Despite Renewed Popularity, This Horror Series Remains Unsalvageable

Essential Insights

Paramount Plus made a considerable error by canceling the beloved horror series ‘Evil.’
The cast of ‘Evil’ made attempts to rescue the show via social media outreach and fan support.
The cancellation of ‘Evil’ created a noticeable void in the horror genre, given its distinct narratives and themes.

In the current landscape of streaming platforms, it’s becoming increasingly challenging for viewers to determine where to invest their time. This complexity might explain why Paramount Plus occasionally struggles with its renewal and cancellation decisions. The choice to terminate the acclaimed horror show Evil was a notable blunder. The cancellation was not merely significant due to its popularity or quality; it highlighted the streamer’s ongoing issues with maintaining key original series.

This situation fueled excitement among fans, as many hoped that Paramount Plus might reconsider its stance. The argument in favor of horror series has been gaining traction, with ‘Evil’ standing out due to its unconventional approach. Its migration to Netflix introduced an even wider audience to the series, prompting many to rally for its continuation. Regrettably, no amount of effort could revive ‘Evil,’ regardless of the fans’ passion for their favorite supernatural components.

Overview of Evil on Paramount Plus

‘Evil’ quickly distinguished itself from other horror programs by featuring a trio comprising a priest, a psychologist, and a tech expert who collaboratively investigated claims of demonic possession brought to their attention at the church. Their journey led them to confront a sinister organization run by genuine demons, which aimed to orchestrate an apocalyptic scenario. The primary theme of the organization explored ways to slowly dismantle society, but they recognized the threat posed by the determined trio of David, Kristen, and Ben.

The series spanned four seasons, showcasing a “monster of the week”format, intertwined with the ongoing battle against the demonic group. Originally airing on CBS, ‘Evil’ transitioned to Paramount Plus after its first two seasons, where it appeared to establish a solid presence, following the lives of Kristen and her daughters, her husband Andy, as well as Ben and his eccentric romantic interests, alongside David’s path to priesthood while confronting Leland Townsend and his allies, including Kristen’s mother.

Cast Members Efforts to Save the Series

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjTirgBzLjc

Evil | Season 4 Official Trailer | Paramount+ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjTirgBzLjc)

In the wake of this announcement, the stars of the series, which blended horror with humor, took to social media to attract potential new streaming partners. As the show gained traction on Netflix, fans felt hopeful that it might be salvaged. However, that optimism began to dwindle when series creators Michelle and Robert King expressed their thoughts about ‘Evil’ during an interview with Screen Rant at New York Comic Con. They indicated that the series was discovered too late for a revival.

“Why can’t we turn back time by a year?” Robert King pondered. “A lot of recent fans came in just a bit too late to save the program. Nonetheless, never say never; anything is possible.”

The Void Left by ‘Evil’

The potential that ‘Evil’ may still have an opportunity to continue stems from its unique position in an increasingly crowded horror genre landscape. With a plethora of monsters, slashers, and other spine-chilling elements becoming mainstream, horror shows and films are experiencing a surge in popularity, especially as streaming platforms continue to innovate within the genre.

Creators	Robert King, Michelle King
Cast	Katja Herbers, Mike Colter, Aasif Mandvi, Kurt Fuller
Seasons	4
Episodes	50

The incorporation of demonic elements in unconventional ways sets ‘Evil’ apart. At times, it evokes a live-action version of Scooby-Doo, with the team attempting to reveal the true nature of what seems like supernatural occurrences, often leading viewers to speculate whether the threat is genuine or a mere illusion. Unlike ‘Scooby-Doo,’ however, ‘Evil’ frequently leaves the true identity of the antagonist open to interpretation until the end of each episode.

Source

Image Credits: Gamerant.com