''Dark Shadows'' (Barnabas Collins) (1966-1971)

By Crusader1307

  Although (perhaps) ''unknown'' to the current generations of ''Horror Fans'', ''Barnabas Collins'' was the first Vampire character to be shown on American Daytime Television (in ''Soap Opera'' Format), that was widely accepted. Barnabas was the principle ''Star'' of The Television Show known as ''Dark Shadows''. It aired from 1966 to 1971 (B&W and later Color), and was one of the most popular Shows on Television. It spawned merchandise, books and even two Major Motion Pictures. Barnabas was played by Canadian Actor Jonathan Frid.

Barnabas Collins was a 175-year old Vampire who ''returns'' to His ''modern'' Family (descendants) in the 1960s. Assuming the guise of the (5x Great) Grandson of the original Barnabas (His cover), He is initially obsessed with finding his ''lost love'' (reincarnated in modern times). Later, as The Series progressed, various ''Time Travel'' Plots, allow us to ''see'' just ''how'' Barnabas was cursed (as was The Collins Family). Ghosts, Possessions, Witches and of course a Werewolf are all eventually presented. Dark and menacing, The Series was produced by American Television Horror Director and Writer Dan Curtis. Over 1,200 Episodes were made and while the Show always rated in the Top 15 of Daytime Shows, it was oft nominated for an Emmy Award (but never won).

Remade into a more ''modern'' scenario in a 2012 Movie, which was more ''camp'' than Gothic Horror, attempts were twice made to resurrect The Series (first in 1994 and again in 2004). Though worthy attempts, both failed to ''capture'' the original ''feel''. The entire Series can be found on DVD and Digital Download throughout The World, and is well worth the time to watch.