One of the most exciting parts about fall is how the television landscape comes alive again. Whereas the summer lineup is fairly light, leaning towards more easy-going fare, September brings with it a host of new and returning shows across all genres to your streaming services. Especially for those who crave horror, sci-fi, and action, there is plenty worth getting excited about.
I’m especially looking forward to one show in particular that features a veteran of genre titles alongside a hot rising star. It also fits the mold of another recent series that took off this year. The supernatural series Yaga comes this October, but fortunate viewers who will attend the Toronto International Film Festival this year will get a sneak peek at the first few episodes. Here’s what you need to know.
Cast
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Hudson Williams
Henry Park
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Carrie-Anne Moss
Katherine
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What is the TV series Yaga about?
Small-town supernatural mystery?
Yaga is a mystery thriller series based on an award-winning play by Kat Sandler of the same name. It’s set in a small coastal town, like many great mysteries, and follows a local detective (Clark Backo) looking into the disappearance of a prominent resident, played by Hudson Williams. It seems the small town has a lot of secrets, which may or may not include some occult and supernatural goings-on.
Genre fans will note the title, as ‘yaga’ or ‘baba yaga’ translates to ‘witch’ or ‘boogeyman’ from Slavic. The poster suggests some sort of monstrous creature lurking in the darkness as well. Yes, it sounds a lot like Widow’s Bay, which is a show I enjoyed every minute of. While there are many parallels to be sure, Yaga does seem like it will skew darker and a bit more serious. Still, give me every small-town-with-a-secret series possible, especially if there are witches or monsters.
The series also stars Carrie-Anne Moss and Noah Reid. Yaga is a Canadian production.
When and where can I stream Yaga?
Coming soon to your smart TV
Yaga will be screened at TIFF, but fans who miss out on the sneak peek won’t have to wait too long. The series will release in October, likely in the middle of the month, though a specific date hasn’t been announced. Viewers in the United States will be able to stream the series on AMC+, while Canadian viewers can watch it on Crave. The Canadian streaming network is also home to another popular series starring Hudson Williams, though one that is quite different.
The series comprises eight half-hour episodes, although in some international markets, the series will stream as four one-hour episodes. Whether it will drop all as one series or space out the episode release is uncertain.
Why is a TV series playing at a film festival?
TIFF celebrates new and exciting TV series
For over 10 years, the Toronto International Film Festival has offered attendees a look at new and returning TV shows within its Primetime Program. This selection features various prestige and genre shows, typically debuts from popular showrunners or titles that feature notable celebrities.
This year, the program features 10 TV shows; each screening will consist of the first two episodes of the series or new season. Alongside YAGA, TIFF this year will screen Mike Flanagan’s adaption of Stephen King’s Carrie hitting Prime Video, as well as the Peacock prequel series, Crystal Lake. The sixth season of Slow Horses from Apple TV will also play at the festival, as well as a new Netflix horror series called Below starring Josh Harnett that also gives Widow’s Bay vibes.
Yaga will have its world debut on Thursday, September 17, and I can’t wait to see it.
