Matthew Rhys is continuing his prolific television run with his latest role in Apple TV+'s upcoming horror comedy, Widow's Bay. Following roles in 2025’s The Beast in Me and Towards Zero, as well as voicing a character in Invincible, Rhys will star as the mayor of the titular town.

A Town Steeped in Mystery

Widow's Bay, created by Katie Dippold, centers on Mayor Tom Loftis and his efforts to transform the isolated New England island town into a thriving tourist destination. However, his plans are complicated by the town’s lack of modern amenities – no Wi-Fi or cell service – and the deeply superstitious nature of its residents, who don’t take kindly to his efforts.

The Trailer Reveals a Dark Side

The official teaser trailer, released today, showcases the unsettling atmosphere of Widow’s Bay. Despite the mayor’s assurances that tales of supernatural occurrences are merely local legends, the footage hints at a darker reality. Ominous imagery, including a burning pyre and strange apparitions, suggests the town’s cursed reputation is well-deserved.

From 'Parks and Rec' to Horror

Dippold, known for her work on Parks and Recreation, explained that the series evolved from a spec script she wrote to gain employment on the beloved comedy. She has since adapted the script to fit the more serious and terrifying tone of Widow's Bay, aiming for a unique blend of humor and dread.

“I really wanted to avoid that feeling that can happen in comedy-horror sometimes, where something happens and then someone makes a joke, like, ‘Well, that happened,’” Dippold stated in an interview with Collider. “Everything in this is taken very seriously, and wanting the humor to come from character.”

A Stellar Cast and Crew

Rhys leads a talented ensemble cast including Kate O’Flynn, Stephen Root, Kingston Rumi Southwick, Kevin Carroll, and Dale Dickey. The series also features K Callan and Emmy winner Jeff Hiller. The Bear’s Hiro Murai serves as director and executive producer.

Premiere Details

Widow's Bay will premiere on Apple TV+ with two episodes on April 29. New episodes will be released weekly on Wednesdays through June 17, with a special two-episode drop on May 27.