Yaga (2026)

Yaga is a 2026 psychological thriller and horror series based on the play of the same name by Kat Sandler. The story follows private investigator Rapp, who is hired to investigate the mysterious disappearance of Henry Park, the heir to a prominent fishing family in a remote coastal town. As Rapp delves deeper into the case, he encounters local law enforcement officer Carson, who harbors deep suspicion toward him, and Katherine, a university professor with an ambiguous relationship to the missing man. The investigation takes a dark turn when Rapp discovers that Henry has a roommate named Logan who looks identical to him, hinting at a disturbing secret shared between the two men and Katherine.

The narrative shifts from a missing person case to a murder mystery as ancient Slavic folklore begins to surface, specifically the legend of Baba Yaga, a witch whose shadow looms over the community. Starring Carrie-Anne Moss, Noah Reid, Hudson Williams, and Clark Backo, the series blends noir detective tropes with supernatural horror. The production is noted for its atmospheric cinematography, utilizing foggy coastlines and gloomy forests to create an immersive sense of dread, complemented by narrations that underscore the grim tone.

Upon its release in late 2026, Yaga received mixed reviews. While critics praised the visual aesthetic and Carrie-Anne Moss's performance, some felt that the integration of the folk horror elements with the central mystery was disjointed. The dynamic between the lead characters was described by some reviewers as somewhat clunky or outdated, leading to a polarized reception despite a moderate IMDb score of 7.2. The series aims to merge民俗恐怖 (folk horror) with feminist themes, though early assessments suggest this fusion may not have been fully realized in the initial episodes.

• The series is adapted from Kat Sandler's stage play, marking a transition from theater to screen with a focus on atmospheric storytelling.
• Carrie-Anne Moss, known for her role in The Matrix franchise, headlines the cast, bringing significant gravitas to the role of the investigator.
• Noah Reid, recognized for his work in Schitt's Creek and Titanic: The Legend Goes On, plays a key role alongside Hudson Williams and Clark Backo.
• The show utilizes a distinct narrative structure with death-themed narration bookending each episode to enhance the suspenseful atmosphere.