TNT is set to revive early-‘90s TV favourite Tales From The Crypt, initially as a somewhat confusing “two-hour horror block”, to be curated by M. Night Shyamalan. One hour of the programming is set to feature an anthology of Tales, and as for the other hour? We’ll have to wait and see.
Those of a certain age will have fond memories of staying up late and filling up numerous blank tapes with HBO’s classic series, which featured macabre Tales based on those found in EC’s notorious horror comics. The news of TNT’s revival should be cause to rejoice, but – and it’s a considerable ‘but’ – though unconfirmed, it is looking likely that the Crypt Keeper will not feature, the rights to the character remaining with HBO. The cackling, pun-happy ghoul used to introduce each tale and is iconic of the original series, which ran from 1989 – 1996 and saw two feature-length spinoff films produced.
It also seems that TNT plan to produce the first season as one continuous narrative, as opposed to self-contained stories. Even worse, this initial run will not even be based on Tales from the EC comics.
Here’s what Shyamalan had to say: “I couldn’t be more excited to be teaming up with Kevin Reilly, Sarah Aubrey and the entire TNT team in this unique endeavor. To be part of such a beloved brand like Tales From the Crypt, something I grew up watching, and to also have the chance to push the boundaries of genre television as a whole, is an inspiring opportunity that I can’t wait to dive into.”
Well, M. Night may be excited, and the fact that he’s a fan may add some promise, but I’m afraid I’ll remain cynical until this seemingly in-name-only Tales From The Crypt emerges in the Autumn.
In the meantime, here’s the intro from the original series.
