BY: Sam Schifrien

Halloween is on the way, and there’s nothing we love more than a good scare. Here are a selection of series that will terrify and turn you on, showcasing sexy vampires, werewolves, witches, and serial killers.

Interview with a Vampire

Based on Anne Rice’s epic novel series and the 1994 film, this show will suck you in (sorry, pun intended) with its core characters, their dynamics (including seeing queer love represented through different time periods), and its timely, necessary updating of storylines. (Seasons 1-3 on AMC+, Seasons 1-2 on Netflix; renewed for Season 4)

American Horror Story

Each season of anthology series American Horror Story has its own levels of terror, tragedy and of course, sensuality woven amongst that terror and tragedy, including the upcoming 13th season. (Season 13 now airing on FX/Hulu, Seasons 1-12 on Hulu)

The Haunting of Bly Manor

The follow up to The Haunting of Hill House, this one focuses more on “found” family than the first season and features some incredibly wonderful but (semi-spoiler alert) heartbreaking love stories. The non-linear storytelling leads to fantastic reveals at the perfect times. (Netflix)

True Blood

Based on the popular book series, True Blood set — and raised — the bar when it came to steamy storytelling, from vampires to werewolves to fairies and nymphs and so many more fantastic creatures. And in a world where it is too often women baring it all, Alexander Skarsgård is refreshingly unashamed to take on some of that onus. (Seasons 1-7 on HBOMax)

 

Penny Dreadful

With a wonderful ensemble including Eva Green, Josh Hartnett and Billie Piper, this show originally from Showtime and UK’s Sky, takes various public domain literary characters like Dorian Gray, Dr. Jekyll and the Frankensteins, and weaves together their stories in gory, gorgeous, and steamy ways. (Seasons 1-3 on Paramount+)

The Vampire Diaries

Originally on the CW, based on the beloved YA novel series, TVD found creative ways to showcase network-friendly steaminess throughout its eight seasons, constantly evolving as its characters (at least non-vampire ones) aged from teenage years into adulthood. (Seasons 1-8 on HBOMax and Peacock)

 

You

When its first season premiered on Lifetime (yes, before moving to Netflix), the show’s shifting perspectives never made you want to root for the bad guy — but it did leave you understanding them a bit better. Great for true crime fans. (Seasons 1-5 on Netflix)

It’s worth looking through your fingers and uncovering your eyes the most you can for these. The characters may be messy and spooky, but their sensuality will make its way through the screen, blending chills and thrills for a scary good time.