Story perspectives

Apple TV+ releases Widow’s Bay Episode 6, demonic pact unveiled.

5/28/2026

Summary

Linklater Leads

Apple TV+ released Episode 6 of “Widow’s Bay,” starring Hamish Linklater as founder Richard Warren.
The “Our History” episode shows Warren making a demonic pact during 1700s plague, which Linklater says echoes his part in “Midnight Mass.”
Creator Katie Dippold, director Hiro Murai, Matthew Rhys and Steven Arnold persuaded Linklater to join and built a set for Betty Gilpin.
The Season 1 finale is June 17, with Linklater slated for Mike Flanagan’s “The Exorcist.”

Summary

Linklater Coffin

The flashback episode was filmed at the Rebecca Nurse Homestead in Danvers, the 1693 Salem-trial witch’s home.
Director Ti West helmed the episode, prompting Katie Dippold to praise its horror-comedy blend.
Production filmed the colonial episode after the season, shooting it last and in reverse script order, during which Betty Gilpin used modern set pieces in period costume.
Hamish Linklater was sealed in a coffin on his 49th birthday.

Summary

Linklater Streams

Episode 6 of Widow’s Bay began streaming on Apple TV+ on Wednesday, May 27 2026.
The platform markets the episode as a beautiful tale of marriage, loyalty and enduring love, featuring the ensemble cast including Matthew Rhys and Kate O’Flynn.
Apple TV+ released stills of Hamish Linklater and Betty Gilpin in period costumes and added a photo gallery from episode 5 with a “spoilers after watching” recap.

History

Historical Context

In 1692 Governor William Phips established the Court of Oyer and Terminer that tried the Salem witch accusations, leading to the execution of twenty people, including Rebecca Nurse on July 19. Apple TV+ filmed its 2026 “Widow’s Bay” episode at Nurse’s homestead, directly invoking the 1692 hysteria, and the production has spurred renewed academic interest in the trials.

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Linklater Leads

Apple TV+ released Episode 6 of “Widow’s Bay,” starring Hamish Linklater as founder Richard Warren.
The “Our History” episode shows Warren making a demonic pact during 1700s plague, which Linklater says echoes his part in “Midnight Mass.”
Creator Katie Dippold, director Hiro Murai, Matthew Rhys and Steven Arnold persuaded Linklater to join and built a set for Betty Gilpin.
The Season 1 finale is June 17, with Linklater slated for Mike Flanagan’s “The Exorcist.”

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