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50 Horror TV Shows To Kickstart Your Spooky Season

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October brings chills, sweater weather, and gorgeous fall leaves. But more importantly, Halloween’s only a few weeks away.

Spooky season is upon us, TV Fanatics.

Halloween is my favorite time of the year! Between the fun-size candy and endless horror movies, plenty of ghoulish treats top the list.

(Eric Liebowitz/FX)

Horror and spooky-themed TV shows, especially, make this month extra special.

Masked killers, witchy teens, paranormal ghosts from beyond the grave—plenty of eerie TV shows can satisfy your Halloween cravings.

There are too many to choose from, and a lot of options depending on what kind of horror sub-genre you’re into. Not sure where to start? We’ve got some tales for you.

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Below, we’ve picked out a handful of fun, freaky, and spine-tingling shows to get you into the Halloween spirit and kickstart your spooky season.

Author’s Note: This list includes only TV shows. TV Movies and movies on streaming sites won’t be mentioned.

Check out the list below!

The Killer on Slasher Season 1.
(Chiller/Screenshot)

Slasher (Shudder, Netflix, Chiller, and Super Channel)

The name speaks for itself. Slasher is the perfect nod to the slasher genre.

This anthology series focuses on a new serial killer each season and a new set of hopeless victims trying to survive until the end.

Slasher is well-written and doesn’t shy away from the gore. From the brainless jock to the resourceful Final Girl, each character feels like they’re trying to avoid a bloody death at the hands of their killer.

Plus, every season highlights a new tone. It’s easy to jump into, so pick a season’s theme that appeals to you.

Angelica Ross as The Chemist - American Horror Story
(FX)

American Horror Story (FX)

American Horror Story is another anthology series that will set your spooky season on fire.

American Horror Story helped pioneer the format, and now, entering American Horror Story Season 13, there are plenty of frights to catch up on. And just like any horror genre, you can pick the season that’s right for you.

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Haunted houses, bloody curses, dark asylums, and aliens are a few of the tropes awaiting each story.

The series is a tad inconsistent with delivering pure horror in the later seasons, but when it hits its stride, the eerie chills make it a fun time. Plus, with 13 seasons and a spinoff, it’s an excellent binge-worthy option.

A church burning down on Midnight Mass Season 1.
(Netflix/Screenshot)

Midnight Mass (Netflix)

Midnight Mass comes from horror writer and creator Mike Flanagan.

The series takes place on a small island and follows a tight-knit community grappling with religious fanaticism and the supernatural. Chaos eventually threatens to tear everything (and everyone) apart.

Midnight Mass features many familiar elements from a Mike Flanagan-created show: interpersonal drama, a creepy aesthetic, and many “blink and you’ll miss it” surprises hiding in the background. Religion runs through the plot and themes, so beware if you’re not interested in exploring it.

Midnight Mass Season 1 is a quick binge with seven episodes, but the momentum rages like a wildfire once it gets going in the second half.

Beth - Scream Season 3 Episode 6
(MTV/Screenshot)

Scream (MTV & VH1)

Scream was an underrated gem dealing with the weight of the juggernaut that was the Scream movies.

Say what you will about movie vs. TV, but the adventures in Lakewood offered a suspense-filled slasher whodunnit with lots of fun to spare. The MTV series channeled its own meta-style and paid homage to the movies.

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The cast blends classic horror archetypes with new depth. For example, Brooke is a great example of a character growing beyond her mean-girl trope.

If you’re in the mood for a modern take on the slasher genre, Scream would be a great option.

Its reboot has its moments, but the first two seasons and Halloween special are the main draws.

Ghost Nell on The Haunting of Hill House Season 1.
(Netflix/Screenshot)

The Haunting of Hill House (Netflix)

Just like Midnight Mass, The Haunting of Hill House is peak Mike Flanagan. But this miniseries delivers unrelenting horror and ghostly terror.

