Summary
It’s impossible to name every single horror movie or TV show inspired byTwin Peaks. Without a doubt, David Lynch and Mark Frost’s mystery drama reshaped television — and visual storytelling — when the series premiered in 1990. Packed with surreal, horror, and soap opera elements,Twin Peakshas an incredibly distinct feel. The atmospheric menace that permeates the show’s small-town setting is uniquely haunting, as is the cosmic nature ofTwin Peaks' central question: Who killed Laura Palmer?Led by Kyle MacLachlan’s Dale Cooper,Twin Peaksis a singular series, but it also spawned many imitations and homages.
Despite being considered one of the greatest TV shows of all time,Twin Peaksran for two seasons before it was revived for an 18-part limited series in 2017. It also spawned a psychological horror prequel film,Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me. Of course,Twin Peaksinspired more than just horror TV shows and movies. From dark teen dramas like The CW’sRiverdaleto soapy shows likeDesperate Housewivesto series, likeAtlanta, that rely on surreal set-pieces,Twin Peaks' influence reaches far and wide. Still, offshoot horror projects often resonate the most withTwin Peaksfans.
2 Seasons (2015–16)
Wayward Pines
Wayward Pines is a sci-fi series based on the Blake Crouch novel series of the same name. Its story initially centers around Ethan Burke, a secret service agent investigating the disappearance of two of his fellow agents in a small Idaho town. The series ran for two seasons on Fox between 2014 and 2016 before being officially canceled a few years later.
A sci-fi mystery series,Wayward Pinesis an M. Night Shyamalan-produced show based on the series of novels by Blake Crouch. In the first season, Agent Ethan Burke (Matt Dillon) is tasked with investigating the disappearance of his fellow agents near the small town of Wayward Pines, Idaho. As is the case withTwin Peaks' titular town,Wayward Pines hides dark secrets beneath its wholesome, Americana veneer. Although the two-season series jumps the shark pretty quickly, the initial mystery is compelling enough to make it worth watching.
1 Upcoming Apple Sci-Fi Show Has The Chance To Learn From Wayward Pines' Disastrous Mistakes
The Wayward Pines TV show adaptation had some obvious issues, but Apple can avoid making those mistakes with their upcoming limited series.
11 Seasons (1993–2002; 2016–18)
The X-Files
The X-files takes the police procedural formula and applies it to sci-fi mysteries. Conspiracy theorist Fox Mulder and skeptic Dana Scully team up to solve cases surrounding alien invasions and other unexplained, paranormal phenomena.
Premiering on the heels ofTwin Peaks,The X-Filesseems to share a universewith Lynch and Frost’s show. However, instead of telling an overarching narrative, the series popularized the monster-of-the-week format, with Special Agents Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) and Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) investigating marginalized and unsolved cases that, allegedly, involve paranormal phenomena. Of course,Scully is the science-driven skeptic, while Mulder wants to believe in the strange and otherworldly. Although quite different from Dale Cooper,The X-Files' characters are more than able to fill the Special Agent void.
Why The X-Files Was Originally Canceled After Season 9
The Fox science fiction drama series The X-Files initially ran for nine seasons but was canceled in 2002 – why did the network decide to end the show?
2 Seasons (2012–16)
Gravity Falls
When Dipper and Mabel Pines are dropped off to spend the summer with their uncle in Gravity Falls, they discover that all is not as it seems in this small town. When Dipper discovers a strange journal in the forest, the twins team up to solve the town’s mysteries.
Created by Alex Hirsch, the mystery-comedy has been fondly referred to asTwin Peaksfor kids — and it’s hard to argue with that comparison. Unlike otherTwin Peaks-inspired series,Gravity Fallsembraces the offbeat humor aspect just as much as the horror, mystery, lore elements. The show centers on preteen twins Dipper and Mabel Pines, who are spending the summer with their great-uncle, Grunkle Stan, in Gravity Falls, Oregon — a small town that’s full of paranormal happenings. Plus,Gravity Fallsfeatures severalTwin PeaksEaster eggsas well as a cameo by Kyle MacLachlan.
Jane Schoenbrun (2024)
I Saw the TV Glow
I Saw the TV Glow follows teenager Owen, who navigates suburban life until introduced by classmate Maddy to a mysterious late-night TV show.
Filmmaker Jane Schoenbrun’sI Saw the TV Glowboasts manyTwin PeaksEaster eggs, but it also echoes the show’s mystery narrative and surreal tone. LikeTwin Peaks,the small town inI Saw the TV Glowholds dark secrets— ones that teenagers Owen (Justice Smith) and Maddy (Brigette Lundy-Paine) navigate while growing up as queer outsiders who find refuge in a soon-to-be canceled cult classic TV show,The Pink Opaque. Between its meta-commentary on the dangers of nostalgia and the wayThe Pink Opaque’s sudden cancelation mirrorsTwin Peaks',A24’s horror is perfect forTwin Peaksfans.
4 Seasons (2014–Present)
True Detective
True Detective is an anthology series exploring intricate criminal investigations through multiple timelines. Each season examines dark personal and professional secrets revealed during the course of solving complex cases, highlighting the impact of crime on individuals both within and outside the law enforcement community.
