Dark Shadows binge-watching on Amazon Prime

[Dark Shadow]

I'm updating this long dormant thread I created to say I FINALLY made it through all 1225 episodes of Dark Shadows! After initially binging it on Prime, I switched to tubi, dropped out for about a year mid-Leviathan storyline, then jumped back in during the heart of the pandemic. I then got to the end, and started streaming the initial 209 episodes labeled "Dark Shadows: The Beginning" on tubi. The never-ending "David tries to kill his Father and Burke gets blamed for it" storyline took it's toll on me, and I dropped out for several months again. But this year, I got back into it, and I must say, minus that initial storyline, I enjoyed the pre-Barnabas era, especially once Laura the Phoenix showed up!

Just for kicks I watched the first three episodes with Barnabas (210-212), and now I feel I can take a break for a long, LONG time, at least as far as rewatching it in order, anyway.

It was a heck of a ride, and it makes me want merchandise (especially Megos) even more!

Congrats! I'm glad to hear that you found enjoyment in the first 209 episodes. It usually gets such negative panning that I often wonder if I'm alone in my appreciation. As for Megos...if that auction for those hand-made figures hasn't served as a wake up call, then I doubt anything ever will. My wild assumption is that Pierson is being a jerk about the licensing (if he's even still in charge).

[Mikey]

Back in the day my older sis LOVED Dark Shadows.

She introduced me to Star Trek, Mission Impossible and many more late 60's TV series --- which I eventually loved

Just could never get into Dark Shadows

Thought it was boring and never had a proper conclusion for the week

[Earth 2 Chris]

I'm updating this long dormant thread I created to say I FINALLY made it through all 1225 episodes of Dark Shadows! After initially binging it on Prime, I switched to tubi, dropped out for about a year mid-Leviathan storyline, then jumped back in during the heart of the pandemic. I then got to the end, and started streaming the initial 209 episodes labeled "Dark Shadows: The Beginning" on tubi. The never-ending "David tries to kill his Father and Burke gets blamed for it" storyline took it's toll on me, and I dropped out for several months again. But this year, I got back into it, and I must say, minus that initial storyline, I enjoyed the pre-Barnabas era, especially once Laura the Phoenix showed up!

Just for kicks I watched the first three episodes with Barnabas (210-212), and now I feel I can take a break for a long, LONG time, at least as far as rewatching it in order, anyway.

It was a heck of a ride, and it makes me want merchandise (especially Megos) even more!

[Dark Shadow]

And, I really wish I had gotten the DS reMegos!

I'm hoping Marty Abrams will pick up the license...a lifelong dream come true.

I started watching the series with 210, and also went back and read all of DS Ever Day's entries from that point on, then got caught up. I read along after each batch of episodes I watch. I think the blog starts with 210 anyway.

Chris

Cool, that seems like the best way to do it. Yeah, the blog starts with 210 and Danny keeps saying that he's not interested in doing anything prior to "Opening the Box", but I hope he changes his mind once he completes the run.

[Earth 2 Chris]

Another fun DS blog to follow is the Collinsport Historical Society: http://www.collinsporthistoricalsociety.com/

Yes, I like that one too. Also enjoy their podcast, although I personallywish they focused more on the TV episodes, and not the audio dramas, since I haven't gotten into those yet.

Did you start with 210 or pick up later on?

I started watching the series with 210, and also went back and read all of DS Ever Day's entries from that point on, then got caught up. I read along after each batch of episodes I watch. I think the blog starts with 210 anyway.

Chris

[Dark Shadow]

^I've been following Danny's blog too! Fun stuff, and very insightful, with just enough snark to not take things too seriously.

I check in with the DS Wiki as well, but by it's nature it's more cold and sterile, and no where near as entertaining as DS Every Day.

Chris

I really enjoy Danny's sense of humor...sharp guy. Reading his blog reminds me of how much I looked forward to reading Erma Bombeck's column back in the day, similar style. I like his running themes: Vicki Ruins Everything; Ta-DAH!; The Worst Actor Who Ever Appeared on Dark Shadows; Stand Next To Barnabas; Junior Detectives; etc.

