Fall evokes feelings of comfort. It’s time to wrap up in a blanket, light a fire, and enjoy something pumpkin-flavored. You can even go a step further and put on a cozy television show to fully embrace the autumnal vibes. This list was made to help you pick the perfect series.
There’s a smorgasbord of options. Some of these shows are school-centered and others are set on the East Coast. A few embrace the spooky season without being too scary. There’s even a horror-lovers’ choice. So grab your apple cider and dive on in.
'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'
This cozy television show is both school-themed and a bit spooky. Buffy, played by Sarah Michelle Gellar, begins the series as a teenage vampire slayer and grows into her responsibilities as the chosen one. She also has to deal with everyday life such as school and boys. Throughout the seven seasons, audiences watch her balance high school, college, young adulthood, and demons. It’s not always easy but someone has to do it. Stream this series on Hulu.
'Gilmore Girls'
If you love coffee, fast talking, and the East Coast, this series is the perfect choice. Watch mother and daughter Rory and Lorelai Gilmore, played by Alexis Bledel and Lauren Graham, as they navigate the ups and downs of life together. There are first loves, Ivy League schools, and lots of junk food. This cozy television show is available to stream on Netflix. There is also a bonus four-part miniseries that is named after the seasons.
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'The Chair'
It’s time to go back to college with Netflix and Sandra Oh. In this cozy television series that dives into the world of academia, she plays Professor Ji-Yoon Kim, the new head of the English department at Pembroke University. This fancy job title comes with much responsibility. She also has to balance work with her mom duties and her growing crush on friend and colleague Bill Dobson, played by Jay Duplass.
'Derry Girls'
Dearest gentle reader, before Nicola Coughlan spilled the tea on Bridgerton, she made people laugh on Derry Girls. This young adult series follows five teens in Ireland as they grow up in the 1990s during the conflicts between Protestants and Catholics. This means you will learn history while being entertained. This cozy television series, which ran for three seasons, is available to stream on Netflix.
'Abbott Elementary'
This ABC mockumentary takes us back to elementary school. It is the brainchild of Quinta Brunson, who also stars in it as Janine Teagues, a second-grade teacher with a heart of gold. She tries her best to make the most out of the school’s poor funding. She wants to help her students become the best versions of themselves, and sometimes that is an uphill battle. This sitcom is available to stream on Hulu.
'All Creatures Great and Small'
This cozy television series, which takes viewers to the Yorkshire Dales in England, is based on a book of the same name by Alf Wight, who used the pen name James Herriot. It is a great choice for animal lovers as the action of the series follows three vets in the 1930s English countryside. Samuel West stars as Siegfried Farnon, owner of the veterinary practice. Actors Nicholas Ralph and Rachel Shenton give us a love subplot for extra coziness. Watch it on Amazon Prime or via PBS Passport.
'Santa Clarita Diet'
This is perfect choice for someone who wants to have a little bit of the supernatural but not be scared. This comedic Netflix sitcom tells the story of an average American family, the Hammonds. Shelia, the mom played by Drew Barrymore, just happens to be a zombie all of a sudden. Her husband Joel, played by Timothy Olyphant, and daughter Abby, played by Liv Hewson, struggle to adjust to their new normal. Zombies like to eat fresh human flesh, which presents many problems along the way.
'Over the Garden Wall'
This animated Cartoon Network mini-series was created by Patrick McHale. It’s based on one of his short films and tells the story of two half-brothers who get lost in the woods. Wirt, voiced by Elijah Wood, and Greg, voiced by Collin Dean, have many adventures in their quest to get home. The forest called the Unknown is full of magical creatures, but not all of these beings want what is best for the boys. To see if they make it out, watch this cozy television show on Amazon Prime.
'Wednesday'
This Tim Burton Netflix series serves a dual purpose in terms of coziness: It’s both spooky (but not scary) and a mystery. The plot centers on the popular Addams family character Wednesday, played to perfection by Jenna Ortega. After being expelled from her old school she is sent to Nevermore Academy, a boarding school for supernatural outcasts. Once she’s there, a monster begins killing, and Wednesday’s psychic abilities help her get to the bottom of it all.
'The Haunting of Hill House'
This is a scary option for those who want a little horror in their lives. It also has a strong family drama competent. The plot centers on the Crain family, who tried to flip Hill House but instead experienced trauma. After another tragic loss, the estranged family is reunited and forced to confront the past. If you enjoy this, continue your binge watching with The Haunting of Bly Manor, which also was created by Mike Flanagan.
