This Forgotten Horror Series Is the Ultimate B-Movie Monster Fest

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In the wake of the original “Twilight Zone,” numerous television shows were born, each attempting to emulate its distinctive twist-ending, anthology format. Ranging from the science fiction-themed “Outer Limits” to the bone-chilling terror of “Tales From the Crypt,” these shows have put their unique spins on this style, with varying levels of accomplishment. Some series like “Black Mirror” have managed to delve into the existential struggles that humanity faces, equaling or even surpassing the depth of the “Twilight Zone.” However, there’s also a show called “Monsters” that stands out in its own right.

The television series titled “Monsters,” which aired in the late ’80s, wasn’t concerned with reflecting dark human traits or delivering profound messages like other horror anthologies. Instead, it aimed to provide an enjoyable, slightly unsettling experience. While shows like The Twilight Zone and Black Mirror have their charm, there are times when one craves a more unrefined, thrilling entertainment experience. And in that regard, Monsters truly shines.

What Is Monsters?

The horror series “Monsters” aired from 1988-1990 over the course of three seasons, with a total of 72 episodes featuring a multitude of terrifying creatures. The show’s creator, Richard P. Rubinstein, developed this concept out of dissatisfaction with the recognition given to his production company’s exceptional special effects work on “Tales from the Darkside,” another horror anthology. Although “Tales” was widely acclaimed for its narrative and acting, it received little praise for its makeup and creature effects, which Rubinstein considered to be equally impressive. To remedy this oversight, Rubinstein chose to produce an anthology centered around bizarre creatures and grotesque oddities.

In essence, the acting and storytelling in Monsters may not be subpar, but they do play second fiddle to the grotesque elements suggested by its title. The monsters in this show varied from common creatures like vampires, aliens, and zombies, to more peculiar ones such as murderous beds and a man/pig hybrid. Rubinstein deliberately avoided using slashers like Freddy or Jason, who were trendy at the time, opting instead for beasts inspired by Brothers Grimm tales that were eerie rather than gory.

Rubinstein views a “good monster” as a blend of “amusing and frightening.” Consequently, the creatures in “Monsters” are just as silly as they are scary. The series deliberately avoids being overly dramatic, which adds to its appeal for me. In essence, it was the opposite of the “Twilight Zone,” and that’s a good thing.

Monsters Was a Unique Horror Anthology, For Better and Worse

In the series titled “Monsters“, there weren’t many messages or deep storylines, but rather, it leaned more towards the fairy tale-esque narrative of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” as opposed to the suspenseful tension found in “The Monsters are Due on Maple Street.” Instead, this show primarily aimed at eliciting laughter and discomfort from its viewers. The unique aspect of “Monsters” is that it openly reveals its light-hearted nature right from its playfully ironic opening scene where a family of peculiar mutants gather around to watch their favorite television program.

Similar to many science fiction/horror collections, the show “Monsters” featured a sprinkling of famous guest stars. Actors such as Steve Buscemi, Adrien Barbeau, and Pam Grier appeared in individual episodes, along with several other notable personalities. Notably, it also adapted numerous short stories, one of which was a tale by Stephen King about a colossal finger emerging from a man’s bathroom sink.

Regrettably, the series “Monsters” is not as widely recognized nowadays as shows like “Tales from the Crypt”. Despite not striving for the same cultural impact, it’s unfortunate that such a show – even a beloved guilty pleasure like “Monsters” – disappears from the general public’s memory. Fortunately, the series continues to exist on streaming platforms.

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2025-05-27 01:39