10 Reasons 2016 is the Greatest Year for Horror on TV

(05) Ash vs Evil Dead (Starz)

Starz’s new horror hit Ash vs Evil Dead has done a good job of keeping the masses entertained. While I’ve seen a few complaints about the repetitiveness of the show, and the over the top acting from Bruce Campbell, that’s exactly what I love about this nostalgic masterpiece. It’s got the outlandish vibe of Army of Darkness with a closer connection to the infamous cabin and now, Ash’s home town of Elk Grove, Michigan. We’ve got a series of extremely memorable characters in the lineup, and seeing Ash essentially recruit a group of Deadite hunters feels refreshing and affords Ash the chance to engage in a slew of sexually themed and arrogance laced monologues.

And let us not forget that Ash vs Evil Dead is a gore freaks wet dream. It’s drenched in so much blood you’d swear they filmed this in the same room they filmed Carrie’s prom scene. There are some amazing prosthetic work involved, tons of cool additional special effects and a developing story that’s enabling us to learn more about our anti-hero and his past.

Did I mention Ted Raimi will star in the second season? Just another reason to tune in!

(04) The Walking Dead (AMC)

How in the world is The Walking Dead still finding a home on a list like this? The answer is simple: somehow, the series has only gotten better with time. Season 7 is headed our way on October 23rd, and we’re all expecting a lot of answers. First off, who did Negan kill in the dying moments of the season 6 finale? Second off, how can life move forward in a positive way now that Negan is in the picture? And third, how long will we be treated to the terrors of this sinister dictator? Negan’s awesome, and if all goes well, and he holds his place as long as was the case in the comic book series, we’ll have a nasty bastard to deal with for a few seasons to come.

(03) Outcast (Cinemax)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBRe2ITyMxw

Here’s one of my other big picks for Best New Show. Robert Kirkman’s other uber popular comic, Outcast began hitting shelves via Image Comics back in 2014, and it’s been a fan favorite ever since. There’s good reason for that, too, Outcast is unlike anything you’ve read. It’s a possession story, but not in the traditional sense, at all. This story really grabs us, and it really yanks us into a dark, dark world, cheering for the unlikely hero, Kyle Barnes, played to perfection by Patrick Fugit. If you haven’t been watching Outcast, you’re missing something truly amazing.

Even if possession stories aren’t your bag, tune into at least a single episode to see where you stand. Robert Kirkman’s talents aren’t limited to the world of the undead exclusively. I promise you that.

(02) Preacher (AMC)

Best new show on television? Quite possibly! Based on the absolutely magnetic book of the same name from Garth Ennis, Preacher has a little bit of everything. Literally. Priests capable of mind control, centuries old vampires who look like they just tumbled out of a Clash concert, gorgeous dames and even angels from Heaven. Whoa, just thinking on what this show is leaves my head spinning. It’s absolutely brilliant, blending shocking moments of violence with grandiose comedy, and it’s one stellar cast who walks us through it all. Must-see TV.

(01) Stranger Things (Netflix)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWxyRG_tckY

As of today, there is no hotter genre show airing, anywhere. Given the fact that this series is on Netflix is just glorious. We’re free to binge watch this season until we’re clutching the couch hoping to the higher powers for a bonus hidden episode, only to settle for immediately starting the entire season over again. We don’t get any bonus goodies, but we do get this wondrous, loving nod to Amblin and all things ‘80s, and that’s just fine with me. The show absolutely rocks, and the masses who echo that sentiment aren’t feeding you a dish full of bologna. If there’s any show on the tube today that’s actually challenging Outcast and Preacher, it’s Stranger Things.