Are You Afraid of the Dark?

Premise:
“Are You Afraid of the Dark?” is an anthology series that revolves around a group of teenagers who call themselves ‘The Midnight Society.’ Gathered around a campfire in a secret location in the woods, members of The Midnight Society take turns sharing spooky tales, ranging from supernatural entities and strange occurrences to eerie events based on urban legends and myths. Each episode begins with the ritual of the storyteller tossing a handful of “midnight dust” into the fire, making the flames leap up as they start their tale.

Main Characters:
The members of ‘The Midnight Society’ rotate throughout the series’ run, but some of the core members include:

1. Gary (played by Ross Hull): The original leader of the group who has a penchant for stories that puzzle the mind.
2. Kiki (played by Jodie Resther): A spirited member who often shares tales of superstitions and curses.
3. Betty Ann (played by Raine Pare-Coull): Known for her dark and twist-filled stories.
4. Frank (played by Jason Alisharan): Newer member who sometimes clashes with Gary but brings thrilling tales.
5. Sam (played by Joanna Garcia): Often incorporates romance or drama into her spooky stories.

Themes:
The series explores universal fears, the unknown, and the supernatural. While it delves into horror, it also touches upon themes of friendship, trust, facing one’s fears, and the importance of storytelling itself. The camaraderie of The Midnight Society serves as a backdrop to the diverse range of chilling tales they narrate.

Rating: 4.5/5
“Are You Afraid of the Dark?” was critically acclaimed for its ability to genuinely frighten a younger audience without resorting to excessive violence or gore. It masterfully combined suspense, mystery, and drama, delivering stories that stayed with viewers long after they’d finished. However, some critics felt certain episodes were uneven in their delivery and occasionally leaned into clichés.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating:
TV-PG, indicating that the program might be unsuitable for younger children due to its eerie and sometimes intense themes.

Broadcast/Cable Network:
The show aired on Nickelodeon’s SNICK lineup from 1990 to 1996 and then saw a revival from 1999 to 2000.

Recommendations:

1. “Goosebumps”
2. “Eerie, Indiana”
3. “Tales from the Cryptkeeper”
4. “The Haunting Hour”
5. “Courage the Cowardly Dog”

Streaming Services:

Currently available to stream on Paramount+