When it comes to authors like Stephen King, film and TV adaptations are abundant. For every novel or short story that the king of horror has produced, a significant number of screen adaptations have followed. This is for good reason, too. King essentially generates revenue. There are the groundbreaking It adaptations (from the films to the latest Welcome to Derry series), several Carrie movies, a few Shining-related projects (some better than others), and the frequently revived Pet Sematary franchise. Still, many stories haven’t received their due.

Some have come close with projects like The Stand or the Dark Tower series, only to end up with a few TV miniseries or disappointing big-screen adaptations. Those properties at least have the excuse of potentially being too ambitious. You know what story doesn’t have any excuse? <em>Salem's Lot</em>. Tobe Hooper‘s 1979 two-part TV movie is the best of the bunch. It’s charming for what it is, but it doesn’t fully capture the chilling essence of King’s second novel. Meanwhile, after years of development, King fans were excited for the long-awaited Salem’s Lot adaptation in 2024. However, the long-delayed adaptation for HBO Max didn’t quite meet expectations. Director Gary Dauberman‘s interpretation of King’s vampire classic received poor reviews and a disappointing 42% Rotten Tomatoes score, leaving fans once again longing for a definitive screen version of the novel.

Interestingly enough, the closest anyone has come to achieving that true Salem’s Lot level of scares would have to be 2021’s Chapelwaite. While it’s not exactly Salem’s Lot, it is based on a prequel short story titled “Jerusalem’s Lot”, included in the author’s short story collection, Night Shift. Chapelwaite may not seem like the Salem’s Lot screen fix you’re looking for, but its Gothic, 19th-century setting, slow-burn dread, and fantastic performance by Adrien Brody at the center make this one of the most underrated King adaptations to date.

‘Chapelwaite’ Is the Better, More Underrated ‘Salem’s Lot’ Prequel

You might be unfamiliar with the little-seen 2021 miniseries Chapelwaite. Don’t feel bad — many are. This show premiered in August 2021 on Epix and aired all 10 episodes leading up to Halloween, only to quietly fade into obscurity. It’s an unfortunate fate, considering the series clearly had potential for more than its sole season.

But what is Chapelwaite actually about? It’s not Salem’s Lot, so what exactly is this series? Well, first off, it takes place over 100 years before its better-known counterpart. The series follows Charles Boone (Brody), who returns home after his wife’s death and moves with his family to their small hometown in Maine. Unbeknownst to them, this is where vampires (and more — featuring worm babies?!) lurk. So yes, it’s Salem’s Lot, but with a 19th-century Gothic horror flair. There’s not much about Chapelwaite that feels entirely hallmark “King.” You don’t get that classic 20th-century Americana, kids on bikes, or the seedy side of everyday life. This resembles diving into a Dracula series; it just happens to take place in North America and specifically in the same world as Lot.

In short, Chapelwaite excels. It features fantastic performances from a criminally underrated Brody and supporting figures like Emily Hampshire and Julian Richings. You can’t overlook its atmosphere either. This series is the spooky fix that old-school horror fans everywhere are looking for. Every frame is shrouded in fog; everything is covered in dirt and grime; and sunlight is scarce. And hey, for more bloodthirsty horror fans, there’s a hefty dose of gore sprinkled throughout. This old-school Lot has something for everyone!

‘Chapelwaite’ Is Based on Stephen King’s Prequel Story “Jerusalem’s Lot”

You might think of Chapelwaite as a random addition to Stephen King’s universe, but it’s pulled straight from his work. This series is based on a short story titled “Jerusalem’s Lot” from his 1978 collection, Night Shift. In it, King dons his best Bram Stoker Halloween costume and adopts a full Dracula-esque framework. Like Chapelwaite, Jerusalem’s Lot tells Charles Boone’s story; however, instead of following a conventional narrative structure, it unfolds through journal entries and letters.

This also reveals a different side to King’s vampire universe. Like its 2021 television counterpart, Jerusalem’s Lot, takes time to creep readers out primarily through atmosphere. Critics often label King as an author who relies on cheap scares and shocking gore. Real fans recognize that he is a much more multifaceted author than these detractors give him credit for. He has penned some of the most famous dramas of his time, including Rita Hayworth,<em>The Shawshank Redemption</em>, and The Body(you know,Stand By Me).

No doubt he knows how to eliminate some foes in gruesome ways, but King’s true talent lies in creating an eerie atmosphere and writing incredibly memorable characters. Given that “Jerusalem’s Lot” is a short prequel to a rich novel, Charles Boone doesn’t necessarily need to be the most memorable character for the story to succeed. This work is a delight for anyone seeking that old-school vampire horror vibe dressed up with a touch of King flair.

Chapelwaite </emis now available to watch on MGM+ in the U.S.