Tales from the Crypt

“Tales from the Crypt,” occasionally referred to 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 totaling 93 episodes, the series drew its inspiration from the 1950s EC Comics series of the same name, as well as other EC Comics from that era. HBO produced the show, with uncredited contributions from The Geffen Film Company and Warner Bros. Television. It should not be mistaken for the 1972 film of the same name or “Tales from the Darkside,” another horror anthology series with a similar theme.

Due to its broadcast on HBO, a premium cable network, the series enjoyed a rare freedom from network censorship. This allowed it to feature graphic violence, profanity, gore, nudity, and sexual content, elements that were uncommon in most TV series at the time and would likely earn it a TV-MA rating today. When aired in syndication or on basic cable, the show is edited to remove such explicit content. Although the series initially filmed in the United States, its final season was shot in Britain, leading to episodes centered around British characters.