If you’re a horror fan, Bruce Campbell needs no introduction. Best known for his iconic role as Ash Williams in Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead franchise, Campbell returned to his beloved role in Ash vs Evil Dead, a bloody, gory, and hilarious continuation of the series. Running for three seasons from 2015 to 2018, Ash vs Evil Dead is a fan-favorite show that blends slapstick humor with spine-chilling horror. For Bruce Campbell fans, here are the top five episodes from all three seasons that showcase his legendary performance as the wisecracking, chainsaw-wielding anti-hero, Ash.

1. Season 1, Episode 1: “El Jefe”

The series premiere “El Jefe” brings Ash Williams back into the spotlight after 30 years of living a quiet life. When the Necronomicon accidentally releases the Deadites again, Ash reluctantly steps back into his role as humanity’s savior. This episode does a great job of reintroducing us to Ash’s brash, arrogant, but lovable personality, while setting the tone for the mayhem to come. Full of gore, humor, and over-the-top action, this episode is a perfect mix of nostalgia and modern horror.

2. Season 2, Episode 2: “The Morgue”

Widely regarded as one of the best episodes in the series, “The Morgue” is a gory, gross-out extravaganza. Ash and Pablo infiltrate a morgue to retrieve the Necronomicon from a cadaver, leading to one of the most memorable scenes in horror television. Without giving too much away, Ash’s battle with a corpse in this episode is both hilarious and disgusting in a way that only Evil Dead could pull off. Campbell’s physical comedy and fearless approach to the bizarre is on full display here.

3. Season 3, Episode 10: “The Mettle of Man”

The series finale, “The Mettle of Man,” delivers on everything fans love about Ash vs Evil Dead—epic Deadite battles, blood-splattered action, and Bruce Campbell being the ultimate hero. As Ash confronts the Dark Ones and an apocalypse-level Deadite invasion, he makes the ultimate sacrifice to save humanity. This finale is bittersweet, providing plenty of epic moments for Ash while leaving fans wanting more. It’s a perfect end to a wild and thrilling series, with Campbell at his very best.

4. Season 2, Episode 9: “Home Again”

In “Home Again,” Ash is forced to confront his past by returning to the iconic cabin in the woods, where the Evil Dead saga first began. This episode is packed with nostalgia for long-time fans, bringing back all the familiar chills and thrills of the original Evil Dead films. The episode also features a strong emotional core, as Ash comes face-to-face with the memories of his friends and family who were lost to the Deadites. Bruce Campbell delivers a more layered performance in this episode, blending his usual snark with genuine pathos.

5. Season 1, Episode 8: “Ashes to Ashes”

“Ashes to Ashes” takes Ash back to the cabin for the first time in the series, where he must deal with his own demonic doppelgänger, Evil Ash. This episode plays with the classic Evil Dead themes of possession and madness, delivering a blend of psychological horror and dark comedy. The showdown between Ash and his evil twin is a series highlight, full of blood-soaked action and classic one-liners. Campbell’s dual performance as both hero and villain makes this episode a standout.

Why Horror Fans Love Ash vs Evil Dead

Bruce Campbell’s portrayal of Ash Williams is a large part of what makes Ash vs Evil Dead such a beloved show among horror fans. His ability to combine humor, physicality, and sheer badassery into one character has solidified his place as a horror icon. Whether he’s decapitating Deadites with his chainsaw or delivering snarky one-liners, Campbell’s Ash is always the highlight of any episode. His performance elevates the show from standard horror-comedy fare into a cult classic.

For fans of Bruce Campbell and the Evil Dead franchise, Ash vs Evil Dead is a must-watch series that honors the legacy of the films while pushing the boundaries of horror-comedy. These top five episodes showcase the very best of Ash’s wild, gory, and hilarious adventures. Whether you’re in it for the splatter, the laughs, or Campbell’s unbeatable charm, these episodes are essential viewing.

Stan Against Evil, starring John C. McGinley, has become a cult favorite among horror-comedy fans, blending supernatural scares with sharp humor. Set in the cursed town of Willard’s Mill, this IFC series ran for three seasons (2016-2018) and follows the cantankerous former sheriff Stan Miller, played by McGinley, as he battles evil forces alongside Sheriff Evie Barret. If you’re a fan of McGinley or love horror with a comedic twist, here are the top five episodes from Stan Against Evil, showcasing the best of the series.

