Mainstream horror is all the rage these days with series like THE WALKING DEAD, GRIMM, AMERICAN HORROR STORY, HANNIBAL, BATES MOTEL and to a lesser extent UNDER THE DOME getting big viewer numbers and critical acclaim. On top of the news that CBS has renewed UNDER THE DOME for a second season comes the news that NBC wants in on the action with two remakes.
The Hollywood Reporter has NBC updating the Roman Polanski classic film ROSEMARY’S BABY and Stephen King‘s lackluster THE TOMMYKNOCKERS for mini-series runs in the next few years. The term mini-series has a new meaning, too. Back in the day, when THE TOMMYKNOCKERS was a mini-series on ABC in 1993 starring Jimmy Smits, it was a two night, four hour movie. These days, a mini-series may be a 10-13 episode run similar to what UNDER THE DOME is airing. But, it can also become an ongoing series.
ROSEMARY’S BABY tells the story of a woman who becomes pregnant with what she believes is the Antichrist. The classic 1968 movie starred Mia Farrow and is regularly considered one of the best movies of all time. The new version would likely contemporize the story but it is unknown if it would stretch it out for multiple seasons. It would run the risk of becoming a monster of the week type series like ABC’s failed 666 PARK AVENUE. But, if they go back to Ira Levin’s source novel (and maybe the sequel SON OF ROSEMARY), they could make something interesting.
THE TOMMYKNOCKERS is a much easier sell for an ongoing series as it follows a town that falls under the control of a mysterious power from the surrounding forest. Stephen King stories have failed for years as mini-series which means they can go either theatrical, standalone films, or an ongoing series. So far so good on HAVEN and UNDER THE DOME. Bring on THE TOMMYKNOCKERS.
NBC seems to be on the verge of becoming a genre programming network which is fine by me. If they are willing to pony up the dough for more original and quality fare like HANNIBAL, I am in.