These 5 Single-Season Horror TV Shows Are Perfect for a Weekend Binge

by

Short-lived TV series can sometimes be a mixed blessing. While they offer a quick escape from reality, it’s disappointing when a show resonates with you and then ends abruptly, leaving you craving more. In the larger perspective, it’s preferable to find a meaningful show, even if it’s short-lived, rather than avoiding it due to its brevity. This is because networks and streaming platforms determine renewal based on total viewership and interaction, not just the quality of the content. Consequently, if you solely focus on long-running shows for your viewing pleasure, you might miss out on a wealth of excellent programs.

Here’s my take on it: I’m excited to share with you a selection of intriguing, albeit brief, TV series from the captivating realm of sci-fi and horror. Dive in as we explore five spine-tingling, single-season shows perfect for a chilling weekend binge-watch!

1) Blood Drive

This remarkable show, filled with exploitation cinema vibes, will undoubtedly strike a chord with viewers who appreciate such genres. “Blood Drive” serves as an intense tribute to the grindhouse films of yore, often testing the limits of what’s acceptable on cable TV. Broadcasted on SyF, it humorously portrays censorship through some amusing scenes. For instance, nudity is frequently covered with black bars. If you’re intrigued about this series, you can now rent all episodes on YouTube.

In the grimy landscape of 1999, I find myself as the lone upright law enforcement officer in Los Angeles, thrust into an exhilarating yet chilling automobile competition. These aren’t your ordinary cars; they run on human blood, and the last-place finisher in each leg meets a gruesome end – quite literally losing their head. Caught in this macabre game, I forge an alliance with Grace, a woman shrouded in mystery whose motives remain unclear at first. As we navigate through the tension, we come to understand that our survival depends on each other, and thus, a reluctant partnership is born.

2) Fear Itself 

If you’re a fan of the chilling and indelible anthology series, Masters of Horror, I strongly recommend checking out Fear Itself, as it shares a similar horror-themed style. Created by Mick Garris, the mastermind behind Masters of Horror, Fear Itself bears many resemblances to the Showtime series.

Similar to the anthology series “Masters of Horror”, “Fear Itself” also showcases a rotation of skilled creators in the horror genre. Notably, some directors who worked on episodes of “Masters of Horror” were also involved in this NBC series’ production, with John Landis, Stuart Gordon, and Brad Anderson directing individual episodes. If the concept appeals to you, you can stream “Fear Itself” on The Roku Channel, Plex, or Fandango Now.

3) The River

In many movies and shows, found footage is used sparingly. But it’s extremely uncommon to find a TV series that uses this technique extensively, let alone one that sticks with it throughout its run. One exception to this rule is the ABC series “The River,” which lasts for eight episodes. This show presents itself as documentation by a film crew following the search for Dr. Emmet Cole (played by Bruce Greenwood), a wildlife expert who disappeared in the Amazon River basin.

If you think the series could be something you’d enjoy, you can stream or buy individual episodes from various popular online streaming platforms. Additionally, you might find the series on physical discs through second-hand markets.

4) Death Valley

For those who enjoy a blend of terror and humorous absurdity, you might appreciate “Death Valley,” a 12-episode series. This show centers around an unusual team within the LAPD known as the UTF or Undead Task Force. In this MTV production, it’s revealed that werewolves, zombies, vampires, and other supernatural creatures have started causing mayhem in the streets of Los Angeles, creating a sense of turmoil and, ironically, job stability for the UTF.

People found the show appealing due to its unique humor and diverse group of characters. Some viewers describe it as a humorous take on supernatural themes reminiscent of the comedy series “Reno 911!”. If you’re intrigued by this unconventional concept, you can stream or buy this one-season series through Amazon Prime Video.

5) Archive 81

It’s truly unfortunate that this extraordinary, brain-twisting series didn’t have the opportunity to finish its storyline. However, the first season alone offers an engaging experience that neatly wraps up enough plot threads, making it a worthwhile watch. This series immerses viewers in a haunting world that delves into occult themes through the character of Dan Turner, portrayed by Mamoudou Athie, who is a media archivist. When he takes on the task of repairing some damaged video tapes, Dan becomes embroiled in a puzzling, mind-bending enigma involving Melody (Dina Shihabi), the woman who recorded the footage on those tapes years ago.

This Netflix original series provides a steady stream of unexpected twists and surprises leading up to a series of unforeseen revelations. The show, with an occult theme, is based on a podcast of the same name that focuses on narrative fiction. If you’re left craving explanations after finishing the entire series, the podcast offers a more conclusive ending.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/10-best-hbo-max-shows-ybinge-in-one-week-july-2025/embed/#

Read More

2025-07-16 01:11