Explore the intersection of horror and faith in "Catholic Horror on Television”

School of Journalism and Media Director Erika Engstrom’s new book “Catholic Horror on Television” invites readers to delve into the chilling world of modern television. Engstrom worked alongside other scholars to write this critical analysis that examines recent horror-themed TV shows and their portrayal of Catholicism, offering insights into contemporary attitudes toward religion. The book was released in July 2024.

Engstrom was inspired by her viewing of CBS's “Evil,” which uniquely blends horror with elements of the Catholic Church.

“I have a research partner who is also interested in religion in the media and is an expert in the horror genre,” Engstrom said. “We started to think about ways to collaborate around television programs that featured Catholicism and elements of horror."

The book's premise is that mass media serves as a lens through which current attitudes toward Catholicism can be examined and critiqued. The authors explore how creators of streaming series utilize horror to engage with these themes.

“I hope readers learn something new or interesting about the television shows that they may have watched,” Engstrom said. “Perhaps they can appreciate that we can enjoy mass media and also critically think about them as well.”

For more information about the book, visit https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781666947663/Catholic-Horror-on-Television-Haunting-Faith.