Los Espookys

Los Espookys is a defiantly original and quirky series from HBO, produced between 2018 and 2022. A genre-hopping comedy that blends absurd humor with surrealist fantasy, the series takes the traditional sitcom structure and spins it on its head, displaying hip horror aesthetics with a dash of magical realism. As one of HBO's few primarily Spanish-language programs, the show is predominantly filmed in Chile and features an ensemble cast of Hispanic actors, revealing a depth of Latin American talent previously underrepresented in mainstream American television.

The heart of the series lies with its eclectic group of characters: a team of horror enthusiasts turned professional scare makers, who offer their unique services – staging spooky events – for an array of clients. Their main service is the creation of horror scenarios, whether it be haunted weddings, exorcism services, or faux sea monsters for tourist traps – the quirkier the request, the better – and herein lies the crux of the series’ unconventional charm.

The protagonist and leader of the group is Renaldo, a firm believer in the bizarre who plunges headfirst into every venture with his unwavering enthusiasm. Other members include Úrsula, a dentistry student, and her younger sister Tati, who interchangeably does a variety of jobs, leaning on the peculiar side. Completing the squad is their friend, Andrés, an orphaned chocolate company heir with a melancholic disposition, who also happens to be plagued by a mysterious entity that whispers foreboding messages to him.

Complementing the main cast is Renaldo's encouraging uncle Tío Tico, played by comedy veteran Fred Armisen, who's also one of the co-creators alongside Julio Torres and Ana Fabrega. The show glimmers with the distinct comedic sensibility of the creative trio, all known for their work on Saturday Night Live.

One of the main attractions of Los Espookys is its ingenious blend of horror and comedy, which forges a trail of its own in the annals TV comedy. Despite dealing with dark themes typically associated with horror – supernatural entities, looming danger, fear and the macabre – the atmosphere is light and cheerful throughout, filled with playful overtones and whimsical comedic beats. This delicate tonal balance is testament to the writing prowess of the production team, who also manage to effortlessly weave heartfelt moments between the members of the group, adding to their depth and authenticity.

The setting of the show is an unnamed Latin American country, a decision taken to lend universality to the narrative. It’s a vibrant and surreal environment that heightens both the comical and the cryptic surrounding the "Los Espookys" gang. Shot with a blend of blues, purples, and greens, the have a predilection for the morbid, which is visually captivating, at times evoking the aesthetics of a well-curated Instagram feed.

The dialogue unfolds primarily in Spanish, with English subtitles for those not versed in the language, and occassionally switches to English. Every so often, it subtly satirizes telenovela styling, American obsession with exoticism, and even the comedy genre itself.

One of the key strengths of Los Espookys is its cast, who interpret their idiosyncratic characters with lovable eccentricity. This eclecticism gives the series its unique flavor, and is indicative of a fresh and ambitious vision, challenging existing norms of sitcom television.

In short, Los Espookys is a testament to the breadth and diversity of stories that can be told in the medium of television. It's a series that gleefully dabbles in the absurd, exhibiting a bold new voice in a winding adventure filled with offbeat humor, oddball characters, and, most importantly, an abundance of heart. This series caters to an audience who crave for something out of the box, and absolutely delivers on its promise of an unforgettable, humorous, horror-filled ride.