The 13 Best Horror TV Shows of the ’70s: ‘Night Gallery’ to ‘Kolchak’ and ‘Salem’s Lot’

In the 1970s, horror made the shift from movie theaters into America’s living rooms. You didn’t need a ticket or a midnight show; all you needed was a TV set, a couple of channels and the nerve to sit through whatever nightmare the networks had dreamed up that week. Friday nights might bring vampires, witches or vengeful ghosts, all introduced by familiar faces who suddenly looked a lot less friendly once the lights went down.

The decade became a golden age for small-screen horror, when made-for-TV movies like Satan’s School for Girls, The Norliss Tapes and Devil Dog: The Hound of Hell gave audiences chills between commercials for instant coffee and station wagons. Kolchak: The Night Stalker turned fear into weekly journeys into terror, while Salem’s Lot proved a Stephen King story could terrify viewers without ever reaching theaters.

What made these programs so effective wasn’t just the scares, but their intimacy. Horror on TV felt close (sometimes too close) because you watched it from the same couch where you’d seen the evening news. The monsters weren’t out there somewhere; they were right there, flickering in black and white or glowing in early color.

So dim the lights, imagine the snow of analog static and return to an era when network TV delivered prime-time terror and viewers loved every minute of it.

1. ‘Night Gallery’ (1970–1973, TV Series)

Horror story: Created and hosted by The Twilight Zone’s Rod Serling, Night Gallery offered eerie tales of the supernatural, the macabre and the ironic. Each episode began with Serling introducing a painting that symbolized the story to follow, whether it was ghostly revenge, demonic possession or existential terror. The anthology format allowed for everything from classic Gothic horror to modern psychological scares, often ending with the twist that Serling was famous for.

Cast: Rod Serling (Host/Narrator), with guest stars including Roddy McDowall, Joan Crawford, Vincent Price, Burgess Meredith, and Leslie Nielsen.

Behind-the-screams: Serling had less creative control than on The Twilight Zone, which frustrated him, though he continued writing many segments. The pilot episode, which was directed by Steven Spielberg, featured Crawford in “Eyes,” a tale of blindness and greed. The show ran for three seasons on NBC and built a loyal cult following. Its stylish cinematography, surreal production design and grim humor made it a precursor to later horror anthologies such as Tales from the Crypt and Masters of Horror.

2. ‘Crowhaven Farm’ (1970, TV Movie)

Horror story: This ABC Movie of the Week stars Hope Lange as Maggie Porter, who inherits a historic New England farmhouse with a dark colonial past. Soon after moving in, she begins experiencing terrifying visions of witch trials, spectral children and a centuries-old curse demanding blood payment. As Maggie’s sanity unravels, she realizes the farm’s evil history may be repeating itself, with her as the latest victim.

Cast: Hope Lange (Maggie Porter), Paul Burke (Ben Porter), John Carradine (Felix), Lloyd Bochner (Kevin Pierce).

Behind-the-screams: Directed by Walter Grauman and written by Finean Cook, Crowhaven Farm aired November 24, 1970, on ABC. It tapped into the era’s fascination with witchcraft and psychic horror, arriving two years after Rosemary’s Baby. Though made on a modest budget, its autumnal atmosphere, eerie sound design and tragic ending made it one of the most memorable early “Movie of the Week” chillers and a staple of 1970s televised horror.

3. ‘The Night Stalker’ (1972, TV Movie)

Horror story: Darren McGavin stars as Carl Kolchak, a cynical Las Vegas newspaper reporter who uncovers a series of gruesome murder victims drained of blood. His investigation leads to a shocking discovery: the killer is an actual vampire. Dismissed by skeptical authorities, Kolchak risks his life to expose the truth in a fast-paced blend of horror, noir, and dark humor.

Cast: Darren McGavin (Carl Kolchak), Simon Oakland (Tony Vincenzo), Barry Atwater (Janos Skorzeny), Carol Lynley (Gail Foster).

Behind-the-screams: Produced by Dan Curtis (Dark Shadows) and written by Richard Matheson from Jeff Rice’s unpublished novel, The Night Stalker premiered January 11, 1972, on ABC and became the highest-rated TV movie of its time. Its success spawned The Night Strangler (1973) and later the series Kolchak: The Night Stalker. The film’s mix of investigative realism and supernatural menace redefined horror television and paved the way for The X-Files decades later.

4. ‘The Night Strangler’ (1973, TV Movie)

Horror story: In this sequel to The Night Stalker, Carl Kolchak relocates to Seattle, where a series of murders mirror those he investigated in Las Vegas—women strangled, some of their blood drained. His digging leads to an underground city beneath the streets, where a centuries-old killer hides, sustaining his immortality with stolen blood. Kolchak once again clashes with disbelieving authorities as he races to uncover the truth before becoming the next victim.

Cast: Darren McGavin (Carl Kolchak), Simon Oakland (Tony Vincenzo), Jo Ann Pflug (Louise Harper), Richard Anderson (Dr. Richard Malcolm), Wally Cox (Mr. Berry).

