Peacock’s newest series, “Teacup,” has premiered, so it’s time for me to give my two cents about it. But don’t worry—this review is 99% spoiler-free.
In a landscape saturated with recycled ideas and stories, “Teacup” stands out as a breath of fresh air. This captivating new series from James Wan’s Atomic Monster and creator Ian McCulloch offers a unique and thrilling narrative based on Robert R. McCammon’s hit novel Stinger.
Set on a rural Georgia farm, “Teacup” follows a group of families trapped behind a line created by a stranger. Step over the line, and a brutal death awaits. Survival hinges on the group’s unity as they face an otherworldly threat that jumps bodies with a puff of breath.
“Teacup” boasts an impressive cast, including Yvonne Strahovski, Kathy Baker, Boris McGiver, Chaske Spencer, and Rob Morgan. Young talents Caleb Dolden, Emilie Bierre, and Luciano Leroux also contributed to the ensemble. I was most impressed by Dolden, Bierre, Morgan, and Spencer’s performances. They put their heart into their characters, and it shows. Be sure to watch my interview with the creator and cast, who discuss the world of “Teacup” and give insight into their characters.
“Teacup” seamlessly blends sci-fi and horror elements, delivering unique alien encounters, grotesque deaths, tension, and suspense. While the special effects are impressive, the series’ true strength lies in its character-driven drama as the families grapple with the looming threat and their struggling interpersonal relationships.
While it does have a few issues, including a couple of blase characters, like Scott Speedman’s James, “Teacup” is entertaining enough to keep you coming back for more. The good news is that several episodes are now available on Peacock. Tune in on Thursdays for new episodes.