Is Them Based on a True Story? Ending Explained and More
by Sona | Updated Apr 22, 2023
Them (TV series)
Them, is a popular American horror anthology series produced by Lena Waithe and created by Little Marvin, debuted on Amazon Prime Video on April 9, 2021. The show features a cast including Deborah Ayorinde, Ashley Thomas, Alison Pill, and Ryan Kwanten, and received mixed reviews upon release. A second season, titled Them: The Scare, is currently in development, with Deborah Ayorinde reprising her role from the first season.
Is Them Based on a True Story?
Although Them is not directly based on a true story, the series addresses significant themes of racial discrimination. It utilizes horror elements to creatively explore these themes, drawing from the experiences of many African Americans during the Great Migration, a period between 1916 and 1970 when over six million Black people moved from the American South to other regions of the country.
During this time, many Black people were met with hostility and the show reflects that with a supernatural twist. The series is set in Compton, a city in southern Los Angeles County that was predominantly white during the show's time period.
Little Marvin, the creator of the series, incorporated real-life covenants that existed in white neighborhoods which prohibited the sale of homes to non-Caucasian buyers. While Them is not strictly based on a true story, it is a work of social-horror that is grounded in historical accuracy and draws parallels between the struggles of Black communities in 1950s America and the present day.
Is the Series Them Based on a Real Story?
The TV series 'Them' is not a real-life story. It is a fictional work written by Little Marvin, which uses the horror genre to examine racial segregation. The show delves into the historical Great Migration period, spanning from 1916 to 1970, during which more than 6 million African Americans migrated from the Southern states to the Northeast, Midwest, and West regions of the United States.
This migration brought about significant cultural and socio-political transformations in the country. The series is marketed as an exploration of terror in America.
Them Plot
Them is a series that takes place in 1953 and portrays the journey of a black family who relocates from North Carolina to a white neighborhood in Los Angeles, amidst the Second Great Migration. The family's new home initially appears to be a perfect haven, but it soon becomes a focal point for both otherworldly and next-door malevolent forces that threaten to torment, devastate and obliterate them.
The show adopts an anthology-style approach similar to American Horror Story, unfolding over ten days in the 1950s, and narrating the events that the Emory family undergoes while settling in their new abode. However, their blissful experience turns into a nightmare when they face racial discrimination and abuse from their neighbors.
Meanwhile, they discover that their beautiful home harbors a terrifying secret that adds to their distress. As a result, the Emory family has to confront dual battles. On the one hand, they must confront their haunted house, besieged by inexplicable supernatural forces. On the other hand, they have to battle a neighborhood that is intent on driving them out.
Them Ending Explained
Season 1 of Them concludes with the Emory family facing their worst nightmares. The family finally manages to fight back against the evil forces that have been plaguing them. The season finale finds Lucky, who is now in a mental institution, about to undergo a lobotomy.
Meanwhile, Henry and his daughters are attacked by a group of men, and Henry is lynched. The neighborhood is convinced that the Emory family has harmed Betty. Lucky plays a pivotal role in the finale as the family takes on the supernatural demons.
She battles the Black Hat Man and eventually overpowers him by accepting the loss of her son. Lucky proceeds to help the rest of the family in defeating their individual demons. Gracie is haunted by her fictional teaching idol, Miss Vera, whom she eventually defeats by tearing her photo.
Ruby confronts her zombie cheerleader demon, which transforms into her mother. She doesn't want to be like her mother or identified as Black anymore, but Lucky manages to get through to her. Lastly, Henry faces his ghost, who wears blackface. Lucky helps him overcome his fears, and the family is finally free from the supernatural entities when Lucky sets the ring of fire around the house off.
As they exit the house, they face another threat, this time from the police and the entire neighborhood, who are waiting for them. The family's troubles do not end, and the season concludes with unanswered questions about their fate.
Is Them Based on a True Story: FAQs
Them is a horror anthology series that explores themes of racial discrimination and follows the story of a Black family who moves to a predominantly white neighborhood in Los Angeles during the 1950s.
No, Them is not based on a true story. It is a fictional series that draws inspiration from historical events, including the Great Migration.
Them was created by Little Marvin, with Lena Waithe serving as executive producer.
Them is a horror anthology series that also addresses themes of racial discrimination and social commentary.
The first season of Them has ten episodes.