Best Supernatural TV Shows to Binge

When I’m between writing projects (or procrastinating), I love watching fantasy TV shows for inspiration. If you’re looking for your next fix, these are the best supernatural TV shows to binge. 

Before we dive in, I want to make three notes. First, I’m only including shows that I have watched and enjoyed in their entirety. Second, I’m putting the shows in chronological order, starting with the oldest. And finally, this is just my opinion! Please share your thoughts on the list and say which you think are the best supernatural TV shows. I want to add to this post over time and would love recommendations!

Best Supernatural TV Shows (aka, Kate’s Faves)

Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996-2003)

Fun family comedy that’s nothing like the recent reboot. Sabrina Spellman, a teenage witch, must navigate learning magic and surviving high school while keeping her identity a secret. Throw in two eclectic aunts and a talking cat, and hijinks ensue. Both this show and the Netflix version are based on the Sabrina the Teenage Witch comic book series published by Archie comics.

 

 

 

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

One of my favorite monster hunting shows! When she becomes the Slayer, