Television Shows that Will Get You in the Halloween Spirit

Top Thriller Television Shows to Watch this Halloween

As Halloween growing closer in the next two weeks, there are endless television shows in the horror/thriller, and/or supernatural genres to choose from. Here is a list of some of the most noteworthy television series to consider watching during this haunting season: 

  • Buffy the Vampire Slayer —> Buffy the Vampire Slayer centers around a 16 year old girl, Buffy Summers. The series shows Buffy’s journey of fulfilling her destiny of slaying vampires, among other creatures; one day at a time, this powerful and witty girl continues to fight and save the world, while trying to survive both life as well as high school. The character of Buffy Summers stands out as a strong female leading figure during the late 1990s. Buffy the Vampire Slayer is an example of a supernatural show during a period when the supernatural genre in television was limited and less explored.  It’s a great classic show to consider watching this Halloween. 
  • Supernatural —> This story centers on two brothers, Sam and Dean Winchester, who were raised into the business of monster hunting by their father, John Winchester. The pilot episode opens with Sam and Dean as young children, when their mother was killed by a monster. After Mary Winchester's death, John decided to take Sam and Dean on the road, hunting down the demon that killed his wife; along the way, John kills monsters while teaching Sam and Dean the trade. The series began in 2005 and continued to pave the way for the supernatural television show genre. Similar to Buffy, Supernatural covers a wide range of supernatural creatures in every episode; as well as overall themes in the fight of good vs. evil in every season. Supernatural is the longest running show of this genre; with 11 seasons available on Netflix, this series is sure to keep you preoccupied throughout October. 
  • The Walking Dead —> Although I have never experienced more than a few episodes of this series, this well established show dives into the zombie apocalyptic world; it has been a fan favorite since its start in 2010. As is the case with many apocalyptic themes in television shows, the main purpose is survival; we, the audience, get to watch the action unfold through character developments and relationships among these characters that help or hinder their primary need to survive. With an IMDB rating of 8.6, this show appears to be a must watch. You can enjoy binge watching the 6 seasons available of The Walking Dead on Netflix. 
  • American Horror Story —> American Horror Story is an anthology series that makes every season into an individual story. AHS takes the idea to create a horror movie in television format and to tell that story over the course of 12 to 13 episodes. So far, the show consists of 6 seasons: Murder House, Asylum, Coven, Freak Show, Hotel, and Roanoke. If you’re a fan, you may not like every season and it’s theme; however, it is interesting that every season centers on a new story. If you’re new to American Horror Story and all 6 stories, you may want to check it out this Halloween. 
  • Bates Motel —> Not all of our top picks need to have supernatural elements. Bates Motel comes from Robert Bloch’s 1960s book "Psycho." But with a twist. In Psycho, the leading character is portrayed by 40 year old Norman Bates, who runs Bates Motel with his mother. The novel depicts Norman’s psychological thoughts and feelings and how his impulses to kill become reality, rooted in action. The series Bates Motel serves as a sort of prequel to Psycho; Bates Motel centers on Norman Bates, a high school student who’s mother, Norma Bates, recently bought a Motel. Bates Motel shows the developing relationship Norman has with his mother, Norman's psyche, and how his mind drives him to become a killer in the town of White Pine Bay. This psychological thriller series will always keep you on your toes and have you wondering what Norman is thinking. 
  • Stranger Things —> Recently, Netflix launched its a new thriller Stranger Things. This series provides a genuine 80s feel with enhanced cgi features where it is appropriate. The show focuses on a group of friends in middle school, when one of the friends mysteriously disappears. Throughout the course of this 8 episode series, the audience discovers more about the boy vanishing and the complicated factors that play roles in his disappearance. The younger kids in this show, namely played by characters friends Dustin, Mike, Lucas, and Will, present a pure sense of trust, friendship, and promise between kids; it shows how children are not tainted by the secrets of the adult world; for instance, the innocent state of mind these boys have, believing that hitting a supernatural creature with rocks and a slingshot and expecting it to work.
  • Furthermore, Stranger Things also shows the interesting different family dynamics of the Wheeler family, who seemingly has the “perfect” nuclear family; vs. the Byers family, with a single mom working long, hard hours at the nearby mini mart. Yet, the Byer’s family members have a closer connection and stronger sense of communication with one another.  There are many factors that make this powerful new series to watch. Overall, this series shows a collection of scenes filled with complete suspense, moments of laugh out loud comedic material, unexpected alliances, and friendship. This show will leave you wanting to watch more, despite the perfectly wrapped up season finale.

Do you agree with our list? Let us know in the comments section below.