Genre: Supernatural | Fantasy | Drama | Mystery
Developed by: Monica Owusu-Breen
Based on the novels by: Charlaine Harris (author of True Blood)
Aired: NBC (2017–2018)
Starring: François Arnaud, Parisa Fitz-Henley, Arielle Kebbel, Peter Mensah, Jason Lewis
Seasons: 2 | Episodes: 19
From the author behind True Blood comes another dark, eccentric tale of outsiders and otherworldly beings. Midnight, Texas is a fun, atmospheric blend of fantasy, horror, and soap-opera melodrama that wears its weirdness proudly. Though it never fully reached critical acclaim or mainstream attention, it gained a cult following for its bold characters, small-town mystique, and unapologetic supernatural chaos.
The story centers around Midnight, a remote Texas town that serves as a sanctuary for beings who don’t quite fit into the normal world. Psychics, vampires, witches, angels, shapeshifters—even demons—all coexist under an unspoken truce.
Into this odd community arrives Manfred Bernardo (François Arnaud), a psychic with a shady past who can communicate with the dead. As dark forces begin to stir beneath the surface, the citizens of Midnight must band together to protect their home from both human and supernatural threats.
What follows is a wild ride filled with demonic possessions, magical conflicts, emotional entanglements, and the kind of over-the-top moments that fans of urban fantasy crave.
The cast gives a spirited effort despite the show's genre-heavy tone:
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François Arnaud makes a charismatic and often relatable lead as Manfred, balancing charm with vulnerability.
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Parisa Fitz-Henley as Fiji Cavanaugh, a kind-hearted witch, delivers both warmth and strength.
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Peter Mensah (the vampire Lemuel) and Arielle Kebbel (the assassin Olivia) bring grit and gravitas to the show’s darker moments.
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Jason Lewis shines as Joe, a fallen angel trying to live a peaceful life while hiding his celestial nature.
Each character brings something strange, broken, or beautiful to the table—making the ensemble more compelling than the plot at times.
The show’s production design—especially in Season 1—is a visual treat. Midnight feels like a town lost in time, with its dusty roads, glowing neon signs, and gothic flair. While the CGI effects are hit-or-miss, the practical sets and strong costume design help ground the fantasy elements.
Tonally, Midnight, Texas walks a line between camp and sincerity. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, but also isn’t afraid to dive into emotional or morally complex territory. At times, the show feels like a mashup of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, True Blood, and Supernatural—with a little romance novel energy thrown in.
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Otherness and acceptance
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Found family vs. blood family
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Good vs. evil with blurred moral lines
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Power, sacrifice, and redemption
What sets the show apart is its embrace of the “outsider” narrative—every character is an exile, misfit, or monster trying to find peace, love, or purpose.
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Colorful cast of characters with interesting backstories
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Engaging world-building with a unique supernatural blend
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Quirky, fast-paced storytelling that doesn’t drag
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Strong sense of community and emotional heart
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Uneven pacing, especially in Season 2
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Occasionally cheesy writing and exposition-heavy dialogue
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Special effects can feel dated or low-budget
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Canceled after Season 2 with unresolved plot threads
Midnight, Texas may not be prestige television, but it’s a guilty pleasure that knows exactly what it is—a supernatural soap opera with heart, action, and plenty of genre flair. It celebrates the weird and the wounded, delivering two seasons of entertaining, character-driven escapism.
If you enjoy supernatural drama with diverse characters, moral ambiguity, and a small-town mystery vibe, then Midnight, Texas is worth a visit—even if the train stops a little early.
