Widow’s Bay blends horror and comedy in new Apple TV series

10 articles · Updated · Slate · Apr 29

Created by Katie Dippold and starring Matthew Rhys, the 10-episode series is set on a haunted New England island plagued by an ancient curse.
The show mixes Stephen King-inspired horror with comedic elements, focusing on a mayor’s attempts to revitalize his cursed hometown while grappling with its dark history and eccentric residents.
Widow’s Bay draws on influences from Atlanta and Parks and Rec, but some critics note its lack of local specificity and emotional stakes may undermine its long-term impact as a genre-hopping series.

Does 'Widow's Bay' earn its comparisons to acclaimed shows like 'Atlanta' and 'Barry'?

Is Matthew Rhys's tragic mayor enough to carry a series of curses and monsters?

How does a comedy writer create a genuinely terrifying New England folk horror series?

Does the show's slow-burn mystery ultimately reward viewers' patience?

What does a cursed, inescapable island reveal about the reality of small-town isolation?

What secrets does the island's centuries-old curse hold for its trapped residents?