Bill Skarsgård has become a modern horror icon, thanks to his chilling turn as Pennywise in the IT films and his recent work in Nosferatu and Barbarian. But before he terrified audiences as a shape-shifting clown, the Swedish actor starred in one of Netflix's earliest original series: Hemlock Grove. Now, that cult favorite is getting a new lease on life—and it's completely free.
Starting July 2026, all three seasons of Hemlock Grove will be available to stream on Tubi, the ad-supported free platform. The series originally premiered on Netflix back in 2013, when the streaming giant was still finding its footing with original programming. Based on Brian McGreevy's novel, the show blends supernatural horror with a gritty whodunit mystery set in a decaying Pennsylvania steel town.
Skarsgård plays Roman Godfrey, the brooding heir to a wealthy and deeply troubled family. Alongside him, Landon Liboiron portrays Peter Rumancek, a Romani teenager rumored to be a werewolf. The cast also includes Famke Janssen as Roman's terrifyingly manipulative mother, Olivia, and Joel de la Fuente as a cold, calculating scientist. Together, they navigate a web of brutal murders, family secrets, and dark supernatural forces.
While Hemlock Grove earned a Primetime Emmy nomination—a rare feat for Netflix at the time—it also drew criticism for its convoluted storylines. Still, the series has maintained a devoted fan base drawn to its gothic atmosphere, ambitious tone, and visceral practical effects. For those who missed it the first time or want to revisit its eerie charm, Tubi now offers a perfect opportunity for a weekend binge.
Skarsgård's career has only grown since his Hemlock Grove days. He recently reprised his role as Pennywise in the hit series IT: Welcome to Derry, and he's set to appear in several high-profile projects. He'll star alongside Hugh Jackman and Jodie Comer in Death of Robin Hood, a gritty reimagining directed by Michael Sarnoski. He's also attached to Lee Tamahori's Emperor, a period piece with Adrien Brody, and Andrew Niccol's Lords of War.
For fans of early Netflix originals or anyone looking to dive into a dark, supernatural mystery, Hemlock Grove on Tubi is a must-watch. And if you're hungry for more cult horror, check out how Jason Blum's 'Worst Neighbor Ever' became Netflix's must-watch true crime franchise—another example of how streaming platforms keep surprising us.
As Skarsgård continues to dominate the genre, Hemlock Grove stands as a fascinating early chapter in his career. It's a reminder that even before he became a household name, he was already making audiences uneasy in the best possible way.