The Haunting of Hill House Season 1 takes place within a (you guessed it!) haunted house filled with ghosts. The story jumps between the present and the past, centering on a family dealing with the trauma of living at Hill House.

Creepy jump scares, ghosts lurking in the background, terrifying twists… this anthology has it all.

And it has well-written characters performed by a talented cast; you can feel their connection and the tension between them as a family. If you’re more into supernatural, this is the best of the Flanagan series.

Make sure you have a light on if you’re watching at night. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Treasured Pet
(Hulu)

Into The Dark (Hulu)

Into The Dark is an interesting entry on this list because it gives you the most horror-movie-like experience as a TV show. Each episode is framed around a holiday but in an anthology setting.

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A slasher for New Year’s Eve? A haunted board game for Halloween? Corrupted killing dolls for Easter?

Into The Dark goes there and plays off the horror tropes we’ve come to love.

You don’t need to watch every episode in chronological order to have a good time. Pick the holiday(s) you feel like watching and jump around to get into the spooky spirit.

Dary Looks - The Walking Dead Season 11 Episode 6
(Josh Stringer/AMC)

The Walking Dead (AMC)

Do you like zombies? Do you want A LOT of zombies? No?!

How about “walkers” then? I’m joking, but The Walking Dead is the titan of zombie-apocalypse fare on TV.

Its spinoffs, like Fear The Walking Dead and The Walking Dead: World Beyond, equally deliver that post-apocalyptic vibe you’ve been craving.

Though if you’re planning to start a series, try the main entry first. The Walking Dead has many strong seasons, especially in the first half, and great characters like Rick, Glenn, Maggie, Michonne, and more are in the mix.

Many seasons await if you get hooked on the zombie chaos and drama among the survivors.

All of Us Are Dead
(Netflix/Screenshot)

All of Us Are Dead (Netflix)

Keeping things in the zombie world, Netflix has a high school-set series packed with action and terror.

All of Us Are Dead Season 1 captures the horror of facing a zombie apocalypse. But instead of a deserted shopping mall or island, what if it’s a school?

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This series centers on a group of classmates fighting for survival. They face not only the creatures roaming the halls, but also the tensions growing within the group.

Sometimes, not even the apocalypse can escape high school.

Liv Moore on iZombie Season 1 Episode 1.
(The CW/Screenshot)

iZombie (The CW)

For five seasons, iZombie delivered on the fun side of zombies.

What would happen if a zombie inherited all the memories and personality traits of their victims? Forensic coroner Liv Moore would know!

This campy, action-filled series introduced a new case each week, pushing the team to catch the killer before they got away.

But for Liv to solve the murder case, she’d have to eat the unsuspecting victim’s brains. What unfolds is an episodic adventure set in Seattle that evolves into a zombie conspiracy of epic proportions.

iZombie is a fantastic underrated gem!

Stranger Things
(COURTESY OF NETFLIX © 2025)

Stranger Things (Netflix)

Stranger Things is the perfect nostalgia when you’re in the mood for 80s adventures with a modern twist.

Set in Hawkins, Indiana, the series focuses on a ragtag group of kids battling the paranormal and trying to save their missing friends. In later seasons, the paranormal horrors grow to affect the town and its unsuspecting citizens.

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Plus, there’s a government conspiracy, equally strong plots with the adults and teens, and great special effects with its monster designs. Seriously, the monsters on Stranger Things would be frightening to face in real life.

There’s a reason why this series became (and still is) a cultural phenomenon.

Killer Theories - I Know What You Did Last Summer Season 1 Episode 8
(Prime Video/Screenshot)

I Know What You Did Last Summer (Amazon Prime)

Another TV adaptation of a beloved ’90s slasher.

I Know What You Did Last Summer’s name says it all. This series is the first TV adaptation of the iconic ’90s teen slasher film (and the Lois Duncan novel) of the same name.

The story, once again, focuses on a group of teens being stalked by a killer one year later, after covering up a death caused by a car accident. Expect to see chills, thrills, and blood spills for your Halloween pleasure.

