Arabin Horror Saga
| Arabin Horror Saga | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Genre | Horror Anthology |
| Created by | Harrison Ball Tegan Willis |
| Based on | American Horror Story by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk |
| Written by | List
|
| Directed by | List
|
| Starring | List of cast members |
| Theme music composer | Andrew Frost |
| Country of origin | Arabi |
| Original language(s) | English |
| No. of seasons | 6 |
| No. of episodes | 72 (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Executive producer(s) | Harrison Ball Tegan Willis Scott Harding Dianne Pegues Joshua Nance Janet Warren Alonzo Buchanan Adam Bryan Jordan Smart |
| Producer(s) | Patrick Mistry Sebastian Fletcher John Palmer Maribel Hayward George Cooper |
| Cinematography | Ellis Hill Edmund Bradley |
| Editor(s) | Demetrius Moore Joseph Page |
| Camera setup | Single camera |
| Running time | 38−71 minutes |
| Release | |
| Original network | Xpanse |
| Original release | September 11, 2018 – present |
Arabin Horror Saga is an Arabinian horror anthology television series created by Harrison Ball and Tegan Willis for the cable network Xpanse. Each season resets with new characters, setting, and story. As of 2023, six seasons have aired with 72 episodes.
Harrison Ball and Tegan Willis came up with the idea for a horror anthology show after discovering the American horror anthology show, American Horror Story, in 2016, which was airing its sixth season at the time. The idea of a show reinventing itself every season fascinated Ball and Willis, as they saw it as a way to keep the show fresh. Willis and Ball have stated that as the show progresses past characters may show up in future seasons, but as of 2023, this has not happened.
Season 6, titled Unveiled, premiered on September 5, 2023, with 10.12 million viewers, the most in the shows history not only for an individual episode but also a season premiere. Due to the high viewership, Xpanse renewed the show for two additional seasons set to premiere in 2024 and 2025.
The upcoming seventh season, Enchanted, was announced on April 16, 2024, along with the cast list. Filming is scheduled to start on June 10, 2024. No premire date has been set but it is expected to follow previous seasons and premiere in August or September.
Despite each season being different than the previous one with new characters, settings, and themes, multiple actors have returned to play new characters. These actors have appeared in multiple seasons; Jenna Mitchell, David Reynolds, Lily Thompson, Summer Pritchard, Clarence Hudson, Rosie Hargreaves, Ora Brown, Sarah Sims, Susan Corley, Olga Kelly, Emily Williams, Dominic Marsden, Theresa Hawkins, Mark Poston, Holly Price, Thomas Klock, Ana Jury, and Michael Johnson. Delmy Brammer, Benny Beasley, and Millie Osborne have all starred in one season and are expected to return for the seventh season.
Seasons
| Season | Title | Episodes | Originally aired | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First aired | Last aired | |||||
| 1 | Phantom | 12 | September 11, 2018 | November 27, 2018 | ||
| 2 | Shadows | 12 | August 27, 2019 | November 12, 2019 | ||
| 3 | Eclipsed | 12 | August 18, 2020 | November 3, 2020 | ||
| 4 | Echoes | 12 | September 7, 2021 | November 23, 2021 | ||
| 5 | Abyss | 12 | August 30, 2022 | November 15, 2022 | ||
| 6 | Unveiled | 12 | September 5, 2023 | November 21, 2023 | ||
| 7 | Enchanted | TBA | TBA | TBA | ||
Season 1: Phantom (2018)
In the hauntingly atmospheric setting of Old Clark City, nestled within the state of New Cambridge in 2018, the Halloway family embarks on a journey that transcends time, unraveling a chilling tale of tragedy, possession, and vengeance. When Sarah inherits a decrepit mansion from her late great aunt, Eleanor, dark forces within the house stir, forcing the family into a nightmarish ordeal. As they grapple with unexplained occurrences, the mysteries of the mansion's past come to light, revealing a horrifying legacy that binds them all.
Season 2: Shadows (2019)
Set in the fictional town of Graceville, nestled in the state of Saint George in the year 1992, Shadows follows the Tillman family - Jerry, Beth, Paul, Sarah, and Lee - as they relocate to this seemingly idyllic community. Graceville is a close-knit town where everyone knows each other, but its tranquility is shattered when eerie occurrences begin to plague the town after dark. Dark shadowy figures descend on the town, creating chaos by mutilating livestock, starting fires, and destroying bridges. The enigmatic Mayor, Robert Smith, dismisses these events as natural phenomena, fueling skepticism among the townsfolk.
