Tales from the Crypt

“Tales from the Crypt,” also known as HBO’s “Tales from the Crypt,” is an American horror anthology TV series that aired on HBO from June 10, 1989, to July 19, 1996. Spanning seven seasons and 93 episodes, the series drew inspiration from the 1950s EC Comics series of the same name, as well as four other EC Comics from that era. Produced by HBO, with uncredited contributions from The Geffen Film Company and Warner Bros. Television, the show should not be mistaken for the 1972 film of the same title or “Tales from the Darkside,” another horror anthology series with a similar theme.

Being broadcast on HBO, a premium cable network, the series enjoyed a rare level of creative freedom, free from the usual network censorship. This allowed it to feature graphic violence and other mature content, such as strong language, gore, nudity, and sexual themes, which would likely earn it a TV-MA rating by today’s standards. However, when the series is shown in syndication or on basic cable, it is edited to remove such content. Although the series initially filmed in the United States, its final season was shot in Britain, leading to episodes centered around British characters.