Some of literature's most terrifying characters, including Dr. Frankenstein, Dorian Gray, and iconic figures from the novel Dracula are lurking in the darkest corners of Victorian London. Penny Dreadful is a frightening psychological thriller that weaves together these classic horror origin stories into a new adult drama.
Written by Sophie and last updated on Jan 28, 2023.
PS: The following content contains spoilers!
PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!
Vanessa and Ethan give Sir Malcolm tragic news; Lavinia Putney is disturbed by an encounter with the Creature; Roper hunts down Ethan; Dorian hosts a lavish ball in Angelique's honor; a glorious night turns to horror for Vanessa.
The episode was rated 7,99 from 1942 votes.
Vanessa's latest vision leads Sir Malcolm, Ethan and Sembene to explore a plague ship in search of Mina. Meanwhile, Van Helsing reveals to Dr. Frankenstein more details about the creature that has taken Mina. Later, Vanessa's night with Dorian unlocks something dark within her.
The episode was rated 7,99 from 2294 votes.
Vanessa recalls her past and the events that ultimately lead to Mina's disappearance.
The episode was rated 8,00 from 2460 votes.
Lily and Dorian rescue a young woman. Sir Malcolm continues on his journey with the enigmatic Kaetenay. Meanwhile, Ethan gets some unexpected help from Hecate. Dr. Frankenstein and Dr. Jekyll hatch a plan. Vanessa’s relationship with Dr. Sweet grows but, unbeknownst to her, evil forces are tracking her every move.
The episode was rated 8,02 from 2694 votes.
Kaetenay returns to London with Ethan and Malcolm to prevent the darkness that he has foreseen. Meanwhile, Vanessa realizes who Sweet really is, while Caliban is reunited with his family. Elsewhere, Dorian grows bored with Lily's revolution and makes his own plans.
The episode was rated 8,04 from 2606 votes.
Vanessa turns to an old friend for help, who introduces her to a new ally. Jared has dinner with Ethan, Hecate, Malcolm, Rusk, and Oslow, and invites his son Ethan to do his worse. Meanwhile, Vanessa takes Seward's advice and forms a closer bond with Sweet, while Victor pays Lily and Dorian a visit.
The episode was rated 8,05 from 2637 votes.
Feeling abandoned and alienated by her faith, a shattered and despondent Vanessa seeks the help of Dr. Seward, an American therapist who has an unconventional way of treatment. Meanwhile, now a prisoner under the watchful eye of Scotland Yard Inspector Rusk, Ethan Chandler is on a train speeding through the desert of the American West. Halfway around the world, in Zanzibar, Sir Malcolm is confronted by a mysterious Native American man named Kaetenay who shares a deep connection with Ethan. Back in London, Dr. Frankenstein seeks out his old friend Dr. Jekyll. With all of her friends scattered around the world facing their own demons, Vanessa is left alone to battle a new evil that has emerged from the shadows.
The episode was rated 8,07 from 2751 votes.
Back in London, Vanessa and Ethan learn that Sir Malcolm is in danger. Desperate to save him, Vanessa goes alone to battle Evelyn. Ethan heads out to Evelyn’s mansion with Frankenstein, Sembene and Lyle. Lily reveals her true self to Dorian.
The episode was rated 8,11 from 1895 votes.
After a vision of the Grand Guignol, Vanessa, Sir Malcolm, Ethan, Dr. Frankenstein and Sembene explore an empty theater - only to be confronted by their worst nightmares.
The episode was rated 8,12 from 2187 votes.
Ethan, Sir Malcolm and Kaetenay return to London. Dr. Seward discovers Renfield's secret. Meanwhile, Ethan heads out in search of Dr. Frankenstein. And Lily reveals a heartbreaking story from Brona Croft's past.
The episode was rated 8,13 from 2563 votes.
Vanessa convinces Dr. Seward to use hypnosis to take her back in time, and discovers what really happened to her during her time at the Banning Institute.
The episode was rated 8,13 from 2681 votes.
Series finale. Ethan learns the shocking truth about Kaetenay. Dr. Seward uses hypnosis on Renfield. Meanwhile, The Creature must make a moral decision as Sir Malcolm, Ethan, Kaetenay, Dr. Seward and Catriona battle to save Vanessa.
The episode was rated 8,14 from 2635 votes.
In a flashback, Vanessa meets The Cut-Wife, who teaches her how to harness her powers. Isolated at her lonely cottage on the moors, The Cut-Wife quickly realizes the extent of Vanessa’s powers and warns her of the danger that lies ahead and the evil that pursues her.
The episode was rated 8,19 from 2009 votes.
Vanessa has to use all of her strength to try and defeat the demon.
The episode was rated 8,19 from 2029 votes.
Sir Malcolm, Ethan and Sembene must deal with the aftermath of Vanessa's night of passion with Dorian, when she is possessed by the demon that haunts them... and who has ties to the Master who controls Mina.
The episode was rated 8,20 from 2248 votes.
