Ghost Stories (1997 TV series)
An American horror anthology narrated by Rip Torn.
Ghost Stories was a horror anthology series produced in the United States, broadcast on The Family Channel from 1997 to 1998. The show was hosted by narrator Rip Torn. Initially, two episodes were aired together in a single hour-long block, but later in its run, each episode was shortened to 30 minutes and featured only one story. Many of these tales included a twist at the end, similar in style to episodes of *The Twilight Zone*.
The series has been released on DVD in five separate volumes, as well as a complete series set. In the United Kingdom, it aired on ITV and later on the channel Zone Horror.
Each episode opens with an introduction spoken by Rip Torn, beginning with the line: "Come with me to a place of wondrous contradictions..." After this, Torn introduces the specific episode. At the story's conclusion, he returns to offer commentary, often delivering a moral based on what was shown.
A complete series set was released on September 30, 2008, as a 6-disc digipack. This collection includes the same five volumes plus a sixth disc containing four previously unaired episodes. The set is region 1, has a 1.33:1 aspect ratio, is rated PG-13, runs 910 minutes, and contains no bonus features or commentary.
- field
- Television
- genre
- Horror anthology
- network
- The Family Channel
- narrator
- Rip Torn
- run_time
- 1997–1998
- format
- Originally hour-long (two episodes), later 30-minute episodes
Lore & Background
Each episode of Ghost Stories begins with an introduction segment narrated by Rip Torn, viewable in QuickTime or Windows Media, in which he says: 'Come with me to a place of wondrous contradictions. A place that is silent and unstirring yet restless and alive. A place of untold peace and boundless dread. Come with me into the very cradle of darkness, where those who dwell, dwell alone.' After this, Torn introduces the episode, and at the conclusion he comments on what was seen, usually offering some form of moral.
The series ran from 1997 to 1998 on The Family Channel. Originally two episodes were presented back to back in an hour-long segment, but toward the end of the series it was broken down into 30-minute episodes with just one story. Most episodes featured a style similar to The Twilight Zone, with a twist at the end.
Ghost Stories was shown in the United Kingdom on ITV and, more recently, on the TV channel Zone Horror. There have been five DVD releases. On September 30, 2008, the complete series was released in a 6-disc set, including four never-before-seen episodes. The set comes in a digipack with the same five volumes and a sixth disc containing the four unreleased episodes. It was released on region 1 with no other bonus features.
Reader's Guide
Ghost Stories holds a modest place in the history of horror anthology television, airing on The Family Channel during the late 1990s. Its significance lies in its format—originally an hour-long block of two stories, later shortened to single 30-minute episodes—and its reliance on twist endings, a hallmark of The Twilight Zone. The narration by Rip Torn, with a distinctive opening monologue, gave the series a consistent voice. The show's legacy is preserved through five DVD releases and a complete series set from 2008 that includes four previously unseen episodes. Its international broadcast on ITV and Zone Horror in the United Kingdom extended its reach. While not as widely remembered as contemporaries like Tales from the Crypt or The Twilight Zone, Ghost Stories remains a representative example of late-1990s cable horror anthologies, and its DVD availability ensures continued access for genre enthusiasts.
Did You Know?
- The show was narrated by Rip Torn.
- Originally two episodes were presented back to back in an hour-long segment; later it became 30-minute episodes with one story.
- The complete series was released on DVD on September 30, 2008, in a 6-disc set including four never-before-seen episodes.
- Ghost Stories was shown in the United Kingdom on ITV and later on the TV channel Zone Horror.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ghost Stories (1997 TV series)?
Ghost Stories is an American horror anthology series that aired from 1997 to 1998 on The Family Channel. Each installment presents a self-contained supernatural tale, often closing with an unexpected twist reminiscent of The Twilight Zone.
Who narrates Ghost Stories (1997 TV series)?
Rip Torn served as the series' narrator, voicing the introductions and transitions between each ghostly story.
Where and when did Ghost Stories (1997 TV series) air?
The show originally broadcast on The Family Channel in the United States from 1997 to 1998. It later found a UK audience on ITV and the channel Zone.
How did the format of Ghost Stories (1997 TV series) change over its run?
The series began by pairing two stories within a single hour-long block. As the show progressed, it shifted to standalone 30-minute episodes featuring just one tale per airtime slot.
Is Ghost Stories (1997 TV series) available on DVD?
Yes, the complete series was released in five individual volumes as well as a full-set collection for home viewing.
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