Trailer

Dark Shadows

1966 – 1971Show12 seasons1225 episodesTV-PG

51
MediocreGoodWatch score

A nostalgic, melancholic drama series about family and fantasy.

Good for family movie night · friends night · teens

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Where to watch

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Not for warmth, comfort or laughs.

Shows with

Episodes

12 seasons · 1225 episodes · best: S1E405 "Episode #1.405" 8.6

Episodes

7.5
7.3

Story

Necking in the afternoon.

Dark Shadows is an American gothic soap opera that originally aired weekdays on the ABC television network, from June 27, 1966, to April 2, 1971. The show was created by Dan Curtis. The story bible, which was written by Art Wallace, does not mention any supernatural elements. It was unprecedented in daytime television when ghosts were introduced about six months after it began. The series became hugely popular when vampire Barnabas Collins appeared a year into its run. Dark Shadows also featured werewolves, zombies, man-made monsters, witches, warlocks, time travel, and a parallel universe. A small company of actors each played many roles; indeed, as actors came and went, some characters were played by more than one actor. Major writers besides Art Wallace included Malcolm Marmorstein, Sam Hall, Gordon Russell, and Violet Welles.

Feels like

  • Gothic Soap Opera
  • Cult Classic
  • Supernatural Melodrama
  • Vampire Lore Origin
  • Low-Budget Charm
  • Interwoven Family Secrets
  • Atmospheric Mystery
  • Nostalgic Retro Horror
  • Character-Driven Drama
  • Daytime TV Pioneer

Cast

Crew

Music by
Bob Cobert

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

June 27, 1966 · April 2, 1971 · Ended

First aired
June 27, 1966
Last aired
April 2, 1971
Status
Ended
Length
12 seasons · 1225 episodes
Age rating
TV-PG
Content
Violence, Disturbing Imagery
Genres
Drama, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Soap
Original language
English
Made in
United States
Available in
6 countries

Tropes

Comic-Book Adaptation, Cigarette of Anxiety, The Scapegoat +9

  • Comic-Book Adaptation
  • Cigarette of Anxiety
  • The Scapegoat
  • Outside-Genre Foe
  • Time-Travel Romance
  • Why Don't You Just Shoot Him?
  • Yandere
  • Series Continuity Error
  • Non-Indicative Name
  • Early-Installment Weirdness
  • Working-Class Werewolves
  • Facial Horror

12 of 158 tropes. From TV Tropes.

Q&A

6 questions, like "Where can I stream Dark Shadows?"

Questions about Dark Shadows

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Is Dark Shadows worth watching?

51
MediocreGoodWatch score

Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 51 (IMDb 8.1).

Is Dark Shadows okay for kids?

TV-PGViolenceDisturbing imagery

Yes: it's rated TV-PG in the United States for violence and disturbing imagery, and the viewing guide lists it for family nights.

How long does it take to watch Dark Shadows?

449 h

About 449 hours: 1225 episodes in 12 seasons of about 22 minutes each, aired from 1966 to 1971.

Is Dark Shadows good for date night?

and 3 moreFamily Movie NightPartner WatchAdultsFriends NightIntergenerational

It's better for a family night: romance is 7 of 10, and the viewing guide lists it for families.

What tropes does Dark Shadows use?

Comic-Book AdaptationCigarette of AnxietyThe ScapegoatOutside-Genre FoeTime-Travel RomanceWhy Don't You Just Shoot Him?YandereSeries Continuity ErrorNon-Indicative NameEarly-Installment WeirdnessWorking-Class WerewolvesFacial Horrorand 146 more

TV Tropes lists 158 tropes for it, including Comic-Book Adaptation, Cigarette of Anxiety, and The Scapegoat.