Gender and contemporary horror in television The successful return of horror to our television screens in the post millennial years and across a multi media range of platforms demonstrates that this previously moribund genre is once again vibrant challenging and long lasting. The traditional TV audience of the past would have watched very few horror TV shows because not many were made. But that has changed. Programme makers have tapped into their publics insatiable need in these days of terrorism violence and mayhem to provide programmes that have high production values engaging storylines and plenty of frights and gore. Horror TV offers a safety valve for its audience one that enables them to enter into it from the safety of their armchairs. The era of instant access streaming downloading and binge watching whole seasons over a weekend where fandom has blossomed into a cultural force clearly shows horror as a vital part of todays TV scheduling. This edited collection investigates the rising popularity of horror television through deconstructing the gender roles within them via series of case studies including such programmes as Hannibal American Horror Story The Walking Dead Penny Dreadful Supernatural The Exorcist and Bates Motel. By using a series of case studies and employing theoretical modes of close analysis each chapter demonstrates how and why these TV shows are important in reflecting the changing gender roles within modern society.