The Haunting: Mike Flanagan's Supernatural Horror Anthology
The Haunting is a critically acclaimed American supernatural horror anthology series created by Mike Flanagan. Produced by Amblin Television and Paramount Television for Netflix, the series blends psychological drama with gothic horror, adapting classic literary works into modern television experiences. While the series shares a creative vision and several recurring cast members, each installment tells a completely standalone story.
The anthology consists of two distinct chapters: The Haunting of Hill House, which premiered on October 12, 2018, and The Haunting of Bly Manor, which followed on October 9, 2020. Together, these series explore the lingering trauma of grief and the terrifying nature of haunted spaces.
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Key Facts
- Creator: Mike Flanagan.
- Format: Supernatural horror anthology.
- Total Episodes: 19 across two series.
- Platform: Netflix.
- Core Cast: Victoria Pedretti, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Kate Siegel, Henry Thomas, and Carla Gugino appear in both installments.
- Literary Roots: Based on works by Shirley Jackson and Henry James.
The Haunting of Hill House
The first installment is loosely based on the 1959 novel of the same name by Shirley Jackson. The narrative employs a non-linear structure, alternating between two timelines: the present day, where five adult siblings struggle with the trauma of their past, and flashbacks to 1992, detailing the events that led the family to flee their ancestral mansion.
The ensemble cast features Michiel Huisman, Elizabeth Reaser, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Kate Siegel, and Victoria Pedretti as the siblings. Carla Gugino and Henry Thomas portray the parents, Olivia and Hugh Crain, with Timothy Hutton appearing as an older version of Hugh.
Production Details
Netflix ordered the 10-episode adaptation on April 10, 2017. This project marked the first scripted series produced for Netflix by Amblin Television. Filming took place in October 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. While the interior scenes were shot at EUE/Screen Gem Studios, the exterior of "Hill House" was filmed at a property in LaGrange formerly known as Bisham Manor.
The Haunting of Bly Manor
Released on October 9, 2020, the second chapter is based on the 1898 novella The Turn of the Screw by Henry James. Although it shares several actors with the first series, Bly Manor is a standalone story with no dramatic link to the events of Hill House.
The nine-episode series stars Victoria Pedretti, Henry Thomas, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, and Kate Siegel, alongside new cast members including T'Nia Miller, Rahul Kohli, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, Amelie Smith, and Amelia Eve. While The Turn of the Screw is the primary source, the season also incorporates elements from several other works by Henry James, some of which had never been adapted for the screen before.
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Series Overview and Reception
Both series have been well-received by critics, though they differ in tone. Hill House is noted for its mounting tension and chilling payoffs, while Bly Manor is often described as a gothic romance with a strong emotional core.
| Feature | The Haunting of Hill House | The Haunting of Bly Manor |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | October 12, 2018 | October 9, 2020 |
| Source Material | Shirley Jackson (1959) | Henry James (1898) |
| Episode Count | 10 | 9 |
| Rotten Tomatoes Score | 93% | 87% |
| Metacritic Score | 79/100 | 63/100 |
Future of the Anthology
In December 2020, Mike Flanagan confirmed via Twitter that there were no immediate plans for further chapters. However, in November 2023, he revealed that if a third installment were commissioned, he would intend to adapt Richard Matheson's Hell House, titled The Haunting of Hell House. He noted that this would depend on the availability of the rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the two series connected?
No. While they share a creator and several cast members playing different roles, The Haunting of Bly Manor is a standalone story with no dramatic link to The Haunting of Hill House.
Who created The Haunting series?
The series was created by Mike Flanagan and produced by Amblin Television and Paramount Television for Netflix.
Which books are the series based on?
The first series is based on Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House, and the second is primarily based on Henry James's The Turn of the Screw, along with other works by James.
Will there be a third season?
As of late 2020, there were no plans for more chapters. However, Mike Flanagan has expressed interest in adapting Hell House by Richard Matheson if the rights become available and a new season is commissioned.
Where was The Haunting of Hill House filmed?
Production took place in Atlanta, Georgia, with interior scenes filmed at EUE/Screen Gem Studios and the exterior of the house filmed at the former Bisham Manor in LaGrange.