Great TV Shows That Are Totally Surreal And Bizarre
Surreal TV shows keep viewers tuning in week after week by combining supernatural elements with everyday dramas. The best bizarre TV shows feature imaginative storylines that keep characters - and fans - intrigued. This is a list of the greatest strange TV shows including everything from Mr. Robot to American Horror Story to Adventure Time.
What programs will you find on this list of the best surreal TV shows? David Lynch's twisted hit Twin Peaks originally ran for only two seasons, but over 20 years after its finale, Showtime picked up the show for another run. Kyle MacLachlan, Sherilyn Fenn, and Sheryl Lee are just a few of the talented cast members who keep this bizarre show rooted in reality. Lost is another one of the most popular surreal TV shows of all-time. And of course, it's impossible to talk about bizarre TV shows without mentioning Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone. Other strange TV shows featured here range from the dark, surreal comedy of Tales From the Crypt or Baskets, and strange science fiction, like Black Mirror.
Do you have a favorite bizarre TV series? Vote up your favorite strange and surreal TV shows, and see where other bizarre series rank. And, if you're a fan of the surreal, be sure to check out our list of the best surrealist films of all time.
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- 1
Twin Peaks
Kyle MacLachlan, Michael Ontkean, Mädchen Amick- Premiered: April 8, 1990
Delving into the mysterious world of Twin Peaks, viewers follow FBI agent Dale Cooper as he investigates the chilling murder of high school student Laura Palmer. The show brilliantly combines reality with supernatural elements, creating an atmosphere of unpredictability and suspense. This surreal drama captivates fans with its eccentric characters, eerie soundtrack, and enigmatic plot twists.
- 2Rod Serling, Robert McCord, Jay Overholts
- Premiered: October 2, 1959
The Twilight Zone transports audiences through mind-bending anthologies, featuring an array of bizarre circumstances and supernatural occurrences. From twisted human prejudices to eerie extraterrestrial occurrences, each episode pushes the boundaries of human imagination. The show maintains a deeply surreal ambiance through its storytelling, iconic theme music, and unforgettable twists.
- 3Donald Glover, Brian Tyree Henry, Lakeith Stanfield
- Premiered: September 6, 2016
Atlanta, created by and starring Donald Glover, takes an unconventional look at the ups-and-downs of the Atlanta rap scene, with characters navigating the music industry and personal lives. The show's unexpected surreal
- 4Daniel Kaluuya, Toby Kebbell, Rory Kinnear
- Premiered: December 4, 2011
Exploring the sinister implications of advanced technology, this chilling anthology series delves into unsettling, dystopian scenarios. Each episode reveals a unique story that challenges our relationships with technology, society, and human nature. Its chilling narrative style and provocative themes have captivated audiences worldwide.
- 5Dan Stevens, Aubrey Plaza, Rachel Keller
- Premiered: February 8, 2017
A psychedelic dive into the mind of a man diagnosed with schizophrenia, this stylish series follows David Haller, portrayed by Dan Stevens, as he grapples with the discovery of his superhuman abilities. It bends the rules and expectations of the traditional superhero narrative, infused with visually stunning, surreal sequences. Creator Noah Hawley's unique vision ensures that the series is anything but ordinary.
- 6John Cleese, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman
- Premiered: October 5, 1969
The groundbreaking sketch comedy series, led by a troupe of British comedians, is a whirlwind of absurdity and wit. The legendary ensemble, including John Cleese and Michael Palin, perform thought-provoking satirical sketches often defying logic and convention. Memorable characters and irreverent humor make this classic show stand the test of time.
