Warner Bros. Animation Reanimates 'Dark Shadows' as Adult Animated Series for Cult's 60th

Warner Bros. Animation is bringing back the gothic soap opera "Dark Shadows" as an adult animated series, reviving a cult favorite that first haunted daytime television in the 1960s. The project is in early development, with no writer or showrunner attached yet, according to TVLine.

TVLineWarner Bros. Animation Developing Animated Dark Shadows Reboot

The original "Dark Shadows," created by Dan Curtis, aired on ABC from 1966 to 1971 and starred Jonathan Frid as the tormented vampire Barnabas Collins. The Hollywood Reporter noted that it became a devoted cult classic and previously inspired film adaptations, including Tim Burton's 2012 movie starring Johnny Depp.

Bleeding Cool reported that the revival will celebrate the series' 60th anniversary and that the franchise also spawned two feature films in 1970. The new adaptation will be produced by WB Animation as an adult-oriented animated series.

Bleeding CoolWarner Bros. Animation Adapting Dark Shadows as Adult Animated Series for 60th Anniversary

"gothic horror atmosphere and campy melodrama"

The original show blended horror, romance, and over-the-top storytelling, earning a loyal following that has persisted for decades.

"tormented vampire Barnabas Collins"

The vampire's tragic backstory and charisma made him the breakout character of the series, turning a cult soap into a pop culture touchstone.

TVLine also noted that "Dark Shadows" had been rebooted before, including a 1991 NBC series, a 2004 WB pilot, and the Tim Burton film. This new animated incarnation marks the first attempt to bring the Collins family back as a cartoon, aimed at adults rather than the original soap's broad daytime audience.