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July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Screen & Stage • Series

Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks is an American surrealist mystery horror drama television series created by David Lynch and Mark Frost.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Twin Peaks is an American surrealist mystery horror drama television series created by David Lynch and Mark Frost. It follows FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper as he investigates the murder of Laura Palmer in the fictional town of Twin Peaks, Washington, and expands into supernatural and psychological mystery.

What it is

Twin Peaks is a surrealist mystery horror drama that originally aired on ABC from 1990 to 1991, with a third season released on Showtime in 2017. The series begins with the discovery of Laura Palmer's body and follows FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper as he uncovers hidden crimes and supernatural forces in the seemingly quiet town.

Key details

Laura Palmer was killed by her father, Leland Palmer, while under the influence of the evil spirit BOB. The series is known for its surreal tone, unconventional storytelling, and cult following. Its setting near the Canadian border and cross-border broadcast history make it familiar to Canadian TV audiences.

Why it matters

Twin Peaks became notable for its surreal style, eerie atmosphere, and influence on later television drama. It developed a cult following and remains widely discussed for its ambitious and unresolved narrative elements, including an ambiguous finale that sends the story into the Black Lodge and altered realities.

In short

  • Created by David Lynch and Mark Frost, Twin Peaks aired on ABC from 1990–1991 and returned for a third season on Showtime in 2017.
  • The story follows FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper investigating the murder of Laura Palmer, who was killed by her father under the influence of the spirit BOB.
  • The series is known for its surreal tone, cult following, and ambiguous ending involving the Black Lodge.
Canadian angle

Twin Peaks is set near the Canadian border and has long been of interest to Canadian viewers as a landmark cult television series. Its setting in the Pacific Northwest and its cross-border broadcast history make it familiar to Canadian TV audiences.[7][12]

Quick questions

What is Twin Peaks about?
It is about FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper investigating the murder of Laura Palmer in the town of Twin Peaks, while uncovering secrets, crime, and supernatural elements.
Who created Twin Peaks?
Twin Peaks was created by David Lynch and Mark Frost.
Who killed Laura Palmer in Twin Peaks?
Laura Palmer was killed by her father, Leland Palmer, while he was under the influence of the evil spirit BOB.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twin_Peaks
    Supports: Created by David Lynch and Mark Frost; original run; setting; premise.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Twin-Peaks-American-television-show
    Supports: Created by David Lynch and Mark Frost; broadcast history; premise; setting near the Canadian border.
  3. Wikipedia — https://www.wiki.com
    Supports: Laura Palmer killed by Leland Palmer under influence of BOB; story interpretation and ending discussion.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Twin_Peaks_episodes
    Supports: Three-season total and episode/run details.