Atlanta-Filmed ‘Hysteria!’ Delivers Humor and Gore in ’80s Satanic Panic Dramedy

Matthew Scott Kane, a 34-year-old creator from suburban Detroit, found inspiration for his new show, "Hysteria," in the unsettling feeling that facts and reality were becoming malleable in 2019. Drawing parallels to the ‘satanic panic’ of the past, where innocent things like cartoons and music were misconstrued as sinister, Kane wanted to explore the consequences of distorted facts and community-driven fear.

In "Hysteria," viewers are introduced to Linda Campbell, portrayed by Julie Bowen of "Modern Family" fame, as she navigates her son’s flirtation with darkness and her own potential possession by evil forces. Anna Camp takes on the role of Tracy Whitehead, a devout mother entangled in the town’s hysteria, determined to assert her authority amidst chaos.

Bruce Campbell, known for his roles in "The Evil Dead" and "Burn Notice," portrays Chief Dandridge, a character who balances empathy towards troubled teens with skepticism towards Tracy’s fear-mongering tactics. The show delves into the lives of the teenagers behind the ‘satanic’ heavy metal band Deth Krunch, played by Chiara Aurelia, Kezii Curtis, and Emjay Anthony, as they explore their reasons for embracing the satanic imagery.

The cast of "Hysteria" underwent intensive preparation, with the actors spending time in ‘band camp’ to learn their instruments and bond before filming. Curtis, who plays Spud, mentioned the challenges of heavy metal drumming, while Anthony, who portrays Dylan, found playing the guitar to be particularly demanding. Aurelia, embodying the voice of reason as Jordy, acknowledged the assistance of Auto-Tune in her singing role.

Kane’s choice of the title "Hysteria" was not a nod to Def Leppard’s album but a direct reference to the theme of panic and paranoia within the show. The series, consisting of eight episodes, provides a deep dive into the characters’ backstories and motivations, exploring the impact of fear and misinformation on a community.

Campbell, a seasoned actor with a career spanning decades, expressed his enthusiasm for joining the "Hysteria" cast, citing the quality of the writing and the camaraderie on set as key factors. As the show unfolds, viewers are taken on a journey through a town gripped by hysteria, where truth and perception blur, and the consequences of collective fear come to light.