LikeTwin Peaks, HBO’s anthology crime dramaTrue Detectivecenters on some of the darkest, most disturbing elements of the human psyche. The hard-to-solve crimes that unfold certainly share some similarities, but it’s the way thatTrue Detective’s four seasons flirt with the surreal (or otherworldly)that makes it perfect forTwin Peaksfans. In the mundane,True Detectivefinds its chilling moments of horror. And, much like Lynch’s body of work,True Detective’s seasons boast connectionsthat have fans churning out incredible theories.
2 Seasons (2003–05)
Carnivale
Carnivàle is a television series set during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl, exploring the lives of diverse individuals. The narrative intertwines themes of good versus evil and free will versus destiny, integrating elements of Christian theology, gnosticism, and Masonic lore, notably the Knights Templar.
Created by Daniel Knauf,Carnivàleis an underratedHBO supernatural series that deserves more seasons. Much like the originalTwin Peaks,Carnivàlelasted just two seasons before being unceremoniously canceled — a move that turned the show into a cult classic. Set during the Dust Bowl,Carnivàlecenters on the various members of a traveling carnival, including their most recent addition, Ben Hawkins (Nick Stahl), a man with healing powers. Elsewhere, Brother Justin Crowe (Clancy Brown) amasses a much darker power. Between its bleak atmosphere, surreal moments, and depiction of cosmic good versus evil,Carnivàlehas a lot in common withTwin Peaks.
Creator Daniel Knauf Interview: The Astronauts
Daniel Knauf, creator of Carnivàle and the new Nickelodeon sci-fi series, The Astronauts, discusses his ongoing odyssey through the world of TV.
2 Seasons (2016–19)
The OA
The OA is a mystery drama series that follows Prairie Johnson, who returns to her hometown after being missing for seven years with her sight mysteriously restored. As her baffling reappearance raises questions, she refrains from discussing her ordeal with authorities or family, sparking intrigue and speculation.
One of theNetflix cancelations that hurt mostwas the sudden axing ofThe OA, a sci-fi mystery series created and executive-produced by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij (A Murder at the End of the World). Marling stars as Prairie, a blind woman who goes missing for several years. Upon returning, she calls herself “The OA” and calls upon a disparate group of misfits in her hometown to help her open a portal to another dimension — supposedly. Full of twists and turns,The OAcaptures the same atmospheric menace asTwin Peaksand isn’t afraid to explore a truly bizarre plot point, image, or character.
“Feeling It’s Not Over”: Controversially Cancelled Netflix Show’s Future Gets Hopeful Update From Star
The cancellation of one of Netflix’s early hits was one of its most controversial, but now a star from the series renews hopes of a return.
3 Seasons (2022–Present)
From
From is a series revolving around a mysterious American town that ensnares newcomers, forcing its inhabitants to maintain order and find an escape amidst nighttime perils from the surrounding forest. The residents face threats from terrifying creatures emerging after sunset, complicating their struggle for survival.
A sci-fi horror series,Fromhas a lot in common withSilent Hill— at least on paper. The series centers on a small town that traps all who enter, forcing its residents to scour the woods for a way out, all while terrifying evils stalk them. AlthoughFromis slow to reveal much about its mysteries,the show has remained pretty gripping, especially when it provides glimpses into the town’s lore. Plus, Harold Perrineau (Lost) stars as Boyd Stevens, the town’s self-appointed sheriff, and he gives quite a memorable performance.
3 Seasons (2017–19)
Legion
Legion is an FX Original Series created by Noah Hawley in conjunction with Marvel Television. The psychological horror/thriller series stars Dan Stevens, Rachel Keller, and Aubrey Plaza. The release pertains to comic book character Legion, otherwise known as David Haller, as he deals with a diagnosed schizophrenia and the formation of his mutant powers.
The forgottenX-Menshow with the highest Rotten Tomatoes scoreever isLegion, a psychological horror series that was made for FX by Noah Hawley (Fargo).Set in the same universe as Fox’sX-Menfilm series,Legioncenters on David Haller/Legion(Dan Stevens), a mutant who was diagnosed with schizophrenia as a kid. A truly unique take on the superhero genre,Legionis full of stylistic flourishes and surreal horror elements that put it in a similar camp toTwin Peaks.
How One Marvel Show Proved WandaVision Could Work
WandaVision introduced surrealism into the MCU, following the example of another Marvel show — Legion — which proved a non-linear formula could work.
5 Seasons (2008–13)
Fringe
This sci-fi procedural follows the FBI’s secretive Fringe Division and its agents Olivia Dunham, Walter Bishop, and Peter Bishop. Together, they investigate cases regarding strange events that threaten society, including cases of parallel universes, human experimentation, and other strange phenomena.
Created by J. J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci,Fringemight be more sci-fi than horror, but it certainly toes the line.The series centers on three members of the newly formed FBI Fringe Division— an offshoot of the bureau that focuses on unexplained occurrences that are related to a parallel universe. Starring Anna Torv, John Noble, and Joshua Jackson,Fringeshares a lot of DNA withThe X-FilesandThe Twilight Zone, though its overarching mythology definitely recallsTwin Peaks.
