Anthology series have become a popular trend in recent years, with many new TV shows being released. These shows feature a variety of stories, each focusing on different characters and locations. They can either change with each new season or be broken down into smaller chunks, like a single episode or two. Often, these shows are connected by an overall theme or genre, creating a sense of unity among them. The rise in the number of anthology shows being produced reflects their growing popularity.
Anthologies offer a range of storytelling styles, from single episodic horror tales like American Horror Stories to larger, overarching narratives like those seen in each season of The White Lotus. These diverse narratives cover various genres, appealing to a wide audience. Whether you enjoy sci-fi, crime drama, or superhero themes, there is an anthology show for everyone to enjoy. With so many options available, it can be helpful to have a guide to discover some of the best anthology shows that have premiered in recent years.
American Horror Stories
2021 - Present
American Horror Story creators, Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, are known for popularizing the horror anthology genre. They went on to create American Horror Stories, a series that delves into more focused and compact horror tales on a per-episode basis. These short stories are filled with chilling and imaginative mysteries that can leave a lasting impact. However, due to the shorter format, the show may not have as much opportunity to develop deep connections with its characters, which is why it ranks lower in this list.
2022 - Present
Roar is a unique and creative dramedy series that tells short stories about women in a series of "feminist fables." Inspired by a book of the same title by Cecilia Ahern, each story covers unusual events centered around women in unique situations. While the series has a light-hearted approach with some quirky narratives, it remains an engaging and thought-provoking watch. Fans of Black Mirror will appreciate the comedic twist and focus on female leads in Roar.
Cruel Summer
2021 - 2023
Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story
After just two seasons, Cruel Summer was canceled, despite winning awards and becoming Freeform's most-watched new series ever. The show is a teen mystery thriller that features a brand-new cast each season. While the time, location, and central mystery change in each season, they are connected by the genre. Both season 1 and season 2 were incredibly compelling. While there is a possibility that the series may be picked up and continued elsewhere, for now, there are at least two seasons of this brilliant show available.
2022 - Present
Ryan Murphy, the creator of AHS, joins forces with Ian Brennan to bring to life the chilling true-crime tales of the world's most notorious serial killers in Monster. The first season has already been released, with the second season scheduled for 2024. Future seasons will delve into new stories of infamous historical figures. The initial season, titled The Jeffrey Dahmer Story and featuring Evan Peters, was a hit and paved the way for the show's continuation. Monster delves into dark true-crime narratives, aiming to provide a serialized glimpse into the depths of history.
Guillermo Del Toro's Cabinet Of Curiosities
2022
Dr. Death
Legendary filmmaker Guillermo del Toro collaborated with Netflix for the anthology series Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities. This limited series, consisting of eight episodes, delves into the darkest and most unique aspects of horror, drama, and mystery. Drawing inspiration from various short works of fiction, including two original pieces by GdT himself, the series offers a visually dynamic exploration of the genre. While it has its ups and downs, the show fulfills its promise of thoroughly examining the world of horror through a rich and captivating series of episodes.
2021 - 2023
Dr. Death: A Gripping Tale of Medical Malpractice
Dr. Death is a captivating series that recounts the true stories of doctors who engaged in severe malpractice, putting their patients' lives at risk and leading to tragic outcomes. Spanning two seasons, each episode delves into the shocking behaviors of a different physician. Combining elements of medical drama and crime thriller, this show offers a chilling and compelling viewing experience that will have you on the edge of your seat. Despite receiving mostly positive reviews, there is currently no confirmation on whether a third season will be released.
What If...?
2021 - Present
Love, Death & Robots
Love, Death & Robots is a Netflix animated series that offers a collection of short stories exploring various themes such as love, death, and robots (as the title suggests). The series is known for its diverse animation styles and dark, thought-provoking narratives. Each episode stands alone, making it a perfect choice for viewers who enjoy bite-sized, visually stunning storytelling.
2019 - Present
Love, Death & Robots premiered in 2019 and has quickly become one of the top anthology shows in recent times. The series is made up of episodes created by different teams, each with their own unique stories and animation styles. Despite the variety, every episode revolves around the themes of love, death, or robots. This cohesive thread, along with the talented creators from around the world, makes Love, Death & Robots a compelling series that is a must-see for animation enthusiasts and fans of these themes.
Star Wars: Tales Of The Jedi
2022 - Present
Star Wars recently released two separate anthology series, Star Wars: Visions, and Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi. While Visions explores other peripheral stories set within the Star Wars universe, Tales of the Jedi revisits Jedi who have already appeared in the franchise and their individual stories. This exploration of familiar characters is incredibly satisfying and entertaining for fans of the series, and equally engaging and invigorating for people who are new to the franchise. The series is beautifully animated and full of captivating stories, making it one of the best anthologies of the 2020s.
Star Wars Anthology Series: Visions and Tales of the Jedi
2021 - Present
The White Lotus dives into the lives, interactions, and mishaps of guests and staff members at luxurious resorts. The series becomes more unpredictable and complex as it unfolds, blending dark comedy with clever storytelling. While it has a recurring cast, the show changes its settings and focus in each episode, making it qualify as an anthology series. The White Lotus serves as a great example of the creativity and impact of anthology storytelling.
Editor's P/S:
This comprehensive article provides an insightful overview of the recent surge in popularity of anthology series. It effectively categorizes and describes various shows, highlighting their storytelling styles, genres, and overall themes. The inclusion of specific examples, such as American Horror Stories, Roar, and Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi, adds depth and allows readers to connect with the content on a more personal level. The article effectively conveys the appeal of anthology series and their ability to cater to diverse audiences with their unique narratives.
Overall, the article serves as a valuable guide for viewers seeking to explore the world of anthology shows. It presents a curated selection of acclaimed series, providing a solid starting point for those looking to delve into this engaging and versatile genre. The clear and concise writing style makes it an accessible read for anyone interested in discovering theの魅力 of anthology series.