As Halloween night approaches, a group of children, including the Tillman kids, ventures out for trick-or-treating. In a chilling encounter, they are confronted by the shadowy figures who abduct one of their friends, Paige Kerman. When Paige's parents, Carol and Ted Kerman, seek answers, they are met with resistance from the Mayor. As tensions rise, another child, Kyle, vanishes under similar circumstances. The town's parents, including the Tillmans, begin to suspect the Mayor's involvement in the disappearances.
The mystery deepens when Paul Tillman is abducted from his own bedroom. Desperate to save their children, the parents organize a meeting, growing increasingly convinced that the Mayor is hiding something sinister. A late-night patrol leads them to witness the Mayor performing a ritual in the cornfields, summoning the Daemones, ancient demons that feed on the energy of children. The Daemones prevent the parents from intervening, and the Mayor reveals the horrifying truth: their children are now enslaved in the underworld under the command of the Daemones' leader, Lucio.
Seeking help, the parents turn to the town mystic, Mistress Umbra, who guides them to a cellar acting as a portal to the underworld. Umbra explains that they can only enter during the day, as the spirits are weakest then. Jerry Tillman bravely decides to venture into the underworld, where time passes differently. As night falls in Graceville, he faces formidable challenges from the underworld spirits but ultimately succeeds in rescuing the children, who return to Graceville, weak and drained.
The town prepares to put the Mayor on trial but discovers he has vanished. Believing he fled, the townsfolk celebrate the children's return with a grand party. However, the camera reveals the Mayor overlooking the town with the Daemones at his side, hinting at a sinister continuation.
Season 3: Eclipsed (2020)
In the city of Cal Expo, located in the state of Walpole, the year is 2020, and an unexpected solar eclipse shrouds the city in darkness. What begins as a celestial phenomenon soon descends into a chilling nightmare. Eclipsed follows a diverse cast of characters, each with their own secrets and fears, as they grapple with strange and terrifying occurrences during the solar eclipse.
Season 4: Echoes (2021)
In the chilling landscape of St. Paul, located within the state of Walpole in 2019, a group of adventurous friends, Jeff, Michael, Anna, Terry, and Nora, embark on a perilous journey into the Verdelux Mountains for a week of camping. Despite the mountain's notorious reputation for treacherous weather and avalanches, they reach its peak and establish their camp. However, their adventure takes a terrifying turn when they hear distant screams echoing through the wilderness. Driven by concern for potential fellow campers in distress, they venture into the unforgiving terrain to aid them. Their search leads them to strange footprints in the snow, marking the beginning of an ominous series of events. As they investigate, their campsite is ransacked, and the distant screams draw nearer, more sinister. Panic sets in as they attempt to descend the mountain and escape, only to encounter a nightmarish creature with glowing red eyes and an inhuman screech.
Season 5: Abyss (2022)
Abyss takes place in the city of Bristol in the state of New Bristol in 2005. It revolves around the mysterious Lake June, which is rumored to be bottomless, harboring ancient myths of Sirens. Thirty years prior, Jimbo and Amy Jones lost their daughter, Jessica, to the lake under tragic circumstances. While some believe Sirens inhabit the lake, luring people to their doom, it was never proven.
When newlyweds Ken and Francesca Kind arrive at Lake June Camp Resort for their honeymoon, their encounter with a beautiful woman named Esmerelda sets off a chain of events that unravel the lake's chilling secrets. As they befriend the Van Der Waal family, Orson and Karen, who have their own experiences with the Sirens, the mystery deepens, leading to a tragic disappearance and a desperate search for answers.
Season 6: Unveiled (2023)
In the glamorous world of the 1950s, wealthy businessman Edward Collingwood prepares to marry the captivating Vera McCann, setting the stage for an ensemble cast filled with hidden motives and dark secrets. Vera, with her cold ambition veiled behind a loving facade, plans an intricate scheme to eliminate Edward during their honeymoon.
Season 7: Enchanted (2024)
On April 16, 2024, it was revealed that the title of the upcoming season is Enchanted. The official cast list was also announced and that filming for the season was to begin in early to mid-June. Willis and Ball said more information will be announced in the coming months. Filming for the season is set to begin on June 10, 2024.
Future
On September 7, 2023, Xpanse renewed the show for season 7 and 8, set to air in 2024 and 2025 respectively.