I Know What You Did Last Summer is perfect if you’re in the mood to get hooked on a new series. (That’s right, I went for the pun!)

New Friends - Chucky Season 3 Episode 3
(Shane Mahood/Syfy)

Chucky (Syfy and USA Network)

Whereas some slasher TV series adapted a new story, Syfy’s and USA Network’s ode to the killer doll is a direct continuation.

Chucky ran for three seasons, continuing a new string of bloody and vicious murders. In this new tale, the Chucky doll falls into the hands of Jake, a geeky loner looking for a friend.

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The Chucky series evolves into a roller-coaster of hilarious bloodshed and kills.

Chucky goes for the humor, slashing up victims like it’s his day job. In turn, Jake and his friends plot to stop the killer doll from wreaking more havoc.

Of course, both sides encounter plenty of chaos and mishaps along the way.

(Liane Hentscher/Prime)

Carrie (Amazon Prime Video)

You might be thinking, “Another Carrie adaptation to watch?!”

To that we say, “Hell yes!” Bring on all the horror influences, old and new.

Another series helmed by Mike Flanagan, Carrie Season 1 channels all the vibes of the original tale. Frustrations, oppression, and telekinetic abilities are on the table.

After finishing a Carrie movie night, the TV series will be a great addition to the lineup.

(Patrick Brown/FX)

Alien: Earth (FX)

Are you a fan of the Alien movie series? Well, we’ve got a series for you.

Or any horror fan who loves space and cosmic horror!

Alien: Earth Season 1 is a great continuation of the film franchise, capturing a moment in time that fills in the lore. This captivating series adds more characters, more backstory, and more chills.

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But more importantly, the film’s creepiness is alive and well.

In space, no one can hear you scream. But your family will definitely hear screams if you’re terrified of alien creatures, especially the Xenomorphs.

Buffy spinning her stake on Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 4 Episode 1.
(Disney/Screenshot)

Buffy The Vampire Slayer (The WB and UPN)

Instead of playing victim to the supernatural creatures, jump into the shoes of Buffy Summers to take them down.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer is an amazing cult classic that balances horror elements with witty comedy. The series focuses on a group of teen outsiders as they face everything weird and paranormal that affects their demonic town.

Plus, Sarah Michelle Gellar plays Buffy in her iconic role as the vampire slayer, the one slayer in the world destined to hunt and kill vampires.

Great writing, a strong cast, and emotional beats that will tug at your heartstrings. You might think it’s a campy entry from its name alone, but the series is so much more.

It’s one of the best series coming out of the 90s.

Sookie on Season 7
(Tony Rivetti/HBO)

True Blood (HBO)

HBO’s True Blood is the perfect option if you want more drama mixed into your horror. And plenty of sex and excess to make you blush.

True Blood became our guilty-pleasure summer obsession for many reasons during its 7-season run.

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With its supernatural elements and captivating characters, the series kept us on our toes. It also had cheeky writing with characters ready to bite back with their words instead of their fangs.

Plus, new mysteries plagued the town, adding fresh weekly chaos. From werewolves to witches to a vampire conspiracy, True Blood had it all!

Henry on Harper's Island Season 1.
(CBS/Screenshot)

Harper’s Island (CBS)

Not all horror has to be supernatural or extremely gory. CBS’s miniseries, Harper’s Island, channeled a classic mix of slasher and Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None.”

The series focused on a wedding party heading to the island to celebrate their big day.

Many years after a previous string of murders, the town hoped the evil was over. However, as more people disappear, the guests can’t help but wonder if the serial killer has returned to enact another string of killings.

Does anyone make it out of the wedding alive? Who is the killer?

You’ll have to watch to find out.

Salem - Tall - Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Season 2 Episode 15
(Diyah Pera/Netflix)

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (Netflix)

Bring on all the teen drama with a demonic twist!

