Halloween on screen: Five spooky shows to set the mood

These five bone-chilling TV shows are a sure way to get into the Halloween spirit!

Halloween fanatics can start bring in the festive holiday with these thrilling and binge-worthy TV series.
Halloween fanatics can start bring in the festive holiday with these thrilling and binge-worthy TV series.  © IMAGO / Everett Collection

Sure, horror flicks are great to indulge in.

But there's something special about binge-watching a spooky show while snuggled up on the couch alone or with a loved one for Halloween!

TV shows offer a plethora of horror/thriller storylines to choose from.

Selena Gomez stirs rumor mill with response to Justin Bieber's baby news
Selena Gomez Selena Gomez stirs rumor mill with response to Justin Bieber's baby news

Whether it's teens solving horrific crimes, neighbors murdering neighbors, and let's not forget zombies, there's a show for horror fans far and wide.

Here are five ghoulish TV series that are binge-worthy for Halloween.

Only Murders in the Building

In Only Murders in the Building (from l. to r.) Selena Gomez, Steve Martin, and Martin Sheen play neighbors solving a bizarre murder in their building.
In Only Murders in the Building (from l. to r.) Selena Gomez, Steve Martin, and Martin Sheen play neighbors solving a bizarre murder in their building.  © IMAGO / Prod.DB

For those who aren't into the blood and gore, mysteries and thrillers may be the way to binge this holiday.

If you also like a bit of humor sprinkled in, arguably the best show to watch is the Hulu series, Only Murders in the Building.

Though it just finished its first seasons, viewers can still watch three uncanny people solve a murder.

Kylie Jenner flaunts tiny waist for newest drop
Kylie Jenner Kylie Jenner flaunts tiny waist for newest drop

Selena Gomez, Steve Martin, and Martin Sheen play vastly different neighbors who start a podcast after a murder occurs in their fictional affluent apartment, the Arconia.

But Only Murders in the Building is more than just a whodunit. It aptly blends suspense, comedy, the world of podcasting, and of course romance.

Gomez, Martin, and Sheen perfectly carry the show with their albeit unique chemistry and witty humor.

Join in on the mystery and fun at the Arconia and watch Only Murders in the Building on Hulu.

Riverdale

Riverdale stars: (from l to r) Lili Reinhart, Cole Sprouse, KJ Apa, Camila Mendes, and Casey Cott play Betty Cooper, Jughead Jones, Archie Andrews, Veronica Lodge, and Kevin Keller respectively.
Riverdale stars: (from l to r) Lili Reinhart, Cole Sprouse, KJ Apa, Camila Mendes, and Casey Cott play Betty Cooper, Jughead Jones, Archie Andrews, Veronica Lodge, and Kevin Keller respectively.  © IMAGO / Everett Collection

Another cozy series that probably is more for the younger crowd.

Yet even grown adults can't get enough of CW's Riverdale – and for good reason.

Set in the fictional town of the same name, the mystery-thriller follows the adventures of Archie Andrews, played by KJ Apa, and his friends.

The series begins with the mysterious murder of Archie's classmate, then segues into the dark history of the wicked little town.

But it's not all doom and gloom. The show also focuses on the relationship dynamic between the core characters, their allies, and parents.

Though some of the parents aren't exactly innocent either.

Season five of Riverdale is now streaming on Netflix.

Midnight Mass

Netflix's Midnight Mass follows supernatural events occurring in an isolated community after the arrival of a mysterious priest.
Netflix's Midnight Mass follows supernatural events occurring in an isolated community after the arrival of a mysterious priest.  © IMAGO/Picturelux

Netflix really upped its horror game with this supernatural-thriller miniseries.

Midnight Mass has all the ingredients for a classic horror tale.

A mysterious priest's arrival ignites some eerie supernatural events in an isolated island community.

The slow-burner got positive reviews for it's compelling depiction of grief and faith.

But viewers shouldn't let the slower pace of the series stop them from giving this chilling miniseries a proper chance.

The ending of the series is well worth the wait!

Midnight Mass is streaming now on Netflix.

Fear the Walking Dead

The AMC original show, Fear the Walking Dead is the prequel to the hit series, The Walking Dead.
The AMC original show, Fear the Walking Dead is the prequel to the hit series, The Walking Dead.  © Screenshot/instagram/feartwd

Zombies aren't the only things to fear in the world of The Walking Dead.

Though it doesn't get as gritty as its originator, Fear the Walking Dead does it job as serving as a thrilling prequel to The Walking Dead.

The show begins long before the events of TWD but the story is still the same.

A small group of survivors attempt to survive in a post-apocalyptic world where zombies run rampant.

But the undead aren't their only problem, as humans revert to animalistic instincts in order to keep themselves alive.

No character on FTWD will ever compare to Jeffrey Dean Morgan's malicious Negan from TWD, but the show stays true to its origins and offers plenty of heart and gore for zombie fans everywhere.

Though Fear the Walking Dead is currently in its seventh season, viewers can watch the previous chapters on Hulu.

American Horror Story

John Carroll Lynch plays Twisty the Clown in American Horror Story: Freak Show - which is the fourth season in the anthology.
John Carroll Lynch plays Twisty the Clown in American Horror Story: Freak Show - which is the fourth season in the anthology.  © imago/Everett Collection

Mutilated clowns, aliens, witches, and haunted houses: American Horror Story truly is the gift that keeps on giving for true horror fans.

Since the horror-anthology first arrived, it drew audiences in with its eeriest entertaining storylines, lovable characters, and spine-tingling moments.

Because each season features a unique, self-enclosed tale, fans can pick which story to binge.

If witches and warlocks are your thing, Coven and Apocalypse – the third and eighth season, respectively – is where it's at.

For those looking for tortured souls trapped in a haunted hotel, give season five a go.

For the fans looking for a weekly dosage of AHS, the newest spinoff, American Horror Stories (that's "stories," plulral) is also streaming with the original series on Hulu.

Give these spooky tales a chance for Halloween this year - if you dare.

Cover photo: imago/Everett Collection

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