EVIL is a new series on Netflix US. The crime, horror, drama series originally aired on CBS but it actually suits Netflix perfectly. If the pilot of this series doesn’t work for you, then I don’t know what will. Read our Evil season 1 review here and check it out on Netflix in the US now!

EVIL is a new horror series on Netflix US which also has elements of crime and drama. The title alone should tell you that we’re dealing with stories that involve, well, evil. The series originally on CBS but is part of the deal this network has made with Netflix about distribution. If you had told me the series was a Netflix original, I could have believed this as well.

Even the number of episodes in season 1 matches many Netflix series. Season 1 of the CBS series Evil has 13 episodes and they’re all on Netflix in the US now. And yes, the series has already been renewed for Season 2 on CBS.

Continue reading our Evil season 1 review below.

Serial killers, demons, and psychologists… oh my!

Evil doesn’t really hold back much and I was definitely nervous that it would. I mean, there’s a reason Netflix, HBO, Showtime, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video series are so extremely popular; They tend to have higher production quality. However, in this case, it’s worth noting that CBS also had the awesome Person of Interest series.

Obviously, the focus is on the story, but it does also manage to create some terrifying moments along the way.

The part that really works for me is having both believers and non-believers. Those that believe in miracles and demons and those who believe in a rational explanation. Surprisingly, I never felt either side was judged for their beliefs. In fact, I was able to see the events from several points of view – without feeling like either was the right one!

That alone is no small feat. Especially since so many stories are told in such a manner that it’s virtually impossible to form your own opinion.

Evil: Season 1 – Netflix Review

The wonderful cast of Evil 

To me, the main reason the story works so well – apart from being well-written, of course – is due to the cast of Evil.

really like the lead character, Kristen Bouchard, who is a skeptical (and rather brilliant) clinical psychologist. I think a lot of this is due to the portrayal by Katja Herbers. You might recognize Katja Herbers from Westworld but I also saw her recently in The Columnist during Fantasia 2020. She is brilliant in that movie… trust me on this one!

You might like: Our review of The Columnist starring Katja Herbers from Evil >

Starring with Katja Herbers is Mike Colter as David Acosta, who is definitely a believer. He’s studying to become a priest, so he’s going all-in with his faith. Most people probably know Mike Colter best from his title role in Luke Cage but he was also in the Netflix movie Extinction (2018). Also, he was a guest star on The Good Fight which was made by the same creators as Evil.

Another star of this series is Aasif Mandvi as Ben Shakir. He is a non-believer just like the lead character, Kristen Bouchard (Katja Herbers). Aasif Mandvi tends to do mostly comedy but he’s a serious character in Evil. Christine Lahti (Chicago Hope) plays the mother of lead protagonist Kristen Bouchard and she is clearly a very cool grandma (Kristen has four daughters).

Finally, I have to mention Michael Emerson who you might recognize as Ben Linus from Lost or Harold Finch on Person of Interest. This is a new kind of character for Michael Emerson and it’s pretty damn cool.

Watch season 1 of Evil on Netflix US now!

Evil was created by Michelle King and Robert King. The two have a pretty good track record since they also co-created The Good Wife and its spin-off series The Good Fight. Before creating and writing TV series, Robert King also wrote quite a lot of screenplays. In fact, one of his first produced screenplays was the horror movie The Nest from 1987.

For the record, yes, Evil has already been renewed by CBS. So if you fall in love with the series, then there will be more.

And honestly, if the Evil pilot doesn’t make you want more, then I don’t know what would. I mean, if you decide to give it a shot, then the concept must appeal to you and the actual show definitely delivers on that!

All 13 episodes of Evil season 1 can be seen on Netflix in the US from October 1, 2020.

Details

Creators: Michelle King, Robert King
Stars: Katja Herbers, Mike Colter, Aasif Mandvi, Michael Emerson, Christine Lahti, Kurt Fuller

Plot

A forensic psychologist partners with a Catholic priest-in-training to investigate miracles and demonic possession in this supernatural drama.

I write reviews and recaps on Heaven of Horror. And yes, it does happen that I find myself screaming, when watching a good horror movie. I love psychological horror, survival horror and kick-ass women. Also, I have a huge soft spot for a good horror-comedy. Oh yeah, and I absolutely HATE when animals are harmed in movies, so I will immediately think less of any movie, where animals are harmed for entertainment (even if the animals are just really good actors). Fortunately, horror doesn't use this nearly as much as comedy. And people assume horror lovers are the messed up ones. Go figure!
Karina "ScreamQueen" Adelgaard
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