Apple TV has unveiled an exclusive first look at 'Widow's Bay,' an upcoming 10-episode horror comedy series created by Katie Dippold. Originating from a spec script for Parks and Recreation, the show stars Matthew Rhys as the mayor of a cursed island town and blends suspense, humor, and supernatural elements. It premieres with the first three episodes on April 29, followed by weekly installments through June 17.
Series Overview and Origin
'Widow's Bay' originated as a spec script intended for the sitcom Parks and Recreation but evolved into a full horror comedy. Created and showrun by Katie Dippold, with executive producers including Matthew Rhys, Carver Karaszewski, Claudia Shin, and Emmy-winner Hiro Murai (via Chum Films), the series marks a pivot from lighthearted ensemble comedy to a cursed, genre-blending narrative.
The story centers on Mayor Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys, known for The Americans), a beleaguered leader in a remote island town 40 miles off New England's coast. The community faces no Wi-Fi, spotty cell service, and superstitious residents believing in a local curse. Loftis pushes tourism to secure a future for his teenage son, but this revives ancient horrors from folklore.
Official logline: “’Widow’s Bay’ is a quaint island town 40 miles off the coast of New England. But something lurks beneath the surface. Mayor Tom Loftis (Rhys) is desperate to revive his struggling community. There’s no wifi, spotty cellular reception and he must contend with superstitious locals who believe their island is cursed. He wants these people to respect him. They don’t. They think he is soft and cowardly. And he is. But Loftis is determined to build a better future for his teenage son and turn the island into a tourist destination. Miraculously, he succeeds: tourists are finally coming. Unfortunately, the locals were right. After decades of calm, the old stories that seemed too ludicrous to be true start happening again.”
First-look images emphasize the atmospheric, eerie setting suited to the horror-comedy hybrid.
Cast and Crew
Rhys leads alongside Kate O’Flynn, Stephen Root, Kingston Rumi Southwick, Kevin Carroll, and Dale Dickey. Hiro Murai (Atlanta, The Bear) directed five episodes and executive produces. Additional directors: Ti West, Sam Donovan, and Andrew DeYoung. Produced by Apple Studios.
Premiere Details
The series launches on Apple TV+ with episodes 1-3 on April 29, then weekly every Wednesday until June 17. This release underscores Apple TV's expansion into genre-mixing originals.
