The Hunger (TV series)

The Hunger

DVD cover (1st season)
Genre Drama
Erotic horror
Created by Jeff Fazio
Presented by Terence Stamp (1st season)
David Bowie (2nd season)
Country of origin  Canada
 United Kingdom
Original language(s) English
No. of seasons 2
No. of episodes 44
Production
Location(s) London, UK
Montreal, Canada
Running time 30 min.
Release
Original network Sci Fi Channel
Showtime (U.S.)
The Movie Network and SuperChannel (Canada)
Original release July 20, 1997 – March 5, 2000

The Hunger is a British/Canadian television horror anthology series, co-produced by Scott Free Productions, Telescene Film Group Productions and the Canadian pay-TV channel The Movie Network. It was created by Jeff Fazio. Though it shares a title with the feature film The Hunger, the series has no direct plot or character connection to it.

Originally shown on the Sci Fi Channel in the UK, The Movie Network in Canada and Showtime in the US, the series was broadcast from 1997 to 2000, and is internally organized into two seasons. Each episode was based around an independent story introduced by the host; Terence Stamp hosted each episode for the first season, and was replaced in the second season by David Bowie. Stories tended to focus on themes of self-destructive desire and obsession, with a strong component of soft-core erotica; popular tropes for the stories included cannibalism, vampires, sex, and poison.

Reception

Though notable for the quality of the authors who wrote for the series (episodes were penned by well-known authors Graham Masterton, Gemma Files, Poppy Z. Brite, and Harlan Ellison among others), The Hunger did not receive great critical acclaim. In 2011, episodes began airing in the US on the Chiller cable channel.

Episodes

Season 1 (19971998)

