About
Quick guide
Spiller-server
Episode
Sesong
Tales from the Darkside
19847
DramaSci-Fi og Fantasy
Utgitt
30. sep. 1984
Land
USA
Creator
George A. Romero
Produksjoner
JayGee ProductionsLaurel ProductionsTribune Entertainment
Tales from the Darkside is an anthology horror TV series created by George A. Romero, each episode was an individual short story that ended with a plot twist. The series' episodes spanned the genres of horror, science fiction, and fantasy, and some episodes featured elements of black comedy or more lighthearted themes.
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About
Quick guide
Tales from the Darkside is a 1980s anthology horror series. Each episode tells a self‑contained story with a twist ending.
Tales from the Darkside follows the classic anthology format, offering a different tale in every episode. Created by George A. Romero, the show mixes horror, science‑fiction, fantasy, and occasionally light‑hearted black‑comedy moments. Episodes are short, usually 21–22 minutes, and often end with a surprising twist that subverts expectations. The series features a variety of writers, from Stephen King to Harlan Ellison, and uses a single narrator, Paul Sparer, to tie the stories together. Production relied on low‑budget sets, giving the show a distinct 1980s aesthetic. While the show is primarily aimed at adult viewers, the dark humor and twist endings appeal to fans of classic speculative fiction and late‑night television.
What to know
- 92 episodes across 4 seasons
- Episode runtime is 21‑22 minutes
- Narrated by Paul Sparer
- Mixes horror, sci‑fi, fantasy, and dark humor
- Known for twist endings in almost every episode
- Low‑budget production with single set style
- Some episodes feature mild gore and mature themes
- Available on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime
Watch if
Enjoy if you like late‑night anthology shows with clever twists, dark humor, and a mix of horror, sci‑fi, and fantasy. Fans of The Twilight Zone, Tales from the Crypt, or classic 80s TV will find familiar vibes.
Skip if
Skip if you prefer light‑hearted horror without twist endings, or if you are uncomfortable with mild gore, dark themes, or the series’ low‑budget aesthetic.
horror elementsdark tonepsychological elementsslow burnmature themessome goresuspenseful
Series Overview
Tales from the Darkside debuted in 1983 as a late‑night anthology, featuring self‑contained stories that blend horror, science‑fiction, fantasy, and dark humor. Each 21‑22 minute episode ends with an unexpected twist, keeping viewers on edge. The series relies on a single narrator, Paul Sparer, to tie disparate tales into a cohesive late‑night experience.
Episode Structure
Every episode follows a simple format: a brief opening montage, narration by Paul Sparer, a self‑contained story, and a final twist. Production uses limited sets, often a single location, which gives the show a distinctive low‑budget charm. Despite the constraints, writers craft varied narratives that range from spooky to whimsical.
Notable Writers
The series boasts an impressive roster of writers, including Stephen King, Harlan Ellison, Clive Barker, and Michael McDowell. Many episodes are adaptations of short stories or original scripts that explore supernatural themes. Romero’s own involvement as creator and occasional writer helped shape the show’s tone, ensuring each tale feels fresh while staying true to its horror roots.
Production Background
Tales from the Darkside was produced by Laurel Entertainment with a modest budget, often reusing sets to keep costs low. Filming took place in California and New York, and many episodes feature a single location, such as a kitchen or attic, adding to the show’s intimate, stage‑play vibe. The series aired on syndication, giving it a national reach.
Legacy & Influence
The show has a cult following and is considered a key precursor to later anthology series like Monsters. It helped bring Stephen King’s stories to television and demonstrated that low‑budget horror could succeed in syndication. Its twist‑ending format and mix of genres continue to influence modern speculative fiction on TV.
How to Watch
Tales from the Darkside is available on several streaming services. You can stream the complete series on Amazon Prime Video, or purchase individual seasons on iTunes and Google Play. Physical copies are also sold on DVD. The show is best viewed with sound on to fully experience the narration and subtle sound design.
FAQ
21 Q&A
What is Tales from the Darkside?
Tales from the Darkside is a 1980s American horror anthology television series created by George A. Romero. Each episode tells a self‑contained story that ends with a surprising twist, blending horror, science‑fiction, fantasy, and dark humor.
Who created the series?
George A. Romero, the filmmaker known for The Nightmare of Lone Sable and the Walking Dead, created and executive produced the show. He also provided the narration for the pilot episode.
How many seasons and episodes are there?
The series ran for four seasons, totaling 92 episodes (including two unaired). Each episode is roughly 21–22 minutes long.
Are the episodes connected by a storyline?
No. Each episode is a stand‑alone tale, though a few story arcs occasionally recur. The series uses a single narrator, Paul Sparer, to provide a framing device.
What is the typical runtime of an episode?
Episodes run between 21 and 22 minutes, fitting the standard half‑hour television slot with commercials.
Where can I watch the series now?
The complete series is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. Individual seasons can also be purchased on iTunes, Google Play, or Amazon. DVD releases exist for those who prefer physical media.
Did the series feature any notable writers?
Yes. Writers such as Stephen King, Harlan Ellison, Clive Barker, Michael McDowell, and John Cheever contributed to the show, often adapting their own short stories.
What is the tone of the show?
The series blends horror with dark humor and sci‑fi, often using low‑budget production to create a gritty, atmospheric feel. The twist endings keep viewers on edge.
Is the content suitable for younger viewers?
The show contains mature themes, mild gore, and dark humor, so it is primarily aimed at adults. It is not recommended for children.
What makes the series unique among anthologies?
Its combination of horror, science‑fiction, and fantasy with twist endings, all tied together by a single narrator, sets it apart from other anthologies like The Twilight Zone or Tales from the Crypt.
Do the episodes ever crossover?
While most episodes are self‑contained, a few recurring characters appear in multiple stories, but there is no overarching continuity beyond the narrator’s presence.
How was the series produced?
Produced by Laurel Entertainment with a low budget, the show often reused sets and filmed on a single location. It aired in syndication, giving it wide national exposure.
Was there a movie based on the series?
Yes. In 1990, a feature film titled Tales from the Darkside was released, loosely based on the show’s concept but not a direct adaptation of any episode.
Is the series available on DVD?
Yes. Complete season sets and the entire series have been released on DVD by Paramount Home Entertainment and other distributors.
What is the role of Paul Sparer?
Paul Sparer served as the narrator for the pilot episode and later as the series’ narrator, providing a voice that connects the disparate stories.
Does the show contain any political themes?
While the series occasionally touches on social issues, it primarily focuses on supernatural and speculative themes rather than overt political commentary.
Are there any recurring motifs?
Common motifs include unexpected twists, supernatural beings, and moral lessons presented in a darkly humorous way. The narrator’s voice often hints at the show’s underlying theme.
How does the show compare to other Romero projects?
Romero’s work on Tales from the Darkside reflects his signature blend of horror and satire, similar to his earlier films like Dawn of the Dead. However, the series is more light‑hearted and episodic.
Is there a reboot of the series?
In 2013, Joe Hill and others announced a reboot for the CW, but it was never picked up and no new episodes have been produced since.
What are the most popular episodes?
Episodes such as "Trick or Treat," "The Impressionist," and "The Devil’s Advocate" are frequently cited by fans as standout stories, though each episode offers a different flavor.
Is the series considered a classic?
Yes. Tales from the Darkside is regarded as a cult classic, often cited in discussions of 80s horror anthologies and influential television.