The Chair is a sharp and funny look at the chaos of academia, with Sandra Oh perfectly capturing the pressure and absurdity of running a college department. The first episode nails the politics, egos, and everyday nonsense of higher education with real insight. It later leans into rom-com territory, but the humor, strong cast, and honest moments make it a refreshing watch. | © Netflix
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina starts strong with two seasons of stylish horror, sharp writing, and great performances. The atmosphere, music, and dark themes make it feel genuinely fresh at first. But by season three, it loses that edge, the tone shifts, the writing stumbles, and what began as spooky and smart turns oddly campy. | © Netflix
Only Murders in the Building turned out to be way more entertaining than everyone expected. What starts as a cozy mystery about three neighbors obsessed with true crime podcasts quickly becomes clever, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt. Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez make a perfect trio, and their chemistry keeps every twist light and fun. | © Hulu
Twin Peaks pulls you in from the first frame – the soft music, the sawmill, the stillness before everything unravels. It’s strange, emotional, and instantly unforgettable, mixing small-town warmth with eerie mystery. Every scene feels like a clue in a dream you can’t quite wake up from, and that’s what makes it a classic. | © ABC
The Haunting of Bly Manor starts strong with a haunting first episode that pulls you right in. The writing and direction are tight, and the cast, especially Victoria Pedretti, is fantastic. It’s eerie without overdoing it, setting up a ghost story that feels both emotional and deeply unsettling. | © Netflix
Over the Garden Wall is one of those rare animated shows that feels timeless from the first scene. Its story of two brothers lost in a strange, autumn-tinted world is eerie, heartfelt, and endlessly creative. With stunning visuals, haunting music, and just the right mix of humor and melancholy, it’s a ten-episode masterpiece that stays with you long after it ends. | © Cartoon Network
Brothers and Sisters starts strong and keeps its emotional core steady, even when the later seasons stumble a bit. The writing blends humor and heart beautifully, backed by a cast that feels completely genuine. Sally Field, Matthew Rhys, and Rachel Griffiths deliver performances that make every family argument and reconciliation worth watching. | © ABC
Sweet Magnolias is the kind of show you can see coming a mile away, and still enjoy every minute of it. It’s warm, small-town comfort TV with great chemistry between the three leads and plenty of charm to spare. Predictable? Sure. But sometimes that’s exactly what makes it so easy to love. | © Netflix
Derry Girls is sharp, loud, and absolutely hilarious from start to finish. Each of the girls feels distinct and fully alive, their chaos perfectly balanced against the backdrop of 1990s Northern Ireland. It’s smart comedy with heart and edge – the kind that deserves every award it can get. | © Hat Trick Productions
Abbott Elementary feels so real that it’s almost nostalgic for anyone who’s ever worked in a school. The teachers are hilarious, the kids are naturals, and Ava might be the most entertaining principal ever written. Binge watching the first season is pure joy – smart, funny, and full of moments that hit close to home. | © ABC
The Originals proves that spin-offs can outshine the original. Centered on the endlessly chaotic Mikaelson family, it’s packed with power struggles, dark magic, and characters who are impossible to forget. Klaus steals every scene, making this one of the best supernatural series for anyone who loves drama with fangs and fire. | © Warner Bros. Television
From starts with a simple mystery and quickly turns into something far more gripping and strange. Each episode piles on new questions, keeping you hooked even as the answers stay just out of reach. By the end of season two, it’s mind-bending, unsettling, and impossible not to want more. | © MGM
Hart of Dixie isn’t trying to be another gritty hospital drama, and that’s exactly what makes it work. Rachel Bilson’s cheerful energy, Lemon’s over-the-top charm, and the lovable town full of oddballs create forty minutes of pure comfort TV. It skips the fake blood and ER clichés in favor of food, flirting, and small-town fun, and honestly, that’s a refreshing change. | © Warner Bros. Television
Naomi opens with a promise – a small-town teen discovering she might be more extraordinary than she ever imagined. The setup is slow, and the characters take time to find their footing, but the concept has sparks of something bigger beneath the surface. It’s a show that asks for patience, rewarding those curious enough to see where Naomi’s powers will lead her. | © Warner Bros. Television
Wednesday takes the Addams family legacy and turns it into something fresh, witty, and wickedly fun. Jenna Ortega nails every deadpan stare and razor-sharp line, giving Wednesday real emotional depth beneath the darkness. With Tim Burton’s eerie touch and a cast full of quirky charm, it’s the perfect fall binge for anyone who loves a little mystery with their macabre. | © Netflix
There’s something about fall that makes the right show hit harder – cool air, warm colors, and stories that pull you in fast. These series aren’t long commitments, but they leave a lasting mark. From eerie mysteries to heartfelt comedies, here are the best autumn shows with fewer than five seasons.
