Truth Seekers, the horror-comedy with the Cornetto Trilogy duo Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, was unjustly cancelled after its first season on Amazon Prime. The show deserved another season, and while it only has eight episodes, over time it will likely gain its cult classic status.
The series follows Gus (Nick Frost), who works as the lead broadband installer at a company called Smyle, which is run by Dave (Simon Pegg). When he isn’t making house calls, Gus scours the countryside for any signs of paranormal activity. He records his exploits and publishes them on his YouTube channel, The Truth Seeker. It is only when Gus meets Elton John (Samson Kayo), who becomes his cameraman and sidekick, that he sees his first ghost. From here, things get creepy, as they are joined by some interesting characters on their paranormal adventures.
There are many reasons why the show deserved its second season. One of which is the cast gives authenticity to each of their characters, quirks and all. This includes Astrid (Emma D’Arcy), who asks them for help because she is being hunted by malevolent spirits. Meanwhile, Helen (Susan Wokoma) is Elton’s agoraphobic sister who runs a cosplay makeup Youtube channel, and Gus’ father-in-law, Richard (Malcolm McDowell), makes for a great technologically impaired cranky old man.
When it comes to comedy, it is the show's dry one-liners that pack the biggest laughs. However, what is different here from Pegg and Frost's other projects is that Frost takes on the lead role. He is also more serious as a paranormal investigator who is still seeking answers after his wife’s mysterious death. It is then Elton who is the comedian of the pair, as his reactions to each supernatural situation are hilarious. His overall earnestness for not liking ghosts also makes him all the more endearing.
While there is a comedic element to the show, it also features scenes that could easily be a part of a horror movie. With each new place they go to for installations -- whether it's haunted houses, hospitals or inns -- always containing a spectral entity to confront. What also makes it so interesting is that at the start of each episode there is a flashback to the origins of the ghost story, placing each one in its own history.
The scares and laughs are intricately woven together so that each has its place. Along with unravelling the stories around each paranormal event, everyone also has their own mysterious backstory. At first, Gus won’t talk about what happened to his wife. Meanwhile, Elton John, which is likely a fake name, won’t reveal his elusive origins and why he’s had so many part-time jobs. There are also mysteries unravelling in the background in the form of Smyle and Dr. Peter Toynbee having their own nefarious plans.
The chemistry between the characters also shines through their relationships. Gus and Elton quickly become friends through their encounters with the paranormal, with Elton somehow always managing to find the ghosts and secret doors first. There is also an unlikely and heartwarming friendship between Richard and Helen, who bond over their loneliness and lack of friends. Overall it is the friendships, mystery and comedy that will endear Truth Seekers to future audiences. It is also what should’ve given it a season two, though it will be up to other networks whether the show is scooped up in the future.