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina gave the classic Archie Comics character a darker side. Plenty of magic spells, gore, and darkness to satisfy your spooky-season thirst. The aesthetic alone feels like it’s ready for Halloween every episode.

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This series was a different take on the TGIF classic TV series, Sabrina the Teenage Witch.

If you want some witchy fun with a darker Riverdale vibe, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is right up your alley.

Salem Season 1
(WGN America/Screenshot)

Salem (WGN America)

Salem is a darker interpretation of the Salem Witch Trials.

Loosely inspired by real-life events, Salem fictionalizes a new take on the accusations. The series creates a world where dark magic is real, the witches are evil, and horror comes to the town.

The true battles aren’t the paranoia and accusations. Instead, it’s the dark entities and witches enacting their curses.

No one is safe when the schemes are afoot. Salem is a juicy supernatural horror you can binge within three seasons.

Best Big Chainsaw Scissors Ever - Channel Zero Season 3 Episode 4
(Allen Fraser/Syfy)

Channel Zero (Syfy)

Think of Channel Zero like Slasher or American Horror Story, but with plots based on creepypastas.

It’s another anthology series with self-contained arcs and lots of horror elements. You can choose which set of episodes to watch to follow the relatively short narrative.

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Seriously, each season’s plot only lasts six episodes!

Go right in with one batch of episodes or try all four seasons. Channel Zero delivered terror and chills in each arc, and each felt vastly different from the others.

The Twilight Zone
(CBS/Screenshot)

The Twilight Zone (CBS)

Take a trip into the paranormal and explore the unknown in The Twilight Zone.

Whether it’s the classic black-and-white series or the many reboots, The Twilight Zone has hooked viewers for generations. This show has inspired many parodies and cartoon nods.

Each week, The Twilight Zone presents a new mystery or case of the unknown. Sometimes the plot deals with sci-fi, or it’s a paranormal oddity ready to deliver a harsh life lesson.

Once you’re in, you’ll wonder if you’ll ever want to stop watching. But that’s what happens when you venture into The Twilight Zone. (*Theme music intensifies*)

Looking for Suspects - The X-Files Season 11 Episode 5
(Courtesy of FOX)

The X-Files (FOX)

A sci-fi classic that left its mark on the world like no other.

If you’re not in the mood for killers, werewolves, or other horror tropes, a more scientific theme might be it. In this case, it’s all about aliens and the paranormal.

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Join FBI special agents Mulder and Scully as they tackle cases to prove (or disprove) the paranormal.

Mulder and Scully are a great team, and they balance each other by bringing truth and skepticism to each case. Plus, there’s a fine mix of season-long arcs and one-off “monsters of the week” episodes.

Ichabod Crane on Sleepy Hollow Season 1 Episode 1.
(Fox/Screenshot)

Sleepy Hollow (FOX)

Love watching supernatural mysteries? Love a high-concept theme with a paranormal twist?

Three words: The Headless Horseman.

Sleepy Hollow on Fox ran for four seasons of dark, campy cases in the sleepy town of (you guessed it!) Sleepy Hollow. Ichabod Crane comes back to stop the Headless Horseman.

Of course, it’s also a plan to stop the end of the world.

Sleepy Hollow was a different take on the “buddy cop” trope, but it was so worth it. Ichabod and Abbie Mills had great chemistry — complete opposites who worked amazingly well together.

The narrative moves like a roller coaster, and the eerie episodes will feed you throughout spooky season.

Tyler Posey as Scott McCall in Teen Wolf
(MTV/Screenshot)

Teen Wolf (MTV)

Teen Wolf is more than just ship-worthy couples and werewolf abs. (Don’t get me wrong, it’s a big part, but there’s so much more!)

Look beyond the high school aesthetic to see a powerful story about small-town citizens fighting paranormal entities and forming a new werewolf pack. This has lots of heart, zingers, and supernatural action.

