Scream is an American anthology slasher television series developed by Jill Blotevogel, Dan Dworkin and Jay Beattie for MTV and Brett Matthews for VH1. It is based on the titular film series created by Kevin Williamson. The series is produced by Dimension Television and MTV Production Development, and was formerly filmed in Louisiana, in locations such as Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Blotevogel and Jaime Paglia originally served as showrunners during the first season before being replaced by Michael Gans and Richard Register in the second season, because of creative differences. The first two seasons were situated in the fictional town of Lakewood, where a string of murders took place. At the center of those murders was Emma Duval (played by Willa Fitzgerald), a teenage girl who is somehow tied to the town's dark past.
The series premiered on MTV on June 30, 2015, and concluded its first season on September 1, 2015. The series was officially picked up for a second season in July 2015. After its second season concluded, a two-hour Halloween special aired in October 2016.
In October 2016, MTV renewed the series for a third season. In April 2017, MTV announced that they were rebooting the series with the third season, with a new cast and setting. As part of the reboot process, it was revealed that Brett Matthews would be serving as the main showrunner. In addition, Queen Latifah, Shakim Compere and Yaneley Arty would be added as executive producers for the series under Flavor Unit Entertainment. RJ Cyler, C. J. Wallace, Tyga, Keke Palmer, Jessica Sula, Giorgia Whigham, Giullian Yao Gioiello and Tyler Posey starred in the rebooted third season. In June 2019, it was announced that the series would be moving to VH1 ahead of the premiere of the third and final season. The season, subtitled Resurrection, premiered on July 8, 2019.
Premise Scream is a serialized anthology series that follows a group of teenagers being stalked and targeted by a masked serial killer.
The first two seasons, set in a fictional version of the town of Lakewood, Colorado, follow the story of Emma Duval, a teenage girl, who is linked to the horrific events of the town's past. As the killer's main obsession starts to take a hold after a brutal murder in the present day, Emma finds herself in the center of imminent peril. With both family and friends in danger, she sets out to uncover the town's secrets and unmask the identity of the Lakewood Slasher.
The third season follows the story of Deion Elliot, a local football star in Atlanta, who is tormented by the events of his tragic past. As Ghostface uses his darkest secrets against him and continues with a killing spree, Deion not only stands to lose his future, but also, the lives of his friends and family members, who might end up being potential victims of the notorious and infamous killer.
Cast and characters
Main Willa Fitzgerald as Emma Duval, a popular high school student and local barista who becomes the primary target of the Lakewood Slasher (season 1–2). The character was based on Sidney Prescott in the film series. Bex Taylor-Klaus as Audrey Jensen, a sarcastic, bicurious filmmaker who had a falling out with Emma during their childhood (season 1–2). John Karna as Noah Foster, a witty and intelligent nerd who has a vast knowledge about horror films (season 1–2). The character was based on Randy Meeks in the film series. Amadeus Serafini as Kieran Wilcox, a new student who becomes Emma's main love interest (season 1–2). The character is based on Bllly Loomis in the first film. Connor Weil as Will Belmont, a poor but popular basketball player and Emma's ex-boyfriend (season 1). Carlson Young as Brooke Maddox, a wealthy and popular, but troubled, student and the daughter of Lakewood's mayor (season 1–2). The character was based on Tatum Riley in the first film. Jason Wiles as Clark Hudson, Kieran's biological father and the sheriff of Lakewood. He develops a relationship with Emma's mother, Maggie (season 1). The character is loosely based on Dewey Riley in the film series. Tracy Middendorf as Maggie Duval, Emma's mother and the Lakewood medical examiner. She conceals her history with Brandon James (season 1–2). The character is loosely based on Maureen Prescott in the first and third films. Kiana Brown as Zoe Vaughn, an overachieving intellect who harbors a secret. She becomes Noah's new love interest in the second season (season 2). Santiago Segura as Gustavo "Stavo" Acosta, a new student and skilled artist who is interested in the horror genre, serial killers and comic books. (season 2) RJ Cyler as Marcus Elliot, a successful, star football player who becomes the primary target of Ghostface, and Deion Elliot, Marcus’ deceased twin brother whose identity he takes on after his death (season 3). Jessica Sula as Olivia "Liv" Reynolds, a new student prior to the events of the series who becomes Marcus’ main love interest. She is a cheerleader, honor roll student, and daughter of a police officer (season 3). Keke Palmer as Kym, a bold, rebellious student and dedicated social activist (season 3). Giorgia Whigham as Beth, an outspoken goth student and tattoo artist. She is extremely fond of horror films (season 3). C. J. Wallace as Amir Ayoub, a good-natured student who aspires to pursue music, but is forced to work in the family business as a result of his strict parents. He develops a relationship with Beth (season 3). Tyga as Jamal "Jay" Elliot, Marcus’ older, half-brother who associates with tough and potentially dangerous individuals (season 3). Tyler Posey as Shane, a high school dropout who works as both drug dealer and party promoter. He has a sexual relationship with Beth (season 3).
