Salem is an American supernatural fiction drama television series created by Brannon Braga and Adam Simon, inspired by the real Salem witch trials in the 17th century. The series stars Janet Montgomery as Mary Sibley, a powerful witch who controls the Salem witch trials by exemplifying hysteria among the puritans while executing her wicked plan of beginning the Grand Rite. Problems arise when her long lost love, John Alden (played by Shane West), returns to Salem, complicating Mary's plans. The show has elements of Horror and Gothic romance.