Buzz
Photo: Mitchell Haddad/CBS Photo Archive via Getty ImagesFall is the season for cuddling up with a warm blanket and a comforting drink, while binge-watching episodes of your favorite TV show. The idea of a 'comfort show' may differ from person to person—some prefer heartwarming family dramas, while others enjoy suspenseful mysteries. But there are some shows that just give off that cozy autumn vibe. While the weather and setting in these shows play a part, so do the lighting, color tones, and the storyline. Spooky or Halloween-themed shows also make a perfect addition to our fall watchlist. Below, you'll find a list of the best shows to enjoy as you embrace the season.
Gilmore Girls
Let's begin with the most obvious choice on the list. Gilmore Girls takes place in a charming Connecticut town where everyone knows each other, and where it feels like fall all year round. The show centers on the close relationship between mother-daughter duo Lorelai and Rory Gilmore as they navigate family, friendships, and love. It's sweet, heartwarming, and effortlessly bingeable.
Friday Night Lights
Fall is synonymous with football season, which is why Friday Night Lights fits perfectly on this list—but you don't have to be a sports enthusiast to appreciate this drama. Set in a small town in Texas, the show explores both the challenges of rural life and the journey of a high school football team striving for a state championship. Plus, it boasts a talented cast, including Connie Britton, Jesse Plemons, Minka Kelly, and Michael B. Jordan.
Stranger Things
After inspiring one of the most popular Halloween costumes of 2016, Stranger Things is an ideal pick for a fall binge (or rewatch). Aside from Season 3, which takes place in the summer, the series is mostly set during fall in the eerie town of Hawkins, Indiana. Tune in for a thrilling mix of government cover-ups, spooky supernatural elements, teenage awkwardness, and '80s nostalgia.
Big Little Lies
We never quite know what season it is in Big Little Lies, but it always seems like the perfect time for a cozy sweater in the coastal town of Monterey, California. The series features a stellar cast of mothers from the upper class, including Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern, Zoe Kravitz, and Shailene Woodley. It blends murder mystery, suburban intrigue, and breathtaking views of luxurious beachside homes.
The Haunting of Hill House
For those in the mood for something a little more eerie, The Haunting of Hill House is an ideal choice to watch on or around Halloween. The story revolves around five adult siblings who grew up in a house plagued by supernatural events, with unsettling flashbacks to their childhood encounters with the paranormal. If you enjoy ghost stories, this show will certainly captivate you—though be warned, it might have you sleeping with the lights on.
This Is Us
If you're in the mood for a heartfelt tearjerker that makes you reflect on life, loss, and family, This Is Us will definitely tug at your heartstrings. This emotional family drama stars Mandy Moore and Milo Ventimiglia as the parents of an extraordinary set of triplets. The story primarily unfolds in the present, but also includes flashbacks that reveal pivotal moments in the characters' lives. And if you're wondering what makes this family saga feel like fall, it's partly due to the recurring significance of Thanksgiving episodes throughout the six seasons.
Only Murders in the Building
This New York City-based murder mystery offers a lighter twist on the genre, featuring comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short, alongside Selena Gomez. The three unlikely neighbors, who live in the same Upper West Side apartment building, band together to solve a murder and create a podcast about it. The show always feels a bit chilly, and Gomez’s character, Mabel, is often seen sporting a variety of stylish coats, making it a great source of fall fashion inspiration.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Set in the fictional town of Sunnydale, California, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a perfect addition to your October watchlist with its dark lighting and supernatural escapades. The '90s cult classic stars Sarah Michelle Gellar in her breakout role as Buffy, a high school student who juggles battling evil forces with typical teenage drama.
Twin Peaks
Set in the mysterious town of Twin Peaks, Washington, with its signature moody atmosphere, this eerie drama is ideal for fall viewing (even though much of the series is set in winter). David Lynch's 1989 surrealist show follows FBI Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) as he investigates the murder of high school student Laura Palmer, uncovering multiple other mysteries along the way. Beyond the quirky characters and complex plot, Twin Peaks is visually stunning and captivating on its own.
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
If you grew up watching Sabrina the Teenage Witch, this darker reimagining of the 90s classic is sure to captivate you. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina delves into Sabrina Spellman’s origins as a half-witch, half-mortal. The Netflix original series follows her journey as she tries to lead a 'normal' teenage life while also combating dark forces that threaten her town.
Bates Motel
Get your fill of spine-chilling suspense this season with Bates Motel. This modern-day prequel to Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 classic Psycho explores the lives of Norman Bates and his mother Norma before the events of the film. Starring the critically acclaimed Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore, Bates Motel is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Charmed
Prepare to be enchanted this fall with the much-loved binge-worthy series Charmed. After the tragic loss of their mother, three sisters—Phoebe, Piper, and Prue—discover they are witches. Watch as they learn to harness their powers to fight evil in San Francisco, all while managing their jobs, relationships, and friendships.
The Twilight Zone
Take a trip down memory lane with the classic The Twilight Zone, the ultimate spooky throwback. Despite debuting 65 years ago, this legendary series has stood the test of time. From creepy talking dolls to possessed mannequins, The Twilight Zone is perfect for a crisp fall evening. With five seasons to binge, you’ll be pulled into this anthology of eerie tales.
If you're in the mood for something a bit more contemporary, take a look at the trailer for Jordan Peele's 2019 reimagining of the iconic show.
