135 reviews
I guess I'm one of the few who loved it, though I've only seen Candle Cove (season one).
The atmosphere is gloomy and dark and has the feel of modern King adaptions such as Castle Rock and The Outsider. It leaves you with some questions, or maybe assumptions, but I feel most good films should. I like to be shown, not told. Most horror fans will enjoy this.
The atmosphere is gloomy and dark and has the feel of modern King adaptions such as Castle Rock and The Outsider. It leaves you with some questions, or maybe assumptions, but I feel most good films should. I like to be shown, not told. Most horror fans will enjoy this.
Season One: Candle Cove - (9/10)
"Do you guys remember Candle Cove" Candle cove has been portrayed as something compelling, unusual, and deeply terrifying.
The plot itself has some close similarities to that of the third instalment of the Halloween franchise, Season of the Witch.
Candle Cove is about a pirate-themed puppet show that could only be seen by children. It suspiciously aired back in 1988 for only a few months on one of the dead channels at the end of the dial. Since the show never aired on the same channel it wasn't recordable and therefore grappled with the legitimacy of its reality.
The concept of Candle Cove is extremely engaging, but also quite unsettling. It shows us the harsh nature of what children's minds who are susceptible to influence can be capable of.
It also portrays a child taken to the edge by harsh bullying and their need to escape to a world where they feel safe and secure, and in control.
Candle Cove doesn't disappoint with its outright intense moments, mainly in the cliffhangers at the end of each episode making it immensely addictive.
Season Two: No End House - (9/10)
"This is not home, this is not how reality works" A satisfying psychological thriller that keeps you thoroughly entertained from start to finish.
While I slightly preferred Candle Cove due to the disconcerting way it manipulates children to commit harrowing acts. I thought Channel Zero's second season was quite remarkable, unique, and tantalizing.
The No End House brings on an otherworldly concept or alternate dimension. A house that turns up spontaneously throughout our world and lures people to its location through subliminal messages on electronic devices such as television, or mobile phones.
Margot's Father John played by John Caroll Lynch was phenomenal, and the absolute standout of the season. He is undeniably very underrated as an actor but seems to be typecast as the 'bad guy' in every role.
The No End House is a bit more of a slow burn than the previous season but one that is well worth it in the end.
It has some added layers compared to Candle Cove, for example, it was great to see a range of characters' personal development, and how some learn to conquer their fears, while others begin to lose that grip on reality.
As with the first season, the mystery starts to fade as the season progresses and the secrets are revealed.
The ending this time around is a little more complete and manages to capture your emotional journey from feeling surprised, mistrusted, and disgusted, but by the very end, you feel empathy. And for that alone, the No End House needs to be highly commended.
Season Three: Butchers Block - (8/10)
"When I walk here, I'm in two worlds, the one you see and the one I remember" In the third season of Channel Zero, Butcher's Block starts with so much potential. The first few episodes gradually build a unique and grotesque tale, where you are immediately thrust into a setting of cannibalism and supernatural intrigue.
There is a lot more emphasis on an otherworldly dimension in the season which has been a very similar theme to the previous instalments.
There are some very relatable themes in modern society relating to mental health, depression and our need for acceptance.
Rutger Hauer who plays Joseph Peach was phenomenal. A truly superb choice to play the butcher and I really can't think of anyone who would have suited this particular role any better.
Butchers Block is a fantastic season, however if we are comparing it to previous seasons then I found this a scarcely weaker variation of both Candle Cove and The No End House.
Season Four: The Dream Door - (7/10)
"Just because you love somebody doesn't mean you know them" This season had an incredible Idea, unfortunately, it just wasn't told with enough depth, with enough layers to become interesting for the duration of the season.
In the beginning, Pretzel Jack was a fearsome killer, his first murder with the screwdriver was just outright nasty. However, by the end of the season, everything started to look and feel like a circus, and the killings ended up coming across as looking laughable and comical rather than scary or intimidating.
It's a real shame because I had high expectations from Season Four. However, it lacked plot twists, and the mystery was solved by the third episode leaving a tiresome, and boring final three episodes which brings closure to an otherwise impressive series.
Overall, Channel Zero's four seasons are a great psychological journey. They are disturbing, but highly captivating.
I found that all the stories began with a tempting lure of mystery and intrigue, however, they all ended in a similar way stopping short of giving themselves a truly gripping, and deserving finale.
Overall 8/10.
"Do you guys remember Candle Cove" Candle cove has been portrayed as something compelling, unusual, and deeply terrifying.
The plot itself has some close similarities to that of the third instalment of the Halloween franchise, Season of the Witch.
