Channel Zero or Nah?

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Or Nah? is a feature where we watch and review the first episode of a new TV show. We’ll let you know if it’s worth checking out. As always, these reviews are the opinion of the reviewer, but we’ll try to adequately explain why you should or shouldn’t give the show a chance and provide shows for comparison.

Channel Zero: Candle Cove - S1E1 - “You Have to Go Inside” | Starring: Paul Schneider, Fiona Shaw, Shaun Benson, Natalie Brown, Cassandra Consiglio

What’s It About?

Channel Zero is a new horror anthology series that will feature a specific Creepypasta Internet tale. The first season is based on the Candle Cove creepypasta and will run for six episodes. Season two has already been green lit and will feature a different story.

Child psychologist Mike Painter (Schneider) returns to his hometown where, in 1988, several children were the victims of a serial killer, including Mike’s twin brother Eddie, whose body was never found and the killer was never caught. When a little girl in town goes missing, suspicion turns to Mike and his mental state is questioned.

Mike makes the connection that a children’s puppet show, Candle Cove, that he and Eddie loved may be the key as the missing girl was watching it before she vanished. Mike is later shocked when his mother reveals the show never existed; it was something he and his brother made up while they stared at a staticky TV screen.

What’s Good?

This show is creepy as fuck. There are many quiet moments where the audience gets a quick glimpse at a terrifying memory from the past. When Mike speaks with his old friend, Gary Yolen (the town’s sheriff and father of the little girl who later goes missing), the 1988 murders come up and we’re shown flashes of the bodies that were found - they’re hanging in the trees like rag dolls tossed and caught in the branches.

Whoever (or whatever) has targeted these children seems to be linked to more than just an imaginary TV show. There’s a terrifying creature made entirely of teeth that prowls the woods collecting and eating the teeth of the dead and missing children. And he ain’t leaving behind quarters under pillows.

What’s Bad?

This is only a negative if you don’t like a slow burn, and this show feels like it might be despite only being six episodes. On the plus side, you know you’ll get a resolution sooner than later since each season covers a different story. Hopefully, it will be a satisfactory one.

The Verdict

I’m sticking with it and will be doing weekly reviews on Project Fandom. I’m fascinated by the concept of Creepypastas - my 17-year-old had to fill me in - and I love scary takes on popular legends and stories. Plus, at just 6 episodes it’s a small commitment.

Watch This If: you like urban legends, horror anthologies, and American Horror Story

Don’t Watch This If: you can’t handle scares, you can’t handle fictional stories where bad things happen to children, or you need action to jump off right away