Serie - New Series Hysteria! Explores the Dark Side of 1980s Panic Culture

By Mulder, 18 october 2024

Peacock's highly anticipated series Hysteria! Debutes today, offering a dark and satirical look into the Satanic Panic that swept across the U.S. in the 1980s. The series taps into this period of moral outrage, paranoia, and fear of the unknown, weaving a narrative that blends supernatural horror with social commentary on a nation gripped by hysteria.

The Satanic Panic was a widespread moral panic that saw individuals, particularly teenagers, accused of engaging in Satanic rituals and practices. While largely debunked today, it resulted in false accusations, wrongful imprisonments, and an atmosphere of fear. Hysteria! capitalizes on this historical backdrop, taking viewers back to a time when society was quick to blame the occult for every misfortune. However, in a fresh twist, the series also incorporates a supernatural element, suggesting that some of the town’s fears may not be entirely unfounded.

Julie Bowen (Modern Family) stars as Linda Campbell, a suburban mother who finds herself in the middle of this chaos. Her son Dylan (played by Emjay Anthony) forms part of a group of teenage misfits who exploit the town’s fear of Satanism by pretending to be a Satanic metal band. As they gain attention and notoriety, real sinister events begin to unfold, blurring the lines between what is merely a hoax and what might actually be happening in the shadows​

The series also stars horror icon Bruce Campbell, best known for his role as Ash in The Evil Dead, as the town’s police chief, who is caught between maintaining order and addressing the growing paranoia. Anna Camp, known from Pitch Perfect, plays Tracy Whitehead, a devout Christian mother whose religious fervor adds to the tension, while Garret Dillahunt portrays a local reverend who feeds into the escalating hysteria. Together, the characters represent different facets of society’s reaction to perceived threats, from fear and skepticism to manipulation and exploitation.

By casting these well-known actors, Hysteria! ensures that fans of both horror and drama will find something familiar, yet the show also seeks to appeal to a younger generation unfamiliar with the real events of the 1980s. Through the experiences of Dylan and his friends, the show comments on teenage rebellion, the search for identity, and how youthful transgressions can sometimes have dangerous consequences, especially in a society already on edge.

At its core, Hysteria! is not just a supernatural thriller but a biting critique of how fear and misinformation can spiral into mass hysteria. The series draws clear parallels between the Satanic Panic of the 1980s and more contemporary moral panics—whether it’s fear of new technologies, cultural shifts, or perceived threats from different social groups. The creators, led by Matthew Scott Kane, aim to show how quickly unfounded fears can take hold, turning neighbors against each other and leading to devastating consequences.

The series also excels in its presentation of the era, with detailed period-appropriate settings and costumes that reflect the heightened anxieties of suburban America. The use of heavy metal music, which was often blamed for corrupting youth during the real Satanic Panic, becomes a thematic centerpiece. The misfit teens’ decision to form a fake Satanic metal band is a perfect example of how art, music, and cultural rebellion often become scapegoats in times of fear.

The reception to Hysteria! has been largely positive so far. Critics have praised its sharp writing and balance between horror and humor. Bruce Campbell's performance as the police chief is particularly noteworthy, with his natural charisma adding both gravitas and comedic relief to tense situations. The younger cast members, including Chiara Aurelia and Kezii Curtis, also shine in their roles as misunderstood teens, bringing an authentic sense of rebellion and vulnerability.

However, some viewers have noted that while the supernatural elements add excitement, they sometimes detract from the deeper, more poignant social commentary about the dangers of mass panic. The show walks a fine line between entertainment and critique, but it mostly succeeds in using its outlandish premise to highlight real-world issues.

As society continues to face new forms of collective fear and misinformation, Hysteria! serves as a timely reminder of the dangers of letting paranoia take root. With its mix of dark humor, supernatural thrills, and biting social critique, the show is likely to appeal to fans of both classic horror and modern-day allegories. By revisiting the 1980s with fresh eyes, Hysteria! asks viewers to consider how far we've really come in dealing with our fears and whether history might be doomed to repeat itself.

Synopsis :
The 1980s. A group of high school heavy metal fans band together. They realize they can capitalize on the town's sudden interest in the occult by forging a reputation as a satanic metal band, until a bizarre series of murders, kidnappings and reported supernatural activity triggers a witch hunt.

Hysteria!
Created by Matthew Scott Kane
Showrunners / Matthew Scott Kane, David A. Goodman
Starring  Julie Bowen, Bruce Campbell, Garret Dillahunt
Executive producers : Matthew Scott Kane, Jonathan Goldstein, John Francis Daley, David A. Goodman, Chris Bender, Jake Weiner, Jordan Vogt-Roberts
Production companies : Cat Dead, Details Later, GoldDay, Good Fear Content, Universal Content Productions
Network : Peacock
Release date : October 18, 2024 (United States)