Watch Witches of Salem

Witches of Salem is a captivating new series from the Travel Channel that explores the dark history of Salem, Massachusetts and the infamous witch trials of the late 1600s. The show premiered in March 2019 and quickly gained a following for its compelling storytelling, stunning visuals, and in-depth analysis of this pivotal moment in American history.

The series is presented by historian and Salem resident, Marilynne K. Roach, who is an expert in the Salem witch trials with over three decades of research under her belt. Roach guides viewers through the events leading up to and following the witch trials, using first-hand accounts from court documents, diaries, and letters to paint a vivid picture of life in the small New England town during this tumultuous period.

Each episode of Witches of Salem focuses on a different aspect of the witch trials, from the accusations and trials themselves to the aftermath and legacy of the trials in American culture. Roach is joined by a cast of experts and historians, as well as modern-day witches and practitioners of Wicca, who offer their own perspectives on the events of the time.

One of the strengths of Witches of Salem is its ability to contextualize the witch trials within the broader cultural, political, and religious landscapes of the time. In the early colonial period, New England was a land of religious upheaval, with Puritanism and other Protestant sects vying for dominance. This religious fervor, combined with fears of Native American attacks and a series of smallpox epidemics, created a climate of anxiety and paranoia that made the witch trials possible.

Roach and her team explore the role of John Winthrop, the first governor of Massachusetts, in shaping the religious and political landscape of the colony. They also examine the influence of the Puritan minister Cotton Mather, who believed in the existence of witches and saw the trials as a righteous effort to root out evil.

One of the most interesting aspects of the show is its focus on the accused witches themselves. Through letters and diaries, Roach paints a picture of these women and men as complex individuals with rich inner lives and varied motivations. Some were outspoken critics of the Puritan establishment, while others were simply women who did not fit comfortably within the narrow confines of colonial gender roles. The show challenges the traditional narrative of the trials as a battle between innocent victims and evil accusers, portraying instead a more nuanced and complicated reality.

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Witches of Salem is its exploration of the legacy of the witch trials in American culture. From Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic novel The Scarlet Letter to modern-day pagan and Wiccan movements, the show demonstrates how the events of the late 1600s continue to resonate in American imagination.

In one episode, Roach visits a modern-day Wiccan coven and discusses the ways in which contemporary witchcraft practices draw on the symbolism and mythology of the Salem trials. In another episode, she examines the figure of the witch in popular culture, from the green-skinned Wicked Witch of the West to the more nuanced portrayals of witches in contemporary film and television.

Overall, Witches of Salem is a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of a dark chapter in American history. Its unique combination of historical research, modern-day perspectives, and stunning visuals makes for compelling and engaging viewing. Whether you are a history buff, a fan of the occult, or simply looking for a thoughtful and insightful new series, Witches of Salem is not to be missed.

Witches of Salem is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between October 6, 2019 and on Travel Channel