Peacock Cancels Critically Acclaimed Horror-Comedy 'Hysteria!' After One Season
Despite a 91% Rotten Tomatoes score, the 1980s-set series struggled to attract viewers and failed to appear on Nielsen's Top 10 streaming charts.
- 'Hysteria!' premiered on Peacock in October 2024 and was set during the 1980s 'Satanic Panic,' blending supernatural horror with dark comedy.
- The show followed a high school metal band exploiting occult fears in their small town, leading to a witch hunt tied to mysterious disappearances and murders.
- The series received praise for its unique premise, period-accurate production design, and licensed 1980s rock soundtrack but struggled to gain significant viewership.
- The eight-episode run featured a strong ensemble cast, including Julie Bowen, Bruce Campbell, and Anna Camp, with Matthew Scott Kane as creator and executive producer.
- Peacock's decision reflects an industry trend of canceling niche shows quickly if they fail to deliver immediate audience numbers, regardless of critical acclaim.