1. Season 1, Episode 1: “Dig Me Up, Dig Me Down”

The series premiere is an essential watch, setting the tone for the supernatural hijinks to come. After his wife’s sudden death, Stan is forced into early retirement, but he soon discovers that she was secretly battling evil forces in their small town. John C. McGinley’s perfect portrayal of the grumpy, no-nonsense Stan Miller makes this episode a great introduction to the character and the show’s blend of horror and humor. The opening moments are filled with laugh-out-loud moments and genuine frights, making it one of the strongest premieres in the horror-comedy genre.

2. Season 2, Episode 8: “A Hard Day’s Night”

In this thrilling and hilarious season 2 finale, Stan and Evie are thrust into a time loop, forced to relive the same night over and over while being hunted by a demonic creature. This episode delivers on both horror and humor, showcasing McGinley’s comedic timing as his character’s frustration grows with each repeated event. It’s a highlight in terms of pacing and creativity, with eerie atmosphere and a fun twist on time-travel horror.

3. Season 3, Episode 3: “Larva My Life”

A fan favorite, this episode combines body horror with humor as Stan gets infested with a parasitic demon larva. McGinley’s physical comedy and exaggerated reactions make this episode especially fun to watch. The creature design and practical effects are top-notch, making it a standout for horror enthusiasts who appreciate grotesque transformations. The episode manages to balance humor with gross-out horror, a signature of Stan Against Evil.

4. Season 1, Episode 8: “Level Boss”

The season 1 finale is one of the most intense episodes, pitting Stan and Evie against a powerful witch who seeks vengeance on the town. Filled with action, tension, and dark humor, this episode ups the stakes for our heroes. McGinley shines in moments of both vulnerability and anger, proving that his character is more than just a curmudgeonly sheriff—he’s a reluctant but determined hero. The final showdown is a must-watch for fans of horror showdowns.

5. Season 3, Episode 7: “Intensive Scare Unit”

One of the creepiest episodes in the series, “Intensive Scare Unit” sees Evie and Stan trapped in a haunted hospital. The atmosphere is pure horror, with eerie hallways, ghostly doctors, and sinister patients. McGinley delivers some of his best deadpan humor as Stan faces off against terrifying spirits. The setting and scares in this episode make it a standout, and the mixture of horror tropes with Stan Against Evil’s unique comedic flair elevates it to one of the top episodes.

Why Horror Fans Love Stan Against Evil

John C. McGinley’s portrayal of Stan Miller is a large part of why Stan Against Evil resonates with fans. His gruff, curmudgeonly attitude, paired with moments of genuine vulnerability, brings depth to a show that could easily be just a horror-comedy romp. His comedic timing, honed from years on Scrubs, meshes perfectly with the show’s quirky tone. At the same time, the horror elements are not diluted—there are plenty of scares, creepy creatures, and dark magic to satisfy even the most hardcore horror fans.

“It’s like Scooby-Doo meets the Exorcist” says McGinley.

Whether you’re in it for the laughs, the scares, or John C. McGinley’s brilliant performance, Stan Against Evil is a must-watch series for horror fans. These five episodes represent the best of the show’s unique blend of supernatural horror and dark comedy. Binge these episodes for a perfect introduction to the world of Willard’s Mill, and get ready for a mix of laughs, frights, and one very cranky former sheriff.

Admittedly I am late to this , I didn’t discover Stan Against Evil until earlier this year. If you like supernatural dark comedies, you better grab your shovel (or pipe, or a series of pipes) because you are in for a fun ride!
Stan Miller (John C McGinley) loses his job as Sherrif to a small New Hampshire town named Willard’s Mill. As it turns out Willard’s Mill was the site of a mass witch burning hundreds of years previous. This has caused the unsuspecting town to be cursed by a myriad of witches, demons, and ghosts. This paranormal blight particularly has it out for the current Sheriff. Its up to newly ‘retired’ Stan and the new female Sheriff Evie Barret (Janet Varney) to the save the town with their own brand of sarcasm and extreme gut-busting violence!
In no particular order here is Seven Reasons YOU should watch Stan Against Evil:

#1 John C McGinley
For anyone who has watched Scrubs I don’t need to tell you what a charismatic actor McGinley is. As we find out Stan likes his coffee black (and his whisky neat and bed at three as well probably). Only he doesn’t really, we find out he takes the sugars from the donut shop to secretly sweeten the coffee in his car. This perfectly sums up the character of Stan; appears macho and crotchety, but is secretly very sweet. McGinley himself describes Stan as “wonderfully damaged” (BUILD Series, 2017) and how he is attracted to playing damaged characters. Stan is understandably damaged by the untimely death of his wife. In episode one (Dig Me Up, Dig Me Down) we see Stan avoiding sleeping in his house after his loss. The little bed made up on his office couch would tug on anyone’s chordae tendinae .
This vulnerability topped with McGinley’s energetic and extremely articulate line delivery with fun gesticulations, makes Stan yet another iconic character to add to McGinley’s roster.

