5 Fantastic TV Shows That Feel Like Autumn

As the leaves turn and the air crisps, there's nothing like cozying up with a series that captures the warm, comforting essence of fall. From scenic autumnal landscapes to the feel-good, introspective storytelling that mirrors the season, certain shows just hit differently when the sweaters come out. Here’s a list of five TV shows that perfectly encapsulate the perfect autumn vibe.

1. Gilmore Girls

Genre: Drama, Comedy
Where to Watch: Netflix

If there’s one show that defines fall, it’s Gilmore Girls. Set in the fictional, picturesque town of Stars Hollow, this series is all about coffee-fueled banter, community festivals, and the charm of small-town life. The changing seasons are as much a character in the show as the witty mother-daughter duo, Lorelai and Rory. Fall episodes are full of crisp leaves, warm jackets, and endless mugs of coffee at Luke’s Diner. It’s perfect for those who crave comforting dialogue and want to immerse themselves in a world that feels both nostalgic and homey.

2. Stranger Things

Genre: Sci-Fi, Horror
Where to Watch: Netflix

Set in the 80s in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, Stranger Things starts off in fall, immediately establishing the eerie, mysterious feel of Halloween season. The small-town setting, the kids’ school adventures, and the growing tension as they battle otherworldly creatures make it a perfect choice for fall viewing. The dark, foreboding atmosphere, the trick-or-treat scenes, and the sense of impending mystery all evoke that crisp, chilly feeling we associate with the darker side of autumn.

3. Over the Garden Wall

Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Adventure
Where to Watch: HBO Max

Over the Garden Wall is a 10-episode animated series that feels like it was made for a cozy, spooky fall night. It follows two brothers who find themselves lost in a mysterious forest and must navigate eerie, fantastical landscapes to find their way home. The series is full of autumnal visuals—pumpkins, rustic woods, and cool, foggy evenings—making it perfect for fans of folk tales and autumnal spookiness. With its hauntingly beautiful music and storytelling, it’s a must-watch for those who love the more mystical side of fall.

4. This Is Us

Genre: Drama
Where to Watch: Hulu, NBC

If fall brings a sense of reflection, family, and warmth to your heart, This Is Us is the perfect show to complement those feelings. This heartwarming family drama intertwines past, present, and future timelines, offering a moving look at how family, love, and life events shape us. The emotional depth and familial themes evoke the togetherness and introspection that come with autumn. Plus, the Thanksgiving and fall-themed episodes are some of the most beloved and poignant moments of the series.

5. The Great British Bake Off

Genre: Reality, Cooking
Where to Watch: Netflix

What’s more fall than watching people bake delicious pastries and cakes while you sip on hot tea? The Great British Bake Off exudes cozy vibes, with its pastel-colored tents, light-hearted competition, and the warmth of shared culinary creativity. As the contestants craft autumn-inspired bakes—apple pies, spice cakes, and more—the show feels like a comforting hug. Watching it during the fall makes it even better, as you can practically smell the warm, buttery pastries through the screen.

Honorable Mention: Pushing Daisies

Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Drama
Where to Watch: Apple TV

This quirky, visually stunning show brings both whimsy and mystery, much like the fall season itself. Following a pie-maker with the ability to bring the dead back to life, Pushing Daisies is full of charmingly bizarre stories, saturated colors, and autumnal tones that bring to mind warm pies and brisk autumn evenings. Though short-lived, the show’s whimsical take on life and death, its floral visuals, and its unique storytelling style make it a fall favorite.

These five shows are perfect for setting the tone as we enter the coziest season of the year. Whether you're in the mood for heartwarming drama, nostalgic humor, or a little eerie mystery, each of these series brings something special to the table, making them ideal companions for those crisp autumn nights.

Fall seems to arrive earlier every year. Coffee shops like Starbucks now introduce their autumn-themed drinks as early as August, and stores swiftly stock their shelves with Halloween decorations.

When we think of fall flavors, pumpkin spice often comes to mind. Many of us are aware that pumpkin spice isn't actually derived from pumpkins. A pumpkin is a squash that has a distinct taste far from the combination of cinnamon and syrup. Pumpkin spice is just a mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.

While this spice blend lends its flavor to a wide range of products, including lattes, cereal, pretzels, donuts, gum, and more, it's worth mentioning that not all people prefer it. In fact, there exists a Reddit thread specifically devoted to discussing the dislike of pumpkin spice-flavored items. A commenter expressed, "I'm in the hate pumpkin spice camp as well. It absolutely takes over the dairy aisle in the stores to the point of not carrying my usual products." Another Redditor added their thoughts with, "Every season they hardcore promote pumpkin spice everything to kick off fall, and I hate it. It doesn't even smell that good."

Besides the popular pumpkin spice latte, there's a wide variety of seasonal ingredients that contribute to the special taste of autumn, whether you're preparing your own homemade treats or enjoying comforting dishes. These flavors range from the components in traditional apple pie recipes to the aromatic spices found in typical autumn soups, all representing the essence of the season's most cherished foods. Who knows, maybe down the road, we'll be as crazy about apples or cinnamon as we are about pumpkin spice.

If you're looking to step away from the pumpkin spice trend or simply want to savor a wider range of fall flavors, take a peek at these other flavors that scream "autumn."

Apples and the fall season are often linked and commonly used in Halloween activities and various desserts. When autumn rolls around, apples ripen into those sweet goodies people adore, making them the stars of the show in loads of fall recipes, from apple crumble cakes to good old apple pies. And let's not overlook the classic favorites of apple cider and cider donuts.

Cinnamon has the perfect Fall vibe, especially when you mix it with classics like apple, sugar, or vanilla. While it enhances the taste of traditional autumn recipes, cinnamon can also stand on its own. This sweet spice is like the secret ingredient for giving your treats that homemade autumn taste. So, whether you're spicing up your morning joe, cookie dough, or even a hearty stew, just a dash of cinnamon will cozy up your recipe game.

Caramel is a go-to sweet treat when the weather gets cooler. You can just drizzle it over almost anything baked, whether it's warm apple crisp or a big scoop of ice cream. And if you're feeling fancy, a pinch of sea salt can take it up a notch. It's a perfect match for Fall classics like apples, ice cream, or brownies.

Incorporating a touch of maple can infuse your dish with an ideal blend of sweetness and earthiness. This delightful maple essence works wonders in desserts such as maple buttercream frosting, maple cookies, and even pumpkin pie. It also shines in savory dishes like maple bacon, maple-glazed salmon, and chipotle maple chicken wings.

Almonds are another fall favorite. They add a cozy, nutty taste to both sweet and savory dishes, like almond cake with chai or salads with autumn fruits and veggies. They make everything from pumpkin pies to roasted Brussels sprouts even more delicious. So, this Fall, remember that almonds are one the flavors of the season.

Pecans are a prized autumn nut, celebrated for their sweet, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch. Pecan pies, pecan bars, and candied pecans are just a few examples of how these nuts are featured in Fall desserts. Their distinct taste and texture make them a must-have during holiday gatherings.

Sweet potatoes are a beloved Fall ingredient, known for their earthy sweetness and versatility. They take center stage in classic dishes like sweet potato casserole and sweet potato fries. Packed with nutrients, they offer comfort and wholesomeness in every bite, making them a staple of Fall meals.

Known for their tartness and vibrant red color, cranberries bring a zesty kick to Fall meals. Whether in the form of cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving or dried cranberries in salads, they add a burst of flavor that balances the richness of other fall dishes. Cranberries are a nod to the season's crispness and festivity.