There’s something about autumn that hits like no other season, even if it’s not your favorite. It’s the season you can feel in the air before you see the first sign of colors on the trees. It’s the season of fresh starts, pumpkin patches, and eerie TV. There’s something else about fall that brings an excitement to the season— the shows. While you can watch any show at any time of year, certain ones just seem to fit certain seasons better than others.
If you’re anything like me, September rolls around and you’re craving that one show that will set the mood for the final months of the year. Maybe you’re tired of rewatching the same show, or you’re stuck in a rut. Or maybe you just want to get in the spirit of autumn. As someone who has watched dozens of tv shows, here are my recommendations for the best shows to watch this season.
- Gilmore Girls
You’re probably thinking “duhhh” and I know. The end of summer rolls around and thousands are already on the couch waiting to watch Lorelai and Rory’s Stars Hollow drama. Even though it’s the obvious choice, it’s also one of the best ones. It’s the perfect show if your favorite season is fall and you love everything about it. Gilmore Girls maintains a casual and warm dynamic, meaning you don’t always need to pay attention. It’s ideal if you’re nostalgic, especially for high school, or if you’re just trying to lean into everything warm and joyful about fall. This is definitely the show to watch if you’re looking for a series that’s perfect to curl up on the couch with a warm mug of chai, and you can conveniently find it on Netflix.
- The Vampire Diaries
If Halloween is your favorite part of fall, this is the perfect show for you. Maybe you’re into everything supernatural or you’re craving something that feels like a stormy day. Perhaps you’re missing the love triangle dynamic that The Summer I Turned Pretty provided you with all summer and you’re looking for something similar but better suited to fall. If that’s the case, then this is a must-watch. While vampire-heavy, The Vampire Diaries (or TVD) is not too scary, but it’s definitely one to stay away from if blood makes you uneasy. You can stream the show on Netflix or Amazon Prime! It’s definitely my recommendation if you’re looking for a show to marathon on rainy nights-in.
- Pretty Little Liars
If Halloween is your favorite holiday because you’re into the spooky-nature, and not the supernatural, this is definitely for you. While it’s not the creepiest show I’ve ever seen, it’s very intense. I’d recommend it if you love mysteries and solving puzzles, but not if you’re looking for a relaxing show to unwind with. Pretty Little Liars is the type of show you really have to sit down and pay attention to if you really want to enjoy it. The first season is definitely the best and it’s available on BBC iPlayer. If you want to watch a show that feels like a mystery novel, or you want to have a spooky few months- this is definitely your show!
- Friends
Maybe you’ve tried the classic sitcom already, or perhaps you’ve seen it through and are wondering what it’s doing on this list— but the series’ dedication to its Thanksgiving episodes earned it a spot in the “fall” category. Friends is the right show if you’re looking for something to intermittently watch, one that doesn’t ask for much attention. You don’t need to remember what happened in the last episode to enjoy the next one. You can stream it for free on Netflix or buy it on multiple other platforms. If you’ve already seen it, this fall might be your time for a rewatch (at least of the iconic Thanksgiving episodes).
- Friday Night Lights
This is the show for you if your favorite part of autumn is American Football. It’s set in a small town in Texas and is centered around a high school football team— so if you’re reminiscing about your high school football games it’s a must this fall. It’s my recommendation if your favorite day of the week is Sunday or your favorite books to read are coming-of-age novels. You can buy or rent it on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video. Even if you aren’t a football fan, it’s a good choice if you love watching shows about sports… with a side of drama of course.
While these are my top picks for Fall 2025 (even though they’re mostly set in the early 2000s), there are many other shows out there that are spectacularly suited towards fall. I wish you all the best of luck picking one for the season— or longer!