Recurring
Bobby Campo as Seth Branson (season 1; guest season 2), a teacher who has a secret relationship with Brooke in the first season. Brianne Tju as Riley Marra (season 1), a popular, cheerful student and a best friend of Emma and Brooke. She becomes Noah's main love interest in the first season. Sosie Bacon as Rachel Murray (season 1; guest season 2), Audrey's girlfriend who attends an all-girls' catholic school. She has suicidal intentions as a result of bullying. Sophina Brown as Lorraine Brock (season 1), a detective assigned to the Lakewood murders case and a previous lover of Sheriff Hudson. Bella Thorne as Nina Patterson (season 1; guest season 2), a wealthy and popular, but rude and possibly sociopathic student who is the first victim in the series, and whose gruesome murder sparks the events of the first two seasons. The character is loosely based on Casey Becker in the first film. Amelia Rose Blaire as Piper Shaw (season 1; guest season 2), a podcaster who comes to Lakewood to investigate the recent murders. The character is loosely based on Gale Weathers in the film series and Jill Roberts in the fourth film. Tom Maden as Jake Fitzgerald (season 1; guest season 2), a wealthy and popular but mischievous basketball player, Brooke's on-and-off boyfriend, and Will's former best friend. Bryan Batt as Mayor Quinn Maddox (season 1-2), Brooke's father and the mayor of Lakewood. He hides secrets from the town that surround illegal business deals and cover-ups. Mike Vaughn as the voices of the Lakewood Slasher and the Shallow Grove Slasher (season 1-2). Austin Highsmith as Kristen Lang (season 2), an idealistic high school psychology teacher who becomes a confidant and mentor to her students. She is in a secret relationship with Seth Branson in the second season. Sean Grandillo as Eli Hudson (season 2), Kieran's cousin with an undisclosed knowledge of his past. He presents a squeaky clean image but has ulterior motives. He takes an interest in Emma. Karina Logue as Tina Hudson (season 2), Eli's mother and Kieran's aunt, who becomes Kieran's legal guardian after the events of the first season. She is proper and polite but with a grifter's sense of self-reliance. Mary Katherine Duhon as Haley Meyers (season 2), an outspoken classmate who strongly dislikes Emma and Audrey. Tom Everett Scott as Kevin Duval (season 2; guest season 1), Emma's estranged father and Maggie's ex-husband. In the second season, he attempts to reconnect with Emma. The character is loosely based on Neil Prescott in the first and third films. Anthony Ruivivar as Miguel Acosta (season 2), the new, competent and experienced sheriff who returns to his childhood home of Lakewood. He is the single father of Stavo. Giullian Yao Gioiello as Manny (season 3), an intelligent, asthmatic, gay student and Kym's best friend. Mary J. Blige as Sherry Elliot (season 3), Deion's mother who often worries about the pressure of his future career in football. Diesel Madkins as Earl Elliot (season 3), Deion's distant father and a trucker. Gideon Emery as T. Reynolds (season 3), Liv's strict, controlling father and a police officer. Patrick Johnson as Avery Collins (season 3), Liv's ex-boyfriend and Deion's rival on the football team. Drew Starkey as Hawkins (season 3), a friend of Deion on the football team. Paris Jackson as Becky (season 3). Terrence J as Coach Griffin (season 3), Deion's football coach. Tony Todd as Hook Man (season 3), a deranged, mysterious man who lives in an abandoned car lot. Deion believes he killed Marcus. Roger L. Jackson as the voice of Ghostface (season 3).
Episodes
Production Development In June 2012, it was reported that MTV was in the early stages of developing a weekly television series based on the Scream film franchise. In April 2013, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that MTV had greenlit the pilot episode, with Wes Craven in talks to direct. In July 2013, it was reported that Jay Beattie and Dan Dworkin had officially boarded the project to write the pilot script and in April 2014, it was reported by TVLine that the series would be penned by Jill Blotevogel. In August 2014, the series announced its cast as well as the director of the pilot episode, Jamie Travis. The series was originally planned to debut in mid-2014, however, this was changed to summer 2015.
An official promotional picture of the series' re-imagined mask was revealed in early June 2015. Initially, Craven expressed his approval of the redesign and hinted at its origins and possible plot significance. However, Craven was later critical about the network's decision to abandon the Ghostface mask in the television series. Later, it was reported that there were preliminary discussions about incorporating the mask in the first two seasons. However, the initial plans were scrapped in favor of a new mask, due to creative reasons. Sometime after the announcement of the reboot, MTV made a deal with Fun World, in order to acquire the licensing rights to the Ghostface mask for the series.
On April 12, 2015, the first trailer for the series was aired during the 2015 MTV Movie Awards presented by Bella Thorne, also revealing the series' premiere date on June 30.
The series was officially picked up for a second season on July 29, 2015. On November 9, 2015, it was announced that Jill Blotevogel and Jaime Paglia would be stepping down as showrunners due to creative differences, although Blotevogel would remain a consultant on the series. Michael Gans and Richard Register replaced them for the second season. On May 2, 2016, the official trailer for the second season was released. The second-season premiere date was changed to May 30, 2016. On October 14, 2016, MTV renewed the series for a six-episode third season, and announced that the showrunners would be replaced again.