Watch Salem
- TV-MA
- 2014
- 3 Seasons
-
7.1 (24,535)
Set in the 17th century in the titular town of Salem, Massachusetts, Salem is a supernatural horror drama television series that aired on WGN America for three seasons between 2014 and 2017. Created by Brannon Braga and Adam Simon, the show stars an ensemble cast that includes Janet Montgomery, Shane West, Seth Gabel, Tamzin Merchant, Ashley Madekwe, Elise Eberle, Iddo Goldberg, Xander Berkeley, Oliver Bell, Joe Doyle, Michael Mulheren, Azure Parsons, Sammi Hanratty, Stephen Lang, Lucy Lawless, Stuart Townsend, Samuel Roukin, and even musician Marilyn Manson in a guest role. The show centers around the witch trials and witchcraft hysteria that took place in Salem in the late 17th century. However, this is not your typical retelling of the historical events. The show adds a supernatural twist to the story, implying that some of the accused witches might actually possess supernatural abilities and powers. The lead character of the show is Mary Sibley (played by Janet Montgomery), an ambitious and cunning woman who is also secretly a witch. She has a complicated history with John Alden (played by Shane West), a man she was once engaged to but who left Salem to fight in the French and Indian War. Upon his return to Salem, he discovers that Mary has married another man and is now a powerful figure in the town. There are several other main characters that are introduced throughout the show, including Cotton Mather (played by Seth Gabel), a puritan reverend who becomes obsessed with finding and punishing witches, Anne Hale (played by Tamzin Merchant), a young woman who is also a witch and develops a relationship with John Alden, Tituba (played by Ashley Madekwe), Mary's loyal servant who is also a witch, and many others. The show is known for its dark and macabre atmosphere, with several scenes showcasing brutal and graphic violence, as well as sexual content. The use of supernatural elements adds an additional layer of horror to the already tense situation, with witches casting spells and performing rituals that often involve blood sacrifice. However, the show is not just about violence and horror. It also explores themes of power, gender roles, and societal expectations. Mary Sibley, for example, is portrayed as a complex and multidimensional character who uses her powers as a witch to gain power and agency in a society that would otherwise limit her based on her gender. Throughout the show's three seasons, we see the characters engage in a power struggle, with witches and puritans alike fighting for control of the town of Salem. Along the way, we see characters form alliances, betray each other, and even fall in love, all while dealing with the threat of being accused of witchcraft. The show received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the dark and gritty atmosphere, as well as the strong performances from the cast, particularly Janet Montgomery. However, others criticized the show for its graphic violence and sexual content, as well as its use of supernatural elements that detracted from the historical accuracy of the witch trials. Despite the mixed reviews, the show gained a loyal following throughout its run on WGN America. Its cancellation after three seasons was met with disappointment from fans, who had grown attached to the show's characters and its unique blend of historical fiction and supernatural horror. Overall, Salem is a show that is not for the faint of heart, but for those who enjoy a good horror story with a twist. With a talented cast, intricate plot, and dark atmosphere, it is a show that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
