The second season of The Creep Tapes has arrived, launching with an episode that turns the series’ own formula inside out. The premiere, titled “Joseph,” debuted on November 14, 2025, on Shudder and AMC+. Instead of another unsuspecting victim, the serial killer known as Peachfuzz finds himself facing a dangerous and unpredictable new threat: a dedicated copycat.
The episode shifts the dynamic from a straightforward hunt to a complex psychological battle. It explores what happens when the monster in the shadows becomes the target of someone else’s obsession.
The Premise of the Show
The Creep Tapes is a found footage horror series that expands on the world of the Creep films. Created by Mark Duplass and Patrick Brice, the show presents itself as a collection of videotapes from the vault of a serial killer who goes by many names, including Peachfuzz. Each episode typically follows the killer as he lures videographers and other victims with the promise of paid work, only for them to discover his deadly intentions. The series is known for its unsettling, first-person perspective and its socially awkward, manipulative antagonist.
A Copycat’s Deadly Ambition
The season two premiere opens with a familiar scene of horror. A figure in a wolf mask enters a basement and murders a man who is tied to a chair. However, when the killer removes his mask, it is not the familiar face of Mark Duplass, but actor David Dastmalchian.
This new killer, calling himself Joseph, is a fan and imitator of the original Peachfuzz. He has studied his idol’s methods and is attempting to replicate them. The video of Joseph’s murder finds its way to the original Peachfuzz, who is not pleased with the imitation. The real killer then decides to answer a “Cameraman Needed” ad that Joseph has posted, willingly walking into the copycat’s trap to see his work up close.
A Twisted Meeting of Minds
What follows is a tense and bizarre encounter. Joseph tries to impress his idol by reenacting his techniques, from telling emotional stories to forcing a sense of bonding. However, his performance is sloppy, his timing is off, and his mask is described as “janky” compared to the original.
Peachfuzz, far from being scared, becomes a cold and critical observer. He calmly studies Joseph’s every move, pointing out his flaws and undermining his confidence. The episode becomes a psychological duel between an experienced master of manipulation and a nervous amateur desperate for approval. The power dynamic constantly shifts, creating an atmosphere of unpredictable tension.
“They say imitation is the highest form of flattery. I’m not so sure,” the serial killer known as Peachfuzz remarks on the situation.
The creators of the show built this unique episode specifically for actor David Dastmalchian. Mark Duplass explained that after meeting Dastmalchian at a screening and witnessing his enthusiasm for the project, the idea was born.
“I sort of built that episode for and around David,” said Mark Duplass.
An Unexpected and Dark Conclusion
The mind game reaches its peak when Joseph, in a desperate attempt to regain control, drugs Peachfuzz and ties him up in the basement. It appears the copycat has won, but Peachfuzz uses his expert manipulation skills to reverse the situation. He easily frees himself and systematically breaks down Joseph’s remaining confidence.
Overwhelmed by his failure and the realization that he cannot live up to his idol, Joseph completely breaks down. In a shocking final act, when Peachfuzz hands him the axe, Joseph turns it on himself, choosing suicide over the shame of his imperfect performance. Peachfuzz simply walks away, having once again proven his terrifying dominance.
Also Read:
A Strong Start to a New Season
This premiere episode has been praised for subverting the expectations set by the first season. Critics noted that while the initial season sometimes felt repetitive, the second season starts with a much more surprising and unpredictable story.
The episode uses the copycat concept to critically examine the nature of imitation and authenticity, even within the horror genre itself. The casting of David Dastmalchian, a well-known figure in horror, against Mark Duplass was highlighted as a major strength. Director Patrick Brice praised their collaboration.
“We couldn’t have found a collaborator more game to work in this manner than in David Dastmalchian — a deeply thoughtful, loving talent who I am so grateful found his way into our orbit,” said Patrick Brice.
Dastmalchian himself found the experience transformative.
“Getting to work on The Creep Tapes with Mark, Patrick, and the very small team that gathered in the wooded cabin where we shot was an experience that really changed the way I consider filmmaking,” recalled David Dastmalchian.
The new season of The Creep Tapes promises more twisted tales, with episodes involving a house-flipping TV pilot, a Saw-like puzzle room, and an emergency therapy session on Christmas Eve. New episodes are released weekly each Friday on Shudder and AMC+.
Also Read: Blue Lights Season 4 Confirmed: Cast and 2026 Release Plans
Pluribus Episode 3: Carol’s Hand Grenade Tests the Hive Mind’s Limits
