Dark Shadows (1966)

Synopsis

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.

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Streaming availability via JustWatch

Cast

• Nancy Barrett as Carolyn Stoddard
• Joan Bennett as Elizabeth Collins Stoddard / Naomi Collins
• David Henesy as David Collins
• Kathryn Leigh Scott as Maggie Evans
• Louis Edmonds as Roger Collins / Joshua Collins
• Clarice Blackburn as Mrs. Sarah Johnson
• Jonathan Frid as Barnabas Collins / Bramwell Collins
• Grayson Hall as Natalie DuPres
• Thayer David as Matthew Morgan/Ben Stokes/Dr. Timothy Stokes
• Jerry Lacy as Tony Peterson/Reverend Trask/Gregory Trask

If you liked Dark Shadows, try

• Buffy the Vampire Slayer
• Ghost Whisperer
• Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun
• WandaVision
• Torchwood
• Charmed
• A Discovery of Witches
• Martin Mystery

BingeNext's take

If you’re into classic TV with a spooky twist, Dark Shadows is a must-watch. This 1960s gothic soap opera mixes drama with supernatural elements like vampires, werewolves, and even time travel, all unfolding in a small town setting. It’s perfect for anyone who loves shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer or WandaVision but wants something with a vintage vibe and a slower, more atmospheric build. The cast, including Nancy Barrett and Joan Bennett, bring a unique charm to their many roles, and with over a thousand episodes, you’ll have plenty to binge. Watching Dark Shadows feels like stepping into a mysterious, eerie world where every day brings new twists and creepy surprises, making it ideal for fans of long-running, character-driven stories with a supernatural edge.