Watch Castle Rock

Castle Rock is a psychological horror television series that premiered on Hulu in 2018 and concluded its second season in 2019. The show is an anthology, which means that each season features a new storyline and a new ensemble cast of characters. However, both seasons are set in the eponymous fictional town of Castle Rock, Maine, which is the setting of many of the works of acclaimed horror author Stephen King.

The first season of Castle Rock follows the story of Henry Deaver (Andre Holland), a death row attorney who returns to Castle Rock for the first time in decades to investigate the mysterious imprisonment of a young man named "The Kid" (Bill Skarsgård) in the infamous Shawshank Prison. Henry's return dredges up traumatic memories from his past, including the disappearance of his adoptive father (Scott Glenn) and the strange events that occurred in the town during his childhood. As Henry tries to uncover the truth about The Kid and his own past, he realizes that the supernatural forces at work in Castle Rock are far beyond his understanding.

Throughout its ten-episode first season, Castle Rock expertly weaves together a variety of Stephen King's most iconic motifs, including creepy small town secrets, eerie supernatural phenomena, and the moral ambiguity of human nature. The show is also notable for its strong performances from its ensemble cast, particularly Holland and Skarsgård, who both give nuanced portrayals of haunted, complex characters. Through its unique blend of suspenseful storytelling, masterful cinematography, and uncanny atmosphere, Castle Rock establishes itself as a new classic of the horror genre.

The second season of Castle Rock introduces a new storyline and a new cast of characters, although it remains set in the fictional town of Castle Rock. This season takes place in 1991, and centers around the character of Annie Wilkes (Lizzy Caplan), a nurse who finds herself stranded in the town with her teenage daughter (Elsie Fisher) after a car accident. As Annie struggles to keep her dark secrets hidden, she becomes embroiled in the escalating tensions between the founding family of the town, the Merrills, and the members of a nearby Somali refugee community. To make matters worse, Annie starts to experience hallucinations and delusions that blur the lines between reality and her own twisted imagination.

One of the most impressive things about the second season of Castle Rock is the way it uses its 1991 setting to explore themes of race, class, and immigration. While the show never shies away from its trademark horror elements, it also offers a subtle and nuanced commentary on the ways in which small town politics can intersect with broader societal issues. Another highlight of the season is Caplan's performance as Annie Wilkes, who is based on the character from King's novel Misery. Caplan brings a fresh and original take to the character, making her both terrifying and empathetic.

Overall, Castle Rock is a must-watch for fans of Stephen King, horror, or just great television in general. The show is a testament to the power of storytelling, weaving together multiple threads of plot and character into a haunting, unforgettable tapestry. Whether you're a lifelong fan of King's work or a newcomer to the genre, Castle Rock is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Castle Rock is a series that ran for 2 seasons (20 episodes) between July 25, 2018 and on Hulu Originals