Candle Cove is about a pirate-themed puppet show that could only be seen by children. It suspiciously aired back in 1988 for only a few months on one of the dead channels at the end of the dial. Since the show never aired on the same channel it wasn't recordable and therefore grappled with the legitimacy of its reality.
The concept of Candle Cove is extremely engaging, but also quite unsettling. It shows us the harsh nature of what children's minds who are susceptible to influence can be capable of.
It also portrays a child taken to the edge by harsh bullying and their need to escape to a world where they feel safe and secure, and in control.
Candle Cove doesn't disappoint with its outright intense moments, mainly in the cliffhangers at the end of each episode making it immensely addictive.
Season Two: No End House - (9/10)
"This is not home, this is not how reality works" A satisfying psychological thriller that keeps you thoroughly entertained from start to finish.
While I slightly preferred Candle Cove due to the disconcerting way it manipulates children to commit harrowing acts. I thought Channel Zero's second season was quite remarkable, unique, and tantalizing.
The No End House brings on an otherworldly concept or alternate dimension. A house that turns up spontaneously throughout our world and lures people to its location through subliminal messages on electronic devices such as television, or mobile phones.
Margot's Father John played by John Caroll Lynch was phenomenal, and the absolute standout of the season. He is undeniably very underrated as an actor but seems to be typecast as the 'bad guy' in every role.
The No End House is a bit more of a slow burn than the previous season but one that is well worth it in the end.
It has some added layers compared to Candle Cove, for example, it was great to see a range of characters' personal development, and how some learn to conquer their fears, while others begin to lose that grip on reality.
As with the first season, the mystery starts to fade as the season progresses and the secrets are revealed.
The ending this time around is a little more complete and manages to capture your emotional journey from feeling surprised, mistrusted, and disgusted, but by the very end, you feel empathy. And for that alone, the No End House needs to be highly commended.
Season Three: Butchers Block - (8/10)
"When I walk here, I'm in two worlds, the one you see and the one I remember" In the third season of Channel Zero, Butcher's Block starts with so much potential. The first few episodes gradually build a unique and grotesque tale, where you are immediately thrust into a setting of cannibalism and supernatural intrigue.
There is a lot more emphasis on an otherworldly dimension in the season which has been a very similar theme to the previous instalments.
There are some very relatable themes in modern society relating to mental health, depression and our need for acceptance.
Rutger Hauer who plays Joseph Peach was phenomenal. A truly superb choice to play the butcher and I really can't think of anyone who would have suited this particular role any better.
Butchers Block is a fantastic season, however if we are comparing it to previous seasons then I found this a scarcely weaker variation of both Candle Cove and The No End House.
Season Four: The Dream Door - (7/10)
"Just because you love somebody doesn't mean you know them" This season had an incredible Idea, unfortunately, it just wasn't told with enough depth, with enough layers to become interesting for the duration of the season.
In the beginning, Pretzel Jack was a fearsome killer, his first murder with the screwdriver was just outright nasty. However, by the end of the season, everything started to look and feel like a circus, and the killings ended up coming across as looking laughable and comical rather than scary or intimidating.
It's a real shame because I had high expectations from Season Four. However, it lacked plot twists, and the mystery was solved by the third episode leaving a tiresome, and boring final three episodes which brings closure to an otherwise impressive series.
Overall, Channel Zero's four seasons are a great psychological journey. They are disturbing, but highly captivating.
I found that all the stories began with a tempting lure of mystery and intrigue, however, they all ended in a similar way stopping short of giving themselves a truly gripping, and deserving finale.
Overall 8/10.
- Clintborari
- Dec 14, 2022
- Permalink
I personally enjoyed all 4 seasons.
My favorite season of course is the first season but that doesn't take away from the following seasons. This is one of the few shows that still manage to scare me. I'm a big horror fan and stumbled upon the show a few years back.
The scary parts aren't cliche or cheap. The filming allows for build up and "keeping you on the edge of your seat". Also plot twists are refreshing and unexpected. There are some plot holes but still a solid show. The makeup and costume is great, really scary! Overall really recommend the Channel Zero.
- samyapintado
- Jun 14, 2020
- Permalink
I created an IMDb account purely so I could review this show.
I am a huge horror fan and have been all my life and although the horror genre is still fairly new to TV shows, I feel like this is what I have been waiting for. I tried Scream, Slasher, Darknet, and nothing comes close to this show. I didn't know much about Creepypasta so for me this was all new and exciting. From the first ep I was intrigued, it was a thinking person's show, not just cheap jump scares.
