Editing Dark Shadows (section)

==Reception==
===Critical response===
''Dark Shadows'' had a rocky beginning. Critics were quick to deem the series boring for its heavy use of unknown actress [[Alexandra Isles]] and the slow pace. ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'', in its review on June 29, 1966, of the first episode of ''Dark Shadows'': "Writer [[Art Wallace]] took so much time getting into his story that the first episode of the [[Gothic fiction|Neo Gothic]] soaper added up to one big contemporary yawn."{{sfn|Hamrick|Jamison|2012|page=4}} The earliest episodes concerned menacing but unfulfilled conflicts, threatened revenge, then an attempted murder, and, finally, a murder. The supernatural elements that later made the show a hit, were slow to appear and only hinted at until episodes 52 and 70 in which the audience finally sees compelling evidence of a ghost.
=== Audience and Fandom ===
[[File:David_Selby_at_The_Dark_Shadows_Festival_(6064054182).jpg|thumb|David Selby at The Dark Shadows Festival]]
''Dark Shadows'' developed a broad and dedicated viewership, despite receiving mixed reviews during its original broadcast. Teenagers and college students made up a notable portion of the fanbase, often organizing their schedules around the show. The series also found a loyal audience among housewives, retirees, and genre fans, particularly due to its late-afternoon timeslot.<ref name="Benshoff" /> Scholars have suggested that the show's appeal stemmed from its unique combination of gothic romance and horror, which resonated with both young and traditional daytime television viewers.<ref name="Svitavsky" /> Contemporary media accounts highlighted the show's popularity with younger demographics,<ref>Barthel, Joan. "Out in Detergent Land: A Hard Day’s Fright." ''The New York Times'', 30 July 1967, p. 85.</ref> and reviewers at the time noted its distinct tone.<ref name=":0">Brow, Rick. "Dark Only Suspense in New Soap Opera." ''Los Angeles Times'', 29 June 1966, p. D19.</ref> Over the decades, the fan community has remained active, organizing conventions, producing fanzines, and sustaining online discussion forums. The annual ''Dark Shadows Festival'' continues to be a centerpiece of fan activity. 

===Ratings===
{{Main|List of American daytime soap opera ratings}}

{{Div col|colwidth=22em}}

====1965–1966 season====
* 1. ''[[As the World Turns]]'' (13.9)
* 13. ''Dark Shadows'' (4.1)
* 16. ''[[Never Too Young]]'' (3.9)

====1966–1967 season====
* 1. ''As the World Turns'' (12.7)
* 12. ''Dark Shadows'' (4.3)
* 13. ''[[A Flame in the Wind]]'' (4.0)

====1967–1968 season====
* 1. ''As the World Turns'' (13.6)
* 12. ''Dark Shadows'' (7.3)
* 13. ''[[One Life to Live]]'' (4.3)

====1968–1969 season====
* 1. ''As the World Turns'' (13.8)
* 11. ''Dark Shadows'' (8.4)
* 14. ''[[Hidden Faces (American TV series)|Hidden Faces]]'' (3.3)

====1969–1970 season====
* 1. ''As the World Turns'' (13.6)
* 12. ''Dark Shadows'' (7.3)
* 19. ''[[The Best of Everything (TV series)|The Best of Everything]]'' (1.8)

====1970–1971 season====
* 1. ''As the World Turns'' (12.4)
* 16. ''Dark Shadows'' (5.3)
* 18. ''[[A World Apart (TV series)|A World Apart]]'' (3.4)
{{Div col end}}