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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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The Mandela Catalogue

The Mandela Catalogue is an analog horror web series created by American YouTuber Alex Kister in 2021.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Mandela Catalogue is an analog horror web series created by American YouTuber Alex Kister in 2021. Set mainly in the fictional Mandela County, Wisconsin, the series follows attacks by shape-shifting entities called Alternates that impersonate humans and psychologically torment victims. The series became widely known online and a film adaptation is in development.

Premise

The series follows events in Mandela County as residents face Alternates, supernatural entities that can take human form and manipulate victims psychologically. The narrative is told through distorted recordings and other analogue-media formats characteristic of the analog horror genre.

Production and release

The Mandela Catalogue launched in 2021 and was released on YouTube. Sources describe it as a series of volumes and shorter installments, with the story unfolding across multiple acts.

Reception and influence

The series became prominent in online horror communities and is often cited as one of the defining works of analog horror. Its visibility increased through fan discussion, reaction content, and explanatory videos.

Film adaptation

By July 2026, a film adaptation co-written and directed by Alex Kister was in development with United Artists, Amblin Entertainment, and Paper Street Pictures.

Key facts

  • The series was created and written by Alex Kister.
  • It began in 2021 and is presented as an analog horror web series.
  • The story is set in the fictional Mandela County, Wisconsin.
  • Its central antagonists are Alternates, shape-shifting entities that impersonate humans.
  • A feature film adaptation is in development.
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Canadian context

The series has a broad online fanbase and is relevant to Canadian viewers through its international streaming-era popularity and its influence on the wider analog horror genre.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Mandela Catalogue?
It is an analog horror web series by Alex Kister about a fictional Wisconsin county threatened by human-like entities called Alternates.
Who created The Mandela Catalogue?
The series was created and written by Alex Kister.
When did it start?
It began in 2021, with the first release in June 2021.
Where is it set?
It is set mainly in the fictional Mandela County, Wisconsin.
What are the Alternates?
Alternates are the series’ main antagonists: shape-shifting, human-imposing entities that psychologically terrorize victims.
Is there a film adaptation?
Yes. A film adaptation has been reported in development, with Alex Kister attached to direct.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mandela_Catalogue
    Supports: Creation date, creator, genre, setting, premise, popularity, and film adaptation in development.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16492574/
    Supports: Series title, release date, and identification as a TV/web series.
  3. Deadline — https://deadline.com/2026/07/youtube-mandela-catalog-steven-spielberg-scott-stuber-1236973259/
    Supports: Film adaptation development, involved companies, and description of the series.
  4. IGN — https://www.ign.com/articles/steven-spielberg-to-produce-film-adaptation-of-youtube-horror-series-the-mandela-catalogue
    Supports: Film adaptation reporting and summary of the series premise.
  5. YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_P7nTlrPgc
    Supports: Context for how the series is discussed and structured in fan explanations.