The idea of puppets and dolls is creepy anyway, but the simplicity and subtlety of the storyline, the location, the characters..that's what gets you. To take things that scare you as a kid and bring them to your adult life in a way that isn't ridiculous is smart writing. It makes you think long after you've watched it and not many shows or movies have that effect on me as I've watched so many horrors I'm very rarely taken by surprise.
If you're a fan of being creeped out, do yourself a favour. Mike (played by Paul Schneider who I had only seen in Parks and Recreation!) is excellent. He's a character you're unsure of, but feel for.
There aren't many things in the horror genre I'd give a 10, but each week I can't wait to watch a new episode!!
I am a huge horror fan and have been all my life and although the horror genre is still fairly new to TV shows, I feel like this is what I have been waiting for. I tried Scream, Slasher, Darknet, and nothing comes close to this show. I didn't know much about Creepypasta so for me this was all new and exciting. From the first ep I was intrigued, it was a thinking person's show, not just cheap jump scares.
The idea of puppets and dolls is creepy anyway, but the simplicity and subtlety of the storyline, the location, the characters..that's what gets you. To take things that scare you as a kid and bring them to your adult life in a way that isn't ridiculous is smart writing. It makes you think long after you've watched it and not many shows or movies have that effect on me as I've watched so many horrors I'm very rarely taken by surprise.
If you're a fan of being creeped out, do yourself a favour. Mike (played by Paul Schneider who I had only seen in Parks and Recreation!) is excellent. He's a character you're unsure of, but feel for.
There aren't many things in the horror genre I'd give a 10, but each week I can't wait to watch a new episode!!
- fisher-74659
- Nov 7, 2016
- Permalink
The MC, Mike Painter, cannot act at all. His reactions are so aloof and doesn't help the story line at all. It starts off really strong and pulled me in but it gets really boring and dragged on midway through. A lot of characters died for no reason and didn't really have a purpose? The whole season could've been done in 2-3 episodes.
I have found that there are many movies and TV shows out there that go for a lot of shock factor through disturbing imagery/ plot devices and over-the-top gore. Because of these standards becoming more consistent it has become more difficult for me to find actually "scary" or "creepy" movies and TV shows vs just plain disturbing or shocking ones. Channel Zero (Candle Cove) immediately brought a creepy element into the story from episode 1 and carried it through to the end in what I have found was an altogether creepy, thrilling and actually scary story. SYFY knocked this one out of the park I cannot wait for season 2. Take note, Ryan Murphy- this is what a REAL horror story looks like.
- afall-33599
- Jan 27, 2017
- Permalink
There aren't too many horror series so I was pleased to find this on HBO. Absolutely loved seasons one and two, especially two. The atmosphere is super creepy and I liked the slow pace. Camera work and lighting, set design etc are very good, as well as the understated acting. The whole package is pretty unique and much more "serious" than for example American Horror Story (atleast the seasons I've seen).
But then season three turned me off completely. Seemed to be geared more towards gore and disgusting visuals. The story is somewhat interesting as well as some scenes are pretty effective, but I had to turn my head away too many times to enjoy the season 3 as a whole. Too bad, looking forward to seeing season 4.
But then season three turned me off completely. Seemed to be geared more towards gore and disgusting visuals. The story is somewhat interesting as well as some scenes are pretty effective, but I had to turn my head away too many times to enjoy the season 3 as a whole. Too bad, looking forward to seeing season 4.
Pros: original, genuinely creepy, strong supporting cast, good production values, a dramatic step up from normal SyFy fare.
Cons: pacing, continuity, logic, lead actor and actress are stilted and wooden, dialog is sophomoric, obvious gaps in dialog, poor performances from/direction for the child actors.
Cons: pacing, continuity, logic, lead actor and actress are stilted and wooden, dialog is sophomoric, obvious gaps in dialog, poor performances from/direction for the child actors.
Based on the short story/creepypasta 'Candle Cove', Channel Zero S1 is a great horror series. Six 50 minute episodes that provide a creepy, unsettling and well-written horror story with well-developed characters is quite a new experience.
The show follows Mike Painter, a child psychologist who returns home as a mysterious children's television show called Candle Cove begins airing after over thirty years of absence, a show which, for some mysterious reason, airs at the same time of a mysterious series of deaths.
The show, being six hours long, expands on the ideas set forth in the original short story, and in some sense changes the significance of the Candle Cove story. There is a lot that needed to be changed in order for the story to fit in the television format, but the changes they made not only work but keep to the vision of what creepypastas are all about.
In my mind, while there certainly are some badly written creepypastas out there, what makes the format so unique is the sort of collectivist nature of the story development. For those who don't know, the term creepypasta is from the term copypasta, which of course is slang for copy and paste. This reflects the intentional viral nature of the creepypasta format. These stories are designed to be shared and remixed, rather than locked down via copyright. Just think of Slenderman, arguably the most famous creepypasta icon, who started as a series of images on an image board, and grew into a cultural icon with video games, stories, YouTube series, and even a documentary about him.
