In the early 2010s, Netflix was a very different beast. Before it became the streaming juggernaut we know today, the company was dipping its toes into original programming, licensing shows from studios to build a library. Among its earliest gambles was Hemlock Grove, a gothic horror-thriller starring a pre-IT Bill Skarsgård. The series ran for three seasons from 2013 to 2015, earning a modest audience but harsh reviews from critics. Now, over a decade later, the show is enjoying an unexpected second life on Apple TV, where it has become one of the most-watched titles in July 2026.
According to streaming data from FlixPatrol, Hemlock Grove has surged in popularity on Apple TV, a surprising twist for a series that was once removed from Netflix in 2022 due to lapsed licensing terms. Back then, Netflix decided not to renew the rights, deeming the show too old and niche to justify the cost. But as the streaming landscape has evolved, so has the appetite for forgotten gems. The series is now available for purchase on iTunes and streaming free on Tubi, but its recent success on Apple TV has caught the attention of horror fans and industry watchers alike.
What Is 'Hemlock Grove' About?
Set in the decaying Pennsylvania town of the same name, Hemlock Grove follows the aftermath of a brutal murder that shakes the community. The prime suspect is Peter Rumanceck (Landon Liboiron), a mysterious young man rumored to be a werewolf. He teams up with Roman Godfrey (Skarsgård), the heir to the town's powerful founding family, to uncover the dark secrets lurking beneath the surface. Famke Janssen co-stars as Olivia Godfrey, Roman's enigmatic mother. The show blends supernatural horror with family drama, creating a moody, atmospheric tale that has aged surprisingly well.
While critics were unkind—giving the series a 33% score on Rotten Tomatoes—audiences were more forgiving, awarding it a 65% rating. That gap between critical and viewer reception has only widened over time, as streaming platforms have allowed new generations to discover the show on their own terms. For fans of gothic horror and small-town mysteries, Hemlock Grove offers a compelling mix of werewolves, family secrets, and eerie visuals.
A Cult Classic Finds Its Audience
The show's resurgence is part of a broader trend of older, niche series finding new life on streaming services. In an era where content libraries are constantly shifting, titles like Hemlock Grove benefit from the nostalgia factor and the growing popularity of FAST (free ad-supported TV) platforms. The series is also available on Tubi, where it has attracted a steady stream of viewers. But its recent spike on Apple TV suggests that paid platforms are also seeing value in catalog titles that have built-in fan bases.
For Bill Skarsgård, who has since become a household name thanks to his terrifying turn as Pennywise in the IT franchise, Hemlock Grove remains a fascinating early role. It showcases his ability to play complex, brooding characters—a skill that would later define his career. The show also features strong performances from Liboiron and Janssen, making it a worthwhile watch for anyone curious about Skarsgård's pre-IT work.
As streaming services continue to compete for subscribers, the success of Hemlock Grove on Apple TV is a reminder that sometimes the best content is the stuff that was overlooked the first time around. Whether you're a horror completist or just looking for a binge-worthy series with a cult following, this gothic thriller is worth a revisit.
For more on the streaming landscape, check out our coverage of George R.R. Martin's 'Dark Winds' Becomes Netflix's Sleeper Hit of July 2026 and Bill Skarsgård's Cult Netflix Series 'Hemlock Grove' Hits Tubi Free in July 2026.
