Watch The Exorcist

The Exorcist is a supernatural horror drama television series that began airing in September 2016 on FOX. It was inspired by the 1971 novel of the same name by William Peter Blatty, which gave rise to the iconic 1973 film. The show follows a small team of priests who perform exorcisms for the Catholic Church, and the family they are trying to help in the process.

The main characters of the show are Father Tomas Ortega (played by Alfonso Herrera), a progressive and worldly priest who finds himself in over his head when he is tasked with investigating the possession of a young woman; and Father Marcus Keane (played by Ben Daniels), a battle-hardened exorcist who returns to the Church after a long absence to help Tomas in his mission. The two priests form an unlikely partnership as they work together to combat an ancient evil that threatens to destroy everything they hold dear.

One of the standout elements of The Exorcist is its attention to character and world-building. The show takes the time to establish its setting - a gritty, grounded version of Chicago that feels both realistic and haunting - and to flesh out its main characters. Tomas is portrayed as a charismatic and compassionate leader who is deeply committed to his faith, but who is also struggling with doubts and fears. Marcus, on the other hand, is a brooding and cynical loner who has seen the worst humanity has to offer and believes that the Church is ill-equipped to face the supernatural threats that are lurking in the shadows.

As the show progresses, the two priests are joined by another member of their team, Father Bennett (played by Kurt Egyiawan), who is a Vatican investigator sent to Chicago to look into a series of mysterious deaths. Bennett is initially skeptical of the claims of possession that surround the young woman at the center of the show's story, but as he delves deeper into the dark forces that are at work, he begins to realize that there may be more to the situation than meets the eye.

One of the strengths of The Exorcist is the way it blends elements of horror, drama, and suspense to create a tense and engaging viewing experience. The show is not just interested in jump scares and gore (although it certainly has its fair share of both), but also in exploring the complex relationships between its characters and the ways in which their faith and beliefs are tested in the face of unspeakable evil. There are moments of genuine terror, but also moments of introspection and reflection that allow the audience to connect with the characters on a deeper level.

Another notable aspect of The Exorcist is its attention to detail when it comes to the mythology and lore of demonic possession. The show does an excellent job of establishing a believable and consistent world in which exorcisms are a rare but necessary part of the Church's arsenal against the forces of darkness. The exorcism scenes themselves are intense and visceral, but also grounded in a realistic and thoughtful approach to the subject matter. It's clear that the creators of the show did their homework when it comes to the history and cultural significance of exorcism, and this adds a sense of verisimilitude to the proceedings that makes the show all the more chilling.

All in all, The Exorcist is a well-crafted and satisfying horror series that offers a fresh take on a classic story. With strong performances from its leads and a consistently creepy atmosphere, the show manages to keep viewers on the edge of their seats while also delivering a thoughtful exploration of faith, doubt, and the human condition. Whether you're a fan of the original book and movie or just looking for a thrilling and atmospheric supernatural drama, The Exorcist is definitely worth checking out.

The Exorcist is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (20 episodes). The series first aired on September 23, 2016.