10 TV Shows That Dive Into Darkness From the Start

Some of the scariest TV shows of all time set a dark tone right from the start. This can be done by showcasing one or more deaths in the Pilot episode to establish the presence of real danger in the story. Alternatively, a serious atmosphere can also be created by using familiar genre conventions or by building on the audience's prior knowledge of the characters.

Game of Thrones gained fame for its tagline that no character is safe from death, including the main ones. While this claim is not fully realized until the end of season 1, the first episode already puts characters that viewers may have thought were untouchable in risky situations. Cold-blooded actions and shocking moments are frequently used in TV shows that belong to genres like dystopia, historical drama, and horror.

Shogun (2024)

First Episode: "Anjin"

Anna Sawai as Lady Mariko in Shogun - First Episode: "Anjin" - Shogun (2024)

The new historical drama miniseries Shōgun skillfully portrays the political landscape of feudal Japan, with a focus on Lord Yoshi Toranaga teaming up with John Blackthorne, the lone survivor of a European Protestant crew captured as prisoners. The first episode's intense fatalities set the tone for a gripping TV series, while the overall understated visuals and serious atmosphere highlight the high stakes involved. "Anjin" sets the stage for the extreme challenges faced by the characters, building anticipation for their risky decisions.

Stranger Things (2016-2025)

First Episode: "Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers"

Will in Stranger Things season 1, episode 1 - First Episode: "Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers" - Stranger Things (2016-2025)

The title of the episode reveals the main plot: 12-year-old Will is taken by a mysterious monster, leaving his family and friends clueless about his whereabouts. "Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers" sets a spooky tone mixed with the adventurous spirit of a group of friends, setting the stage for the rest of Stranger Things season 4. The first episode is full of surprises and hints at more dangers lurking in the shadows. It also suggests that Eleven is on the run, adding to the suspense of the story.

The Walking Dead (2010-2022)

First Episode: "Days Gone Bye"

Still from walking dead days gone bye episode - First Episode: "Days Gone Bye" - The Walking Dead (2010-2022)

The Walking Dead does not ease into things by having the first Walker shown be a wandering young girl, and the second the grotesque animated upper half of a human corpse.

"Marianne" (2019)

The horror series "Marianne" kicks off with a sense of suspense created by dramatic irony. While Grimes remains unaware of the dangerous situation ahead, the audience is well aware of the impending danger. The show wastes no time in introducing the chilling world of walkers, starting with a young girl and a grotesque animated corpse. The first episode, "Days Gone Bye," follows some familiar tropes, such as a character waking up in an unfamiliar place and facing mortal peril. Despite these tropes, the episode effectively sets the stage for the unforgiving landscape of the series.

First Episode: "Tu les rêves"

Emma in first episode of Marianne - First Episode: "Tu les rêves" - Marianne (2019)

Twin Peaks (1990-1991)

"Twin Peaks" delves into its chilling horror scenarios right from the start, featuring instances of possession in the opening episode. This short-lived French horror series revolves around a bestselling author who finds herself tormented by the events and characters from her own books, particularly the witch Marianne. The tone of the show can be likened to some of the greatest horror films ever made, leaving viewers deeply unsettled after watching the first episode and throughout the series. The mysterious antagonist, who maintains a sense of logic and order despite being unseen, bears a resemblance to the style of renowned horror writer Stephen King.

First Episode: "Northwest Passage"

The frozen body of Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee) in Twin Peaks - First Episode: "Northwest Passage" - Twin Peaks (1990-1991)

The epic fantasy TV series Game of Thrones aired from 2011 to 2019.

"Game of Thrones" is known for its complex characters, intricate political intrigue, and shocking plot twists. The first episode sets the stage for the power struggles among noble families vying for control of the Iron Throne. As the series progresses, viewers are drawn into a world filled with dragons, White Walkers, and epic battles for supremacy.

The show's popularity soared, making it a cultural phenomenon with a dedicated fan base eagerly awaiting each new episode. Despite mixed reactions to the final season, "Game of Thrones" remains a landmark in television history for its grand scale storytelling and unforgettable characters.