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Teen Wolf’s special effects are one of its greatest strengths. The transformation from teen to wolf is still one of the best scenes in a teen horror show.

Plus, the horror tone comes out in full force, especially with its use of shadows, gore, and creepy music. Teen Wolf does a great job balancing spooky and action.

One step ahead - Ash vs Evil Dead Season 2 Episode 8
(© 2016 Starz Entertainment, LLC/Geoffrey Short)

Ash vs. Evil Dead (STARZ)

Fan of the Evil Dead movie series? Well, we’ve got the show for you.

Ash vs. Evil Dead continues the films 30 years later. Ash Williams (the main hero) is back, and he’s fighting the forces of evil as they corrupt the world.

This show is all horror-comedy. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, so you’ll get plenty of laughs in between all the gore and outlandish horror.

Plus, it brings back all the film’s nostalgia. Pair this with your Evil Dead movie night to keep the fun going.

Zayday Williams - Scream Queens
(FOX)

Scream Queens (FOX)

Think of Scream Queens as a B-horror movie that plays off all the sorority tropes. But there’s so much more to the series than just pledge night and a masked killer picking off victims.

Scream Queens is filled with wit and one-liners that will make you smile.

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A great cast that includes Emma Roberts, Billie Lourd, and Keke Palmer, to name a few, makes their characters come alive. And Scream Queens delivers with the camp and horror nods.

It has only two seasons (the sorority massacre and the hospital bloodshed), but by the end of the final episode, you’ll want more of this cult classic.

Penny Dreadful
(Showtime/Screenshot)

Penny Dreadful (Showtime)

Penny Dreadful adds that dark gothic touch to your spooky season.

The series includes many elements of classic horror monsters and characters, like Count Dracula and Frankenstein’s monster, but with a darker, more stylish aesthetic. It blends iconic horror into a beautifully addictive story.

Penny Dreadful’s plot is one of its main draws, and the narrative hooks you in. However, the twists, bloodshed, and creature effects take this show to the next level.

Penny Dreadful isn’t like those childish fairy tales you heard as a kid.

The Locke Siblings on Locke & Key Season 1.
(Netflix/Screenshot)

Locke & Key (Netflix)

Want something spooky for you and the family?

Netflix’s Locke & Key might be the right choice. The story follows three young siblings as they discover magical keys in their home that give them powers.

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Locke & Key will sometimes feel more like an adventure series, especially with its fantasy effects and sibling shenanigans. But as with any spooky show, a sinister twist lurks in the tale.

It’s a great one if you want less scares and more adventure.

(Bertrand Calmeau/CBS)

Ghosts (CBS)

Need something even lighter? Go for Ghosts on CBS.

The sitcom is a horror-comedy first and foremost. Instead of creepy chills and screams, you’ll get plenty of laughs.

Follow the adventures of a couple running a bed-and-breakfast. But the real fun? All the shenanigans that come up from the many ghosts haunting the location.

Spooky season is about every side of horror, even the sictoms too!

On the Clock - Nancy Drew Season 1 Episode 14
(Kailey Schwerman/The CW)

Nancy Drew (The CW)

You might be wondering, “Why Nancy Drew?” And to that, I say, “Why not!”

Nancy Drew’s tale on The CW focuses on supernatural cases and real or curses in the quiet town of Horseshoe Bay. During Nancy Drew Season 1, a poltergeist haunts the main cast and pushes them to solve a murder.

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We’re not even getting into the other terrors, like a sea creature with a death curse or demons.

Come for the paranormal cases, but you’ll stay for the excellent writing and the chemistry between the Drew Crew.

(Copyright 2019, FX Networks. All Rights Reserved.)

What We Do In The Shadows (FX)

So much comedy. So many laughs. So many goofs.

What We Do In The Shadows is a well-acted and well-written horror-comedy. The laughs will keep coming as you follow the misadventures of these vampires living in the modern world.

Similar to some other entries on this list, a horror-comedy can be the perfect fix for your spooky season needs. It’s not always about the haunts and terrors that go bump in the night.

