Early reviews for the new horror-comedy series Widow's Bay have been overwhelmingly positive, with the show achieving a rare 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 23 reviews. The 10-part series, starring Matthew Rhys, has been hailed as a must-watch for fans of Stephen King and classic horror.
What Is Widow's Bay About?
The series is set in a quaint island town 40 miles off the coast of New England, where something sinister lurks beneath the surface. Matthew Rhys plays Mayor Tom Loftis, a man desperate to revive his struggling community. The island lacks Wi-Fi, has spotty cellular reception, and offers little to do, but the mayor's biggest challenge is the superstitious locals who believe their home is cursed. Despite their lack of respect for him, Loftis is determined to build a better future for his teenage son and turn the island into a tourist destination. However, after decades of calm, the old stories that seemed too ludicrous to be true begin to resurface.
Critical Acclaim
Critics have praised the show's unique blend of comedy and horror. One reviewer noted, "Just about every horror trope is accounted for, and they are masterfully woven together through the eyes of several of Widow's Bay's most quirky residents." Another called it "Apple TV's delightfully oddball horror-comedy... like almost nothing else on TV at the moment."
One verdict compared the series to classics, stating, "A brilliant horror comedy packed with atmosphere - it's Jaws meets The Shining meets Veep!" Another said, "While still feeling original, it riffs on supernatural legends and ghost stories that come naturally to old seafaring towns, with references to classic sea horror like The Fog and Jaws. Amid the supernatural tension and jeopardy, it's also a lot of fun."
Critics have also highlighted the show's visual style and performances. One wrote, "Eerie and uniquely haunting, the outstanding visuals, coupled with the exceptional performances, ensure that the series beams like a lighthouse, waiting to welcome lost souls back home."
Best New Show of 2026?
Several reviewers have declared Widow's Bay the best new show of the year. One wrote, "The result is a series that's as funny as it is unsettling, with moments so genuinely scary you can't help but laugh. Without a doubt, creator Katie Lippold has delivered one of the best new shows of 2026." Another agreed, calling it "a charmingly ghoulish saga about a locale beset by the sins of the past. It's also, to date, the best new show of the year."
Streaming Details
The first two episodes of Widow's Bay are now streaming on Apple TV+. New episodes will be released weekly on Wednesdays, with the finale expected in June.
