Bruce Campbell’s TV Series Cancelled Despite…

Peacock has abruptly canceled Hysteria!, the supernatural thriller starring Bruce Campbell. Just three and a half months back, the show premiered its first—and now only—season on October 18, 2024. Despite a stunning 91% approval on Rotten Tomatoes, it simply didn’t spark the same buzz as Peacock’s other hits like The Day of the Jackal and Apples Never Fall. Horror aficionados, in particular, felt the sting of its cancellation, as the series offered a riveting take on America’s iconic moral panic through a blend of small-town paranoia and heavy metal culture.

The Rise and Fall of Hysteria!

Set amid the infamous "Satanic Panic" of the 1980s, the series plunged audiences into the era’s madness. It unraveled the hysteria of satanic ritual abuse accusations, heavy metal vilifications, and a rampant atmosphere of fear. This historical backdrop shaped a tale about high school metal band misfits looking to exploit their town’s occult fear after a quarterback mysteriously vanished. It exposed both the comedic absurdity and the grim human impacts of moral panics, serving thrilling supernatural elements on the side.

Bruce Campbell, alongside an ensemble cast including Emjay Anthony and Chiara Aurelia, brought life to this unique narrative. Despite early setbacks like the 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes, the show completed its eight episodes. Authenticity seeped through every frame, from rotary phones in police stations to its curated hardcore soundtrack. Yet Peacock’s anticipated viewer numbers never materialized, overshadowing even Campbell’s horror credentials.

Creative Brilliance, Inquisitive Minds

In a chat with ComicBook before Hysteria! premiered, Campbell lauded its innovative horror narrative. “It’s interesting, a mix of psychological and satanic horror,” he said. "Small-town folks aren’t ready for this." He attributed his interest to the character depth and environmental storytelling embedded in the series.

Beyond horror, Hysteria! meticulously recreated the ’80s, securing era-matching tracks from Mötley Crüe and Black Sabbath. The series hit a cultural note when KISS declined their song "Beth" due to "religious objections," adding irony to an already theatrically charged band.

Despite critical acclaim, Hysteria! faced an uncertain streaming climate. Its absence from Nielsen’s Top 10 likely sealed its fate, mirroring another swift October demise with Teacup. This trend spotlights a tough streaming reality, where shows must command quick viewer attention to survive, stifling the potential for series to expand through successive seasons.

For those who missed it, Hysteria! remains available for streaming on Peacock.