Josh Hartnett’s return to television in the gothic horror series Penny Dreadful demonstrates why the show remains essential viewing for fans of dark, intricate storytelling. Airing on Showtime from 2014 to 2016, this series seamlessly blends classical horror elements with a richly atmospheric Victorian England setting, showcasing Hartnett’s compelling performance as Ethan Chandler.
The Premise and Hartnett’s Central Role
Set in Victorian London, Penny Dreadful introduces viewers to Ethan Chandler, portrayed by Josh Hartnett, a skilled sharpshooter escaping a troubled history in America. Chandler operates a traveling Wild West show but quickly becomes entangled in a sinister world when Vanessa Ives (Eva Green), a mysterious woman, and her ally Sir Malcolm Murray (Timothy Dalton) draw him into a secret mission to eliminate a vampire den. This journey propels Ethan into encounters with demons, immortals, and mad scientists, weaving a dark narrative that explores both supernatural horror and human complexity.
The show’s creator, John Logan, and producer Sam Mendes crafted a series that revives iconic literary characters such as Dorian Gray (Reeve Carney), Van Helsing (David Warner), Henry Jekyll (Shazad Latif), and Victor Frankenstein (Harry Treadaway) alongside Hartnett’s Ethan Chandler, creating a richly layered storyline rooted in 19th-century fascination with the macabre.
Critical Acclaim Across Three Seasons
Penny Dreadful spans three seasons, delivering 27 episodes praised for their gothic style, mature themes, and strong performances. Often compared favorably to classic Hammer Horror films with a modern twist, the series consistently maintained high ratings, never falling below an 81% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The high production values and immersive settings contributed to its reputation as a standout supernatural drama.
Critics noted the show’s distinctiveness within the horror genre. Neil Genzlinger from The New York Times highlighted its appeal by commenting,
Oh dear; another show to add to our ever-growing guilty-pleasure lists.
Brian Lowry of Variety echoed this sentiment, calling the premiere
Solidly entertaining, well cast[,] and oozing with atmosphere.
Throughout its run, Hartnett’s performance gained particular attention. Maureen Ryan of HuffPost praised his versatility, stating,
He could do fabulous things in tender moments and also take charge of big set pieces.
She further observed that the series,
somehow manages to be an escapist pleasure full of Dickensian interiors and lush paeans to pleasure and gore.
In its final season, Penny Dreadful expanded its scope by exploring new locations such as Boston, where Mark Perigard of the Boston Herald admired the production’s vivid contrasts:
Unparalleled. This season the bright oranges and yellows of the Old West make for a welcome contrast to the washed-out blues and grays of Old London.
Legacy and Availability for New Audiences
Penny Dreadful stands out not only for its storytelling but also for reinvigorating gothic horror on modern television. With its combination of literary characters and fresh plotlines, it continues to attract viewers interested in complex, dark dramas and supernatural thrillers. Josh Hartnett’s portrayal of Ethan Chandler remains a highlight, offering a blend of toughness and subtlety that anchors the series.
For those seeking to explore this acclaimed show, Penny Dreadful is currently available on Amazon Prime and Paramount+, making it accessible to new and returning fans eager to experience its haunting world.
