Hello, Ghoulies! As a Zillennial, I’m all about the self-care trend. For me, unwinding often means a night of old-school horror movies or supernatural podcasts. That’s my version of true crime because I really can’t bring myself to sit through a documentary about a real-life serial killer. Too scary.
But what about those nights when you can’t commit to a feature-length film or podcast? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered at Tawny. Here are a few spooky shows to enjoy on those crisp fall evenings.
1. Yaga
If you’re not familiar with Baba Yaga, get ready to be scared. Premiering October 23 on AMC+, this spooky retelling follows the classic Slavic witch who lives in an enchanted house in the forest. Sometimes seen as a symbol of female empowerment,Baba Yaga will either liberate you, imprison you, or eat you. Though she much prefers children.
In this modern-day rendition, student Henry Park (played by Heated Rivalry’s Hudson Williams) goes missing. Detective Rapp (played by Noah Reid) is on the case, questioning Henry’s teacher, Katherine Yazov (Carrie-Anne Moss), who has an interest in folklore and younger men. This fairy-tale noir explores female rage while giving us something creepy to binge this fall.
2. Carrie
Reportedly a little sad, this modern-day Prime Video adaptation of Carrie explores domestic abuse and controlling fathers, a not-so-uncommon story.
Before her doomsday-prepper father dies, Carrie (Summer H. Howell) and her mother (Samantha Sloyan) live under his thumb, unable to leave their home.
When Carrie finally enters public high school after years of homeschooling, she faces some major adjustments. Between her first period, a startling active-shooter drill, and newly discovered telekinetic powers, things get overwhelming fast.
The miniseries examines the modern horrors of high school bullying, both online and off, while continuing Stephen King’s legacy.
3. True Blood
How about a Millennial throwback? This 2008–2014 vampire drama never gets old.
Sookie (Anna Paquin), a telepathic waitress, has plenty of suitors but struggles with hearing all their dirty thoughts. That changes when she meets Bill (Stephen Moyer), a brooding 173-year-old vampire whose mind she can't read.
Naturally, she falls for him, much to the shock and horror of her small Louisiana town. But Sookie doesn't judge Bill, and Bill doesn't judge Sookie. Their relationship has plenty of ups and downs, just like any on-screen romance.
True Blood uses vampires to explore racism in the South and societal boundaries surrounding love, all while giving us a bloodcurdling good time. Stream it on HBO Max.
4. American Horror Story
A horror story across the ages! Every year, I look forward to a new American Horror Story trilogy. They even give us spooky Summerween stories through the spin-off American Horror Stories.
This year's season, American Horror Story: 13, follows Ben (Joey Pollari), a man terrified of the number thirteen. After surviving a plane crash on Flight 13 that kills his girlfriend, he becomes a hospice care worker for a patient living on the 13th floor of an eerie apartment building.
Just his luck, right?
His patient supposedly has Lewy body dementia, but things take a sinister turn when he discovers the man is actually Satan himself.
5. The Body
Set at a Catholic high school in the early 2000s, The Body follows a teen dance team that accidentally contacts the devil and sells a new member’s soul. Naturally, townwide chaos ensues.
Created by Quinn Shephard, the series stars up-and-coming actresses Sarah Boustany, Bella Neuspeil, and Christina Bogic.
Among its influences is my favorite movie of all time, Jennifer’s Body. But the vibe feels more like an even more sinister Pretty Little Liars. This horror-dramedy explores queer teenagehood through a super-creepy coming-of-age tale.
Don't miss it November 11 on Netflix!
6. The X Files
It's science versus the supernatural with FBI agents Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) and Fox Mulder (David Duchovny).
This '90s favorite explores everything paranormal, from aliens and ghosts to conspiracies and the Jersey Devil. But is there a scientific explanation?
Scully, a doctor turned special agent, thinks so. Meanwhile, Mulder, nicknamed "Spooky Mulder" by his FBI colleagues, is convinced something otherworldly is happening.
Will they ever close a case? The truth is out there, as the show's opening credits remind us. And the truth is, you should check out The X-Files on Hulu this season.
7. Crystal Lake
Another classic horror movie retelling!
Crystal Lake takes Sean S. Cunningham’s Friday the 13th and transforms it into an A24-produced prequel series on Peacock.
Linda Cardellini, known for Freaks and Geeks, DTF St. Louis, and a personal favorite of mine, Welcome to Me, plays Pamela Voorhees, a cook at Camp Crystal Lake.
When her son Jason (Callum Vinson) drowns while she's working, Pamela is overcome with grief. Unlike the 1980 original, the series explores the heartbreak of losing a child while still delivering a scary-good watch.
8. Are You Afraid of the Dark
Arguably one of the scariest children's television shows, Are You Afraid of the Dark? welcomes you back to the '90s and the Midnight Society.
But only if you pass your initiation while blindfolded, of course.
From creepy clowns and sinister dollmakers to phantoms and mysterious laughter, these eerie tales unfold around a campfire in a secret woodland clearing.
Relive the Nickelodeon classic with the first five seasons on Paramount+.
9. Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Come hang out with everyone's favorite girl-power teenage vampire slayer, Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar)!
New to Sunnydale, Buffy meets her best friends Willow (Alyson Hannigan) and Xander (Nicholas Brendon) as she begins her sophomore year at Sunnydale High.
Together, they tackle vampires, demons, death, first loves, college, and even Buffy's mysterious new sister, Dawn (Michelle Trachtenberg).
Don't miss this retro vampire series on Hulu. And might I add, '90s and early-2000s vampires were pretty unattractive compared to later heartthrobs like Bill and Edward Cullen.
10. Something Very Bad is Going to Happen
This Netflix miniseries from Hayley Z. Boston, released this past March, is the perfect addition to your fall watchlist.
In this creepy romance, soon-to-be newlyweds Rachel Harkin (Camila Morrone) and Nicky Cunningham (Adam DiMarco) travel to his parents' cabin.
But something feels off to Rachel from the moment they arrive. As the days pass, every sign points to getting the hell out of there. Still, the couple is determined to make things work.
If you enjoyed Netflix's I'm Thinking of Ending Things, you'll probably like this one, too. Through creepy metaphors about cold feet and marrying the wrong person, Boston delivers a spooky story you won't want to miss.
I can’t wait to dive into these shows cuddled up with a blanket on my couch this fall. If you have any scary shows you like, let us know in the comments section! Have a favorite on this list? Also let us know in the comments section! Stay spooky, ladies!