As the leaves turn golden and temperatures drop, October brings with it a cozy invitation to curl up on the couch and dive into some of the best TV entertainment of the season. With a variety of new premieres, returning favorites, and spooky selections perfect for Halloween, here are 11 of the most exciting shows to catch this October.
1. Loki (Season 2) – Disney+
Release Date: October 5 Marvel’s trickster god is back in the highly anticipated second season of Loki. After the cliffhanger ending of Season 1, fans can expect more multiverse madness, time travel, and mischief as Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and Mobius (Owen Wilson) continue their mission to save the universe from looming chaos.
2. The Fall of the House of Usher – Netflix
Release Date: October 12 For fans of horror and gothic literature, this spooky offering is based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe. Directed by Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House), this limited series promises a blend of eerie atmosphere, family drama, and psychological horror. Perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit.
3. Lessons in Chemistry – Apple TV+
Release Date: October 13 Starring Brie Larson, this series is based on the bestselling novel by Bonnie Garmus. Set in the 1960s, it follows Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant scientist who becomes an unlikely TV cooking star while facing the gender biases of the time. Expect wit, warmth, and a lot of heart.
4. The Gilded Age (Season 2) – HBO
Release Date: October 29 The lush period drama from Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes returns for its second season. Set in 1880s New York, The Gilded Age continues its exploration of wealth, power, and social standing, with Christine Baranski and Carrie Coon leading the charge as they navigate high society.
5. Goosebumps – Disney+ / Hulu
Release Date: October 13 Just in time for Halloween, Goosebumps returns as a TV series based on the beloved R.L. Stine books. This new adaptation promises to thrill both kids and adults alike with a mix of nostalgic scares and fresh, creepy adventures.
6. Frasier (Reboot) – Paramount+
Release Date: October 12 The beloved ’90s sitcom about the pompous psychiatrist Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) gets a modern reboot. Frasier returns to Boston to start a new chapter of his life, offering fans a mix of old-school charm and new comedic twists, while introducing a younger cast of characters.
7. Shining Vale (Season 2) – Starz
Release Date: October 13 This horror-comedy starring Courteney Cox returns for its second season. Blending supernatural horror with biting humor, Shining Vale follows a troubled family living in a haunted house. It’s a perfect mix of spooky and funny for those looking for a lighter Halloween treat.
8. Our Flag Means Death (Season 2) – Max
Release Date: October 5 Taika Waititi’s unique pirate comedy returns for a second season. The show, which reimagines real-life pirate Stede Bonnet’s adventures, combines romantic comedy with swashbuckling action. Fans can expect more laughs, quirky characters, and a deepening relationship between Stede and Blackbeard.
9. The Burning Girls – Paramount+
Release Date: October 19 Based on the bestselling novel by C.J. Tudor, this British thriller follows a vicar and her daughter who move to a remote village with a dark history of mysterious deaths and disappearances. As Halloween approaches, The Burning Girls will be perfect for viewers looking for suspense and chills.
10. Fellow Travelers – Showtime / Paramount+
Release Date: October 27 This historical drama, based on the novel by Thomas Mallon, stars Matt Bomer and Jonathan Bailey. Set during the 1950s Lavender Scare, when the U.S. government persecuted LGBTQ+ individuals, the show explores the romantic and political entanglements of two men over several decades, offering both history and intense personal drama.
11. The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – AMC+
Release Date: Ongoing (Premiered September 10) Though it premiered in September, Daryl Dixon is still one of the most-watched shows this October. This Walking Dead spinoff follows fan-favorite Daryl (Norman Reedus) on a journey through post-apocalyptic France. The series promises thrilling action, zombie drama, and breathtaking European landscapes.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re in the mood for heart-pounding horror, laugh-out-loud comedy, or sweeping drama, this October’s TV lineup offers something for everyone. With so many exciting options, it’s the perfect time to hunker down and binge-watch these captivating shows. Happy watching!
