Widow’s Bay swept 14 Emmys for its horror-comedy on a cursed island, and it earns the hype

We’re a little late to the party, but the party is still on. Apple TV keeps stacking up strong dramas, and Widow’s Bay is no exception. In April, Apple Studios released the first season of Widow’s Bay, a 10-episode series created by Katie Dippold. A few months later, it swept 14 Emmy awards this year, proof that horror-comedy has real audience and critical pull.

The plot: On a remote fictional island in the middle of the ocean, Mayor Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys) is desperate to boost tourism. His plan is to lure a New York Times journalist to write about the town, hoping the coverage draws visitors. But an evil spirit that haunts the island is threatening to return. Loftis dismisses the warnings of old Captain Wick (Stephen Root), who keeps telling him that the curse trapping the islanders and preventing them from leaving will come back stronger and that the island is not safe. Loftis stays stubborn until the island proves that some legends are true.

What we liked: Apple’s best products aren’t its phones; they’re its shows. The story is gripping, the acting is excellent, and the dark comedy, mixed with moments of real horror, makes for a thoroughly enjoyable watch. We finished the whole season in under a week despite a busy schedule. The mood is dark and claustrophobic, and the pacing is measured without ever dragging. We follow Loftis from disbelief to shock and denial, and finally to grudging acceptance of the darker side of reality.

What didn’t work: Many viewers and critics feel season one could have been told just as well in eight episodes instead of 10. Some of the flashback episodes, particularly the one that travels back to 1702, noticeably slow the story’s momentum. We didn’t feel that ourselves, but it may bother fans of faster pacing. The finale also left some viewers cold: it stops abruptly without clear answers. Apple has renewed the series for a second season, so answers are on the way.

Our verdict: If you’re a fan of From, you’ll likely love this. It pairs real horror with black comedy in a tense, isolated setting on an island that never stops scaring its own residents. It’s a strong watch for anyone who likes mystery and suspense. Don’t miss it.

WHERE TO WATCH- Tune in to Widow’s Bay on Apple TV. Watch the trailer on YouTube (watch, runtime: 1:07).