Master of horror Alfred Hitchcock would open each episode of his eponymous Alfred Hitchcock Presents series by personally preparing viewers for whatever terrors they were about to witness.

Now, in the 21st century, auteur Guillermo del Toro continues that legacy with Cabinet of Curiosities, his own anthology show featuring an esteemed cadre of top-talent directors, including Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight), Jennifer Kent (The Babadook), Ana Lily Amirpour (A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night), and Vincenzo Natali (Cube). 

Want a sneak peek of del Toro in action? Watch the first two minutes of the opening of the first episode of Cabinet of Curiosities, “Lot 36,” directed by Guillermo Navarro, above. Be warned: Once the cabinet is opened, it can’t be closed. 

Learn more about each episode’s star-studded cast here. 

What is the release date for Cabinet of Curiosities? 

Beginning Oct. 25, two episodes will debut daily through Oct. 28, when the entire collection of eight stories will be available. The debut cadence is as follows:

Oct. 25: “Scavengers,” featuring “Lot 36” and “Graveyard Rats.”

Oct. 26: “Loners,” featuring “The Autopsy” and “The Outside.”

Oct. 27: “Lovecraft,” featuring “Pickman’s Model” and “Dreams in the Witch House.”

Oct. 28: “Visitations,” featuring “The Viewing” and “The Murmuring.”

Should you take a sick day to watch all of these episodes?

Yes. 

But what should I tell my boss?

You’re not your job; enjoy life.