That's why, in my opinion, Channel Zero is so great and important. By adapting Candle Cove, and later NoEnd House, the show is sort of showing a broader audience that yes, despite its silly name, creepypastas are very important parts of the internet and broader culture. I'm looking forward to where the creators take the show next.
The show follows Mike Painter, a child psychologist who returns home as a mysterious children's television show called Candle Cove begins airing after over thirty years of absence, a show which, for some mysterious reason, airs at the same time of a mysterious series of deaths.
The show, being six hours long, expands on the ideas set forth in the original short story, and in some sense changes the significance of the Candle Cove story. There is a lot that needed to be changed in order for the story to fit in the television format, but the changes they made not only work but keep to the vision of what creepypastas are all about.
In my mind, while there certainly are some badly written creepypastas out there, what makes the format so unique is the sort of collectivist nature of the story development. For those who don't know, the term creepypasta is from the term copypasta, which of course is slang for copy and paste. This reflects the intentional viral nature of the creepypasta format. These stories are designed to be shared and remixed, rather than locked down via copyright. Just think of Slenderman, arguably the most famous creepypasta icon, who started as a series of images on an image board, and grew into a cultural icon with video games, stories, YouTube series, and even a documentary about him.
That's why, in my opinion, Channel Zero is so great and important. By adapting Candle Cove, and later NoEnd House, the show is sort of showing a broader audience that yes, despite its silly name, creepypastas are very important parts of the internet and broader culture. I'm looking forward to where the creators take the show next.
- seige-hound
- May 22, 2017
- Permalink
This is an anthology horror series on Syfy and lasted four seasons. Each season is six hour-long episodes dealing with one story. It's a horror series of slow-burning, visually inventive, and hauntingly creepy stories.
First season Candle Cove. In 1988 Iron Hill, Ohio, young Mike lost his identical twin Eddie as the last of five murdered kids. The four other bodies were found without their teeth. The case remains unsolved. Mike Painter (Paul Schneider) becomes a famous child psychiatrist and is haunted by nightmares. He reconnects with his mother Marla Painter (Fiona Shaw) back home. His childhood friend Gary Yolen has been elected sheriff. Gary and his wife Jessica are concerned about their girl Katie. She and other kids are obsessing over an old unseen children's TV show called Candle Cove as before. There is a slow burn going on in the show. It's a struggle to watch week to week but it works much better as a binge. There are shockingly cool horror visuals and ideas.
Second season No-End House. Best friends Margot Sleator (Amy Forsyth) and Jules Koja (Aisha Dee) join J.D. and Dylan on a haunted house tour. It's a popular exhibit named The No-End House in the suburbs at a dead end street with six strange rooms. The group goes in with others and has mind-bending experiences. Margot and Jules stagger out alone. After they leave, they experience ususal happenings in the real world. Margot's dead father (John Carroll Lynch) comes back to life. I'm happy that the characters know that it's not the real world. Margot's dad is the only non-real character that I'm interested in. It's a rather slow burn. The kids do a lot of walking in the empty suburban streets. There are some interesting ideas but it needs more tension. In that sense, it is very much like the first season.
Third season Butcher's Block. There's a stairway to nowhere. Alice is new to the city leaving behind her mother after a troubling incident. Her disturbed sister Zoe shows up. Her new job is to evict people from a rundown neighborhood called the Butcher's Block. It was the home to an old slaughter house run by Joseph Peach (Rutger Hauer).
Fourth season The Dream Door. Newlyweds Jillian and Tom move into their house. They and their friend Jason find a mysterious door suddenly appear in the basement. Jillian finds a disturbing figure from her childhood.
First season Candle Cove. In 1988 Iron Hill, Ohio, young Mike lost his identical twin Eddie as the last of five murdered kids. The four other bodies were found without their teeth. The case remains unsolved. Mike Painter (Paul Schneider) becomes a famous child psychiatrist and is haunted by nightmares. He reconnects with his mother Marla Painter (Fiona Shaw) back home. His childhood friend Gary Yolen has been elected sheriff. Gary and his wife Jessica are concerned about their girl Katie. She and other kids are obsessing over an old unseen children's TV show called Candle Cove as before. There is a slow burn going on in the show. It's a struggle to watch week to week but it works much better as a binge. There are shockingly cool horror visuals and ideas.
