Netflix orders an ’80s-style supernatural series from Shawn Levy

By B.G. Henne | April 3, 2015 | 6:47pm

Aux Features TV

Netflix is set to create its umpteenth original series with an eight-episode pickup of Montauk, which is being pitched as a “love letter to the ’80s classics that captivated a generation.” But where most of the classic supernatural series of the ’80s were anthologies—The Hitchhiker, Tales From The Darkside, Tales From The Crypt—Montauk appears to a be single storyline, set into motion by the mysterious disappearance of a local boy. So perhaps it’s drawing inspiration from other ’80s classics, like Empty Nest, The Thompson Twins, The Karate Kid Part II, friendship pins, or the captivating flavor of New Coke.

Montauk is being written and directed by Matt and Ross Duffer, and produced by Shawn Levy. The Duffers worked on upcoming Wayward Pines, which appears to be a love letter/blatant ripoff of the ’90s supernatural classic Twin Peaks, so at least they have some experience in that department. Levy‘s passions skew towards dusty dioramas and paleontology exhibits, having directing all three Night At The Museum films. Montauk’s hour-long episodes will premiere in 2016.