What We Do In The Shadows might be just what you’re looking for during spooky season (or beyond).

One Day at Horrorland on Goosebumps.
(YTV/Screenshot)

Goosebumps (YTV and Fox Kids)

If you’re a 90s kid, Goosebumps will bring a warm flicker to your jack-o’-lantern heart.

Watched the series before? Jump back in for a rewatch.

New to the series? Oh, you’re in for a treat!

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Based on the classic books by R. L. Stine, each episode of Goosebumps highlights a plot from his books. It’s a great way to catch up on the novels if you don’t have the time to read the Goosebumps books.

Plus, it’s so deliciously nostalgic. The ’90s kept us fed with kids’ horror shows.

Are You Afraid Of The Dark?
(Nikelodeon/Screenshot)

Are You Afraid Of The Dark? (YTV and Nickelodeon)

Another great horror kids show from the 90s. (Just like I said above, it was so perfect.)

The series follows a group of kids called “The Midnight Society” as they meet in the woods at night to tell scary stories. The tales would cover everything spooky, from vampires to ghosts to werewolves to scary clowns.

Are You Afraid Of The Dark? has two iterations you can choose from, depending on what you’re in the mood to watch.

If you want something episodic to jump around, go for the original series from the 90s. Each episode covers a new tale and offers something different each time you watch.

Though, if you want a connected plot, go for the Nickelodeon reboots. These miniseries cover one big mystery each season, and they include a new cast of characters in their version of The Midnight Society.

Dean Winchester
(The WB/Screenshot)

Supernatural (The WB and The CW)

Supernatural is a bit of a time commitment. We’re talking 15 seasons of demon-fighting glory here!

However, you’ll get a large selection of episodes to fill your horror-loving heart.

Supernatural is a simple show at its core: two brothers on the road together defeating demons and solving supernatural cases.

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Werewolves, zombies, vampires. If you can think of a horror monster, the Winchester brothers have probably faced it.

You’ll also get well-written characters, plenty of action, and 15 seasons’ worth of character development between the brothers.

All the positives balance out the commitment.

The Purge Season 1
(Alfonso Bresciani/USA Network)

The Purge (USA Network)

Just like the movie series, The Purge TV show hits many of the same beats.

You’ll get a night of bloody fun, plenty of action with people trying to kill each other, and an alternate world where this holiday exists. It’s a great companion piece to the main film series.

Both seasons focus on two very different themes: The Purge Season 1 is all about the time during The Purge, and The Purge Season 2 highlights the after-effects in the year leading up to the bloody night.

If you want more Purge in your life, add this to the mix to start the spooky season countdown.

Campfire Tales - Dead of Summer
(Freeform)

Dead of Summer (Freeform)

Friday The 13th. Fear Street Part Two: 1978. Sleepaway Camp.

What do these have in common? They’re all slashers set at a summer camp.

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Dead of Summer captures the 80s vibe of a teen camp slasher. Think of it as a B-horror flick, but stretched into ten episodes.

The thrills are addictive, and the characters fit into all the cheesy horror tropes. It’s an underrated gem that gives you all the slasher treats you want, with your tricks.

Hannibal
(NBC/Screenshot)

Hannibal (NBC)

Brace yourselves, TV Fanatics. This might be the show that pleasantly surprises you based on its writing, editing, and overall aesthetic.

For many fans and viewers, Hannibal is one of the best horror TV shows. (No pressure with your expectations.)

Hannibal centers on FBI profiler Will Graham and his team-up with iconic horror villain Dr. Hannibal Lecter during his investigations. The show balances solving cases with Hannibal trying to manipulate everyone around him to achieve his goal.

You never know what Hannibal (or the rest of the cast) will do next. The show keeps you on your toes.

Dexter Morgan on Dexter.
(Randy Tepper/Showtime)

Dexter (Showtime)

In the mood for more serial killers? Dexter might fill the void.