Series
#
Season
#
Title Directed by Written by Original airdate Production Code
11"The Swords"Tony ScottHoward A. Rodman,
Robert Aickman (story)
July 20, 1997 (1997-07-20)101
A man starts dating a nightclub star who can apparently survive being stabbed with swords. Stars Balthazar Getty, Amanda Ryan, Timothy Spall, and Jamie Foreman.
22"Ménage à Trois"Jake ScottJordan Katz, Vincent Ngo,
F. Paul Wilson (story)
July 20, 1997 (1997-07-20)102
A young nurse is hired as a live-in caretaker for an older woman who lives with her young, good-looking handyman. Stars Karen Black, Lena Headey, and Daniel Craig.
33"Necros"Russell MulcahySteven Salzburg, Audrey Salzburg,
Brian Lumley (story)
July 20, 1997 (1997-07-20)103
A beautiful young woman is the constant companion of an older man, but their relationship may not be what it seems. Stars Philip Casnoff, Céline Bonnier, and Leonardo Cimino.
44"The Secret Shih-Tan"Russell MulcahyDavid Preston,
Graham Masterton (story)
July 27, 1997 (1997-07-27)104
A gourmet chef is offered a great deal of money to prepare a meal from a secret book, Shi-Than. Stars Jason Scott Lee, Gregoriane Minot Payeur, Kenneth Welsh, and Robert Ito.
55"Bridal Suite"Erik CanuelClair Noto,
Graham Masterton (story)
August 3, 1997 (1997-08-03)105
A newly married couple on their honeymoon discover that the bed in their room is supposed to be cursed. Stars Sally Kirkland, Karen Elkin[1] and Colin Ferguson.
66"Room 17"Erik CanuelCraig Miller, Mark NelsonAugust 10, 1997 (1997-08-10)106
A man rents a motel room in order to watch some special erotic films privately. Stars Curtis Armstrong, Kim Feeney, and Penny Mancuso.
77"Anaïs"Darrell WasykTerry Curtis Fox,
Graham Masterton (story)
August 17, 1997 (1997-08-17)107
An architect spends his time fantasizing about a made-up woman he calls "Anaïs" but the imaginary woman begins to have real desires. Stars Ilona Elkin and Nick Mancuso.
88"No Radio"Howard A. RodmanMarianne Ackerman,
Mickey Friedman (story)
August 24, 1997 (1997-08-24)108
A kidnapper gets more than he expected when he abducts his married lover. Stars Bruce Ramsay, Amanda De Cadenet and James Rae.
99"But At My Back I Always Hear"Patricia RozemaMarianne Ackerman, Patricia Rozema,
David Morrell (story)
August 31, 1997 (1997-08-31)109
A professor is stalked by a young female student. Stars Cary Lawrence, Michael Gross and Karen Elkin.
1010"Red Light"Christian DuguayDavid J. SchowSeptember 21, 1997 (1997-09-21)110
A supermodel refuses to be photographed because she is convinced that the camera will steal her soul. Stars Tomas Arana and Liliana Kamorowska.
1111"I'm Dangerous Tonight"Russell MulcahyGerald Wexler,
Cornell Woolrich (story)
September 21, 1997 (1997-09-21)111
A red dress by a famous fashion designer causes strange behavior in the people who wear it. Stars Marie-Josée Croze, Dorothée Berryman and Esai Morales.
1212"The Sloan Men"Darrell WasykBruce Smith, David Nickel (story)September 28, 1997 (1997-09-28)112
Through a shocking revelation by her future mother-in-law, a young woman comes to realize her fiancé and his father aren't exactly human. Stars Clare Sims, Gregory Calpakis and Margot Kidder.
1313"A Matter of Style"John HamiltonDavid ShoreOctober 26, 1997 (1997-10-26)113
A young inept burglar is bitten by a beautiful vampiress, who tries to teach him how to be a vampire. Stars Daniel Brochu, Chad Lowe and Isabelle Cyr.
1414"Hidebound"Jeff FazioGerald Wexler,
Gemma Files (story)
January 23, 1998 (1998-01-23)114
A young female security guard is attacked by a murderous spirit visible only to her. Stars Brooke Smith and Paul Hopkins.
1515"Fly-By-Night"Yermo MishotTerry Curtis Fox,
Gemma Files (story)
January 31, 1998 (1998-01-31)115
A mental patient haunted by horrible wartime flashbacks gets shut up with a vampire. Stars Giancarlo Esposito and Kim Feeney.
1616"A River of Night's Dreaming"John WarwickerBruce Smith, Karl Edward WagnerFebruary 6, 1998 (1998-02-06)116
A female convict escapes from a prison transport and hides at the home of an elderly woman. Stars Marni Thompson and Ann Terkel.
1717"The Lighthouse"Darrell WasykFebruary 20, 1998 (1998-02-20)117
A lighthouse-keeper, trapped at his post during a hurricane, begins to question his sanity. Stars Bruce Davison and Vlasta Vrána.
1818"The Face of Helene Bournouw"Robert CiupkaHarlan Ellison (as Cordwainer Bird)February 27, 1998 (1998-02-27)118
A reporter investigates a woman whose beauty literally drives men mad. Stars Stephen McHattie and Jayne Heitmeyer.
1919"Plain Brown Envelope"Michel DavidTerry Curtis Fox,
Lyn Wood (story)
March 6, 1998 (1998-03-06)119
On a cold and snowy night, a young hitchhiker stows away in the back of a large truck that turns out to be the warehouse of a sex fantasy salesman. Stars Jesse Borrego, Doris Milmore and Stephan Cloutier.
2020"The Other Woman"George MihalkaDavid Taylor,
Lois Tilton (story)
March 20, 1998 (1998-03-20)120
The mistress of a married man has visions of being murdered by his wife. Stars Joanna Cassidy, Nicholas Campbell and Lisa Bronwyn Moore.
2121"Clarimonde"Tom DeyGerald Wexler,
Théophile Gautier (story)
March 20, 1998 (1998-03-20)121
A strange beautiful woman seems to get a thrill from seducing men about to become priests. Stars David La Haye and Audrey Benoit.
2222"Footsteps"Jimmy KaufmanGerald Wexler,
Harlan Ellison
March 27, 1998 (1998-03-27)122
A lovely vampiress who seduces and drains a different man every night meets a man who claims to be a vegetarian. Stars Jean-Guy Bouchard and Sofia Shinas.

