Summary
- Twin Peaks reshaped TV with its surreal horror and soap opera elements, influencing many shows like True Detective and Dark.
- Twin Peaks' atmospheric menace in a small-town setting and the central question of who killed Laura Palmer are uniquely haunting.
- Led by Kyle MacLachlan, Twin Peaks spawned imitations and homages, making it an incredibly important cult classic.
It's impossible to name every single horror movie or TV show inspired by ' central question: Who killed Laura Palmer? Led by Kyle MacLachlan's Dale Cooper, Twin Peaks is a singular series, but it also spawned many imitations and homages.
Despite being considered one of the greatest TV shows of all time, Twin Peaks ran for two seasons before it was revived for an 18-part limited series in 2017. It also spawned a psychological horror prequel film, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me. Of course, Twin Peaks inspired more than just horror TV shows and movies. From dark teen dramas like The CW's Riverdale to soapy shows like Desperate Housewives to series, like Atlanta, that rely on surreal set-pieces, Twin Peaks' influence reaches far and wide. Still, offshoot horror projects often resonate the most with Twin Peaks fans.
17 Wayward Pines
2 Seasons (2015–16)
Wayward Pines
- Release Date
- 2015 - 2016-00-00
Wayward Pines is a sci-fi series based on the Blake Crouch novel series of the same name. Its story initially centers around Ethan Burke, a secret service agent investigating the disappearance of two of his fellow agents in a small Idaho town. The series ran for two seasons on Fox between 2014 and 2016 before being officially canceled a few years later.
- Network
- FOX
- Cast
- Tim Griffin, Matt Dillon, Reed Diamond, Carla Gugino, Terrence Howard, Shannyn Sossamon, Charlie Tahan, Melissa Leo, Toby Jones
- Showrunner
- Chad Hodge
- Directors
- Tim Hunter
- Writers
- Matt Dillon
- Seasons
- 2
- Streaming Service(s)
- Prime Video
A sci-fi mystery series, Wayward Pines is an M. Night Shyamalan-produced show based on the series of novels by Blake Crouch. In the first season, Agent Ethan Burke (Matt Dillon) is tasked with investigating the disappearance of his fellow agents near the small town of Wayward Pines, Idaho. As is the case with Twin Peaks' titular town, Wayward Pines hides dark secrets beneath its wholesome, Americana veneer. Although the two-season series jumps the shark pretty quickly, the initial mystery is compelling enough to make it worth watching.
1 Apple Sci-Fi Show Has The Chance To Learn From Wayward Pines' Disastrous Mistakes
The Wayward Pines TV show adaptation had some obvious issues, but Apple can avoid making those mistakes with their limited series.
16 The X-Files
11 Seasons (1993–2002; 2016–18)
The X-files takes the police procedural formula and applies it to sci-fi mysteries. Conspiracy theorist Fox Mulder and skeptic Dana Scully team up to solve cases surrounding alien invasions and other unexplained, paranormal phenomena.
- Cast
- Robert Patrick, Annabeth Gish, Mitch Pileggi
- Showrunner
- Chris Carter
- Directors
- Chris Carter
- Writers
- Chris Carter
- Franchise(s)
- The X-Files
- Seasons
- 11
- Streaming Service(s)
- Hulu, Dis
- Main Genre
- Sci-Fi
Premiering on the heels of Twin Peaks, The X-Files seems to share a universe with Lynch and Frost's show. However, instead of telling an overarching narrative, the series popularized the monster-of-the-week format, with Special Agents Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) and Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) investigating marginalized and unsolved cases that, allegedly, involve paranormal phenomena. Of course, Scully is the science-driven skeptic, while Mulder wants to believe in the strange and otherworldly. Although quite different from Dale Cooper, The X-Files' characters are more than able to fill the Special Agent void.
Why The X-Files Was Originally Canceled After Season 9
The Fox science fiction drama series The X-Files initially ran for nine seasons but was canceled in 2002 – why did the network decide to end the show?
15 Gravity Falls
2 Seasons (2012–16)
Gravity Falls
- Release Date
- 2012 - 2016-00-00
When Dipper and Mabel Pines are dropped off to spend the summer with their uncle in Gravity Falls, they discover that all is not as it seems in this small town. When Dipper discovers a strange journal in the forest, the twins team up to solve the town's mysteries.
