Origin Story of ‘Widow’s Bay’ Series Starting as ‘Parks & Rec’ Episode

Fans of the hit show Widow’s Bay might be surprised to learn that the series actually had its beginnings in Pawnee, Indiana. Series creator Katie Dippold recently shared with Deadline that the show started as a spec script for an episode of Parks and Recreation. As a former writer and co-producer on Parks and Recreation, Dippold explained that the original version of Widow’s Bay felt much more like a spoof, which she thought might not have been quite right for the horror comedy she envisioned.

Dippold wanted Widow’s Bay to be fully immersive, capturing the feeling of being on a mysterious island in New England. She wanted viewers to feel isolated, like they were exploring every corner of the island and discovering its terrifying secrets. This desire stemmed from her childhood experiences visiting a boardwalk in New Jersey, where the sense of lawlessness and excitement left a lasting impact on her.

In Widow’s Bay, viewers follow a New England mayor played by Matthew Rhys as he navigates strange and supernatural events on his small island, ultimately unleashing a centuries-old curse. Dippold aimed to capture the mix of fear and excitement she felt as a child, creating a show that would evoke that same sense of danger and delight.

With Apple TV renewing Widow’s Bay for a second season and Dippold signing an overall deal with the streaming platform, fans can look forward to more eerie twists and turns. The Season 1 finale is set to stream on June 17, giving viewers a chance to dive deeper into the mysteries of Widow’s Bay. Sign up for Apple TV to catch up on all the spine-tingling episodes and join in on the creepy fun!