler in a heavy metal band who, in an effort to promote their music, starts spreading rumors that they're leading a satanic cult. As the town spirals into chaos, the group finds themselves accused of the very crimes they were merely joking about.

Hysteria is undeniably inspired by the success of shows like Stranger Things and pays homage to the vibrant '80s culture. This kind of inspiration is welcome, especially since the '80s were such a distinctive time in pop culture history.

One of the show's most significant strengths is its music. I was pleasantly surprised to hear a variety of heavy metal tracks, not just the usual Metallica fare. Fans of the genre will appreciate the presence of classics from Dio, Iron Maiden, and Bathory, creating an authentic soundtrack that enhances the overall vibe of the show. The cast is another highlight. While we're not looking at Oscar-winning performances here, the supporting characters bring charm and depth. Bruce Campbell's role as a voice of reason is an unexpected delight, and I was thrilled to see Nolan North playing a substantial part-having seen him in so many video games, it was cool to watch him in live-action. Additionally, the show features fun cameos from genre favorites like Jeffrey Combs and Barbara Crampton, showcasing the love and care put into the casting.

Julia Bowen plays the concerned mother of Dylan, and she delivers a solid performance. However, Anna Camp shines as the church lady mom, perhaps giving the standout performance of the cast. The younger actors generally hold their ground, but Dylan sometimes feels a bit flat. While there's an episode that showcases his emotional depth, the character could have benefitted from a bit more complexity, given the gravity of the story unfolding around him.

When it comes to production value, it's evident that Hysteria doesn't boast the same budget as other big-name shows. It doesn't come across as a low-quality production, but some sets feel slightly cramped, which can be distracting. The pacing is another mixed bag; a few episodes feel stretched, and some editing choices leave scenes hanging, making them feel longer than they are.

Plot-wise, Hysteria doesn't manage to answer every question it poses, but I'm hopeful that a second season might unravel some of the lingering mysteries. I would consider this show to be a niche one; if I weren't such a fan of metal, I might not have been as drawn to it. Nevertheless, it offers an enjoyable blend of '80s nostalgia, mystery, and, of course, killer music.

All in all, Hysteria is an entertaining watch for those who share a love for metal and the unique storytelling of the '80s.

7/10.

Hysteria! Is a scary, intense, and even funny experience. The show takes place in an American small town in 1989. When a local teen goes missing, Stannic panic starts to overcome the town; at the same time, a group of unpopular high school students sees this as their chance to cash in on the crazy and make their band well known. Specifically, Dylan feels invisible and longs to be noticed by his crush, Judith. Meanwhile, Tracy Whitehead (Anna Camp) is on the warpath against Satanism. I don't want to spoil anything, but I thought this was a great show that really kept me entertained. The show also keeps you guessing what is supernatural and what isn't, and there is a theme of fear vs. Faith vs. Common sense. The masked people at the start were super creepy while also having a cool look. There were a couple of parts that got really dark and almost made me feel sick, but thankfully, there was nothing that went too far. All the characters felt like real people and were all complex in their own way. Also, Judith might go down as the creepiest character of all time. Jessica Treska's performance can't get enough praise. Lastly, Anna Camp is perfect for her part. I know she has tried to distance herself from religious, strong-willed characters, as she has done so many times in shows like True Blood. But she is so good at it, bringing intensity to the role. Every time she is on screen, you know it, and you know she is going to make waves. It will be interesting to see if there is a second season. Either way, I really enjoyed watching this show, and I'm excited to rewatch it in the future and see how it holds up on a second viewing. I would highly recommend it for Anna camp's performance alone.