Freddy’s Nightmares

Network: first-run syndication
Episodes: 44 (hour)
Seasons: Two

TV show dates: October 9, 1988 — March 11, 1990
Series status: Cancelled/ended

Performers include: Robert Englund

TV show description:
This anthology series, hosted by Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund) and based on the Nightmare on Elm Street films, features the nightmares of the residents of Springwood, Ohio.

The first episode serves as a prequel to the popular Nightmare on Elm Street series and tells the story of Freddy’s acquittal of child murder charges due to the fact the officer in his case didn’t read Freddy his rights. The news leaves Lieutenant Tim Blocker (Ian Patrick Williams) shocked and he feels he should have shot Freddy when he had the chance.

Tim and other angry parents of Springwood corner Freddy in the boiler room of the local power plant and when Freddy threatens to end the lives of Tim’s family, Tim splashes Freddy with gasoline and lights him on fire. Just before dying, he is visited by three dream demons. These demons scan the mortal world for the evilest of souls and give that individual the ability to make dreams a reality. Freddy accepts this offer just as the flames consume him and returns in Tim’s dreams to terrorize him.

Other episodes include a dead grandmother that returns to haunt relatives, an artist whose drawings come to life, a mysterious figure called “The Chopper” who terrifies Springwood’s citizens, and a caller into a radio show who threatens to kill the host’s landlord. Freddy returns for another episode in which he seeks revenge for his own death by slaughtering Tim Blocker’s twin girls.

Freddy Krueger was the only character featured regularly throughout the series, but actors and actresses who later went on to fame that starred in the scary series include Brad Pitt, Mariska Hargitay, Eva LaRue, and John Cameron Mitchell.