Watch Outcast

Outcast is a horror drama television series created by Robert Kirkman and based on his comic book series of the same name. Set in the fictional town of Rome, West Virginia, the show follows Kyle Barnes (Patrick Fugit), a man who has been troubled by demonic possession since childhood. In an attempt to understand and rid himself of this curse, he teams up with Reverend Anderson (Philip Glenister), a hard-drinking yet devout clergyman who believes that evil has invaded their small town.

As the series progresses, Kyle and Anderson encounter numerous possessed individuals and attempt to exorcise them. Among these is 8-year-old Joshua Austin (Gabriel Michael Bateman), who also suffers from the same curse as Kyle did. As Kyle tries to help Joshua, he is faced with his own dark past and the truth behind his experiences with demonic possession.

Alongside the demonic possession storyline, the show also explores other themes such as family, morality, and faith. Kyle's sister, Sarah Barnes (Julia Crockett), struggles with her own demons as she tries to protect her son, Joshua, from harm. Allison (Kate Lyn Sheil), Mark Holter's (Kip Pardue) wife, is tormented by her past and her present in ways that she cannot explain.

The show also delves into the town's politics and the influence that various individuals, both good and bad, have over its inhabitants. Betsy Austin (Lacy Camp), Joshua's mother, must come to terms with her own actions and their effects on her son. Giles (Reg E. Cathey), the town's chief of police, becomes embroiled in events that he cannot understand, while Megan Holter (Wrenn Schmidt), Mark's sister, tries to make sense of her brother's descent into madness.

One of the defining elements of Outcast is the way in which it handles the horror genre. Rather than relying on jump scares and gore, the show creates an atmosphere of tension and unease that slowly builds over time. Scenes of possession are depicted in a haunting and disturbing manner, often emphasizing the psychological toll that they have on both the possessed and those trying to help them.

The performances of the cast also contribute to the show's success. Patrick Fugit does an excellent job of portraying the tortured and conflicted Kyle Barnes, while Philip Glenister adds a sense of gravitas and humor to the show as Reverend Anderson. Gabriel Michael Bateman is particularly impressive in his role as Joshua Austin, conveying the innocence and vulnerability of a child who is caught up in forces beyond his control.

Despite its success, Outcast was unfortunately cancelled by CINEMAX after only two seasons. This is a shame, as the show had the potential to continue exploring its complex characters and themes, while delving even further into the world of possession and the supernatural.

In conclusion, Outcast is a gripping and compelling television series that skillfully combines horror, drama, and character development. While it may not be for everyone, fans of the genre will appreciate its slow-burning approach to storytelling and its unflinching exploration of the darker elements of humanity.

Outcast is a series that ran for 3 seasons (21 episodes) between June 3, 2016 and on CINEMAX