Taking classic horror films and turning them into network TV series is the trendy thing nowadays. In some cases it has worked tremendously, as with AMC’s take on Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, Bates Motel. In other cases, not so much as Damien (based on the 1976 film The Omen) failed to gain an audience despite following Bates Motel on A&E and was cancelled after one season. FOX is jumping in with perhaps the biggest gamble on adapting a horror staple to the small screen, with The Exorcist coming this fall.

Check out the teasers below.

The Exorcist was based on William Peter Blatty’s 1971 novel, and directed by Oscar winner William Friedkin in 1973. The film starred 13-year-old Linda Blair as Regan, a young girl possessed by a demon. Also starring Ellen Burstyn, Max Von Sydow, and Jason Miller, it broke all Hollywood conventions. The horror film was nominated for 10 Academy Awards including Best Picture and became known as one of the greatest and most controversial films ever made. My father recalls stories of people running from the theater screaming, crying, and in some cases vomiting.

The show, debuting in September, stars Oscar winner Geena Davis as a Angela Rance, a mom who believes her daughter is the victim of demonic possession. The videos below do not spoil much, but the key ingredients are in there to make a successful series, including scared priests, the growling of the possessed, and weird things happening in dark parts of the house. Most importantly, the famed Exorcist theme, “Tubular Bells” is present, which instantly makes the hair on your neck stand up.

The Exorcist begins Friday, September 23rd on FOX

Videos

THE EXORCIST | It’s A Demon | FOX

THE EXORCIST | Being Manipulated | FOX

THE EXORCIST | Forgive Us Our Trespasses | FOX