Second season No-End House. Best friends Margot Sleator (Amy Forsyth) and Jules Koja (Aisha Dee) join J.D. and Dylan on a haunted house tour. It's a popular exhibit named The No-End House in the suburbs at a dead end street with six strange rooms. The group goes in with others and has mind-bending experiences. Margot and Jules stagger out alone. After they leave, they experience ususal happenings in the real world. Margot's dead father (John Carroll Lynch) comes back to life. I'm happy that the characters know that it's not the real world. Margot's dad is the only non-real character that I'm interested in. It's a rather slow burn. The kids do a lot of walking in the empty suburban streets. There are some interesting ideas but it needs more tension. In that sense, it is very much like the first season.
Third season Butcher's Block. There's a stairway to nowhere. Alice is new to the city leaving behind her mother after a troubling incident. Her disturbed sister Zoe shows up. Her new job is to evict people from a rundown neighborhood called the Butcher's Block. It was the home to an old slaughter house run by Joseph Peach (Rutger Hauer).
Fourth season The Dream Door. Newlyweds Jillian and Tom move into their house. They and their friend Jason find a mysterious door suddenly appear in the basement. Jillian finds a disturbing figure from her childhood.
- SnoopyStyle
- Feb 18, 2019
- Permalink
- chloemcclure-36351
- Jan 16, 2023
- Permalink
This collection of stories rose from an artistic desert, like a saviour. Along with HAPPY!, it gave SyFy credibility back.
You can shove Lovecraft Country, Shadow and Bone, and all those Also-ran boring shows down the garbage chute and pile the cesspit output down after it.
Nothing has topped Channel Zero. Not yet. Its on a par with BLACK MIRROR.
My personal favoritism -
"You have to go inside ..."
CANDLE COVE is Good, but not Outstanding. Definitely made me pay attention though. Definitely responsible for me watching NO END HOUSE ...
"They don't want us to leave ..."
NO END HOUSE is Genius, Outstanding, and one of the Best Things I Have Ever Seen On TV.
"Landlord's a prick ..."
BUTCHER'S BLOCK is Amazing, but not as good as NO END HOUSE. One of Rutger Hauers last outings (his last, I believe, apart from the unsettling game OBSERVER), and he is awesome in it.
"Doncha remember, you told me you love me, Baby ..."
DREAM DOOR, is a bit of a mess, but it's still Great, and slightly better than CANDLE COVE.
Your opinions and mileage will vary, of course.
But this is one of the best SciFi/Fantasy/Slipstream things to hit TV in years.
You can shove Lovecraft Country, Shadow and Bone, and all those Also-ran boring shows down the garbage chute and pile the cesspit output down after it.
Nothing has topped Channel Zero. Not yet. Its on a par with BLACK MIRROR.
My personal favoritism -
"You have to go inside ..."
CANDLE COVE is Good, but not Outstanding. Definitely made me pay attention though. Definitely responsible for me watching NO END HOUSE ...
"They don't want us to leave ..."
NO END HOUSE is Genius, Outstanding, and one of the Best Things I Have Ever Seen On TV.
"Landlord's a prick ..."
BUTCHER'S BLOCK is Amazing, but not as good as NO END HOUSE. One of Rutger Hauers last outings (his last, I believe, apart from the unsettling game OBSERVER), and he is awesome in it.
"Doncha remember, you told me you love me, Baby ..."
DREAM DOOR, is a bit of a mess, but it's still Great, and slightly better than CANDLE COVE.
Your opinions and mileage will vary, of course.
But this is one of the best SciFi/Fantasy/Slipstream things to hit TV in years.
- hoytyhoytyhoyty
- Sep 6, 2021
- Permalink
I enjoyed this show and look forward to seeing how they build upon it. I like the format of 6 episodes although it seems a little stretched out for this story.
I grew up a big fan of shows like The Twilight Zone, Tales From the Dark Side, Outer Limits and Tales from the Crypt so shows like this intrigue me.
I thought the atmosphere of the show was excellent and also the slow building tension. The show definitely makes you uncomfortable. Only drawback was it was a little too slow at times and you were waiting for something to happen. Acting was decent though and direction was great. I like the effects they used as well on a small budget. Cheers and I look forward to hopefully great things as the show continues.
I grew up a big fan of shows like The Twilight Zone, Tales From the Dark Side, Outer Limits and Tales from the Crypt so shows like this intrigue me.
I thought the atmosphere of the show was excellent and also the slow building tension. The show definitely makes you uncomfortable. Only drawback was it was a little too slow at times and you were waiting for something to happen. Acting was decent though and direction was great. I like the effects they used as well on a small budget. Cheers and I look forward to hopefully great things as the show continues.
