When I first heard about the series “Hysteria!” It only took me seeing Bruce Campbell’s name to be interested. I am a huge fan. I started watching the series, vowing not to like it just because it starred Campbell. But to my delight, the series offers much more than just the Evil Dead actor.
The series, directed by Jonathan Goldstein (Game Night), sees a beloved quarterback disappear during the “Satanic Panic” of the late 1980s. A group of high school outcasts realizes they can capitalize on the town’s interest in the occult by building a reputation as a Satanic metal band. Soon, a bizarre series of murders, kidnappings, and reported “supernatural activity” triggers a witch hunt that leads directly back to them.
Emjay Anthony plays the lead role of Dylan, a nice kid who makes the horrible choice of starting a cult to get in the pants of the most popular girl in school, Judith (Jessica Treska). Unfortunately, Dylan has no clue that Judith is a true believer who likes to walk on the dark side. Things soon lead to chaos as residents begin seeing the devil, and one mother becomes possessed.
Julie Bowen (Modern Family), Anna Camp (Pitch Perfect), Chiara Aurelia, Kezii Curtis, and Nikki Hahn round out the large ensemble cast.
Created by Matthew Scott Kane, “Hysteria!” features eight dark and delightful episodes of equal parts comedy and horror. The exploration of teen angst feels authentic and relatable. I never joined a cult, but I did experience the “Satanic Panic” of the 1980s and early 1990s. The war on anything that appeared dark or dangerous is perfectly captured in the series.
While the story explores Satanism and demons, it’s really about self-discovery, trying to fit in, and family, friends, and bandmates as hormones rage and kids rail against their parents. The series delivers social commentary, including everything from religious zealots to how mass panic can turn a town on its head.
Emjay Anthony performs fantastically, appearing likable, innocent, and a killer guitar player desperate for attention. But he’s not alone; the entire cast plays their parts well. Seeing Campbell back in action is always great, and his casting as the Chief couldn’t be more perfect.
I can not express how much I love this series, which has a killer soundtrack. I laughed, sat on the edge of my seat, and empathized with the characters. Series creator Mathew Scott Kane absolutely nailed it this time. However, with his resume, I’m not surprised. After all, he was involved in “It’s Sunny in Pennsylvania,” “American Horror Story,” and “Annabelle Comes Home.”
“Hysteria!” is the show I didn’t know I needed, but now I want more. Plenty more stories could be told with the season ending the way it did. And it would be a tragedy if Peacock were to pass on a second season.
The series is packed with comedy, action, demons, and a few nut jobs! Walk on the dark side and watch the must-see series “Hysteria!” now on Peacock.
