Some 90’s teens remember seeing Alyssa Milano, Brad Kern, and Shannen Doherty on screen and working together on the show Charmed, and instantly became hooked. With its strong female leads, witty one-liners, and magical spells, Charmed offered viewers an escape from reality.
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The show focused on the lives of three sisters—Prue (Doherty), Piper (Milano) and Phoebe Halliwell (Holly Marie Combs)—who found out they were witches when the eldest sister, Prue, discovers she has the power of telekinesis. The sisters must use their newfound powers to vanquish demons in order to protect innocent people and save the world. But, while the show launched in 1998, it continues to amass a cult following. Below are some explanations as to why.
Cult-Status
A cult following is defined as a group of fans devoted to a particular media franchise. Charmed is one of those shows that has managed to maintain its cult status for over 20 years, even after the series finale aired in 2006. And there are several reasons why it continues to have such passionate fans.
- The Empowerment of Women: One key factor that may have helped maintain Charmed’s cult following is its focus on female empowerment. Not only were the three main characters all witches, but they also embodied strength and confidence in a way that was rare for television at the time. This resonated with many viewers, particularly those who identify as women.
- The Complex Storylines: Another factor that aided in Charmed’s lasting impact is its complex storylines. Each episode featured a moral lesson and, with every season, viewers were introduced to new characters and deeper stories. This kept fans engaged and intrigued as they followed the show’s progression throughout the years.
- The Fans: Lastly, there is no cult following without its fans. The Charmed fanbase is ever-growing and dedicated, with fan conventions being held across the globe, fandoms on all major social media platforms, and even a podcast discussing each episode of the show in detail. It’s clear that fans have remained devoted to this series for over two decades.
Charmed and Gothic Culture
Today, gothic culture continues to remain a major part of the show’s cult following. Goth culture is defined as a subculture that values darkness and death, often with an emphasis on horror films, metal music, punk fashion, and occultism. Charmed has managed to capture this aesthetic in many of its episodes by incorporating gothic themes such as witchcraft and dark magic into storylines. This makes it easy for fans of gothic culture to relate to the characters and ideals presented on the show, further deepening their connection with the series.
Final Thoughts
Charmed’s cult following could be attributed to various elements including female empowerment, complex storylines and a dedicated fan base. The incorporation of gothic themes into storylines has also allowed fans of gothic culture to relate to the series and further deepen their connection. 20 years since its launch, Charmed continues to maintain a strong following that is sure to last for many more years.
