There is a plethora of supernatural shows lurking around the interweb and inside your TV, some of them laced with romance, others with comedy, and then there are those that are not afraid to fully creep out the audience with dark magic or horrifying beasts. While I enjoy these shows year round, some folks prefer to reserve them for October, when there's a chill in the air and rustling trees evoke thoughts of ghosts slipping through the branches.
1. Supernatural
What kind of person would I be if I failed to include “Supernatural” in a list of supernatural shows? (Probably one who deserves to get attacked by one of the creatures wreaking havoc in it.) It is the prime show to binge-watch this Halloween season. Demons? But of course. Ghosts? Yes indeed. Dozens of other creatures, some of which are unheard of? You got it!
Two brothers. They save people. They hunt things. It’s the family business. And they’ve got two “babies” aiding them in their rescue missions. (One ‘67 Chevy Impala and one in a trench coat. ;))
With the innumerable monsters appearing in each episode, "Supernatural" is arguably a show made for Halloween-lovers. Sam even admits the show is Halloween-centric:
Watch Live: Returns Thursday, October 13th @ 9/8c on the CW (Season 12, people!)
Watch Online: Netflix (for past seasons). For the current season, you can catch up on cwtv.com.
2. Lucifer
What would happen if the devil decided to take a leave of absence from Hell to solve crime in L.A.? (Hint: An awesome TV show that you should watch, asap.)
Lucifer is devilishly charming--no pun intended--and his hubris would be a major turn off if it were a characteristic of anyone but himself. Does the devil usually strike you as someone who would sing, play the piano, and be hilarious? No? Well, "Lucifer" will change your perception of the devil for good.
Watch Live: Mondays @ 9/8c on Fox.
Watch Online: Hulu.
3. Teen Wolf
It all starts with a nostalgically young Scott McCall being bitten by a werewolf after his silly, sarcastic, lovable best friend, Stiles, convinces him to look for a dead body in the woods one night. Just your typical best friend things.
Scott on the left, Stiles on the right
Don’t let the name fool you, werewolves are not the only supernatural beings roaming Beacon Hills. Some of the others include, but are not limited to: kitsune, werecoyotes, kanima, banshees, Oni, skinwalkers, shapeshifters, and hellhounds. The show gets more sinister and dark as the seasons progress--season 3b being my favorite with a Nogitsune (cool Japanese creature)--so those relishing in the fear-factor of Halloween would definitely like that season.
After six seasons, “Teen Wolf” is sadly coming to an end, so catch up now before November arrives.
Watch Live: Returns to MTV @ 9pm on November 15th.
Watch Online: Amazon Instant Video or get the MTV app.
4. The Vampire Diaries
“The Vampire Diaries” has a special place in my heart, being my first TV show obsession way back when I was a little eighth grader. It starts out as most high school romance stories do: girl meets boy, boy woos girl, they fall in love. Except this time, that smitten girl (Elena) has just lost both of her parents in a car accident, and that dashing boy (Stefan) is a vampire with a flirtatious, devious, and equally vampiric brother (Damon) to boot.
Elena and Stefan before the whole "vampire thing" came to light
This show makes fangs and bloodsucking sexy, and it will force you to choose a team. Team Damon or Team Stefan? (Team Damon, all the way!)
Watch Live: Returns October 21st @ 8/7c on the CW.
Watch Online: Watch Online: Netflix (for past seasons). For the current season, you can catch up on cwtv.com.
5. The Originals
An amazing “The Vampire Diaries” spin-off following the Original family (the Mikaelsons) in their home of New Orleans. “Always and Forever” is the Mikaelson code, and I will certainly be watching it always and forever. The Mikaelsons are sleek, sultry, sly, and absolutely ruthless, shedding more blood than you can even imagine. Yet, for some reason, I love all of them, no matter who they kill, which might sound concerning, but see for yourself! They are such complex characters with multi-faceted personalities and extensive histories that explain why they are the way they are today. I’m enraptured every episode and can’t get enough of the dialogue--eloquent and rich with good vocabulary.
Poor, tortured Klaus--he's wonderful in a terrible way
Watch Live: Returns next year on the CW.
Watch Online: Watch Online: Netflix (for past seasons). For the current season, you can catch up on cwtv.com.
6. Once Upon a Time
Classic fairy tales brought to life in a fantastical show that covers all of the bases. Emma Swan is the protagonist; a plucky, rough-around-the edges mom--also known as the savior. “Once Upon a Time” revolves around her and her family, including her parents, Snow White and Prince Charming, and her sweet son, Henry.
Ah, that's the Emma we know and love
Some of the tales retold are those of Red Riding Hood, Elsa and Anna, Belle, the Wicked Witch, the Evil Queen, Peter Pan, Captain Hook, and Rumpelstiltskin--and that doesn’t even scratch the surface!
Watch Live: Sundays @ 8/7c on ABC.
Watch Online: Netflix.
7. The Secret Circle
“The Secret Circle” tells the story of Cassie Blake, who loses her mother at 16, forcing her to move in with her grandmother. Soon after moving, she finds out that she is a witch, and she isn’t the only one; five other teen witches walk the streets of Chance Harbor, some wanting to use their magic for good, others for nefarious purposes.
This show is creepy, really, really creepy (for me at least, though I get the heebie jeebies fairly easily). Not every single second of every single episode plagues me with nightmares, but there is definitely an underlying creepiness that is perfect for October. I read the book series by one of my favorite authors, L. J. Smith, years ago, which is why I watched the show in the first place--and then rewatched its lone season last year. (Yes, it was cancelled after one season of 22 episodes...a shame. But all the more reason to watch! It won't take up too much of your time.)
Some witchy business going on
Watch Online: Netflix.
Not only can these supernatural shows get you in the Halloween spirit, they can also give you some awesome costume ideas for the big day! The countdown has begun, it's time to get prepared for the ghoulish fun.
