The Terror (TV series)

The Terror is an American anthology horror drama television series developed by AMC. The series is based on historical events and fictionalized horror elements. Each season presents a self-contained narrative, inspired by or loosely based on real-life tragedies and interpreted through a lens of supernatural horror.

The first season, which premiered in 2018, is an adaptation of Dan Simmons' 2007 novel of the same name. It is a fictionalized account of Captain Sir John Franklin's lost expedition to the Arctic in 1845-1848, where the Royal Navy ships HMS Erebus and HMS Terror became icebound and their crews faced starvation, disease, and ultimately, a mysterious predator. The season stars Jared Harris, Tobias Menzies, and Ciarán Hinds. It explores themes of survival, desperation, leadership, and the unknown dangers of the Arctic environment.

The second season, titled The Terror: Infamy, premiered in 2019. It is set during World War II and centers on a Japanese-American community on Terminal Island, California, who are facing persecution and internment. This season blends the historical context of the Japanese American internment with Japanese folklore and ghost stories, focusing on a malevolent spirit that haunts the community. The season stars Derek Mio, Kiki Sukezane, and George Takei. It addresses themes of prejudice, cultural identity, and the psychological impact of war and displacement.

The series is known for its dark and atmospheric tone, its exploration of human behavior under extreme pressure, and its blending of historical fact with supernatural horror.