- clfigueroa
- Jul 4, 2017
- Permalink
When I first heard that Syfy was making a show about creepypastas, I was skeptical at best, especially since I never found the story of Candle Cove to be scary; in fact, I viewed it as one of the weaker creepypastas out there. The few promos I saw intrigued me, though, so I gave the show a shot. I'm not sure whether that was the best or worse decision I have made about a TV series.
This show genuinely disturbed me in ways I honestly didn't know were possible. I'd like to point out that I do not find horror movies even remotely scary--American, Japanese, or otherwise--and "horror" shows even less, so I was not expecting that Channel Zero would be the one to freak me out. A huge part of this is due to the production and direction of this series. Considering that the creator/one of the writers/producers of this show was also a writer and co-producer for the show Hannibal, looking back I can see parallels in both storytelling and pacing. Instead of having jump-scares every five seconds, Candle Cove used long, slow, drawn-out shots (sometimes painfully so) to build anticipation and force you to imagine what the heck could possibly be just out of the shot, or what was going to happen. I also have to give major credit to the props, costume, and makeup departments for crafting thoroughly terrifying, organic visuals that never felt clichéd. The acting was believable, even with the child actors, but there wasn't much chemistry between any of the characters. I'm not sure if this was intentional given the main character's backstory and what's going on in the story, but it's what I've elected to believe. While it felt odd, it wasn't distracting, but did make some interactions less intense or grounded than they probably should have been. At times it seemed like there were a lot of plot-points that didn't seem to lead anywhere, but ultimately the story wrapped itself up nicely, and explained nearly everything...albeit in the freakiest, most nerve-wracking way possible.
Overall, the show was not perfect, but it was solid. I appreciated that it didn't resort to cheap horror scare tactics and tropes, and that it made a simple internet-urban-legend a dark, messed up show that got under my skin. If you enjoy traditional horror, this show might seem boring and anti-climactic, but if you can let yourself get sucked in and stick with it, then you'll probably be rewarded with some Grade-A, well-crafted nightmare fuel.
This show genuinely disturbed me in ways I honestly didn't know were possible. I'd like to point out that I do not find horror movies even remotely scary--American, Japanese, or otherwise--and "horror" shows even less, so I was not expecting that Channel Zero would be the one to freak me out. A huge part of this is due to the production and direction of this series. Considering that the creator/one of the writers/producers of this show was also a writer and co-producer for the show Hannibal, looking back I can see parallels in both storytelling and pacing. Instead of having jump-scares every five seconds, Candle Cove used long, slow, drawn-out shots (sometimes painfully so) to build anticipation and force you to imagine what the heck could possibly be just out of the shot, or what was going to happen. I also have to give major credit to the props, costume, and makeup departments for crafting thoroughly terrifying, organic visuals that never felt clichéd. The acting was believable, even with the child actors, but there wasn't much chemistry between any of the characters. I'm not sure if this was intentional given the main character's backstory and what's going on in the story, but it's what I've elected to believe. While it felt odd, it wasn't distracting, but did make some interactions less intense or grounded than they probably should have been. At times it seemed like there were a lot of plot-points that didn't seem to lead anywhere, but ultimately the story wrapped itself up nicely, and explained nearly everything...albeit in the freakiest, most nerve-wracking way possible.
Overall, the show was not perfect, but it was solid. I appreciated that it didn't resort to cheap horror scare tactics and tropes, and that it made a simple internet-urban-legend a dark, messed up show that got under my skin. If you enjoy traditional horror, this show might seem boring and anti-climactic, but if you can let yourself get sucked in and stick with it, then you'll probably be rewarded with some Grade-A, well-crafted nightmare fuel.
I have been a horror fan all my life, stretching back into my earliest childhood memories of being scared, and I think this show is made for other people who have the same "bug."
Everything in this show is created by artists and from a surreal, artistic perspective. Nothing follows Hollywood norms. From the stilted dialogue -- full of awkward pauses, but somehow enhanced as a result -- to the regularly bizarre imagery, to the personality of the hero (antihero?), to the plot itself, which hardly leads to a fairytale ending, nothing in this show takes the easy way out, and all of it is designed to be appreciated by people who love this kind of creepy stuff. For lack of a better analogy, I think this show does to horror TV what "Aeon Flux" on MTV did to animated sci-fi series, what "True Detective" (Season 1) did to noir, or what "Twin Peaks" did to mysteries with a coming-of-age backdrop. In other words, it doesn't just discard the tropes of the genre, it pulls out all the stops at once, and is designed to explore what makes the horror genre truly unique unto itself.
In other words, finally we have a horror show created by people who not only don't feel that a bizarre, eerie sequence needs an explanation, but actually understand that it doesn't really want one. The fact that this is inspired by real online creepy pasta makes the whole project that much more appreciable. Can't wait for season two.
