Netflix has offered many hit series and movies aimed at young adults and shows no sign of stopping to provide content for this demographic anytime soon. Despite shows like Heartbreak High coming soon and looking to become a big hit for fans of drama and romance, there aren’t many in the horror genre.
However, it looks like The Midnight Club might just be the ticket to provide something new for the YA and for those that love being scared. It might just be the next big hit when it is released in October for the Halloween season.
The Showrunner Is Someone Familiar With Horror
When it comes to horror, Mike Flanagan has made a name for himself as one of the most celebrated writers and producers in recent years. Not also was he responsible for movies like Hush and Doctor Sleep, but also created The Haunting anthology series as well as Midnight Mass.
With his depth of experience in the genre, he can be able to make something mature for young adults without talking down to them. As each of his projects are different from the last, it will surely be unique and stand out from his portfolio as he tries to make another show that will surely stand out from the crowd.
Production Took Six Months To Complete
The series will be made up of ten episodes in order to dive into each character’s story from the pages of the original book. In order for production to film the pages of the script, it took six months before filming concluded in Vancouver, Canada (via What’s on Netflix).
With so many talented directors and actors coming on board the production, Netflix and Flanagan gave them plenty of time to film the initial series. And with the multiple stories coming to life, this length of time was needed to give them all the same level of care and attention that will surely make it a stand-out release.
The Author Of The Novel Is Experienced With Horror
In the early 1990s, many children, teenagers, and young adults were introduced to horror novels penned by celebrated authors like R.L. Stine that became infamous with the genre with hits like Goosebumps. While not as well known, Christopher Pike did eventually write The Midnight Club as a novel back in 1994.
But this is far from his only entry in the horror genre as he wrote eight years’ worth of books before he penned it. He used the book as a jumping point to boost his career and continue writing horror for young adults which might also see adaptations of their own if this show proves to be a success.
Leah Fong Is No Stranger To Producing Anthology Shows
In order to bring the book to life, Mike Flanagan wasn’t the only talent to adapt and create the series. Leah Fong was responsible for producing Apple TV’s Amazing Stories, an anthology series featuring stories that explored many genres for all ages to enjoy, and was bought on board as co-creator.
Between Flanagan and Fong, they both have the challenge to make something for young adults, catering to a demographic that they both haven’t explored too much. But with her experience creating a unique anthology series, hopefully, she and Flanagan will be able to make each episode stand out from the last.
The Show’s Directors Are Familiar With The Genre And Audience
The show looks set to bring in a lot of excited fans of Flanagan’s work and some familiar actors appear in it to bring in the crowd. But the show’s directors have also proven to be the right selection of creative individuals to bring the scripts to life.
With all the directors combined, they have directed hit horror shows like Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Creepshow, and American Horror Story. Being able to have different styles of direction and past shows they’ve worked on, they can certainly add much variety to the extensive stories that will be told that could potentially make it as good as some best shows like American Horror Story.
It Features A Young and Recognizable Cast
With big names behind the production, they are not the only main hook to get audiences turning on their televisions. The young cast has starred in multiple hit television shows and blockbusters that most will have seen, including Black AF, and Godzilla.
But now that these multiple young stars will all lead the cast, they have a chance to show off their talents and sell their stories with their acting abilities. And they just might find their platform to boost their careers and become the next big stars of movies and television shows.
Celebrated Artist Chinaka Hodge Wrote An Episode
Chinaka Hodge is a writer who has been known for her poetry and scripts in theater and television. Next year will see her first MCU show as she brings Ironheart to Disney+ and potentially brings some awesome storylines from the comics to the screen.
Known for her work on gentrification and race, the episode that she has written could feature some themes and messages that reflect her work on these topics. They could help to bring in more than just simple jump scares and create a story that can have some important elements that will impact the audience.
It Stars Horror Royalty
While the show will see a group of young actors leading the cast, they are not the only talent to be featured in the series. In fact, the show will star an iconic actor from a hit horror movie franchise that is still celebrated today.
Heather Langenkamp is best known for playing Nancy in A Nightmare on Elm Street and went on to return for the role time and time again. With her status and recognition from the franchise, she will undoubtedly be a welcome addition and bring in fans of 1980s horror.
The Production Company Was Responsible For Major Horror Movies
Netflix has made strong partnerships with many production companies to help them make their hit shows. From famed animation studios to independent production companies, some have even continued to collaborate with them.
One of them was Intrepid Pictures, who were responsible for theatrical releases like one of the best legacyquelsDoctor Sleep as well as Netflix horror titles like Before I Wake, Hush, and Eli. With them coming on board as the production company for the show, audiences should expect a cinematic appearance that they can enjoy from the comfort of their own home.
It’s Not An Average Netflix YA Adaptation
For over twenty-five years, Netflix has offered something for everyone, and when it comes to YA adaptations and originals, they have made some of the most successful productions for this specific audience.
While there have been some YA shows that have dived into horror, the show’s setting at a hospice might play a more important role as teenagers face the fear of death with their diseases in the form of spooky stories. The dramatic scenario that the main cast finds themselves in and how the horror will reflect this might make it a unique viewing experience with such drama and scares wrapped into one package.
