SeriesTV-PGVampire Gothic Supernatural

Dark Shadows1991

Name: Dark Shadows
Genre: Vampire, Gothic, Supernatural, Psychological
Released: 1991-01-13
Rating: 7.3

Created by Dan Curtis

7.3

Crypt Score

Blended from 2 sources

IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.9

✍ Review

Share this title

X Facebook Reddit Pinterest

Year

1991

Seasons

Network

NBC

Status

Canceled

Box Office

🏆 Won 1 Primetime Emmy. 2 wins & 6 nominations total

The premise

Governess Victoria Winters' arrival at the great estate of Collinwood in Collinsport, Maine coincides with vampire Barnabas Collins being released from his coffin, Dr. Hoffman's attempt to cure Barnabas' vampirism medically, and, finally, Victoria's time travel back to 1790 to witness the events in which the still-human Barnabas is transformed into an undead creature.

Horror Vault's take

A young governess arrives at the imposing Collinwood estate on the Maine coast, only to find herself entangled in the dark secrets of the Collins family — secrets with fangs. This lavish 1991 revival of the beloved gothic soap opera weaves together vampire mythology, forbidden desires, and a sprawling family curse across centuries. The series balances brooding romance with genuine supernatural menace, anchored by a charismatic lead performance as the tortured undead patriarch Barnabas Collins. Multiple timelines deepen the lore, rewarding patient viewers who savour atmosphere over shock.

Content: Vampire Violence, Mild Horror Imagery, Themes Of Compulsion And Predation

Episode Guide

🏆 Best Episode Overall

S1.E1 · Episode 1

10.0

⭐ Highest Rated This Season

S1.E1 · Episode 1

10.0

★ 8.7 avg· 2h 12m total· Jan 1991 → Mar 1991

☠
S1.E1 · Episode 1Premiere
10.0
Jan 13, 1991 · 86 min · Dir: Dan Curtis
Handyman Willie Loomis accidentally releases vampire Barnabas Collins from his chained coffin. Barnabas introduces himself to the Collins family as a distant relative from England and begins to romance beautiful new governess Victoria Winte
☠
S1.E2 · Episode 2
7.8
Jan 14, 1991 · 46 min · Dir: Dan Curtis
After being attacked by Barnabas Collins, Daphne dies and rises as a vampire. Dr. Julia Hoffman learns Barnabas' secret and offers to help cure him of his vampirism, hoping to cure him through a series of experiments.
☠
S1.E3 · Episode 3
10.0
Jan 14, 1991 · Dir: Dan Curtis
Dr. Julia Hoffman begins her experiments to help cure Barnabas Collins of his vampirism. Professor Michael Woodard threatens Barnabas' safety, as he attempts to uncover the identity of the vampire.
☠
S1.E4 · Episode 4
10.0
Jan 18, 1991 · Dir: Dan Curtis
The mysterious ghost of Sarah Collins leads Victoria Winters to Collinwood's closed off wing. Barnabas Collins is stunned when the evil apparition of Angelique materializes.
☠
S1.E5 · Episode 5
5.5
Jan 25, 1991 · Dir: Armand Mastroianni
Victoria Winters is overwhelmed when Barnabas gives her Josette DuPres' eighteenth century music box. Learning of Barnabas Collins' growing affection for Victoria Winters, a jealous Dr. Julia Hoffman decides she will not yet fully cure Barn