Show of the week: South of Hell

Horror gurus Eli Roth (Hostel) and Jason Blum (Sinister) are exec producing the new Deep South thriller series, which has been penned by James Manos (The Shield).

Set in South Carolina, the series follows Maria Abascal (Mena Suvari, American Beauty), a demon hunter for hire. Her work, however, means she has her own inner demon in the shape of Abigail, who feeds on the energy of the monsters she pursues.

The drama is for WE tv, the US cable channel that is moving into drama.

Roth directed the first of the eight one-hour episodes and the series will debut on WE tv later this year. US producer and distributor Sonar is selling South of Hell internationally and will be marketing the show in Cannes.

“It is the first pairing of horror masters Eli Roth and Jason Blum and it is a nice blend of genres, with a lot of thriller elements and a lot in there for horror fans,” says Jenna Glazier, Sonar’s senior VP, television.

AMC Networks channel WE tv is has a female skew, and with its strong female lead, South of Hell will appeal to women viewers. However, there is also a strong male character of note in David (Zachary Booth), the demon-hunting brother of Maria. CSI actor Bill Irwin plays the demon slayers’ father.

The series embodies the new form of high-end serialised TV drama, Glazier says. “It has a lot of film pedigree behind it with Mena Suvari, Eli Roth and Jason Blum. It was shot on location in Charleston, and that southern element figures heavily; it is a character in the series.

“South of Hell definitely pushes the envelope with storytelling, and has horror, and moments that are very suspenseful. It is a scary, thrilling and visually stunning series.

The show: South of Hell

The producers: Sonar Entertainment, Blumhouse Television

The distributor: Sonar Entertainment

The broadcaster: WE tv (US)

The concept: Eight-part horror thriller starring Mena Suvari as a demon hunter for hire