10 Best Hidden Gem Scary Shows to Watch This Fall

This chilling anthology series has two unique seasons, both of which stand out in the horror genre. Based on the true story of the HMS Terror, a Royal Navy ship that became stranded in the Arctic during 19th century, season one is more than just your stereotypical survival story. This historical fiction takes the liberty of adding a terrifying creature to the mix, which makes me never want to go in the ocean again. While the show may not have the most fascinating characters you’ve ever seen, the plot alone is unsettling enough to keep you enthralled through the chaos of both seasons. One major strength of this series is the claustrophobic, utterly isolating atmosphere, a hallmark of any great survival story. Out of all of Hulu’s scary shows, this is one of the few that is an absolute must-watch.

What Likewisers are saying:

“it delivered the best and most original movie “monster” I’ve seen in a long time. It captured the claustrophobia of both living on a ship, being trapped and stranded, and being stalked and hunted by a predator. A show that got the Arctic right.” -@renee_everhart

A man’s journey in search of his missing father turns into an otherworldly trip. Based on Matt Ruff's novel, this series follows Korean war vet Atticus Freeman (Jonathan Majors), his friend Letitia (Jurnee Smollett) and his Uncle George (Courtney B. Vance) on a journey across 1950s Jim Crow America. What follows is a struggle to survive against the racist terrors of white America and the horrifying monsters directly from H.P. Lovecraft's book The Outsider and Others. As challenging as adapting the abstract nature of Lovecraft’s creations might be, this series does a great job exploring the conjunction between the cosmic horror of H. P. Lovecraft and racism in the United States during the era of Jim Crow laws. Unfortunately the show was canceled after just one season, but that means it will be even easier to binge this October!

What Likewisers are saying:

“Lovecraft Country is a brilliant marriage between the genius of Jordan Peele and the tentacled horror of HP Lovecraft.” -@weish

Think Black Mirror, but darker and substantially more disturbing. Taking on an anthology format, each season adapts an internet “Creepypasta” horror story into a six episode arc. From a young monster made entirely out of human teeth, to a haunted mansion where each room is a spectacle more horrifying than the last, this series has something for every horror fan… If you can stomach it. When the show released in 2016, many people wrote it off as another empty TV series that stole it’s concept from the internet. However, many people who have seen Channel Zero would agree that it’s one of horror television's best kept secrets, especially for those into disturbing imagery.

What Likewisers are saying:

“Each season is its own well-crafted tale. The monster designs in this series are impeccable.” -@nadine_frassetto

As any die-hard horror fan knows, you can’t mention Channel Zero without also discussing Brand New Cherry Flavor, both of which were created by the talented (and undeniably dark-minded) Nick Antosca. Brand New Cherry Flavor stars Rosa Salazar as Lisa Nova, a filmmaker who heads to Hollywood in the early '90s to make her movie but tumbles down a hallucinatory rabbit hole of sex, magic, revenge — and kittens. Some horror series on Netflix have been a bit underwhelming in regards to the overall scare-factor, but I can assure you, Brand New Cherry Flavor does not disappoint.

Despite the passionate following that Nick Antosca has gained from Channel Zero, there is sadly only one season of Brand New Cherry Flavor. Once again, another reason why you can check this off your watchlist is one night!

What Likewisers are saying:

“Not for the faint of heart, scenes from this still haunt me- Watch at your own risk. Beautifully done though with phenomenal acting.” -@hannah

The Exorcist (1973) is one of the biggest titles in the horror genre, but the show has flown under the radar and hasn’t received the praise it deserves. Set in the same demon-ridden universe as the original film, this series follows two priests (Alfonso Herrera & Ben Daniels) dealing with cases of a demonic presence targeting a family and a foster home. Thanks to the help of some convincing special effects, this show genuinely scared me, a feeling that is becoming increasingly rare for my desensitized movie-watching brain. Out of all the Hulu scary shows, The Exorcist has a low barrier to entry and is one of the best paranormal shows available to stream.

What Likewisers are saying:

“This show is another fresh take on possession and horror, and has you rooting for the victims to overcome their struggles in the end.” -@lyla_rivera

It wouldn’t be fair to discuss spooky hidden gems without discussing the French Netflix original, Marianne. When a famous horror writer goes back to her hometown, she finds out that the evil spirit that plagues her dreams is also there in real life. A never-ending nightmare, isn’t that great? We recommend going in blind and letting the story take you on a journey. Marianne is one of the best Netflix horror shows that nobody talks about.

What Likewisers are saying:

“Terrifying. Unhinged. Uncomfortable.” -@brianda_cepeda

Creepshow is the most fun you’ll ever have being scared! This comedy-horror hybrid anthology series is based on the 1982 movie features vignettes that explore terror, murder, the supernatural and the unexplainable. Each episode consists of two short stories, sometimes ironic, sometimes humorous, sometimes scary. As a result, episodes can be hit or miss for some people, depending on the style of horror that interests you the most. If you’re open to satirical, classic cheesy horror tales similar to Tales from the Crypt, definitely add Creepshow to your watchlist!

What Likewisers are saying: “If you enjoy a good old fashioned schlocky horror with style/humor, give it a shot. I recommend the DJ Qualls episode and Night of The Paw.” -@megan_dipaolo

Penny Dreadful brings classic literary figures such as Dr. Frankenstein and Dorian Gray into a new light by exploring their origin stories in this psychological thriller that takes place in a dark and gritty Victorian London. Critics and fans adored this show during its criminally short 3 season run. The beautiful cinematography nicely compliments the gothic horror elements, which are tied into the story in a more seamless manner than most shows that deal with the supernatural, leading to scares at every turn.

What Likewisers are saying:

“Amazing mix of Victorian horror vampires,werewolves, witches and devils.” -@salem_zen

Imagine 28 Days Later meets The Walking Dead meets Train to Busan. It wouldn’t be a scary show list without at least one zombie series! Black Summer is actually the antithesis of The Walking Dead. Rather than a thoughtful reflection on humanity and morality, this Netflix scary series consists of non-stop, action packed mayhem. In the dark, early days of a zombie apocalypse, complete strangers band together to find the strength they need to survive and get back to their loved ones… If they’re still out there.

What Likewisers are saying: “Did not expect to get so invested in this show but once I started it was episode 5 before I stopped the binge. Very much cliche like similar shows but the cinematography, storytelling and pacing of the show is different and well executed!” -@wolfinspace3d

The River is a bit unorthodox compared to the other items on this list. From the creator of Paranormal Activity, Oren Peli, The River was created during the found-footage horror craze (thanks to The Blair Witch Project and the Paranormal Activity franchise). After wildlife expert and TV personality Emmet Cole goes missing while searching for magic along the Amazon basin, the series focuses on his family and friends that depart on a mission to find him.

What Likewisers are saying:

“Got better every episode and by the end I was amazed with this miniseries. Watch on the ABC app.” -@kentongewecke