Warner Bros. Animation Resurrects ‘Dark Shadows’ as an Adult Animated Series

Warner Bros. Animation is bringing back one of television’s most beloved gothic franchises. The studio is developing an adult animated adaptation of the cult classic Dark Shadows, breathing new life into the supernatural soap opera that mesmerized audiences back in the late 1960s.

The new series will reimagine the eerie world of the Collins family while preserving the gothic horror, supernatural mystery, and romantic drama that made the original such a pop culture phenomenon. Rather than a straightforward remake, the project will continue the saga of the mysterious Collins family and their haunted Maine town, Collinsport.

Television writer Lisa Holdsworth, known for her work on Dreamers, is heading up the project as showrunner and executive producer. She’ll steer the creative direction of the animated series as Warner Bros. continues expanding its adult animation offerings.

The series aims to blend gothic horror, supernatural storytelling, and family drama while maintaining the dark tone that defined the original show’s impressive 1,200-plus episode run.

When Dark Shadows premiered in 1966, it became a television sensation by blending daytime soap opera drama with genuine horror. The show’s popularity skyrocketed after introducing vampire Barnabas Collins, played by Jonathan Frid, whose tragic arc transformed the series into a cult classic.

Set in the fictional coastal town of Collinsport, the show followed the wealthy Collins family as they battled vampires, witches, ghosts, and werewolves. Its ambitious storytelling and gothic atmosphere made it one of television’s most influential horror series.

The franchise has attempted several revivals over the years, most notably Tim Burton’s 2012 live-action film starring Johnny Depp as Barnabas Collins. While the movie introduced the property to new audiences, Warner Bros.’ animated approach could better capture the expansive mythology that made the original television series so compelling.

The announcement reflects Warner Bros. Animation’s broader strategy to expand its animation slate across multiple genres. The studio has been rolling out several new animated projects lately, signaling a major commitment to both family-friendly and adult-oriented content.

Details about casting, production timeline, release date, and which streaming platform will air the series haven’t been announced yet. Still, the revival promises to deliver a modern take on the iconic gothic saga while respecting the supernatural legacy that has kept Dark Shadows alive in pop culture for nearly six decades.