- Network
- Disney Channel
- Cast
- Jason Ritter, Alex Hirsch, Kristen Schaal, Linda Cardellini, Kevin Michael Richardson, Jennifer Coolidge
- Showrunner
- Alex Hirsch
- Directors
- Alex Hirsch
- Writers
- Alex Hirsch
- Seasons
- 2
- Streaming Service(s)
- Hulu, Dis
- Main Genre
- Animation
Created by Alex Hirsch, the mystery-comedy has been fondly referred to as Twin Peaks for kids — and it's hard to argue with that comparison. Unlike other Twin Peaks-inspired series, Gravity Falls embraces the offbeat humor aspect just as much as the horror, mystery, lore elements. The show centers on preteen twins Dipper and Mabel Pines, who are spending the summer with their great-uncle, Grunkle Stan, in Gravity Falls, Oregon — a small town that's full of paranormal happenings. Plus, Gravity Falls features several Twin Peaks Easter eggs as well as a cameo by Kyle MacLachlan.
14 I Saw The TV Glow
Jane Schoenbrun (2024)
I Saw the TV Glow follows teenager Owen, who navigates suburban life until introduced by classmate Maddy to a mysterious late-night TV show.
- Cast
- Amber Benson, Albert Birney, Michael C. Maronna, Danny Tamberelli, Tyler Dean Flores, Elizabeth Scopel, Marlyn Bandiero, Phoebe Bridgers, Kris Esfandiari, Michael Twaine, Julissa Piatt, Michelle Santiago
- Runtime
- 100 minutes
- Director
- Jane Schoenbrun
- Writers
- Jane Schoenbrun
- Studio(s)
- Smudge Films, Fruit Tree
- Distributor(s)
- A24
Filmmaker Jane Schoenbrun's A24's horror is perfect for Twin Peaks fans.
Possible Sequel To A24's Hit New Horror Movie Is More Exciting Thanks To Twin Peaks
A24's hit new psychological horror movie, I Saw the TV Glow, was inspired by Twin Peaks — and its future might also be shaped by David Lynch's show.
13 True Detective
4 Seasons (2014–Present)
True Detective is an anthology series exploring intricate criminal investigations through multiple timelines. Each season examines dark personal and professional secrets revealed during the course of solving complex cases, highlighting the impact of crime on individuals both within and outside the law enforcement community.
- Network
- HBO Max
- Cast
- Dana Gourrier, Madison Wolfe, J.D. Evermore
- Showrunner
- Nic Pizzolatto
- Directors
- Cary Fukunaga
- Writers
- Nic Pizzolatto
- Seasons
- 4
- Streaming Service(s)
- MAX
- Where To Watch
- M
Like Twin Peaks, HBO's anthology crime drama True Detective centers on some of the darkest, most disturbing elements of the human psyche. The hard-to-solve crimes that unfold certainly share some similarities, but it's the way that True Detective's four seasons flirt with the surreal (or otherworldly) that makes it perfect for Twin Peaks fans. In the mundane, True Detective finds its chilling moments of horror. And, much like Lynch's body of work, True Detective's seasons boast connections that have fans churning out incredible theories.
12 Carnivàle
2 Seasons (2003–05)
Carnivale
WHERE TO WATCH
Carnivàle is a television series set during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl, exploring the lives of diverse individuals. The narrative intertwines themes of good versus evil and free will versus destiny, integrating elements of Christian theology, gnosticism, and Masonic lore, notably the Knights Templar.
Created by Daniel Knauf, Carnivàle is an underrated HBO supernatural series that deserves more seasons. Much like the original Twin Peaks, Carnivàle lasted just two seasons before being unceremoniously canceled — a move that turned the show into a cult classic. Set during the Dust Bowl, Carnivàle centers on the various of a traveling carnival, including their most recent addition, Ben Hawkins (Nick Stahl), a man with healing powers. Elsewhere, Brother Justin Crowe (Clancy Brown) amasses a much darker power. Between its bleak atmosphere, surreal moments, and depiction of cosmic good versus evil, Carnivàle has a lot in common with Twin Peaks.
Creator Daniel Knauf Interview: The Astronauts
Daniel Knauf, creator of Carnivàle and the new Nickelodeon sci-fi series, The Astronauts, discusses his ongoing odyssey through the world of TV.
11 The OA
2 Seasons (2016–19)
The OA
- Release Date
- 2016 - 2019-00-00
The OA is a mystery drama series that follows Prairie Johnson, who returns to her hometown after being missing for seven years with her sight mysteriously restored. As her baffling reappearance raises questions, she refrains from discussing her ordeal with authorities or family, sparking intrigue and speculation.
- Cast
- Brit Marling, Vincent Kartheiser
- Directors
- Andrew Haigh
- Writers
- Dominic Orlando, Henry Bean, Damien Ober, Ruby Rae Spiegel
- Seasons
- 2
- Streaming Service(s)
- Netflix
- Main Genre
- Sci-Fi
- Creator(s)
- Brit Marling, Zal Batmanglij
One of the Netflix cancelations that hurt most was the sudden axing of The OA, a sci-fi mystery series created and executive-produced by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij (A Murder at the End of the World). Marling stars as Prairie, a blind woman who goes missing for several years. Upon returning, she calls herself "The OA" and calls upon a disparate group of misfits in her hometown to help her open a portal to another dimension — supposedly. Full of twists and turns, The OA captures the same atmospheric menace as Twin Peaks and isn't afraid to explore a truly bizarre plot point, image, or character.