Forensic scientist Dexter Morgan hides his killer tendencies behind killing equally evil villains. By day, he’s an awkward family man working at the police station. By night, he’s murdering bad people and covering up his crimes.

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The lines are very blurred, but that’s where the fun comes in. Dexter is very much a villain, too.

But when he’s facing off against sadistic serial killers and criminals, anything could happen. Dexter’s “normal” life is one needle from exploding.

Going Back to Ardham -- Tall - Lovecraft Country Season 1 Episode 10
(Eli Joshua Ade/HBO)

Lovecraft Country (HBO)

Lovecraft Country lasted only one season, but it delivered a strong arc filled with gripping drama and monstrous terrors.

Set in the 1950s, Lovecraft Country Season 1 follows a group on a road trip as they search for a missing parent. Along the way, the group deals with racism, small towns, and dangerous monsters that threaten to kill them.

If you’re a fan of H. P. Lovecraft and the Cthulhu vibe, Lovecraft Country might be for you. Many of the monsters and tropes were inspired by Lovecraft.

Plus, the terror alone will pull you in!

Vanessa Van Helsing on Van Helsing.
(SyFy/Screenshot)

Van Helsing (Syfy)

Let me say this upfront: Van Helsing isn’t the most consistent series on this list.

Between the vampire lore, the deaths, and a mix of magic, this post-apocalyptic series goes all over the place. But it owns every minute of its outlandish action and drama.

Van Helsing doesn’t take itself seriously.

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Don’t get me wrong, the show has a serious plot, and the cast performs it amazingly. However, everyone involved knows exactly what kind of show they’re making.

Van Helsing is an off-the-wall and thrilling horror drama that throws everything at you. Prepare for this to be your next cult classic favorite.

Louis & Lestat Share A Moment - Interview with the Vampire Season 2 Episode 1
(Larry Horricks/AMC)

Interview with the Vampire (AMC)

The eternal kiss has its pros and cons. Lestat sees it as a new start, but Louis sees it as a curse.

What is clear is that AMC’s Interview with the Vampire is an incredible show: great writing, a strong cast, and plenty of bloodthirsty vampire action from start to finish.

Whether it’s the main romance or the vampiric carnage, the series has it all.

Plus, with plenty of spinoffs and seasons to come, this franchise has many tales to keep you hooked.

Pennywise
(Brooke Palmer/HBO)

It: Welcome to Derry (HBO)

Shifting gears to prequels, It: Welcome to Derry is a fantastic companion piece to the movies.

It: Welcome to Derry Season 1 is set in the 1960s, highlighting a previous group of kids fighting against Pennywise. The series also expands on the town’s lore, highlighting the curse that befalls the adults and children alike.

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Dark, chaotic, and hopelessly cruel, Derry’s terror runs deep.

Sometimes, you can’t help but wonder who the true villain is: Pennywise the Clown, or the sinister adults. Sometimes, those worlds collide.

It: Welcome to Derry builds momentum quickly, injecting fear into every episode.

(Courtesy of Peacock)

Crystal Lake (Peacock)

For non-horror fans, here’s one pop culture fact you should know: hockey mask-wearing Jason Voorhees isn’t the original killer on Friday the 13th.

Sorry for the 45+-year spoiler, but if Ghostface can say it on Scream, this fact could save your life one day. Or win you a trivia game, or money on a game show. Whichever comes first!

Mrs. Voorhees is the original camp counselor-killing villain.

Crystal Lake on Peacock is her original prequel tale of murder and revenge. Before her son left a bloody trail of teens in his path, his mother had a terrifying story of her own.

The Darkness on Sweet Home Season 1.
(Netflix/Screenshot)

Sweet Home (Netflix)

Need a new obsession now that you’re done bingeing Squid Game?

Try Sweet Home, an apocalyptic horror set in South Korea. The series follows a group of residents trapped in an apartment building as monsters try to wipe out humanity.