First Episode: "Winter Is Coming"

Sansa and Arya Stark standing in Winterfell's courtyard in Game of Thrones season 1 episode 1 - First Episode: "Winter Is Coming" - Game Of Thrones (2011-2019)

Game of Thrones introduces its medieval world with a shocking ending in the first episode, "Winter Is Coming." The episode sets the tone with tense politics in Westeros that are always on the brink of violence. It also showcases the harsh realities faced by noble women who may be forced into marriages without their consent, as well as the complex dynamics within families. However, it is Bran's discovery of Cersei and Jaime's affair, along with Jaime's attempt to murder him, that demonstrates how the underlying hostilities can quickly escalate into violence. This tense atmosphere persists throughout the series, including its controversial final season.

Invincible (2021-Present)

First Episode: "It's About Time"

Superheroes in Invincible - First Episode: "It's About Time" - Invincible (2021-Present)

Invincible doesn't start like your usual mature show; it feels more like a quirky Marvel or DC origin story at first. But then, in the episode "It's About Time," things take a dark turn with a brutal massacre. The young hero quickly learns that his father, Omni-Man, is actually the villain in his story. What seems like a typical superhero tale in today's world of endless superhero movies and TV shows surprises viewers with its deep dive into the darker side of heroism and unstoppable power.

The Handmaid's Tale (2017-Present)

First Episode: "Offred"

Elisabeth Moss in The Handmaid's Tale Season 1 Finale - First Episode: "Offred" - The Handmaid's Tale (2017-Present)

From the very beginning, The Handmaid's Tale highlights the constant vigilance required of women in Gilead. Through June's inner thoughts, we see how even innocent remarks can have serious consequences in a society where any slip-up can lead to punishment. The character of "Offred" further reveals how violence is not just a part of the system, but a deliberate tool used by the government to control handmaids. Fans of the show can attest to its chilling portrayal of a dystopian world that never eases up on its intensity.

Hannibal (2013-2015)

First Episode: "Apéritif"

Mads Mikkelsen in Hannibal season 1 - First Episode: "Apéritif" - Hannibal (2013-2015)

The debut episode of Dr. Hannibal Lecter's venture into television dives right into the chilling elements of the horror-crime genre. As victims are uncovered, a team of law enforcers and consultants come together to unravel the mysteries. What sets this episode apart is the eerie knowledge that viewers have about Hannibal and his notorious crimes. The audience is privy to information that the other characters are not, adding a layer of suspense to the show. With glimpses of Hannibal in his solitary moments, the stage is set for a bone-chilling thriller series.

Westworld (2016-2022)

First Episode: "The Original"

Dolores and the Man in Black in Westworld season 1 episode 1 - First Episode: "The Original" - Westworld (2016-2022)

Westworld, whether the actual park or the TV show based on it, is all about embracing any desire, no matter how disturbing. In the first episode, we see visitors to the park engaging in brutal acts against the lifelike robots in the Old West theme. This sets the stage for the main storyline of the AI rebellion against the cycle of violence and mistreatment. Shows like Westworld often kick off with a shocking and grim scene to give viewers a taste of the dark journey ahead.

Editor's P/S:

This article provides a comprehensive overview of some of the most chilling TV show premieres, highlighting their effective use of shocking deaths, unsettling atmospheres, and genre conventions to establish a sense of danger and intrigue. The examples presented, such as "Game of Thrones," "Stranger Things," and "The Walking Dead," demonstrate how these elements can immediately draw viewers into the story and set the tone for the rest of the series.

The article also explores the psychological impact of these gripping premieres, noting how they can leave viewers deeply unsettled and eager for more. The use of suspense, dramatic irony, and foreshadowing creates a sense of anticipation that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Overall, the article sheds light on the importance of strong opening episodes in establishing the tone and atmosphere of a TV series, leaving a lasting impression on viewers and setting the stage for an unforgettable viewing experience.