Josh Hartnett, beloved for his roles in 1990s films like The Virgin Suicides and The Faculty, has made a notable comeback with the gothic horror TV series Penny Dreadful. The show, which aired on Showtime from 2014 to 2016, showcases Hartnett as Ethan Chandler, a sharpshooter with a mysterious past who arrives in Victorian England to perform in a traveling Wild West show. This series blends historical fiction with supernatural elements, drawing viewers into a gripping narrative where Ethan is pulled into a hidden world filled with demons, vampires, and mad scientists.
Penny Dreadful was created by John Logan and produced by Sam Mendes. Set against the backdrop of dark 19th century Britain, the series draws inspiration from the sensational serialized horror stories popular during that era. Hartnett’s character teams up with Vanessa Ives, played by Eva Green, and her wealthy ally Sir Malcolm Murray, portrayed by Timothy Dalton, to fight supernatural evil in London. This combination of classic literary characters and original dark fantasy makes the series a unique and thrilling experience.
Critical Success Across Three Seasons
Penny Dreadful’s three seasons, totaling 27 episodes, earned praise for their atmospheric storytelling and complex characters. Often compared to classic Hammer Horror films with a fresh modern twist, the show never scored below 81% on Rotten Tomatoes during its original run. Its mix of rich Victorian settings and sinister plots maintained strong viewer engagement and critical acclaim.
Neil Genzlinger of The New York Times recognized the show’s distinct charm compared to other supernatural series, stating,
“Oh dear; another show to add to our ever-growing guilty-pleasure lists.”
Brian Lowry from Variety complimented the premiere as
“Solidly entertaining, well cast[,] and oozing with atmosphere.”
In the second season, Hartnett’s performance was especially noted for its depth and versatility. Maureen Ryan of HuffPost mentioned,
“He could do fabulous things in tender moments and also take charge of big set pieces.”
She further observed that the series
“somehow manages to be an escapist pleasure full of Dickensian interiors and lush paeans to pleasure and gore.”
Visual Style and Setting Enhance the Horror
The third season expanded the story’s scope by introducing new locations, such as the American Old West, contrasting with the bleak and foggy streets of London. Mark Perigard of the Boston Herald praised this shift, describing it as
“Unparalleled. This season the bright oranges and yellows of the Old West make for a welcome contrast to the washed-out blues and grays of Old London.”
This visual richness adds to the show’s appeal, amplifying the eerie and cinematic mood.
Where to Watch Penny Dreadful Today
For those interested in exploring this blend of horror, history, and classic literature, Penny Dreadful is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime and Paramount+. The show remains a standout for anyone wanting to see Josh Hartnett Penny Dreadful in all its dark, captivating glory, delivering a blend of suspense, supernatural thrills, and period drama that few other horror series match.
