Weird, Wild, and Worthwhile
Let’s be clear—Brand New Cherry Flavor isn’t quirky; it’s gleefully unhinged. This show was made for those who want their TV weird in ways that defy explanation. But its outstanding cast and sharp writing keep it compelling even when the story doubles down on the bizarre.
Created by Nick Antosca and Lenore Zion—Zion also wrote for Antosca’s earlier series, Syfy’s Channel Zero—the miniseries adapts a little-known 1996 avant-garde horror novel by Todd Grimson. The result is a surreal parable about exploitation in Hollywood, centering on the strange, spiraling aftermath of a traumatic encounter with sexual harassment. The show seamlessly blends detached humor, Cronenbergian visuals, and grim observations about power and ambition.
The Plot: Hollywood Nightmares and Sorcery
Rosa Salazar anchors the series as Lisa Nova, an indie filmmaker whose debut stirs up attention—especially for its unsettling finale. Hoping to make it big, Lisa heads to Los Angeles and meets producer Lou Burke (Eric Lange), who offers her the opportunity she thought she wanted. Soon, though, Burke exposes his true self and steals Lisa’s film, pushing her onto a dark path of revenge. Lisa turns for help to Boro (Catherine Keener), an enigmatic witch with a taste for black magic, and the story leaps into a psychedelic descent involving curses, vengeance, and plenty of body horror.
What gives Brand New Cherry Flavor its flavor isn’t just its full-throttle weirdness but the way its characters roll with it. Zombie hitmen? Curses? Dysfunctional romance? Unsettling body horror? Lisa Nova’s deadpan acceptance of each shocking twist makes the nightmare feel almost matter-of-fact—and utterly watchable.
“It’s also the only show that comes to mind in which the protagonist repeatedly vomits (live) kittens, and that has to count for something.”
Flawed Heroes, Fantastic Performances
Lisa Nova is a complicated protagonist. Her hunger for revenge leaves collateral damage, and her disregard for others echoes through the plot. The villains she faces might be worse, but her own ruthlessness is never far behind. By the time she realizes the cost of her choices, it’s far too late, which is where much of the show’s horror takes root.
Rosa Salazar delivers a standout performance as Lisa, injecting wit and intensity into a role that teeters between vulnerable and dangerous. Catherine Keener is pitch-perfect as Boro, bringing her trademark offbeat energy to the show’s creepiest character. Manny Jacinto (Code) is heartbreakingly loyal, if underused, as Lisa’s steadfast friend. Jeff Ward charms as Roy Hardaway, and Eric Lange captures Burke’s sleazy slide from fake sympathy to tragic mediocrity.
A Binge Unlike Any Other
In an era where streaming often means crowd-pleasing scripts, seeing a show this strange and specific feels like a breath of fresh air. The story may stretch thin by episode eight, but the direction, atmosphere, and relentless style keep it entertaining. Any minor pacing flaws are easy to forgive when the viewing experience is this wild—and yes, easy to binge.
Meanwhile, those craving more of Antosca’s haunting perspective won’t have to wait long: his new series Cape Fear has been set to debut on Apple TV on June 5, 2026. Until then, Brand New Cherry Flavor is ready to satisfy with its blend of horror, humor, and originality. And if you’ve ever wondered what kind of TV series could feature a main character vomiting kittens, you now have your answer—it’s time to press play.