Behind-the-screams: Directed and produced by Dan Curtis and written by Richard Matheson, The Night Strangler premiered January 16, 1973, on ABC. The film reused several key production staff from The Night Stalker, with Curtis’ trademark moody visuals and Matheson’s sharp wit. Filmed partly in Seattle’s real underground passages, it was another ratings hit and cemented Kolchak’s popularity, setting the stage for the 1974 series.

5. ‘Satan’s School for Girls’ (1973, TV Movie)

Horror story: After her sister’s mysterious suicide, Elizabeth Sayers enrolls at an elite women’s college to investigate—only to discover the faculty and students may be part of a Satanic cult. As the school’s dark secrets unravel, Elizabeth realizes her life is in danger from those who worship the Devil himself.

Cast: Pamela Franklin (Elizabeth Sayers), Kate Jackson (Roberta Lockhart), Lloyd Bochner (Professor Delacroix), Jo Van Fleet (Mrs. Williams), Jamie Smith-Jackson (Lois).

Behind-the-screams: Produced by Aaron Spelling and Leonard Goldberg and directed by David Lowell Rich, Satan’s School for Girls premiered September 19, 1973, on ABC. The film capitalized on early-’70s fascination with occult horror in the wake of Rosemary’s Baby and The Exorcist. It became a cult favorite, remembered for its eerie atmosphere and twist ending. Kate Jackson would later star in the 2000 remake, this time as one of the teachers.

6. ‘The Norliss Tapes’ (1973, TV Movie)

Horror story: Reporter David Norliss disappears while investigating a strange case of immortality and demonic possession. His publisher finds a set of cassette tapes documenting Norliss’ research into a widow who claims her dead husband returned from the grave as a blue-skinned, clay-bleeding vampire. As each tape plays, the story grows darker, blending detective mystery with gothic terror.

Cast: Roy Thinnes (David Norliss), Angie Dickinson (Ellen Cort), Claude Akins (Sheriff Hartley), Don Porter (Sanford Evans), Vonetta McGee (Marsha).

Behind-the-screams: Another Dan Curtis production written by William F. Nolan (Logan’s Run), The Norliss Tapes aired on NBC February 21, 1973. Intended as a pilot for a potential series, it didn’t move forward, but its blend of procedural storytelling and occult horror made it a cult favorite.

7. ‘Kolchak: The Night Stalker’ (1974–1975, TV Series)

Horror story: The unflappable Carl Kolchak returns, now working as a reporter in Chicago, where each week he encounters a new supernatural menace, ranging from vampires to werewolves, mummies, androids and even aliens. Armed with only his camera, tape recorder and sharp sarcasm, Kolchak hunts the truth while fighting a newsroom boss who wishes he’d stop chasing monsters.

Cast: Darren McGavin (Carl Kolchak), Simon Oakland (Tony Vincenzo), Ruth McDevitt (Emily Cowles), Jack Grinnage (Ron Updyke).

Behind-the-screams: Premiering September 13, 1974, on ABC, the series was based on the creation of Jeff Rice. Though it ran for only 20 episodes, it became one of television’s most influential cult hits. McGavin’s relentless, sucker-suited reporter became the prototype for skeptical truth-seekers in shows like The X-Files — whose creators have often credited Kolchak as their primary inspiration.

8. ‘Trilogy of Terror’ (1975, TV Movie)

Horror story: This unforgettable ABC Movie of the Week features three macabre stories, all starring Karen Black in different roles. The final segment, “Amelia,” became legendary for its relentless Zuni fetish doll that comes to life and terrorizes its owner in a claustrophobic apartment. The other tales ( “Julie,” about a college professor manipulating her student’s dark desires, and “Millicent and Therese,” a psychological duel between twin sisters) showcase different shades of terror, from psychological to supernatural.

Cast: Karen Black (Julie / Millicent / Therese / Amelia), Robert Burton (Chad), John Karlen (Thomas), George Gaynes (Dr. Ramsay).

Behind-the-screams: Produced and directed by Dan Curtis (where would ’70s horror be without him?) and written by Richard Matheson, Trilogy of Terror premiered March 4, 1975, on ABC. Its third segment, adapted from Matheson’s story “Prey,” became one of TV’s most famous horror sequences, later inspiring sequels, parodies and homages across pop culture. The Zuni doll remains one of television’s most terrifying icons.

9. ‘The Spell’ (1977, TV Movie)

Horror story: A chilling precursor to Carrie, The Spell follows a shy, overweight teenager named Rita who uses telekinetic powers to exact revenge on those who torment her, from cruel classmates to her unsympathetic family. As her rage grows, her mother slowly realizes that Rita’s supernatural abilities could destroy them all.

Cast: Lee Grant (Marilyn), Susan Myers (Rita), Helen Hunt (Kristin), Lelia Goldoni (Sharon), James Olson (Bill).

Behind-the-screams: Directed by Lee Philips and written by Brian Taggert, The Spell aired February 20, 1977, on NBC. Though often compared to Brian De Palma’s Carrie, which had been released the previous year, the film carved its own niche with its moody suburban setting and strong performances — particularly from Grant and Myers. Despite mixed reviews, it became a staple of late-night TV horror marathons.

