The Shudder original series "Cursed Films" debuted to huge numbers for the streaming service, becoming the second most-watched series premiere in Shudder history behind only breakout hit "Creepshow." The docu-series also stands as the service’s most-watched documentary premiere (series or film) ever.
"Cursed Films" is part of Shudder’s "Halfway to Halloween Month" programming lineup, released its second and third episodes earlier today, which focus on The Omen and Poltergeist.
"'Cursed Films' became an instant hit for us across every metric we have, including total number of viewers, percentage of subscribers who watched during its opening weekend, and completion rate," said Craig Engler, Shudder’s General Manager. "Jay Cheel’s thoughtful — and at times heartbreaking — examination of the tragic events that led people to label films like The Exorcist and The Omen ‘cursed’ has clearly resonated with audiences and critics."
"Cursed Films" explores the myths and legends behind some of Hollywood’s notoriously "cursed" horror film productions through interviews with experts, witnesses and the cast, directors and producers who experienced these events first hand. Were these movies really cursed, as many believe, or just victims of bad luck and bizarre circumstances? The Exorcist star Linda Blair, The Omen director Richard Donner, Poltergeist III director Gary Sherman, podcaster Matt Gourley, critic April Wolfe and Fangoria editor Phil Nobile Jr are among the many insiders and experts interviewed for the series.
Last week’s record-breaking premiere focused on the legend and impact of The Exorcist "curse." Episodes two and three explore whether the Devil himself might have cursed The Omen, and if a curse might be connected to the tragic deaths associated with the Poltergeist franchise. The final two episodes, examining the horrific deaths on the sets of The Crow and Twilight Zone: The Movie, will premiere Thursday, April 16th.
"Cursed Films" is written, directed and edited by Jay Cheel (How to Build a Time Machine) and executive produced by Andrew Nicholas McCann Smith and Laura Perlmutter for First Love Films, along with Jay Cheel and Brian Robertson.
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