M. Night Shyamalan brings Tales From the Crypt to TNT

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Tales from the Crypt will rise again, this time as an M. Night Shyamalan-helmed programming block on TNT. Kevin Reilly, President of TBS and TNT and Chief Creative Officer of Turner Entertainment, made the announcement at today’s Television Critics Association winter press tour.

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The format of the two-hour block is, for now, a bit of a puzzlement. TNT’s press release says it will be “led by Tales from the Crypt, based on the original EC Comics and new stories, all executive-produced by Shyamalan and his partner at Binding Edge Pictures, Ashwin Rajan.” But Reilly described a more fluid set-up: “Not a show — an umbrella for many shows, all united under the Tales From the Crypt brand.” Reilly said four hourlong properties — of both long and short-form storytelling — are currently in play, along with a bold coordinating online venture.

Reilly said Shyamalan will also serve in a directing capacity, at least early on.

“This is a new genre for us in our series efforts and a great chance to partner with M. Night Shyamalan, whose blockbuster hit The Visit reminded movie audiences and critics this past summer that he truly is a master of horror,” said Sarah Aubrey, executive vice president of original programming for TNT, in a statement. “This two-hour horror block demonstrates not only TNT’s commitment to working with today’s top talents, but also our strategy to stand out in today’s marketplace by challenging the conventional rules of programming and scheduling.”

“To be part of such a beloved brand like Tales from the Crypt, something I grew up watching, and to also have the chance to push the boundaries of genre television as a whole, is an inspiring opportunity that I can’t wait to dive into,” said Shyamalan in the same release.

TNT will announce the venture’s additional components in the coming months — along with the fate of the Crypt Keeper [ya gotta have a Crypt Keeper!].

Whatever it winds up looking like, TNT’s Tales From the Crypt will debut in the fall of 2016. What say you, fans of HBO’s much-loved and long-running series — will you tune in?

About Lori Acken 1195 Articles
Lori just hasn't been the same since "thirtysomething" and "Northern Exposure" went off the air.