The best horror show on TV is one you're probably not watching

If you're late to the game, I don't blame you — I started watching AMC's adaption of Anne Rice's Interview With the Vampire a little delayed as well. But with the gothic horror series only two episodes into its sophomore season, there's no time like the present to catch up. This is without a doubt the best show on TV right now, not even just for the horror genre.

Developed by Rolin Jones, Interview With the Vampire premiered on AMC and AMC+ in Oct. 2022 just in time for the Halloween season, and seriously impressed both critics and fans of the Vampire Chronicles book series. As evidenced by the title, the show follows an interview between journalist Daniel Molloy and vampire Louis de Pointe du Lac, as the latter recounts the last century — revealing the good, bad, and downright devastating moments of his life as a vampire.

At its core, Interview With the Vampire is a love story — though vampire life certainly isn't as glamorous as Louis anticipated — as Louis remembers his toxic romance with vampire Lestat de Lioncourt, his complicated yet genuine love for their child vampire Claudia, and his current relationship with [SPOILER]. Just in case you haven't watched the show, I'll spare you the spoiler there. Louis carries a lot of shame from various moments in his life, and to say he's struggled with not only human life but vampire life as well would be an understatement.

Interview With the Vampire isn't just for horror fans

If you've ignored Interview With the Vampire because you're not into the horror genre, I get it. I mean the name alone could turn people off because of the subject matter. But this story is far more than just vampires. Yes, the characters happen to be vampires, but similar to the heartfelt journey HBO's The Last of Us adaption takes us on, this is a show about emotion. It's a study on the human — and yes, vampire — experience. Just because they're undead doesn't mean they're so different from us and Louis is the perfect protagonist to show us this.

Throughout the first season, we follow Louis, Lestat, and Claudia's unconventional dynamic, including the power struggle that inevitably forms. It's easy to shut down when your relationship with someone changes, but this trio needs openness if they want to survive. Because of the shame, guilt, and insecurities the group holds, they only cause each other more pain. You don't need to be a vampire to understand that. The second season follows the characters are they attempt to move on from a tragic season 1 finale, facing new threats and potentially new friends in another country.

With every uncertainty comes room for suffering, but what's being a vampire without some (or, in Louis' case, a lot of) misery?

But don't worry, this is definitely horror

If you are a horror fan, don't worry, Interview With the Vampire fits in the genre. There's violence, there's blood and gore, and duh, there's vampires! I would argue that other vampire titles such as True Blood, however, are more graphic and R-rated. Interview With the Vampire is very atmospheric, in both hauntingly beautiful and heartbreaking ways, often all in one episode. It perfectly weaves in elements of gothic horror in a way that forces you to pay attention and get lost in Louis' world.

I would also be remiss if I didn't mention the cast. Jacob Anderson's performance as Louis is award-worthy — especially in season 2 — and Sam Reid has absolutely charmed me as Lestat, even if I can't ever bring myself to root for him. Actress Bailey Bass portrayed Claudia in season 1, but unfortunately had to drop out due to unforeseen circumstances. While Bass was great in the role, I'm already impressed by her replacement, Delainey Hayles, who has transformed into Claudia in her own way. Given Claudia is growing up and entering an exciting new chapter in season 2, a recast isn't as jarring as you might think.

At the time of this writing, both seasons of Interview With the Vampire hold an impressive 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, and yes, the show deserves it. As someone who hasn't read The Vampire Chronicles but did love the 1994 film adaption Interview With the Vampire growing up, I was so pleasantly surprised when I first tuned in for the AMC show. It's fresh, addictive, compelling, and totally consuming. So, what are you waiting for?

You can watch all released episodes of Interview With the Vampire on AMC+, with new episodes of season 2 airing every Sunday on AMC and streaming on AMC+. Season 2 episode 3, "No Pain," releases this Sunday, May 26.