Eight years after its final season aired, Sam Raimi's horror-comedy series Ash vs Evil Dead is experiencing a streaming resurgence. The show, which originally ran from 2015 to 2018, has been climbing the charts on the Apple TV Store in both the UK and the US, landing between the #10 and #19 spots from July 16 to July 22, 2026. On Lionsgate+ (Amazon Channels) in Italy, the series even cracked the Top 10 twice, hitting #8 and then #10 on July 22. This renewed interest proves that audiences still can't get enough of Bruce Campbell's chainsaw-wielding hero.
The series picks up 30 years after the events of the original Evil Dead trilogy. Ash Williams (Campbell) is no longer the cocky young man from the cabin; he's now a middle-aged burnout working dead-end jobs at a Value Stop, trying to forget the horrors he faced. But when the Necronomicon's evil resurfaces, Ash is forced back into action, armed with his boomstick and a prosthetic hand that's as much a liability as a weapon. The show masterfully blends the claustrophobic possession horror of the original film with Raimi's signature slapstick and over-the-top gore, creating a unique tone that fans have come to love.
Raimi co-created the series with Ivan Raimi and Tom Spezialy, and he directed the pilot episode. The show also features a rotating roster of directors, including horror and action veterans like M.J. Bassett, Rick Jacobson, David Frazee, and Michael Hurst. Alongside Campbell, the cast includes Ray Santiago as Pablo, Dana DeLorenzo as Kelly, and Lucy Lawless as Ruby. With only 30 episodes, each running about half an hour, the entire series is a manageable 15-hour binge—perfect for a weekend marathon.
The show's critical reception has been stellar. On Rotten Tomatoes, Ash vs Evil Dead holds a 99% overall score, with Season 1 at 98% and Seasons 2 and 3 at a perfect 100% each. This is a stark contrast to Fede Alvarez's 2013 Evil Dead reboot, which dropped all comedy for a brutally serious tone and earned only a 64% critics' score. The series proved that fans wanted the humor and heart that Raimi and Campbell brought to the franchise.
Despite its popularity, the show was canceled by Starz after three seasons, leaving Ash stranded in a post-apocalyptic future after finally accepting his responsibility and saving the world. The franchise has since continued with standalone sequels like Evil Dead Rise and the upcoming Evil Dead Burn, which introduce new characters and settings but don't resolve Ash's cliffhanger. For fans looking for a complete story, the series remains a satisfying—if bittersweet—journey.
If you're new to the Evil Dead universe, Ash vs Evil Dead is the perfect entry point. It captures everything that made the original films iconic: Raimi's elastic camera work, chainsaw dismemberments, absurd one-liners, and the uncomfortable truth that Ash is brave enough to save humanity but barely qualified to manage his own life. For those who prefer a more serious horror experience, check out Colin Farrell's chilling miniseries 'The North Water' for a different kind of dread.
The show's current streaming success is a testament to its enduring appeal. In an era where horror often leans toward the grim and gritty, Ash vs Evil Dead reminds us that sometimes the best way to fight evil is with a one-liner and a chainsaw. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, now is the perfect time to dive into this cult classic. And if you're in the mood for more horror, check out our ranking of the best horror book series ever written for some chilling reads.
With its blend of horror, comedy, and heart, Ash vs Evil Dead is a near-perfect series that deserves a full binge. Its current streaming surge on the Apple TV Store and Lionsgate+ proves that Ash Williams is still the king of the Deadites—and that audiences are more than ready to join him for another ride.
