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The CW Orders Two Sentence Horror Stories Anthology Series
Two Sentence Horror Stories is a new anthology series that will soon be making its way to the screen, via The CW. At a time when horror is becoming increasingly popular, re-establishing itself as a genre that is capable of making great TV and movies by returning its original aims – exploring universal fears and anxieties – fans will be keen to tune in to the new series.
The horror scene has been expanding over recent years, with streaming giants Netflix producing original TV and movie content that caters to enthusiasm, such as with Chambers and The Invitation. HBO are also getting in on the act, with Jordan Peele’s Lovecraft Country, while the big-screen has seen critically acclaimed movies such as The Witch, A Quiet Place and Get Out featuring more regularly in movie theaters.
Deadline has reported that the anthology will include “contemporary tales of horror and haunting for the diverse and digital age.” Two Sentence Horror Stories was inspired by fan-fiction and brings eight stand-alone episodes of thirty minutes to the The CW’s line-up for the summer of 2019. Each episode is written and directed by different creators and will star the likes of Nicole Kang (Batwoman) and Jim Parrack (known for True Blood and, more recently, The Deuce). The horror anthology will bring fresh ideas and insights to the genre, tapping into everyday fears and anxieties from the perspective of a diverse and digitally connected generation. Known for programming such as Riverdale, The Originals and iZombie, Two Sentence Horror Stories establishes the commitment of the network to producing original content, a must for networks now if they are to stake their claim in the world of programming and digital streaming. The anthology is brought to the screen by Vera Miao with Stage 13, in association with Warner Bros.
It’s fair to say that the horror genre is seeing a resurgence in recent times. With movies such as Hereditary and Us, the genre has been steadily climbing the popularity ladder once again, gaining traction with horror fans and critics. Moving away from its recent image of gore, jump-scares and titillation, we are now seeing movies are more subtle in their approach, yet touch upon the fear, dread, anxiety and neuroses that the genre can be used to explore. While it could be said that these fears are universal, transcending culture and demographic, it is certainly interesting to see the resurgence of the genre and the stories that are emerging from contemporary society, more than likely a sign of our times. Modern horror is being used in terms of a more diverse experience, with writers and directors such as Jordon Peele using the genre to explore racial tensions, and filmmakers such as Jennifer Kent, creator of The Babadook paving the way for women in horror.
There has been another shift in terms of the way that horror is now produced, with a more subtle blending of genres, with sci-fi and thriller spilling into the mix. With shows such as Black Mirror on Netflix becoming more popular, it will be interesting to see if The CW’s offering of Two Sentence Horror Stories will become part of new horror landscape.