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The terrifying creatures are some of its biggest draws. The monsters terrify and tear through the building, hunting down the residents without mercy. But it’s also a strong drama with well-defined characters.

No music is needed for this monster mash.

(Eike Schroter/Netflix)

The Fall of the House of Usher (Netflix)

Sometimes a dark family curse can be exactly what your spooky season needs.

The Fall of the House of Usher Season 1 is a gripping and terrifying miniseries. Centered on a powerful family, the miniseries chronicles their destruction.

One dead body after the next; this is a tale of a gruesome curse coming to collect. You’ll feel connected to the members of the family–some of them good, the rest not so much.

If you’re in the mood for some love-to-hate horror victims, The Fall of the House of Usher delivers on that promise.

(Apple TV/Screenshot)

Widow’s Bay (Apple TV)

What if an evil affects an entire town?

Apple TV’s horror-comedy Widow’s Bay is full of superstitions and spooky-season treats.

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Set in a sleepy New England town, Widow’s Bay follows residents as they try to reignite tourism. Unfortunately, their centuries-long curse enacts ongoing horrors, causing mischief and mayhem throughout the town.

Some believe in the curse. Others doubt its existence.

Deaths and the paranormal are on the menu for every citizen.

(Chris Reardon/MGM+)

FROM (Epix and MGM+)

Speaking of evil towns, FROM is one of the evilest around. Add this to your watchlist now!

Anyone who enters this mysterious town is immediately trapped inside. But the dangerous creature lurking around vies to pick off the town’s residents one by one.

From the town sheriff to new arrivals, FROM is an ensemble horror series that offers plenty of terror and questions.

Its biggest hook is finding out the truth about the town. However, its residents will have to fight to survive if they have any chance.

Wednesday Key Art on Netflix
(MATTHIAS CLAMER/NETFLIX)

Wednesday (Netflix)

We’ve got another dark comedy on the list. This time, we’re taking a trip to The Addams Family!

Wednesday is a smash-hit Netflix series that chronicles Wednesday Addams’ time at boarding school.

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Wednesday and her friends encounter a series of creepy mysteries and enemies hiding within the school and the local town. Ghosts, werewolves, hydes…the list goes on!

Plus, her iconic family members make occasional appearances, adding plenty of camp and energy to the dark themes. The series is a great family affair for Addams Family fans.

(Kailey Schwerman/Showtime)

Yellowjackets (Showtime, Paramount+)

Need more of a thriller? Yellowjackets is a creepy mystery with many brewing unanswered questions.

Told between two time periods, the story follows a girls’ soccer team as they survive in the Canadian wilderness. Their fight for survival in the winter isn’t the only terror they’ll face in the forest.

Meanwhile, in the “present” timeline, we catch up with them in adulthood. What becomes clear is an uneasy secret they’re keeping among themselves.

Yellowjackets may feel like a drama, but the ensuing tensions will hook you in.

The Mystery Incorporated gang on Scooby-Doo Mystery Incorporated Season 1.
(Cartoon Network)

Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated (Cartoon Network)

Yes, this is a cartoon. And yes, this is a cartoon aimed at children, so you won’t get any blood or guts here.

On the other hand, what you will get is one of Scooby-Doo’s best series to date.

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Mystery Inc. is in peak form as the iconic members face new foes and classic enemies terrorizing unsuspecting towns. Plus, this is a serialized show, which means the characters have overarching plots and developments.

This isn’t like your typical Scooby-Doo cartoon.

Every Scooby-Doo cartoon is amazing and loved, but if we had to recommend one, this one should be higher on your list.

Willow on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
(The WB/Screenshot)

Let’s keep the conversation going — it’s the only way the good stuff survives.

Which horror show is your favorite on the list? Did we miss any of your favorites?

What will you be watching this spooky season?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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The post 50 Horror TV Shows To Kickstart Your Spooky Season appeared first on TV Fanatic.

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