Season 2 (19992000)

Series
#
Season
#
Title Director Writer Original airdate Production Code
231"Sanctuary"Tony ScottBruce M. SmithSeptember 10, 1999 (1999-09-10)023
A successful but unbalanced artist takes in a young and seriously wounded drifter who is on the run and looking for a place to hide. Stars David Bowie, Giovanni Ribisi and Richard Jutras.
242"Skin Deep"Luke ScottChrista Faust (Story)
Bruce M. Smith (Teleplay)
September 17, 1999 (1999-09-17)028
A lonely woman seeks for comfort with a sadistic lap dancer. Stars Kate Vernon and Sarain Boylan.
253"The Dream Sentinel"Chris HartwillPoppy Z. Brite (Story)
Gerald Wexler (Teleplay)
September 24, 1999 (1999-09-24)026
The ghost of a murdered detective seeks solace with a young stripper, who is mourning the death of her ex-lover. Stars Eric Roberts and Alice Poon.
264"And She Laughed"Jean BeaucheminLiz Holliday (Story) ,
Jeff Fazio (Teleplay)
October 3, 1999 (1999-10-03)039
A woman's nightmares about a Peeping Tom become real. Stars Ben Bass and Jennifer Beals.
275"Nunc Dimittis"Russell MulcahyTanith Lee (Story) ,
Gerald Wexler Teleplay
October 10, 1999 (1999-10-10)029
Princess Dracula's dying faithful companion tries to fulfil his last wish: find his own successor. Stars David Warner, Philippe Ross, Jacob Tierney and Marina Orsini.
286"Week Woman"Daniel GrouKim Newman (Story)
Terry Curtis Fox (Teleplay),
October 17, 1999 (1999-10-17)033
A newlywed is disturbed by his wife's inexplicable mood swings, so he decides to do something about it. Stars Martin Watier and Brooke Smith.
297"The Night Bloomer"Erik CanuelDavid J. Schow (Story) ,
Mark Nelson (Teleplay)
October 24, 1999 (1999-10-24)036
A corporate researcher offers to help an ambitious businessman advance his career, but he's unaware of the price. Stars Glenn Plummer, Gillian Ferrabee and Serge Houde.
308"The Diarist"Alain DesrochersGemma FilesOctober 31, 1999 (1999-10-31)041
A witch with a penchant for vengeance is romantically spurned by a man and decides to get even with him by casting evil spells to ruin his life and possibly bring him under her spell. Stars Sheena Larkin and Ian M. Watson.
319"Sin Seer"Daniel GrouDavid Fletcher (Story)
Peter Lankov (Teleplay)
November 7, 1999 (1999-11-07)044
Mano is a man who has a unique gift - he can look into people's eyes and see their darkest secrets. For years, he has avoided eye contact with people but, for even longer, he has avoided mirrors... but what should happen if he looked into one? Stars Robert Brewster and Brad Dourif.
3210"Triangle in Steel"Adrian MoatThomas Raddall (Story)
Gerald Wexler (Teleplay)
November 14, 1999 (1999-11-14)034
A young man goes to work at a steel mill with Native Americans, and becomes involved with the boss's wife. Stars George Gilbert Scott, Joe McComber and Victoria Sanchez.
3311"Brass"Jeff FazioDavid J. Schow (Story)
Jeffrey Cohen (Teleplay)
November 21, 1999 (1999-11-21)032
When a young man inherits an ornate mirror following the death of his Satanist father, he finds that it reveals his mother attempted use of black arts. As the dead man's son continues his father's work, he puts the lives of those around him in danger, particularly when he forges a link to Hell through the power of the mirror. Stars Max Martini, Polly Shannon, Richard Normand, and Philip Pretten.
3412"Replacements"Bruce M. SmithLisa Tuttle (Story)
Bruce M. Smith (Teleplay)
November 28, 1999 (1999-11-28)038
A doctor becomes determined to find out what is happening to the women in his town, after they appear to be turning against the men and becoming obsessed with something unknown. They seem to have found animalistic replacements for their husbands. Stars Howard Rosenstein.
3513"I'm Very Dangerous Tonight"Alain DesrochersCornell Woolrich (Story)
Terry Curtis Fox (Teleplay)
January 2, 2000 (2000-01-02)025
A dress causes strange things to happen to every person that wears it. Stars Martin Simms.
