CREEPSHOW ANIMATED SPECIAL is a new Shudder horror special that you do not want to miss. The runtime is just around 45 minutes, so it really is bitesize horror that packs a punch. We even screened versions that were “works in progress” and still enjoyed this so much.

The special has two stories, so essentially you get two animated short films. They have enough runtime to set the mood and build characters while also leaving you wanting more. Always a good sign! The stories being adapted for this Creepshow special are “Survivor Type” by Stephen King and “Twittering from the Circus of the Dead” by Joe Hill.

There is essentially just one actor telling each story. This person is both the star of the plot and the narrator. Only one other actor is listed in each story and that’s Fayna Sanchez (It Listens from the Radio). She has a few lines and while they are important and gives each story substance, it’s all about the narrators for each story.

In the first story (“Survivor Type”), Kiefer Sutherland is the star and narrator and does an excellent job. Of course, he does. After all, he does have a very distinct voice and the perfect edge when the role calls for it. As anyone who has watched Freeway will recognize. If you haven’t watched the iconic 1996 horror-comedy crime thriller hybrid Freeway, then please do check it out!

The second story (“Twittering from the Circus of the Dead”) stars Joey King (The Lie) as the classic teenage girl. Always on social media (in this case Twitter) and constantly fighting with her mom. In a nice twist, she gets along really well with her brother and their relationship is actually really heartwarming –which will of course end in horror.

This second segment has a strangely familiar story that I desperately want a sequel for ASAP!

Also, keep your eyes open for cameos by the story authors; Stephen King and Joe Hill. Don’t worry, if you know what they look like, they are very easy to spot as animated characters as well.

Watch Creepshow Animated Special on Shudder!

The fact that it’s animated just means you can get away with pretty much anything. After all, with animation, director Greg Nicotero is in no way limited by what can look cool with practical or visual effects. Even though Greg Nicotero is a master at effects, it’s fun to see what he can do when animation offers him total and complete artistic freedom.

While Stephen King and Joe Hill have worked together in the past (like on the story adapted for the Netflix movie In the Tall Grass), the stories adapted for this Creepshow special are solo projects.

Stephen King wrote the story adapted for the first segment titled “Survivor Type” starring Kiefer Sutherland. Joe Hill is the author of the second segment story “Twittering from the Circus of the Dead” that stars Joey King. Both are awesome stories!

Greg Nicotero (probably best known for his work on The Walking Dead these days) adapted the first segment with Melanie Dale adapting the second segment. I can’t even tell you which is my favorite, since I thoroughly enjoyed them both. Also, the brilliant runtime of each being just around 20 minutes long, truly makes the segments short but sweet. Or, you know, direct and brutal.

Creepshow Animated Special is out on Shudder from October 29, 2020.