10. ‘Spectre’ (1977, TV Movie)

Horror story: In this occult detective story, Robert Culp stars as William Sebastian, a brilliant but eccentric criminologist who investigates supernatural crimes with his skeptical partner, Dr. “Ham” Hamilton. Their latest case involves a British nobleman dabbling in demonic rituals—and possibly the summoning of a real demon. Blending mystery, ritual horror, and action, Spectre feels like a lost pilot for an Americanized Hammer Horror series.

Cast: Robert Culp (William Sebastian), Gig Young (Dr. Hamilton), John Hurt (Mitri), Majel Barrett (Lilith), Ann Bell (Anitra Cyon).

Behind-the-screams: Created by Star Trek‘s Gene Roddenberry and Samuel A. Peeples, Spectre aired on NBC May 21, 1977. Intended as a pilot for a potential series, it was filmed partly in England to evoke a Gothic atmosphere.

11. ‘Look What’s Happened to Rosemary’s Baby’ (1976, TV Movie)

Horror story: A sequel to Roman Polanski’s 1968 classic, this film follows Adrian, the son of Rosemary Woodhouse, now grown and unaware of his Satanic heritage. After being kidnapped by cult members determined to fulfill his dark destiny, Adrian struggles with the evil within him and the terrifying realization that he may not escape it.

Cast: Stephen McHattie (Adrian / Andrew Woodhouse), Patty Duke (Rosemary), George Maharis (Guy Woodhouse), Ruth Gordon (Minnie Castevet), Ray Milland (Marino), Tina Louise (Marjean).

Behind-the-screams: Directed by Sam O’Steen (editor of the original Rosemary’s Baby), this ABC movie aired October 29, 1976. The film’s fractured, episodic structure—divided into “The Book of Rosemary,” “The Book of Adrian” and “The Book of Andrew”—gives it an unusual tone. Despite mixed reviews, it remains an intriguing artifact of 1970s TV horror, notable for Ruth Gordon’s return as Minnie Castevet and for continuing a landmark horror saga on network television.

12. ‘The World Beyond’ (1978, TV Movie)

Horror story: In this eerie follow-up to The World of Darkness (1977), sportswriter Paul Taylor returns from a near-death experience with the ability to see the dead as well as the evil that walks among the living. This time, his visions lead him to a haunted farm plagued by monstrous supernatural forces. As he tries to help the living and the dead find peace, he must survive a terrifying night trapped between two worlds.

Cast: Granville Van Dusen (Paul Taylor), JoBeth Williams (Millie Kincaid), Christopher Stone (Pete Kincaid), Dabney Coleman (Tom Elkins).

Behind-the-screams: Written by Art Wallace (one of the creators of Dark Shadows) and director Noel Black  (Pretty Poison), The World Beyond aired January 14, 1978, on CBS as a pilot for a proposed anthology series that never materialized. Its mix of spiritualism, mystery and ghostly terror reflected the era’s fascination with psychic phenomena. Though short-lived, it’s remembered for its unsettling tone and early starring role for JoBeth Williams.

12. ‘Devil Dog: The Hound of Hell’ (1978, TV Movie)

Horror story: When a suburban family adopts a German Shepherd puppy, they have no idea it’s the offspring of Satanic breeders. The dog, possessed by evil, gradually corrupts its owners (particularly the children), forcing the father to confront the demonic presence before it destroys them all.

Cast: Richard Crenna (Mike Barry), Yvette Mimieux (Betty Barry), Kim Richards (Bonnie Barry), Ike Eisenmann (Charlie Barry).

Behind-the-screams: Directed by Curtis Harrington (Queen of Blood) and written by Stephen Karpf and Elinor Karpf, this CBS film aired October 31, 1978— fittingly on Halloween night. A blend of domestic drama and occult horror, Devil Dog: The Hound of Hell tapped into the late-1970s boom in Satan-themed entertainment sparked by The Omen and The Exorcist.

13. ‘Salem’s Lot’ (1979, TV Miniseries)

Horror story: Based on Stephen King’s second novel, Salem’s Lot follows writer Ben Mears as he returns to his Maine hometown only to discover that the residents are turning into vampires. The mysterious new owner of the Marsten House, Kurt Barlow, is a centuries-old Nosferatu-like creature who brings the entire town under his control. As the plague spreads, Ben and a few survivors wage a desperate battle for their souls.

Cast: David Soul (Ben Mears), James Mason (Richard Straker), Bonnie Bedelia (Susan Norton), Lance Kerwin (Mark Petrie), Reggie Nalder (Kurt Barlow).

Behind-the-screams: Directed by Tobe Hooper (The Texas Chain Saw Massacre) and adapted by Paul Monash, Salem’s Lot aired November 17 and 24, 1979, on CBS as a two-part miniseries. Its shadowy cinematography, chilling atmosphere, and terrifying window scene with the floating vampire boy set a new benchmark for televised horror.