The show, based on creator Adam Green's real life and set in his small hometown of Holliston, MA, follows the lives of Adam and Joe, two friends chasing the dream of becoming successful horror movie filmmakers while struggling to make ends meet and dealing with life and the opposite sex in their post-college jobs at a Boston area cable access station where they also host a late night movie program called "The Movie Crypt."
Holliston has examples of:
- Actor Allusion: One example: When Adam mentions the various types of actors who appear at cons, he makes reference to the creepy girl from the Hills Have Eyes remake. Cut to Laura (whose actress played Ruby) who gives the camera an Aside Glance.
- As Himself: Tony Todd and Kane Hodder are among the horror stars that appear as themselves on the show.
- Bad Santa: An escaped killer dressed as Santa appears in the Christmas Special.
- Berserk Button: Mentioning Freddy vs. Jason causes Kane Hodder to snap.
- Bloody Hilarious: The show has several gory setpieces that are played for laughs.
- Breaking the Fourth Wall: This happens on a regular basis. The characters are often aware they are on a show.
- Broken Pedestal: Occurs with Tony Todd after he refuses to leave Adam and Joe's apartment.
- Celebrity Star: Various horror celebrities make appearances throughout the show.
- Character as Himself: Oderus Urungus is credited "as himself" in the credits.
- Cloudcuckoolander: Laura is this, often making weird comments or making bizarre paintings.
- Driven to Suicide: Kane Hodder tries to kill himself after being recast in Freddy vs. Jason.
- Dude Looks Like a Lady: Kane Hodder confuses Lance Rockett (played by Dee Snider) for an attractive woman.
- Gold Digger: Danielle Harris pretends to be interested in Adam but is just using him to get money and pain medication from him.
- Imaginary Friend: Oderus Urungus of GWAR is this for Adam.
- Self-Deprecation: Adam Green’s Hatchet is the butt of a few jokes with characters calling it a poorly directed Friday the 13th ripoff.
- They Killed Kenny Again: At various points the characters will get killed or maimed and then appear unscathed in the next episode or scene.
