Hulton Archive/Getty Images
The FOX Television Network made its debut in October 1986 and swiftly established itself as the fourth major network, joining the ranks of ABC, CBS, and NBC. By the mid-1990s, FOX not only achieved parity with these networks but also surpassed them in ratings among younger audiences. It was the first network to competitively challenge the big three following the closure of the DuMont network in 1956.
In 1987, FOX was aggressively developing original programming to position itself as a viable alternative to its competitors. Titles such as “Married With Children” pushed the envelope, “21 Jump Street” contributed to the network’s edgy image, “The Tracey Ullman Show” was a comedic sensation, and then there was “Werewolf.”
“Werewolf” was marketed as a horror series, a novel idea for network television at the time, as it deviated from the anthology format typical of previous horror-themed shows. The narrative closely resembled that of “The Incredible Hulk,” focusing on a man who transitions into a werewolf while attempting to free himself from the curse. Additionally, the series was noteworthy for its half-hour episode length, a format predominantly reserved for comedy shows during that period.