3614"Wrath of God"Russell MulcahyBruce M. Smith (Teleplay),
Gemma Files (story)
January 9, 2000 (2000-01-09)024
A landlord is visited by a powerful stranger who wants to observe evil in all its forms. Stars Anthony Michael Hall.
3715"Bottle of Smoke"Jean BeaudinGemma FilesJanuary 16, 2000 (2000-01-16)043
When an elderly woman, who travelled widely in her youth, dies, she leaves her possessions to her young niece, which includes a bottle of smoke that promises the ultimate in sexual fulfillment. But such pleasure comes at a price. Stars Soo Garay and Cathy Moriarty.
3816"The Perfect Couple"Darrell WasykDavid J. Schow (Story)
Gerald Wexler (Teleplay),
January 23, 2000 (2000-01-23)031
A modern day cupid arranges for two people to come together and believes them to be the perfect match. Four years later, though, he revisits them to see how they fared and finds their relationship is troubled. Was his mistake just that... Or is his poor matchmaking deliberate?. Stars Claudia Besso, Aldo Tirelli and Noël Burton.
3917"The Sacred Fire"Russell MulcahyCharles de LintJanuary 30, 2000 (2000-01-30)040
Luann is a kind and generous woman who volunteers to help the homeless find food and shelter, but when she meets Nick, who lives on the street, he warns her that there are street people who are actually demons in disguise, intent on killing humans. Stars Kim Huffman and James Marshall.
4018"Approaching Desdemona"Jason HrenoLenny Kleinfeld (Story)
Terry Curtis Fox (Teleplay)
February 6, 2000 (2000-02-06)027
In a story that will be familiar to many Internet users, a couple's life together deteriorates when he finds an adult website that offers bizarre sexual fantasies. Stars Christina Colburn, William McNamara and April Telek.
4119"The Seductress"Alain DesrochersRamsey Campbell (Story)
Mark Nelson (Teleplay)
February 13, 2000 (2000-02-13)030
When a novelist reads a suicide note from a former lover, she begins an affair with a mysterious man, but their romance is not all it seems and the boundaries between reality and fiction appear to fall away. Stars William Katt, Laura Mitchell and Rachel Hayward.
4220"Double"John L'EcuyerKarl Edward Wagner (Story)
Bruce M. Smith (Teleplay)
February 20, 2000 (2000-02-20)042
The myth of the Doppelganger has lasted for centuries and receives a modern updating here as two identical women meet but realise the differences between them are in their personalities - one is normal whilst the other is plagued by nightmares. Their meeting, however, results in a battle for their souls. Stars Lori Petty, Daniela Akerblom, Larry Day, and Rachelle Lefevre.
4321"The Falling Man"Daniel GrouBruce M. Smith (Teleplay)
David J. Schow (Story)
February 27, 2000 (2000-02-27)035
A muse inspires a gifted young architect, but she exacts a terrible price from him when he fails. Stars Maria Bertrand and A Martinez.
4422"The Suction Method"Darrell WasykRudy Kremberg (Story)
Gerald Wexler (Teleplay)
March 5, 2000 (2000-03-05)037
A middle-aged married man cheats on his wife with the carpet cleaner lady. But there's a bigger story behind the mysterious lady---she's there to get the unwanted "dirt" out of the house. Stars Fisher Stevens, Jeannie Walker and Valérie Valois.

DVD releases

Region 1

Entertainment One released both seasons on DVD in the US in 2009. Season 1 was released on June 2, 2009 and Season 2 on October 13, 2009.

Alliance Home Entertainment has released the entire series on DVD in Canada for the very first time.

Region 2

Infinity Video released both seasons on DVD in the UK for the very first time on October 31, 2005 as Amazon exclusives.[2][3] Season 1 and 2 were re-released as full retail releases in 2007.

DVD Name Ep# Release Dates
Region 1 (US) Region 1 (CAN) Region 2
Season 1 22 June 2, 2009[4] June 8, 2010[5] July 23, 2007
Season 2 22 October 13, 2009[6] June 8, 2010[7] July 23, 2007

See also

References

External links

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