Peacock's new series Hysteria! has taken the television landscape by storm with its first season, offering a unique blend of humor, horror, and drama set against the backdrop of the late 1980s Satanic Panic. And overall, the show masterfully balances these elements, creating a captivating and thrilling experience for viewers. Here’s why we absolutely loved the freshman series.

A Magnetic Cast

One of the strongest standout features of Hysteria! is its skilled, dynamic cast. Emjay Anthony particularly shines as the series lead Dylan Campbell, a high school heavy metal band member who gets mistaken for a Satanist. Anthony's portrayal of Dylan is both endearing and intense, capturing the character's journey from an outcast to a central figure in the town's hysteria. Even when making destructive choices, Anthony’s depiction of someone seeking his peers’ approval makes him easy to root for.

The cast also includes Anna Camp as Tracy Whitehead, a conservative mother whose over-the-top reactions add a layer of humor to the show. And in many instances, horror — providing both comic relief and a poignant look at the moral panics of the 1980s. Camp's ability to oscillate between humor and seriousness makes her character one of the most memorable in the series. On the other hand, Bruce Campbell, known for his roles in genre classics, brings a seasoned presence to the show. His portrayal of the Chief of Police adds gravitas and humor, grounding the more fantastical elements of the story.

Nikki Hahn and Jessica Treska contribute significantly to the series' success. Hahn's performance as a determined young woman trying to break generational patterns — and Treska's portrayal of a danger-seeking, aspiring cult leader offer contrasting perspectives that enrich the narrative. Essentially, the ensemble cast's strong performances are a key factor in the show's ability to engage and entertain.

Expansive Genre Storytelling

Hysteria! generally excels in its expansive genre storytelling, seamlessly weaving together elements of horror, comedy, and drama. The show's unique take on the heightened Satanic Panic backdrop provides a fresh perspective on a well-trodden theme, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The supernatural elements, procedural aspects, and even teen drama are all expertly balanced, creating a cohesive and engaging series of storylines.

The series skillfully uses its 1980s setting to its advantage, with campy, period-accurate costumes, sets, and music that transport viewers back in time. The show's creators have clearly done their research, ensuring that the depiction of the Satanic Panic era is both accurate and tangible for audiences spanning different generations. The blending of genres also allows for a versatile storytelling approach, with moments of genuine horror punctuated by humorous scenes and heartfelt drama.

The horror elements are particularly effective, using suspense and psychological tension rather than relying on gore or jump scares. This approach makes the horror feel more grounded and believable, heightening the overall impact. Meanwhile, the comedic moments provide necessary relief, preventing the show from becoming too dark or overwhelming. Finally, the drama is well-crafted, exploring themes of fear, paranoia, and the consequences of mass hysteria.

A Multi-Faceted Mystery

The series excels in building suspense, with each episode revealing just enough to keep viewers hooked without giving away too much. In that regard, the pacing is deliberate, allowing the mystery to unfold naturally while maintaining a sense of urgency. The writers have crafted a story that is both complex and coherent, with each piece of the puzzle falling into place by the end of the season.

The resolution of the mystery masterfully lives up to the show's name, delivering a blend of camp and horror that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The show does not shy away from exploring the darker aspects of its subject matter, but it does so with a sense of humor and irony that prevents it from becoming too heavy-handed. This balance is one of the series' greatest strengths, making it a standout series for fans of both genres.

Satisfying Pacing with Plenty of Room for More

The ending of Hysteria! season one satisfies, yet leaves plenty of room for more stories, with doors opened for future seasons. The potential to follow these characters further and explore larger plot details teased throughout the season, such as connections to Satan, Judith's relocation, and Linda Campbell's possession is exciting for fans. Plot threads like these provide ample material for future seasons, promising more intrigue and excitement.

The show's creators have efficiently left themselves room to expand the story, and the strong reception to the first season suggests that there could be a demand for more. Still, regardless of the outcome, fans are definitely eager to see where the story goes next with its potential to keep viewers engaged through inventive storytelling and well-rounded characters.

Score: 8.5/10

Hysteria! is a standout series that deftly combines humor, horror, and drama to create a compelling and entirely entertaining experience.