Production
Arabin Horror Saga is a critically acclaimed television series known for its innovative storytelling and captivating horror themes. Over the course of five seasons, the show has garnered a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. Here, we delve into the production history of each season.
Arabin Horror Saga made its debut with Phantom in 2018. This inaugural season marked the beginning of the anthology series, where each season features a unique storyline and characters while retaining some actors from previous seasons. The show was conceptualized by the series creators and showrunners, Harrison Ball and Tegan Willis, who aimed to bring fresh and culturally diverse horror narratives to the screen. The decision to set the first season in Old Clark City in New Cambridge was to establish a rich and immersive atmosphere. Phantom introduced viewers to a talented ensemble cast, including Jenna Mitchell, David Reynolds, Lily Thompson, and Jackson Carter, who portrayed the Halloway family. The combination of seasoned actors and rising talents contributed to the season's success. Principal photography for "Phantom took place in Old Clark City, blending eerie mansion interiors and picturesque outdoor scenes. The cinematography and set design added to the season's haunting ambiance. Phantom premiered on September 11, 2018, in Arabi. The show quickly gained attention for its compelling narrative and impressive production values.
The success of Season 1 paved the way for Season 2 titled Shadows, which aired in 2019. Shadows introduced a mysterious group of people and explored the dark secrets lurking in the fictional town of Graceville in the state of Saint George. David Reynolds, a prominent actor from Season 1, returned to the series, adding continuity while fresh faces joined the ensemble cast. The second season premiered on August 27, 2019, and continued the tradition of gripping storytelling and intriguing characters.
In 2020, Eclipsed took viewers to the city of Cal Expo in the state of Walpole, offering a unique twist with a solar eclipse as a central element. The season featured a diverse cast, including prominent divorce lawyer Jim Applegate and Mayor Kari Rose, played by David Reynolds and Jenna Mitchell, respectively. Filming the solar eclipse sequences posed challenges for the production team, requiring meticulous planning and special effects to capture the eerie atmosphere. Eclipsed premiered on August 18, 2020, offering a fresh take on horror by incorporating celestial phenomena into its narrative.
Echoes, which aired in 2021, ventured into the Verdelux Mountains in St. Paul Walpole. Echoes was received poorly due to the storyline, as it is considered one of the worst seasons to date.
The fifth season, titled Abyss, explored the eerie depths of Lake June. This season delved into local legends of Sirens and the mysteries of a supposedly bottomless lake, delivering a chilling storyline. The ensemble cast, led by David Renyolds, Clarence Hudson, Rosie Hargreaves, Sarah Sims, Susan Corley, and newcomer Lily Carpenter, portrayed characters entangled in the Sirens' seductive and deadly embrace. Abyss premiered on August 30, 2022, and provided a thrilling climax to the anthology series, cementing its status as a compelling addition to the Arabin Horror Saga.
The sixth season, titled Unveiled, was set in the 1950's and featured wealthy businessman Edward Collingwood as he prepares to marry the captivating Vera McCann, setting the stage for an ensemble cast filled with hidden motives and dark secrets. Vera, with her cold ambition veiled behind a loving facade, plans an intricate scheme to eliminate Edward during their honeymoon. The season premiered on September 5 and concluded on November 21, 2023.
A scheduled seventh and eighth season are set to premiere in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Series creators have stated they have decided on a theme for season 7 and will announce it in the spring of 2024.
Legacy
Throughout its six seasons, Arabin Horror Saga has garnered praise for its innovative storytelling, diverse casting, and commitment to delivering unique horror experiences. The series continues to captivate audiences with its blend of psychological horror, supernatural elements, and compelling character-driven narratives. With each season bringing a fresh and distinct story to the screen, the show has left an indelible mark on the horror genre in television.
Reception
Arabin Horror Saga has left a significant impact on the horror genre, with its anthology format and diverse narratives receiving praise from both fans and critics. However, while most seasons garnered positive reviews and awards recognition, Echoes, faced criticism for a perceived decline in its storyline and production values.
The series made a strong debut with Phantom in 2018. Audiences and critics alike praised the fresh take on horror, with its blend of psychological suspense and supernatural elements. The show's ability to create an immersive atmosphere in the fictional town of Old Clark City was lauded. Phantom received numerous award nominations and established the series as a force in the horror genre.
Shadows continued the series' success, receiving acclaim for its mysterious narrative and well-developed characters. The return of some actors from Season 1 added continuity to the series, while new faces brought fresh intrigue. The season's premiere date of August 27, 2019, marked another successful entry into the Arabin Horror Saga.
