The Salem Witch Trials in Popular Culture

In this episode of ‘The Thing About Salem,’ hosts Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack explore the various ways the Salem Witch Trials have been depicted in films and TV shows over the decades. They discuss the historical and fictional elements in productions like ‘The Crucible,’ ‘Maid of Salem,’ the ‘Bewitched’ TV series, and ‘Hocus Pocus,’ highlighting how these portrayals have shaped and transformed Salem’s image in popular culture. The episode also covers works such as ‘The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ and ‘Three Sovereigns for Sarah,’ emphasizing the ongoing cultural fascination with this dark chapter in American history.

00:00 Introduction to Salem in Pop Culture

01:04 Maid of Salem and The Crucible

02:37 Salem Witch Trials miniseries and Hocus Pocus

05:01 Bewitched and Sabrina the Teenage Witch

10:07 The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Three Sovereigns for Sarah

13:49 Conclusion: The Legacy of Salem in Pop Culture