Everything in this show is created by artists and from a surreal, artistic perspective. Nothing follows Hollywood norms. From the stilted dialogue -- full of awkward pauses, but somehow enhanced as a result -- to the regularly bizarre imagery, to the personality of the hero (antihero?), to the plot itself, which hardly leads to a fairytale ending, nothing in this show takes the easy way out, and all of it is designed to be appreciated by people who love this kind of creepy stuff. For lack of a better analogy, I think this show does to horror TV what "Aeon Flux" on MTV did to animated sci-fi series, what "True Detective" (Season 1) did to noir, or what "Twin Peaks" did to mysteries with a coming-of-age backdrop. In other words, it doesn't just discard the tropes of the genre, it pulls out all the stops at once, and is designed to explore what makes the horror genre truly unique unto itself.
In other words, finally we have a horror show created by people who not only don't feel that a bizarre, eerie sequence needs an explanation, but actually understand that it doesn't really want one. The fact that this is inspired by real online creepy pasta makes the whole project that much more appreciable. Can't wait for season two.
- Zapedowski
- Nov 16, 2016
- Permalink
Before I say anything, this is a review of only the 2nd Season (No-End House).
Negativity bias makes me remember the things I dislike before the things I liked, so let's start there. First, a question. Why was this 6 episodes long? Better question. Why is each episode 44 minutes long? This was based on a creepypasta meaning they already didn't have a whole lot to work with and then they stretched how much as they could.
This makes the pacing very slow, and for a horror show, I felt bored most of the time. I guess they wanted to make a slow-burner, but they went way too far, and some scenes just feel like filler.
The show is well-shot, but I think some scenes were way too dark to see anything, maybe it's just my TV but during episode 4 in the corn maze, I was barely able to see anything.
And there's the usual horror cliches, like characters doing things just because the script requires something spooky to happen and pointless sex scenes. No jump scares though, except for one in the very last episode.
But let's talk about the good, as I already said, the show is well shot, the acting is good and aside from moving at a snail's pace the story is also good. On the flip-side, I think this makes for a great show to put on TV when you want to sleep because so many scenes happen with little dialogue and not many things happening. This isn't a backhanded compliment, I love watching something to help me sleep and this show fits right into.
Negativity bias makes me remember the things I dislike before the things I liked, so let's start there. First, a question. Why was this 6 episodes long? Better question. Why is each episode 44 minutes long? This was based on a creepypasta meaning they already didn't have a whole lot to work with and then they stretched how much as they could.
This makes the pacing very slow, and for a horror show, I felt bored most of the time. I guess they wanted to make a slow-burner, but they went way too far, and some scenes just feel like filler.
The show is well-shot, but I think some scenes were way too dark to see anything, maybe it's just my TV but during episode 4 in the corn maze, I was barely able to see anything.
And there's the usual horror cliches, like characters doing things just because the script requires something spooky to happen and pointless sex scenes. No jump scares though, except for one in the very last episode.
But let's talk about the good, as I already said, the show is well shot, the acting is good and aside from moving at a snail's pace the story is also good. On the flip-side, I think this makes for a great show to put on TV when you want to sleep because so many scenes happen with little dialogue and not many things happening. This isn't a backhanded compliment, I love watching something to help me sleep and this show fits right into.
I really really enjoyed this series! Granted, I've only seen the first season, but I'm excited for the upcoming episodes! I can absolutely say, I personally liked it better than Stranger Things. I'm 40 so I've only heard about Creepypasta from my kids. I had known about Candle Cove, but I did not know there was a TV show about it until yesterday. I downloaded the SYFY app and binged them all. Some parts of the story started teetering on ridiculousness, but because of the story line, it made sense. Just when the "oh here we go, it's about to get stupid" scenes were on, they'd pull back just enough. I think the episode format worked well, as they were able to explain the story in more depth. I believe had it been a movie, it would have been just another stupid horror movie. I'm glad I found it and I do wish the show had been marketed or promoted more. I'm a die hard fan of American Horror Story, and while this no where near touched the shocking aspects of that show, it was definitely eerie enough to keep me intrigued. I liked the characters and the acting was believable. I've read in places that SYFY is known for canceling their shows. I really hope the second season draws a bigger crowd, maybe through word of mouth so this show will have a good run.
The premise is interesting, but would have been much better as a movie. To stretch it out over so many hours, the writers had to slow down the plot development way too much, including the dialogue, which borders on absurd at times.
Apparently cancelled after four seasons. Such an amazing show and I was -so- excited to see what other creepypastas were going to be featured. Somebody please pick this show up!
