Sabrina the Teenage Witch: Casting a Spell on Criterion Channel

In a surprising twist, the beloved '90s sitcom "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" has officially joined the prestigious Criterion Channel's lineup, solidifying its status as a certified cult classic. The series, which centered on the adventures of a high school student navigating her newfound magical powers, has captivated audiences for decades and now finds a new home among the streaming platform's carefully curated collection of cinematic gems.

Unlocking the Mystical Realm of "Sabrina the Teenage Witch"

Embracing the Occult: Sabrina's Supernatural Journey

The "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" franchise has long been a beloved staple of pop culture, with its iconic lead character, Sabrina (played by Melissa Joan Hart), capturing the hearts of viewers worldwide. The series follows Sabrina as she discovers her magical abilities and navigates the challenges of high school life, all while living with her two eccentric aunts, Hilda (Caroline Rhea) and Zelda (Beth Broderick), and her snarky feline companion, Salem (Frank Conniff).Rooted in the beloved comic book series that debuted in 1971, the "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" television adaptation, which aired on ABC from 1996 to 2003, has become a cultural touchstone, blending the mundane with the mystical in a delightful and relatable way. The series' enduring popularity has now earned it a prestigious spot on the Criterion Channel, where it will join a curated collection of films exploring the themes of witchcraft, the occult, and the supernatural.

Criterion's Bewitching Programming: Celebrating the Magical and the Macabre

The Criterion Channel's decision to include "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" in its programming lineup is a testament to the series' enduring cultural significance and its ability to captivate audiences across generations. The channel's "Witches" programming for October 2024 will feature a diverse array of films that delve into the eerie, the mystical, and the glamorous, with "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" serving as a contemporary counterpart to classics like "Häxan," "Rosemary's Baby," and "Suspiria."This programming block promises to be a spellbinding exploration of the ways in which witches have been portrayed on the silver screen, embodying cultural fears and fantasies around powerful women and the shadowy, forbidden aspects of the patriarchal order. From the silent era's macabre blending of documentary and gothic horror to the counterculture reflections of the 1960s and 1970s, the Criterion Channel's "Witches" lineup will showcase the enduring fascination with the occult and the supernatural.

Sabrina's Enduring Legacy: From Comic Book to Cult Classic

The inclusion of "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" in the Criterion Channel's programming is a testament to the series' enduring legacy and its ability to captivate audiences across generations. The franchise, which began as a comic book series in 1971, has since spawned a successful television adaptation, as well as a series of TV movies, including the 1996 spinoff and the subsequent "Sabrina Goes to Rome" (1998) and "Sabrina Down Under" (1999).The television series, which ran for seven seasons, has become a beloved cult classic, with its blend of teenage drama, supernatural elements, and quirky humor resonating with viewers. The series' enduring popularity has now earned it a place among the Criterion Channel's carefully curated selection of films, solidifying its status as a certified cinematic treasure.As the Criterion Channel celebrates its 40-year anniversary in 2024, the inclusion of "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" in its "Witches" programming block promises to introduce the series to a new generation of viewers, who will undoubtedly be captivated by Sabrina's magical adventures and the series' enduring charm.