Throwback Thursday: Why NBC’s Grimm Remains Timeless TV Magic

PopEntertainment
Jul 24
4 min read

Throwback Thursday: Why NBC’s Grimm (2011) Remains Timeless TV Magic

When Grimm first aired on NBC in October 2011, it was marketed as "a cop drama... with a twist." But fans soon discovered it was so much more than a procedural with monsters.

Rooted in the Brothers Grimm fairy tales but brilliantly reimagined for a modern world, Grimm quickly developed a loyal fanbase that stayed hooked for six seasons. And even in today's streaming-saturated media landscape, Grimm continues to stand the test of time.

So, what is it about this supernatural series that makes it so timeless? Why, more than a decade later, are new viewers still discovering it – and long-time fans still rewatching it with devotion?

Let's dive into the magic, mystery, and monster-hunting legacy of Grimm, and why it deserves a spotlight in this week's #ThrowbackThursday.

A Genre-Bending Masterpiece

At first glance, Grimm seems like a mix of Law & Order and Supernatural – and that's not wrong. But what makes Grimm stand out is how effortlessly it blends genre. It's crime drama, dark fantasy, horror, folklore, and family saga all in one.

Each episode follows Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli), a Portland homicide detective who learns he's a "Grimm" – a guardian descended from a long line of hunters who can see creatures called Wesen, living in secret among humans. From the very first episode, viewers are pulled into a world that mirrors our own but is teeming with hidden truths and lurking danger.

The show's mythos is deep but accessible, enriched by centuries-old lore but grounded in modern-day conflicts. It starts as a monster-of-the-week format but soon blooms into a complex and emotionally driven narrative about power, legacy, and human nature.

Portland: A Character in Itself

Grimm was filmed on location in Portland, Oregon – and that choice adds a moody, misty, evergreen texture to the show that no soundstage could replicate. The city's fog-drenched forests, shadowy streets, and mossy cemeteries create an atmosphere that feels both magical and grounded.

The Pacific Northwest becomes more than just a setting – it becomes an extension of the show's themes. The natural beauty and hidden dangers of Portland mirror the duality of the Wesen world: seductive on the surface, but full of secrets underneath.

A Cast with Rare Chemistry

The heart of Grimm lies in its cast – a dynamic ensemble with rare chemistry and genuine emotional resonance.

David Giuntoli's portrayal of Nick evolves masterfully over the seasons, shifting from naive detective to hardened Grimm without losing the character's moral compass. Bitsie Tulloch, as Juliette (and later Eve), delivers a complex transformation arc that few shows dare attempt. Russell Hornsby (Hank) brings grounded loyalty and wit. Reggie Lee (Wu) gives one of the most underrated performances in genre television, and Bree Turner (Rosalee) adds intellect and grace to every scene.

But the true standout – and fan favorite – is Silas Weir Mitchell's Monroe. A reformed Blutbad (wolf-like Wesen) and clockmaker with a love for wine and cello, Monroe is the show's soul. His unlikely friendship with Nick becomes the emotional core of the series. Their bond – built on trust, humor, and acceptance – is one of TV's most satisfying bromances.

Wesen Lore: Modern Myths with Cultural Roots

What sets Grimm apart from other supernatural shows is its use of global folklore. Each Wesen is drawn from real myths, legends, and cultural creatures – from Latin American El Cucuy to Slavic Koschie, from Japanese Jorōgumo to African Aswang.

This diverse approach not only educates but creates a rich, layered universe that feels like a living, breathing mythology. The show doesn't just recycle Western fairytales – it honors international stories, infusing episodes with a multicultural depth that was ahead of its time.

And the Woge – the transformation process where Wesen reveal their true forms – remains one of TV's most visually memorable effects, even by today's standards.

Themes That Still Hit Home

At its core, Grimm explores timeless themes: What does it mean to fight your nature? What is the cost of power? How do we protect the ones we love in a world full of unseen threats?

It's a show about dual identities, moral choices, inherited legacies, and blurred lines between good and evil. These are universal struggles – which makes Grimm resonate with audiences no matter the era.

Even its handling of politics – through the secretive Wesen royal families, the rise of Black Claw, and the resistance movements – feels eerily prescient, speaking to the dangers of extremism, surveillance, and social division.

A Show That Grew with Its Audience

What began as a fairy-tale procedural grew into a darkly philosophical epic. Grimm didn't stagnate – it evolved. It wasn't afraid to challenge its characters or break its own rules. It gave us romance, heartbreak, betrayal, redemption, and even full-on apocalypses. And somehow, it all made sense.

By the series finale in 2017, Grimm had tied together six seasons of storytelling with emotional weight and a satisfying arc. The finale wasn't just an ending – it was a love letter to fans who had taken the journey.

Why Grimm Still Matters Today

In the era of constant reboots, it's worth remembering that some shows got it right the first time. Grimm didn't need excessive CGI or shock value. It relied on strong writing, emotionally rich characters, mythological depth, and consistent worldbuilding.

In many ways, Grimm was ahead of its time – a series that trusted its audience to keep up with intricate lore while investing in its characters. And that's why, whether you're a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, Grimm still feels fresh, eerie, and oddly comforting.

So this Throwback Thursday, consider diving back into Portland's shadowy underworld — where fairytales are real, monsters are misunderstood, and being a Grimm means standing between the darkness and the light.

Catch it on streaming. Rewatch it. Share it. Because the world of Grimm? It still has stories to tell.

Pop Fact:

Did you know that Grimm's spinoff was in development in 2018 but stalled? Fans still hope that one day the Wesen world will return. Until then – we'll always have Monroe's clocks, Rosalee's spice shop, and Nick's ever-ready crossbow.

Oshelynn M. Cabrera