Stars and Creator Dive into Satanic Panic and Tease Season 2 Possibilities
"Hysteria!" Creator Matthew Scott began crafting the series’ first script back in 2019, driven by a desire to address the unsettling notion of reality being subject to debate. Despite a five-year journey to reach viewers, the show’s themes about perception remain timely.
The narrative of "Hysteria!" revolves around teenagers Dylan, Jordy, and Spud, members of a metal band who adopt a Satanic gimmick that spirals out of control. As the band’s popularity grows, their fake cult blurs with reality, leading to eerie occurrences and disturbing revelations among the group.
Julie Bowen’s character, Linda, Dylan’s mother, becomes a focal point of the demonic elements, grappling with an ominous presence encroaching upon her life. The show delves into themes of possession and uncertainty, keeping viewers on edge about the unfolding events.
The disappearance of a high school quarterback, orchestrated by a religious zealot played by Anna Camp, sets off a chain of events involving a cult deprogrammer and a cover-up that fuels the town’s Satanic panic. As fear spreads, characters like Linda and the band members find themselves entangled in a web of suspicion and dread.
The series touches on the complexities of human nature, showcasing flawed characters driven by personal motivations. Chief of Police, portrayed by Bruce Campbell, faces supernatural occurrences while the town grapples with escalating paranoia and mysterious phenomena.
As the season unfolds, the line between reality and hysteria blurs, leaving viewers to ponder the true nature of the unfolding events. Creators Matthew Scott and David A. Goodman express a desire to delve deeper into the characters’ journeys in potential future seasons, exploring the repercussions of their actions and decisions.
Reflecting on personal experiences with Satanic panic, Scott Kane, born in 1990, draws inspiration from childhood memories to infuse the show with authenticity and intrigue. The creators hint at further exploration of the show’s themes and characters in prospective seasons, promising a continuation of the gripping narrative and character arcs.
"Hysteria!" is now available for streaming on Peacock, offering viewers a blend of supernatural intrigue and psychological suspense.