Did you start with 210 or pick up later on?

[Mary Canary]

I love Dark Shadows. I was introduced to it by way of the NBC reboot series from the early 1990s. Lasted less than a season but was must-see tv for me every week. Then I went back and watched the 1960s series. I haven't actually watched the entire run of it, but I love the early b/w episodes pre-Barnabas and his introduction to the show. I always get a little lost in the 1790s, just like Victoria Winters. I should try getting back into it when she returns to present day (1960s present day). I had high hopes for the Tim Burton / Johnny Depp movie but it was too much of a joke.

Another fun DS blog to follow is the Collinsport Historical Society: http://www.collinsporthistoricalsociety.com/

[Earth 2 Chris]

^I've been following Danny's blog too! Fun stuff, and very insightful, with just enough snark to not take things too seriously.

I check in with the DS Wiki as well, but by it's nature it's more cold and sterile, and no where near as entertaining as DS Every Day.

Chris

[Dark Shadow]

My earliest memories of Dark Shadows are of the 1897 period from the summer of '69. I have the individual DVD box sets, and just completed the entire run again a few months ago. 1897 is still my favorite period, it's just so well written and chock full of great characters.

I have since found a blog "Dark Shadows Every Day" where the blogger writes about each episode, not really a synopsis, but more of an analysis of the serial narrative aspect. He hasn't quite finished the series yet, he's currently on episode 1150. Some of it is snark, some of it is out there, but there is a great deal of spot-on analysis and behind the scenes trivia that I find fascinating. He did a real good job of explaining why 1897 worked so well, how the writing team really came together plus the introduction of Quentin.

I started at episode 210, and have read straight through 758 so far. Once I read through this completely, I plan on watching the series again (from 210 forward) and follow each episode by reading the corresponding blog.

Here's the episode guide: https://darkshadowseveryday.com/episode-guide/

Not likely everyone's cup of tea, but give it shot and see what you think.

[Earth 2 Chris]

Now I'm into the 1897 storyline, which is apparently the most popular period of the show, and was definitely the height of its popularity in it's initial run. I can see why. David Selby is just as good, if not better than advertised, as the somehow-lovable rogue, Quentin. I do recall watching a good chunk of this period on the Sci-Fi channel in the 90s. This is what hooked me on the show, even though I didn't get to see every episode in order.

Anyone else still binging at the moment?

[Earth 2 Chris]

Now deep into the 1795 storyline. I only seen snippets of these episodes on the "Vampire's Curse" compilation video. My wife has been semi-involved in my binge-watching, until now. The period drama has drawn her in! BWAHAHAHA!!!

Chris

[Earth 2 Chris]

^You and me both on those ReMegos. They went quickly!

I just hope it stays on Prime and Hulu long enough to get through the run. Averaging at least 2 episodes a night, it is still going to take me a couple of years to get through this!

Chris

[PNGwynne]

When I was a child, Dark Shadows reruns were must-see TV after school. I recall them with Batman '66 and Little Rascals. I also recall wanting Barnabas merchandise but it was long gone by then. I really had no memory of storylines, I was much more familiar with the DS film which was rerun often. Like you, Chris, I watched the soap intermittently in the '90s on SciFi and then had a better sense of it. I'm not sure why I never taped it.

I sort of want the dvds, but my memory of the show is that the quality is uneven, though I like that flying-by-the-seat-of-your-pants tone. I'm trialing Amazon Prime, so I guess I should watch it there. This thread is interesting.

And, I really wish I had gotten the DS reMegos!

[Earth 2 Chris]

My memories of watching it on Sci-Fi in the 90s are very vague, and what I saw was spotty spread across the series. But I loved it then, and now. My Dad always told me about it. He got hooked on it in first run when he'd come in from work.

I get the storylines mixed up too. I keep expecting Quentin to show up, but I gotta go to the 1790s first!

Chris

[palitoy]

Ah I wasn't sure. I love DS but i have trouble keeping track of the storylines and such.