Eclipsed offered a unique twist by incorporating a solar eclipse into its narrative. The diverse cast, including prominent characters like divorce lawyer Jim Applegate (David Reynolds) and Mayor Kari Rose (Jenna Mitchell), received praise for their performances. The show's ability to blend celestial phenomena with horror storytelling was commended. Eclipsed premiered on August 18, 2020, to positive reviews.
Echoes, however, marked a departure from the series' previous successes. Critics and audiences noted a decline in the storyline and production values, with some feeling that it didn't live up to the high standards set by earlier seasons. The Lovecraftian-inspired narrative and performances were not enough to save it from criticism. This season had the least award nominations and notably failed to secure any awards, marking an exception in the series' otherwise successful awards history. The decline in critical reception and awards recognition led some to view Echoes as a weak point in the otherwise strong Arabin Horror Saga.
Abyss returned the series to acclaim with its exploration of sirens and the eerie depths of Lake June. The character-driven narrative and captivating performances were praised. Abyss premiered on August 30, 2022, and provided a thrilling conclusion to the anthology series, reestablishing its reputation for compelling horror storytelling. Season 5 is generally considered to be the best season produced to date.
Unvieled premiered on September 5, 2023, with the episode Till Death Do Us Part which had the highest viewership for a single episode in the shows history, garnering 10.12 million viewers. Due to the high ratings for the episode, Expanse renwed the show for an additional two seasons. As the season progressed, viewership declined but still received the highest viewership count in the shows history. Unvieled was the most successful season in terms of viewership as well as the most expensive to produce with a budge of $56 million.
Awards
| Award | Year[a] | Category | Recipient(s) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primtime Awards | 2019 | Outstanding Limited Series | Arabin Horror Saga: Phantom | Nominated |
| Outstanding Cinematography for a Limited Series or Movie | Ellis Hill (for Arabin Horror Saga: Phantom) | Won | ||
| 2020 | Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie | Clarence Hudson | Won | |
| Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Dramatic Special | Harrison Ball, Greta Burnell, Tegan Willis, Molly Pierce, Peter Robinson, Gabrielle McDermott, Cecilia Browne (for Arabin Horror Saga: Shadows) | Won | ||
| 2021 | Outstanding Sound Editing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Special | Josh Nelson, Catherine Morrison, Nelson Greenhaus (for Arabin Horror Saga: Eclipsed) | Won | |
| 2022 | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie | Ana Jury (for Arabin Horror Saga: Echoes) | Nominated | |
| 2023 | Outstanding Art Direction for a Limited Series or Movie | Jesse Kerns, Nathaniel Hill (for Arabin Horror Saga: Abyss) | Won | |
| 2024 | Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series or Movie | Tegan Willis, Harrison Ball, Kaitlyn Connors, Vernon Bruce, Matthew Kinder, Josh Williams, Alicia Miller, Yolanda Rollins (for Arabin Horror Saga: Unveiled) | Nominated | |
| Silver Globe Awards | 2019 | Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television | Arabin Horror Saga: Phantom | Nominated |
| 2020 | Best Actor in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television | David Reynolds | Nominated | |
| Clarence Hudson | Won | |||
| 2021 | Best Actress in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television | Jenna Mitchell | Nominated | |
| 2022 | Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television | Ethan Thompson | Nominated | |
| Samuel Phillips | Nominated | |||
| 2023 | Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television | Tegan Willis, Harrison Ball, Scott Harding, Dianne Pegues (for Arabin Horror Saga: Abyss) | Won | |
| 2024 | Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television | Ora Brown | Nominated | |
| Guild of Screen Actors | 2019 | Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series | Michael Johnson | Nominated |
| 2020 | Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series | Olga Kelly | Won | |
| 2021 | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series | Jenna Mitchell, David Reynolds, Summer Pritchard, Rosie Hargreaves, Ryan Hamilton, Ora Brown, Rickey Clapp (for Arabin Horror Saga: Eclipsed) | Won | |
| 2022 | Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series | David Reynolds | Won | |
| 2023 | Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series | Rosie Hargreaves | Nominated | |
| 2024 | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series | Jenna Mitchell, Summer Pritchard, Clarence Hudson, Rosie Hargreaves, Sarah Sims, Susan Corley, Olga Kelly, Delmy Brammer, Benny Beasley (for Arabin Horror Saga: Unveiled) | Won |
Notes
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