Steven Spielberg’s Forgotten Sci-Fi Series The Whispers Is Deeply Scary

Steven Spielberg's television work includes a surprisingly terrifying entry: The Whispers, a 2015 ABC sci-fi horror series created by Soo Hugh. The show stars Milo Ventimiglia and Lily Rabe alongside a strong ensemble of child actors and reflects Spielberg's sensibility for working with young performers.

The plot centers on a group of children who begin communicating with an invisible "imaginary" friend they call "Drill," which convinces them to carry out increasingly dangerous acts. FBI agent Claire Bennigan investigates the children's behavior and uncovers a broader conspiracy that ties into her estranged husband.

Critics and audiences responded well—the series holds a 71% score on Rotten Tomatoes—but ABC canceled the show after its single 13-episode season. The complete story is resolved in the finale, yet the closing scene and a chilling twist linger long after the credits.

steven spielberg, the whispers, soo hugh, milo ventimiglia, lily rabe, claire bennigan, imaginary friend, drill, abc, rotten tomatoes