#2 Janet Varney
They may seem an unlikely duo, but Varney and McGinley have amazing chemistry onscreen. Those who know Varney from The Legend of Korra know how she devotes herself to a role. Sheriff Evie Barret is no different. Varney is completely believable as the single mother juggling a demanding job and a town full of (literal) demons. Her verbal sparring with Stan is comedic gold. Varney was even willing to do her own stunts and be drenched in various special effects ‘goo’s’ in the name of art!
Also, as respectfully as possible, how beautiful is she?

#3 The Humour
This might be a little redundant, but the show is incredibly funny! Created by Dana Gould who honed his comedy writing skills while writing for shows such as; The Simpsons. Gould created a fantastical world of magic and dimensions filled with people who are worried about the hand-drawn pentagram messing up their floor.
I could give the show the greatest compliment and say the humor is incredibly British in its satirical brilliance (sorry to my friends across the pond). Think the self-awareness of Buffy the Vampire Slayer with more swearing. Like, a lot more. The Miller family and co are aware of the ridiculousness of the situations they find themselves in and will make you very aware of it too. Whether it’s an ex-husband slowly turning into Mothra (complete with chrysalis) or a bargain bin Scully and Mulder, all you can do is laugh at the specifically tailored insults!

#4 The Costumes
Dana Gould quipped about the show having a good budget for a “birthday party” (BUILD Series, 2017) but not so great for a TV show. However, this turned out to be beneficial as the show’s set designers and prop makers needed to be extra creative. In a world of bizarre and often nightmarish CGI (2020 CATS anyone?) the visceral joy of seeing actual puppets and costumes benefits the overall vibe. You can tell that a lot of love, time, and creative energy went into crafting this universe. Special mention goes to The Walking Dead’s; Steven Ogg transforming into the ‘werepony’ (S2 E3 Curse of the Werepony). And the demonic baby of S2 E5 Hex Marks the Tot binding his prey, spider-like, in blankies.

#5 The Quotes
Stan Against Evil is just so sublimely quotable (trust me I’ve been doing it for months).
Here is a few good’uns;
Evie: Well I’m not Stan. Jesus.
“Stan never gave me a fine. Stan used to let me hunt without a license. Stan never used a breathalyzer”

Stan: There is a super-snazzy Red Roof Inn just down the road.
Kenny: You said that burned down.
Stan: Not all of it.

Stan: Sweetheart go ahead and get the door. Step outside, I’ll lock it, and then everything will be great.

Stan: Do you trust me Leon?
Leon: No. But I’m afraid of you.
Stan: That’s just as good.

#6 The Demons
The generational curse on Willard’s Mill has released a whole host of demons (172 to be exact). Each demon has its own unique style and paranormal superpowers. Whether it’s the manipulative powers of the bloodthirsty werepony or the subtle maliciousness of the original Sheriff of Willard’s Mill responsible for the witch burnings; Constable Eccles (Randall Newsome). Danger manifests in many for the Miller family and co. An ornate mirror, won in a competition, could be a portal to a world inhabited by vampires with shaved chests preying on unsuspecting teenage girls (and Stan). You just never know!

#7 The Emotional Moments
Yes Stan Against Evil is a ridiculous (at times) dark comedy but it’s the moments of surprising emotional weight that make this series so fantastic. Like in S1 E4 Life Orr Death, when Stan is so happy he saved Evie by sacrificing a possession that meant a lot to him. Or Stan using time travel to say a touching final goodbye to his late wife. Varney and McGinley are both such superb actors that they don’t need a lot of dialogue to nail an emotional scene.
In a broader sense, the current media landscape is filled with movies and TV shows designed by committee and motivated solely by money. Its nice to watch something that is clearly a work of passion. The writers, cast, and crew have put a lot of soul and individuality into the three seasons. This makes Stan Against Evil such a satisfying watch and you will grow attached to this quirky gang of characters.