Hideo Kojima shares big praise for Apple TV's surprise hit Widow's Bay

Published: Monday, June 15, 2026 at 9:45 am

Hideo Kojima Hails Apple TV+ Series "Widow's Bay" as a Must-Watch Horror Gem

Acclaimed game developer Hideo Kojima, known for his discerning taste in media, has publicly lauded the Apple TV+ series "Widow's Bay," calling it an "incredibly good" binge-worthy experience. The creator of iconic titles took to social media to express his enthusiastic endorsement, highlighting the show's potent blend of horror and humor.

Kojima revealed he consumed the ninth episode of "Widow's Bay" in a single sitting, captivated by its relentless horror elements. He specifically recommended the series to fans of Stephen King and the horror genre in general, praising its excellent pacing and the skillful balance struck between scares and comedic relief. "It's been a long time since a series pulled me in this completely," Kojima stated, underscoring the show's immersive quality.

Further elevating the praise, Kojima drew comparisons between "Widow's Bay" and critically acclaimed works such as Steven Spielberg's "Jaws" and David Lynch's "Twin Peaks" franchise, suggesting a similar level of impact and narrative depth.

The developer's strong recommendation was influenced by a prior endorsement from director Guillermo del Toro, the visionary behind "Pan's Labyrinth." Del Toro had previously described "Widow's Bay" as potentially the "best streaming series in a long time" and a "mesmerizing act of narrative prestidigitation in Horror."

"Widow's Bay" centers on a fictional New England island grappling with its past. The narrative follows a new mayor's efforts to revitalize the town and attract tourism. However, the island's residents believe it to be cursed, a claim that appears to be substantiated by a series of inexplicable paranormal occurrences. The series features a cast including Matthew Rhys, Kate O'Flynn, Kevin Carroll, Dale Dickey, Kingston Rumi Southwick, and Stephen Root.

Since its debut on Apple TV+ on April 29, "Widow's Bay" has steadily gained traction and critical acclaim. The show boasts an impressive 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has already secured a renewal for a second season, signaling its significant appeal. The first season concludes with its final episode airing on June 17.

BNN's Perspective: The convergence of praise from two highly respected figures in the film and gaming industries, Hideo Kojima and Guillermo del Toro, for a relatively new streaming series like "Widow's Bay" is noteworthy. It suggests that the show possesses a rare combination of compelling storytelling, effective genre execution, and a unique artistic vision that resonates with creators known for their own impactful work. This level of endorsement, particularly from Kojima's perspective on pacing and horror elements, positions "Widow's Bay" as a significant contender in the current streaming landscape, warranting attention from audiences seeking quality genre programming.

Tags: Hideo Kojima, Widow's Bay, Apple TV+, horror, Stephen King, Guillermo del Toro, Twin Peaks, Jaws, streaming series, Rotten Tomatoes, season 2

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