Most kids recall trading creepy stories about “the man who has a hook for a hand” at summer camp around a crackling fire, or nervously playing “Bloody Mary” at sleepovers.
The unsettling stories that fueled many now horror-lovers early years have been reintroduced to younger generations in the form of online stories, better known as creepypastas. And recently, a few of the more memorable stories that originally appeared online were adapted into four, six-hour long spots on Channel Zero, a recently canceled Syfy series.
Although Channel Zero didn’t get a lot of attention during its original airing, it’s having a slight resurgence on Shudder, the horror streaming service. Each season is unique, packed with unsettling imagery, and features a simple yet haunting story. Each season also features an unsettling character or haunted place that fits the traditional “local cryptid” or “urban legend” trope: “Candle Cove’s” Tooth Child; “No-End House’s” house; “Butcher’s Block’s” mythical staircase; and “Dream Door’s” Pretzel Jack.
If you have access to Shudder, I strongly suggest watching every “Channel Zero” season. It’s the perfect entertainment piece for anyone who wants to remember just how disturbing well-told urban legends can be.
