The Crow: Stairway to Heaven

After a brutal killing changes everything, Eric Draven returns from death with a single purpose: put right what was stolen from him. In this TV continuation of The Crow mythos, Mark Dacascos takes on the role first made famous by Brandon Lee, moving through a shadowy city where crime, grief, and the supernatural collide. Each episode pairs violent set pieces with quieter moments of loss, as Eric tracks down those tied to his past while forming uneasy bonds with people who cross his path, including allies and law enforcement. The show keeps the mystery tight and the tone dark, avoiding any neat resolutions early on.

Created by Bryce Zabel and based on James O'Barr's graphic work, the series premiered in 1998 and was filmed in Canada, with Mark Dacascos leading a primarily Canadian cast including Katie Stuart and Sabine Karsenti.

The series did not garner major industry awards or high-profile nominations during its run, and it remained more of a genre entry than an awards contender.

As part of The Crow franchise, the show reinforced the property’s gothic urban style and introduced the character to a television audience, keeping the franchise alive after the 1994 film. It maintained the signature mood and imagery fans associate with the original, while translating those elements into episodic crime and fantasy storytelling.

Critics and viewers gave the series mixed to moderately positive reactions, reflected in a 6.5/10 average from 55 votes. Reviewers praised Dacascos’ physical presence and the series’ atmosphere, while some noted uneven plotting and episodic constraints. Major themes include revenge, redemption, and the cost of violence, wrapped in noir-ish visuals and supernatural rules that shape Eric’s actions and the city he moves through.