As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to blush with shades of amber and gold, there's a certain magic that only fall can bring. It's a season that invites us to slow down, cozy up, and savor the moments that make life meaningful.
For me, there is no better way to embrace the enchanting spirit of autumn than by diving into the perfect television shows that capture its essence. Whether seeking comfort in familiar favorites or discovering something new, curling up with the perfect series for your mood is one of the simplest ways to romanticize this beautiful season.
So grab a blanket, pour yourself a warm drink (or glass of wine), and explore the shows that will make your fall evenings unforgettable. Note that I have added a ☆star☆ to all my personal favorites.
In no particular order, here are my favorites:
1. Salem
Salem is an American supernatural horror television series created by Brannon Braga and Adam Simon. It is loosely inspired by the real Salem witch trials of the 17th century.
2. Mayfair Witches
Based on Anne Rice’s Lives of the Mayfair Witches, Mayfair Witches explores female power and the mortal implications of our decisions. It focuses on an intuitive young neurosurgeon (Alexandra Daddario) who discovers she is the unlikely heir to a family of witches. As she grapples with her newfound powers, she must contend with a sinister presence that has haunted her family for generations.
3. ☆Chilling Adventures of Sabrina☆
This adaptation of the "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" tale is a dark coming-of-age story that traffics in horror and the occult.
4. Witches of East End
Inspired by Melissa de la Cruz's New York Times best-selling novel, "Witches of East End" centers on the mysterious Beauchamp family: free-spirited artist Joanna and her two grown daughters, wild-child bartender Freya and shy librarian Ingrid, both of whom are unaware that they are gifted (and cursed) with a magical birthright.
5. ☆American Horror Story (Season 3 — Coven)☆
The third season of the American horror anthology television series American Horror Story, subtitled Coven, is set in 2013 in New Orleans and follows a coven of witches descended from Salem as they fight for survival.
6.☆Vampire Diaries☆
The lives, loves, dangers, and disasters in Mystic Falls, Virginia. Creatures of unspeakable horror lurk beneath this town as a teenage girl is suddenly torn between two vampire brothers.
7. Riverdale
While navigating the troubled waters of sex, romance, school, and family, teen Archie and his gang become entangled in a dark Riverdale mystery. New episodes will air weekly starting on January 27th.
8. Wednesday
While attending Nevermore Academy, Wednesday Addams attempts to master her emerging psychic ability, thwart a killing spree, and solve the mystery that embroiled her parents 25 years ago.
9. Bates Motel
After the death of her husband, Norma Bates buys a motel in the picturesque coastal town of White Pine Bay, giving herself and her teenage son Norman a chance to begin anew.
10. Scream Queens
A string of murders rocks Wallace University. Chanel Oberlin rules Kappa House, the most sought-after sorority, with an iron fist. However, when the Dean states that sorority pledging must be open to all students, all hell breaks loose.
11. Ghosts
Samantha and Jay throw caution to the wind when they convert their recently inherited country estate into a bed-and-breakfast. Call it mislaid plans. The place is falling apart and inhabited by the spirits of previous residents—whom only Samantha can see and hear. Ghosts spins a funny, heartfelt story about a newfound dream that reveals connection and self-discovery aren't just for the living.
12. Penny Dreadful
Many are familiar with classic literary characters like Dr. Frankenstein and Dorian Gray. "Penny Dreadful" explores their origin stories in this psychological thriller set in the dark corners of Victorian London, bringing those and other characters into a new light.
13. The Haunting of Bly Manor
A young governess arrives at Bly Manor and begins to see apparitions haunting the estate.'
14. ☆The Haunting of Hill House☆
This modern reimagining of the Shirley Jackson novel follows siblings who, as children, grew up in what would become the country's most famous haunted house. Now, adults, they are forced back together in the face of tragedy and must finally confront the ghosts of their past.
15. The Fall of the House of Usher
In this wicked series from Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House) and based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe, ruthless siblings Roderick and Madeline Usher have built Fortunato Pharmaceuticals into an empire of wealth, privilege, and power. But past secrets come to light when the heirs to the Usher dynasty start dying at the hands of a mysterious woman from their youth.
16. Devil in Ohio
Determined to protect a young patient who escaped a mysterious cult, a psychiatrist takes the girl in, putting her own family — and life — in danger.
17. October Faction
17-year-old twins' lives are turned upside down when they discover their seemingly unremarkable insurance sales rep parents are, in fact, (spoiler alert!) trained assassins who hunt monsters.
18. ☆Fear Street Trilogy☆
Fear Street is a series of American horror films based on R. L. Stine's book series of the same name. It is one of my favorite shows to watch in the fall, and I am already looking forward to my annual rewatch.
19. Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!
Nostalgia at its finest.
20. Gilmore Girls
Gilmore Girls needs no introduction as it is likely a rewatch for most of us, BUT here is one anyway. Set in a storybook Connecticut town populated by an eclectic mix of dreamers, artists, and everyday folk, this multigenerational drama about family and friendship centers around Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter, Rory.
21. The Order
Last but not least — The Order is highly recommended by the queen of fall, Darling Desi. Here is the gist: When Belgrave University student Jack Morton joins a fabled secret society, the Hermetic Order of the Blue Rose, he is thrust into a world of magic, monsters, and intrigue.
22. Nancy Drew
Nancy Drew is a brilliant teen detective whose sense of self had come from solving mysteries in her hometown of Horseshoe Bay, Maine -- until her mother's untimely death derails Nancy's college plans.
Happy fall to all those who celebrate. Next up, I’ll be sharing my fall movie guide.
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