Holliston

"Holliston" is an American horror-comedy television series that aired on FEARnet from 2012. The series was created by Adam Green and takes on an innovative twist and merge of genres that promise both guts and guffaws to its viewers. The series is set in the small town of Holliston, Massachusetts, serving as the backdrop for this unique, offbeat, and often hilarious journey into the lives of aspiring horror filmmakers and life-long best friends, Adam and Joe.

The show plays out like a sitcom, complete with laugh tracks, but bucks the conventional by incorporating elements from the horror genre. The cast of characters include a monster living in the closet, cameo appearances by iconic horror movie actors, and a co-worker who's a glam rock enthusiast. With its unique blend of traditional sitcom elements, the show brings together comedy, romance, and quite a huge chunk of horror, effectively redefining the typical concept of genre-specific television series.

The central focus is on lead characters Adam and Joe, played by Adam Green and Joe Lynch, who are essentially fictionalized versions of themselves. They use their real first names, and their characters are based heavily on their own lives and experiences. They're two small-town guys with big dreams of making it in Hollywood as renowned horror filmmakers. However, their current reality is far from their aspirations as they work at a local cable station and produce a late-night movie show.

Then there's Laura Ortiz as Laura, Adam’s childhood sweetheart who complicates his romantic life, and Corri English as Corri, a spunky makeup artist who is often the voice of reason to Joe, but with her own set of complexities. Together, the four navigate the ups and downs of life, love, and friendship while tackling the unpredictable world of indie filmmaking. Throughout the series, the pals go on hilarious adventures tackling disastrous acute films, obnoxious film critics, clingy ex-girlfriends, undefined love interests, and more.

A unique element in the show's format involves a humanoid, called Oderus Urungus, who lives in Adam's closet. Adding a surreal twist, Oderus is imagined as an anthropomorphized incarnation of the lead vocalist from the rock band GWAR. Serving as Adam's imagined advisor, often giving terrible advice and sometimes acting as the conscious Adam lacks, this character emphasizes Holliston's eccentricity and satirical take on the struggles of early adulthood.

Furthermore, the series breaks the fourth wall numerous times, as characters frequently address the audience directly. There are also sporadic pauses for fake commercial breaks, keeping in line with the creators' vision of the show as a throwback to classic ’80s sitcoms like “Cheers” and “The Wonder Years.”

"Holliston" takes this unconventional approach a step further by featuring surprise guest appearances from renowned figures in the horror movie industry, amongst whom include Kane Hodder (famous for his role as Jason Voorhees in the Friday the 13th series) and Tony Todd of Candyman fame. These appearances, alongside its plot-driven narratives filled with horror film references, make the show a true horror aficionado's delight.

In summary, "Holliston," with its mix of traditional sitcom stylings, horror elements, and the slice-of-life struggles of young adults trying to break into the film industry, truly stands out as a unique offering in television. It provides a relatable narrative for those struggling to realize their dreams while irresistibly blending it with the horror genre's jolts and jumps. Enriched by solid writing, a committed cast, and its refreshing take on genre-mixing, "Holliston" cements itself as a remarkable series to witness. This is a show that breaks boundaries, simultaneously managing to make you laugh, scream, and root for the underdogs.