I Write About TV for a Living — These Are the Shows I Rewatch Every Fall
From cozy comforts to spooky series, these shows are great to watch with a cup of hot cider.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
As someone who's born in the fall, I love everything that has to do with this season. And as someone who writes about movies and television for a living, it's easy to say that one of my favorite activities is settling in for the night to watch something cozy (or, depending on the month, even a little scary). That's why I put together this list—with the help of some of the other editors here at Good Housekeeping—of the best fall TV shows to rewatch this year.
I know that fall means something different to everyone, so there are options that'll appeal to everyone's TV tastes. I love watching shows like Gilmore Girls or Friday Night Lights, which both bring a sense of comfort that I can only get during the fall. But with Halloween right around the corner, I made sure to add some shows that also have a bit of mystery, like Wednesday.
So grab your hot cider and warmest sweater because it's officially the best time of the year.
Gilmore Girls
No one should be surprised that this tops the list. Following the lives of a mother-daughter duo in a small Connecticut town, you can't help but fall in love with the characters, and even more, the show's overall aesthetic.
The Great British Baking Show
With the season comes plenty of baking, and The Great British Baking Show is great for providing some well-needed inspiration. With Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood as judges, seeing amateur bakers test out their culinary skills will have you wanting to hit the kitchen yourself.
Virgin River
Based on the hit book series by Robyn Carr, Virgin River follows the life of a nurse as she looks to start over in a Northern California town. What starts out as a place for Mel Monroe (played by Alexandra Breckenridge) to get a fresh start becomes a story filled with love, hope, and plenty of twists and turns along the way. The stunning backdrop of the series is enough to get you hooked.
Friday Night Lights
A show rooted in the world of high school football, Friday Night Lights explores the lives of a winning team living in Dillon, Texas. After the star quarterback suffers a life-changing injury while on the field, it is a catalyst for events that shape the way the whole town looks at high school football players and the game itself.
RELATED: Will Taylor Kitsch Be in the 'Friday Night Lights' Reboot?
Sullivan's Crossing
Also written by Virgin River author Robyn Carr, Sullivan's Crossing follows a similar storyline but in Nova Scotia, Canada. While you may have not heard of this show, you'll sure want to tune in after discovering Scott Patterson (Luke from Gilmore Girls) and Chad Michael Murray (Lucas in One Tree Hill) play major roles in the ever-evolving plot.
RELATED: How to Read the 'Sullivan's Crossing' Book Series in Order
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
We can't talk about fall without discussing all things magical and spooky! Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a perfect fit for fall watching, as the beloved series follows a teenager who wants to be normal but has a destiny to fulfill. Amid demons, vampires, and other ghouls, it's the friendships and romances that have us drawn back to this every single year.
Wednesday
Based on the iconic character from The Addams Family, this story centers around Wednesday Addams as she gets sent to the school her parents went to decades earlier. But when she gets there, Wednesday realizes there's something odd in the air. As a result, she's on a mission to solve a murder mystery before it leads to disastrous consequences.
Abbott Elementary
A new school year is in session, making this a great time to watch Abbott Elementary. Following the lives of teachers working at a Philadelphia public school, the faculty goes through quite a bit of hijinks to make sure their students get the best education they can give them.
The Vampire Diaries
Airing on the CW network for eight seasons, this teen drama followed human Elena Gilbert who lives in the supernatural town of Mystic Falls, Virginia. As she falls in love with fellow student Stefan Salvatore, she learns he is actually a century-old vampire with a complicated history. And when his older brother Damon comes rolling into town, it causes the trio to look for secrets about the past they never expected.
Hart of Dixie
Rachel Bilson stars in this CW dramedy as a doctor who discovers her long-lost dad has suddenly passed away. So, when she learns he left her half of a medical practice in the small town of Bluebell, Alabama, she decides to go there and see what's in store for her. And for those who are good at looking out for Easter eggs, this show happens to be filmed on the exact set as Gilmore Girls.
Naomi
Although the show only lasted one season, it has those classic CW vibes (which is where it aired) like many of the series on this list. Naomi McDuffie (played by Kaci Walfall) has a deep admiration for Superman, so when a strange, supernatural event occurs in her town, she does everything she can to figure out what happened. That includes getting involved in the Multiverse.
Bates Motel
Inspired by the 1960 movie Psycho, this show offers a contemporary look at the complicated relationship between a teenage Norman Bates and his mother Norma. So, when they end up becoming owners of a motel in the fictional Pine Bay, Oregon, it sets the scene for how Norman Bates became the villainous character we all know from the original film.
Friends
One of the ultimate comfort shows, Friends is a great choice for when you want to curl up inside amid cooler weather! Following a group of six friends living in New York City, the show developed a massive following after running for 10 seasons on TV. If you don't want to watch all the episodes, you can check out our list of the best Thanksgiving episodes.
RELATED: 'Friends' Cast Photos: Then and Now
Sweet Magnolias
Set in the fictional town of Serenity, Sweet Magnolias explores the lives of three best friends in different stages of their lives. Amid love, heartbreak, and family strife, their friendship bonds them through whatever they face. And let's all make sure to grab some margaritas and "pour it out" while watching!
RELATED: Where Is 'Sweet Magnolias' Filmed?
It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
A fall classic, this is technically not a TV show with multiple episodes. But we have to add It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown to the list because it's a TV special that evokes all the fun parts of celebrating Halloween.
Good Witch
Originally a series of movies on Hallmark, the network developed it into a TV show that developed a cult following over the course of seven seasons. And given how it's a show about a witch looking to create a positive influence on those living in her small town of Middleton, how can we not love watching this in the fall time?
Sabrina the Teenage Witch
Originally based on a comic strip, Sabrina the Teenage Witch sees Melissa Joan Hart in the titular role. As a young witch tries to learn all the tricks that come with having magic, there's one important thing she must overcome in the process: surviving high school.
Derry Girls
Set in the early 1990s, this British hit follows a group of teenagers as they go through life amid political strife in their hometown of Derry, Ireland. And if you're into Bridgerton, make sure to keep an eye out for Nicola Coughlan (a.k.a. Penelope Featheringon) as one of the main cast members.
This Is Us
Originally airing on NBC for six seasons, the story of the Pearson family had everyone laughing, crying (lots of it) and feeling sentimental about the lengths everyone took to be part of each other's lives. And throw in the fact the Pearsons are very much into the Pittsburgh Steelers, it's only fitting to watch this during football season!
Brothers and Sisters
Airing on ABC for five seasons, Brothers and Sisters explores the lives of five grown-up siblings that are forced to take a bigger role in their parents' lives. Through love, tragedy and the will to stay connected, we guarantee this show will leave you needing to shed a tear every once in a while.
‘Voice’ Fans Have So Much to Say After Seeing This Season 28 Promo
Catherine Bell Reveals Surprise 'Jag' Reunion
Lacey Chabert Hopes This Star Appears on Her Show
Paget Brewster Shares 'Evolution' Season 4 Update
