Gen Z are blown away by cult classic 90s show Twin Peaks after discovering it for the first time following David Lynch's death

Gen Z have gone wild for hit 90s TV show Twin Peaks, following the death of one of its creators, David Lynch. 

The American TV show, created by Lynch and Mark Frost, first hit screens in 1990 and soon became known for its unconventional storytelling, peculiar characters and bewildering tone.

And viewers who decided to give the show a chance have quickly became captivated by the show's eccentricity, leading it to gather a devoted cult following, widespread critical acclaim, and numerous awards. 

Following the death of its legendary director, the classic has once again surged in popularity, with young people around the world now hailing it as 'the best of all time' online. 

Last week, fans were left heartbroken after the creator and director behind the hit TV series passed away.

David, who was also known for Eraserhead and Blue Velvet, had cemented his legacy as a cool film aficionado with subversive productions that inspired a potent mix of both terror and curiosity.

Now, as fans and many in Hollywood mourn his death, swathes of curious twenty-somethings experiencing Twin Peaks for the first time have hailed their viewing experience and described it to be 'like crack'.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one wrote: 'I just started watching Twin Peaks for the first time Jesus f*****g christ. What is this show.'

A second wrote: 'Legitimately can't stop thinking thinking about Twin Peaks. That s**t is like crack. It has a hold on me I can't describe.' 

'I know everyone says it but Twin Peaks really is the greatest TV show ever made,' a third lamented. 

A fourth wrote: 'I've literally this second finished the first episode of Twin Peaks Season two and the little nightmare of Bob at the end gave me these exact thoughts. And the same goes for the rest, especially those final minutes of Mullholland Drive makes my hairs stand up.'

The hit show follows the fictional character, Dale Cooper, an eccentric FBI agent who visits the town of Twin Peaks to investigate the murder of Laura Palmer, a local 17-year-old school girl.

The show, which is categorised as a surrealist mystery-horror drama, first premiered on 8 April 1990 on ABC, running for a further two seasons before eventually being cancelled a year later.

Despite its short tenure onscreen, the show amassed wide critical acclaim, scoring millions of fans globally and going on to several accolades including: a BRIT Award, a Grammy Award, a Peabody Award, three Golden Globe Awards, three TCA Awards, and two Primetime Emmy awards.

Later in 2017, the show was revived for a third season thanks to its widespread critical acclaim. 

Last week, the legendary filmmaker, whose work included the movie Mulholland Drive and the series Twin Peaks, tragically died after a heartrending health battle that left him barely able to 'walk across a room'.

David was 78-years-old when he died and had been left homebound by his struggle with emphysema, prior to his passing.

He began smoking at the age of eight and was diagnosed with the illness in 2020 before finally giving up cigarettes in 2022.

His loved ones broke the news of his death on Facebook this Tuesday, writing: 'It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch. We would appreciate some privacy at this time. There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us.'

They added: 'But, as he would say: “Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole.” It’s a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way.'

News of his death was greeted by an outpouring of praise from Hollywood, including fellow directors James Gunn, Harmony Korine and Ron Howard.

Lee Grant, whom David directed in Mulholland Drive, shared her fond memories of working for the man she described as a 'one of a kind artist.'

His longtime friend Kyle MacLachlan, whom he worked with on such projects as Blue Velvet and Twin Peaks, posted a devastated tribute to the late director. 

During his harrowing final decline over the past few months, David gave more than one interview that offered glimpses into his deteriorating condition.

In August he insisted he would 'never retire' but acknowledged he could only direct remotely, as making movies in person put him at risk of COVID-19.

By November he shared he was dependent on supplemental oxygen and had such trouble breathing he felt as if he had 'a plastic bag' over his head, he told People.

David explained his illness to his fans on X this past August, saying that he he was homebound 'whether I like it or not' on account of the emphysema.

'Yes, I have emphysema from my many years of smoking. I have to say that I enjoyed smoking very much, and I do love tobacco - the smell of it, lighting cigarettes on fire, smoking them - but there is a price to pay for this enjoyment, and the price for me is emphysema,' the Eraserhead director wrote.

'I have now quit smoking for over two years. Recently I had many tests and the good news is that I am in excellent shape except for emphysema.'

'I am filled with happiness, and I will never retire. I want you all to know that I really appreciate your concern,' the Blue Velvet filmmaker concluded.

That month, he recalled: 'Smoking was something that I absolutely loved, but in the end, it bit me,' in an interview with the movie magazine Sight & Sound.

Over the course of his career, cigarettes became a visual fixture in his movies, as well as a part of his own persona as an avant-garde filmmaker.

David is survived by his estranged fourth wife Emily Stofle as well as his daughter Jennifer, 56, whom he had by his first wife Peggy Reavey, plus his sons Riley, 42, and Austin, 33, whose mother is Lynch's second wife Mary Fisk.