Salem's Lot poster

TV series

Salem's Lot

1979TV-PG1 season6.8 / 10

The ultimate in terror!

Ben Mears has returned to his hometown to write a book about the supposedly haunted Marsten House. When people around the Marsten House start dying mysteriously, Mears discovers that the owner of the mansion is actually a vampire who is turning them into an army of undead slaves.

Availability

Not streaming in United States

Checked Sep 1, 2026

Salem's Lot premiered November 17, 1979. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.

Synopsis

Ben Mears has returned to his hometown to write a book about the supposedly haunted Marsten House. When people around the Marsten House start dying mysteriously, Mears discovers that the owner of the mansion is actually a vampire who is turning them into an army of undead slaves.

Season 1 episodes

Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.

Episode 1

Part One

1h 35m6.8 / 10

Intent on writing a book on the notorious Marsten House, an old, rumor-filled property atop an alleged haunted hilltop, the successful novelist, Ben Mears, returns to his peaceful hometown of Salem's Lot, Maine, after years of absence. There, Mears discovers that a pair of new tenants already reside in the sinister house, the eerily cryptic newcomer, Richard Straker, and his elusive business partner, Kurt Barlow; an occurrence that coincides with unaccountable disappearances and a spate of unusual deaths. Before long, the worried townsfolk start pointing the finger at the newly arrived Mears, as well as Straker and Barlow, who, now, have become the main suspects in a peculiar and thorny case. Who is behind the veil of terror that shrouds Salem's Lot?

Episode credits

Directed by Tobe HooperWritten by Paul Monash

Where to watch Salem's Lot

Episode 2

Part Two

1h 31m6.8 / 10finale

More and more, as the unsuspecting inhabitants of Salem's Lot die one after another, Ben Mears, his former school teacher, Jason Burke, and Dr. Bill Norton come to realize that the curse that plagues the town is starting to spread. Now, under those grave circumstances, Ben must summon up every last ounce of courage to enter the Marsten House, the dark lair of the ancient vampire, for the final confrontation between the forces of good and the inexhaustible source of evil. However, the immortal army of darkness is unstoppable, and the archfiend's black coffin rests safely in the bowels of the unholy place. Can one man alone cleanse Salem's Lot, the bloodsuckers' sanctuary?

Episode credits

Directed by Tobe HooperWritten by Paul Monash

Where to watch Salem's Lot

Episode information updated Sep 17, 2026

More about Salem's Lot

Cast

David SoulBen Mears
James MasonRichard K. Straker
Lance KerwinMark Petrie
Bonnie BedeliaSusan Norton
Lew AyresJason Burke
Julie CobbBonnie Sawyer
Elisha Cook Jr.Gordon 'Weasel' Phillips
George DzundzaCully Sawyer

Credits

Written by
Paul Monash, Stephen King

Production details

Status
Ended
Series type
Miniseries
Episodes
2
Original language
English

Networks & production

  • CBSUnited States
  • Warner Bros. TelevisionUnited States
  • Warner Bros. PicturesUnited States

Themes

antiquarybased on novel or bookhomehometownhorrorhousemenaceminiseries