- saphira_dragon-80270
- Jan 15, 2019
- Permalink
I've watched season 1 and 2 (found 2 better than 1) and what I can tell is: it's increasingly difficult to find horror TV shows/movies like this! You can expect an intelligent, scary and mindfull show. Can't wait to binge-watch season 3 and 4. Highly recommend it!
- denisecvilelaadv
- Apr 7, 2020
- Permalink
The series has quite a bit of potential and I'm a fan of the six episodes per season format, which already seems like quite a bit given the length of the source material. Really hoping for a Ted the Caver season coming up. Acting is decent and while Candle Cove was an alright short story, I don't think its best suited for an entire season of a horror show. But looking forward to seeing where it goes from here. Since the show is already renewed for a second season with the excellent No End Room story as its basis, hopefully it will continue to improve from here. Given that it is the third most popular Syfy channel show currently on the air given its premiere ratings, I'm surprised it has no other reviews on IMDb so far.
-watched till Episode 4- Do you remember those creepy episodes of Courage the Cowardly Dog and even some of those Tom & Jerry episodes? Candy Cove is no where close to being even remotely spooky. It looks and sounds like some children's school Pirate themed project filmed in class. The dialog is not menacing. The figures are not disturbing.
The lack of content to fill 6 episodes really show whenever you get scenes which shows a protagonist just walking through a building for 3 minutes with no atmosphere and simple camera pans, it gets really tedious to watch. Repeat that with 20 seconds here of people just sitting around and 20 seconds of lingering shots every scene change, this becomes unwatchable.
It is also plagued by clichés of characters unwilling to talk and discuss with each other, thus wasting episodes with no progress, filled with conversations so devoid of content that a 5 minutes long palaver can be edited to 1 minute or less.
And being billed as horror, the creatures look identical to grade school home made Halloween costumes. How is that suppose to create tension? All in all, the producers should really had made this into hour long stand-alone episodes, like a true horror anthology. Unbelievable that this had been picked up for 4 seasons. Guess SyFy is really desperate to fill up the time slots.
The lack of content to fill 6 episodes really show whenever you get scenes which shows a protagonist just walking through a building for 3 minutes with no atmosphere and simple camera pans, it gets really tedious to watch. Repeat that with 20 seconds here of people just sitting around and 20 seconds of lingering shots every scene change, this becomes unwatchable.
It is also plagued by clichés of characters unwilling to talk and discuss with each other, thus wasting episodes with no progress, filled with conversations so devoid of content that a 5 minutes long palaver can be edited to 1 minute or less.
And being billed as horror, the creatures look identical to grade school home made Halloween costumes. How is that suppose to create tension? All in all, the producers should really had made this into hour long stand-alone episodes, like a true horror anthology. Unbelievable that this had been picked up for 4 seasons. Guess SyFy is really desperate to fill up the time slots.
- Crystal_Dive
- Oct 7, 2017
- Permalink
Well, I have watched season one and season two. Out of those I would only recommend to watch the latter.
Season 1 Candle Cove: The plot isn´t bad and the acting is okay...but the characters are dull and lifeless. They all lack in personality, and I don´t think there´s anything likeable about any of them. I also think the dialouge is very poorly developed, and unfortunately this distracts plenty from what is actually happening in the series. Maybe Candle Cove would have been better off with a different lead actor, because honestly, he´s kind of a bore.
Season 2 No End House:I liked this one much better. The plot is fascinating and psychologic. The actors are all doing a good job, and you get to know the characters better than the ones in Candle Cove. All in all, I think this season is well made, although it can be a bit over the top-dramatic sometimes. I definetely recommend wathing this season.
Season 1 Candle Cove: The plot isn´t bad and the acting is okay...but the characters are dull and lifeless. They all lack in personality, and I don´t think there´s anything likeable about any of them. I also think the dialouge is very poorly developed, and unfortunately this distracts plenty from what is actually happening in the series. Maybe Candle Cove would have been better off with a different lead actor, because honestly, he´s kind of a bore.
Season 2 No End House:I liked this one much better. The plot is fascinating and psychologic. The actors are all doing a good job, and you get to know the characters better than the ones in Candle Cove. All in all, I think this season is well made, although it can be a bit over the top-dramatic sometimes. I definetely recommend wathing this season.
- ninajulia-75462
- Mar 2, 2019
- Permalink
The tension builds and then nothing comes of it. Think of Stephen King's "The Outsider" miniseries but without the gratification of real cliffhangers and whodunnits. The worst part about Channel Zero is that you always THINK it is shifting gears and getting better, but guaranteed, it won't. Watch it while you cook dinner.
- marneyparadis-13356
- Nov 5, 2021
- Permalink