The fall season is anticipated every year. Whether it’s the switch to cozy sweaters, the crisp feeling in the air or the excitement of Halloween, people around the globe can’t help but to get excited for the occasion. Regardless of what there is to look forward to, autumn carries a kind of magic words can hardly capture. For a season that special, you need the ultimate fall television (TV) show guide.
“Gilmore Girls” might be an obvious choice but it’s an essential. I’ve watched it more times than I can count, yet it never loses its comfort factor. Between Rory making every questionable decision possible, Luke and Lorelai’s witty banter and Kirk’s ridiculous antics, there’s always something pulling me back in. The town of Stars Hollow is the kind of place that feels like a warm blanket. The cozy small-town traditions make you wish you could live there yourself. Add in the small, but clear autumn details: crunching leaves on the sidewalk, town festivals with everyone wrapped in sweaters, mugs of coffee at Luke’s Diner and the Gilmore girls’ endless supply of fashion inspiration. The whole show radiates autumn energy. “Gilmore Girls” isn’t just a comfort watch, it’s the quintessential fall show.
I know I’m late to the party when I say I first watched “The Vampire Diaries” just last fall, but the timing made it unforgettable. Between classes, I’d sip my Dunkin’ coffee on the benches by Roosevelt Hall, and watch the series as leaves would fall around me. This made for the perfect autumn memory. Beyond that nostalgia, it’s packed with supernatural drama, love triangles and suspense that fits the season: vampires, werewolves, hybrids, you name it. And of course, Elena Gilbert’s early 2000s outfits still have me scrolling Pinterest every fall. With its eerie October energy and addictive drama, this one’s a must watch.
To keep the spooky vibe going, “Supernatural” is another fall essential. From Sam and Dean’s search for their father, to the mystery, ghost hunting, flannels and classic rock soundtrack, each aspect of the series creates the perfect October mood. “Supernatural’s” core has everything you want: creepy towns, haunted backroads and just enough suspense to pair perfectly with a chilly October night, but not be too scary. Add in Dean’s iconic Chevrolet Impala and a grounding brotherly bond, and you’ve got the perfect spooky, yet comforting, fall watch.
Honorable Mentions:
With a new season coming soon, “Stranger Things” feels like an essential fall watch. While most of the seasons take place during the summer, Season 2’s Halloween episode alone proves it was made for autumn: creepy, nostalgic and surprisingly cozy. From the bikes pedaling through misty streets to the community filled with secrets, it captures that perfect mix of mystery and warmth.
“Pretty Little Liars” is a mix of high school drama, chilling secrets and a constant sense of suspense. The small-town streets and autumn tones give it a Halloween-type feel, making it a great binge when the nights get longer.
Few shows capture New York in the fall quite like “Gossip Girl.” With fall strolls through Central Park to iconic Thanksgiving episodes, the series is a visual treat for autumn lovers. The drama and fashion make it both stylish and addictive – like sipping a pumpkin spice latte wrapped up in chaos.
Together, these shows capture different shades of fall nostalgia, mystery, drama and friendship, making them perfect for cozy nights and crisp autumn days.