"Feeling It's Not Over": Controversially Cancelled Netflix Show's Future Gets Hopeful Update From Star
The cancellation of one of Netflix's early hits was one of its most controversial, but now a star from the series renews hopes of a return.
10 From
3 Seasons (2022–Present)
From is a series revolving around a mysterious American town that ensnares newcomers, forcing its inhabitants to maintain order and find an escape amidst nighttime perils from the surrounding forest. The residents face threats from terrifying creatures emerging after sunset, complicating their struggle for survival.
- Cast
- Harold Perrineau, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Eion Bailey, David Alpay, Elizabeth Saunders, Scott McCord, Shaun Majumder, Ricky He, Chloe Van Landschoot, Pegah Ghafoori, Corteon Moore, Avery Konrad, Hannah Cheramy, Simon Webster, Elizabeth Moy, Deborah Grover, Angela Moore, Vox Smith, Paul Zinno, Kaelen Ohm, Robert Joy, A.J. Simmons, Samantha Brown, Benjamin Clost, Sam Haynes
- Directors
- Jack Bender, Brad Turner, Alexandra La Roche, Bruce McDonald, Jeff Renfroe
- Writers
- Vivian Lee, Kristen Layden, Brigitte Hales
- Seasons
- 3
- Streaming Service(s)
- MGM+
- Main Genre
- Drama
- Creator(s)
- John Griffin
A sci-fi horror series, From has a lot in common with Silent Hill — at least on paper. The series centers on a small town that traps all who enter, forcing its residents to scour the woods for a way out, all while terrifying evils stalk them. Although From is slow to reveal much about its mysteries, the show has remained pretty gripping, especially when it provides glimpses into the town's lore. Plus, Harold Perrineau (Lost) stars as Boyd Stevens, the town's self-appointed sheriff, and he gives quite a memorable performance.
9 Legion
3 Seasons (2017–19)
Legion is an FX Original Series created by Noah Hawley in conjunction with Marvel Television. The psychological horror/thriller series stars Dan Stevens, Rachel Keller, and Aubrey Plaza. The release pertains to comic book character Legion, otherwise known as David Haller, as he deals with a diagnosed schizophrenia and the formation of his mutant powers.
- Network
- FX
- Cast
- Dan Stevens, Rachel Keller, Jemaine Clement
- Showrunner
- Noah Hawley
- Directors
- Noah Hawley
- Writers
- Noah Hawley, Nathaniel Halpern
- Franchise(s)
- X-Men
- Seasons
- 3
- Streaming Service(s)
- Hulu
The forgotten X-Men show with the highest Rotten Tomatoes score ever is Legion, a psychological horror series that was made for FX by Noah Hawley (Fargo). Set in the same universe as Fox's X-Men film series, Legion centers on David Haller/Legion (Dan Stevens), a mutant who was diagnosed with schizophrenia as a kid. A truly unique take on the superhero genre, Legion is full of stylistic flourishes and surreal horror elements that put it in a similar camp to Twin Peaks.
How One Marvel Show Proved WandaVision Could Work
WandaVision introduced surrealism into the MCU, following the example of another Marvel show — Legion — which proved a non-linear formula could work.
8 Fringe
5 Seasons (2008–13)
This sci-fi procedural follows the FBI's secretive Fringe Division and its agents Olivia Dunham, Walter Bishop, and Peter Bishop. Together, they investigate cases regarding strange events that threaten society, including cases of parallel universes, human experimentation, and other strange phenomena.
- Cast
- Joshua Jackson, Blair Brown, Leonard Nimoy, Jasika Nicole, Lance Reddick, Mark Valley, Seth Gabel
- Showrunner
- Jeff Pinkner
- Directors
- Jeff Pinkner
- Writers
- Roberto Orci, J.J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman
- Seasons
- 5
- Streaming Service(s)
- Amazon Prime Video
Created by J. J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci, Fringe might be more sci-fi than horror, but it certainly toes the line. The series centers on three of the newly formed FBI Fringe Division — an offshoot of the bureau that focuses on unexplained occurrences that are related to a parallel universe. Starring Anna Torv, John Noble, and Joshua Jackson, Fringe shares a lot of DNA with The X-Files and The Twilight Zone, though its overarching mythology definitely recalls Twin Peaks.
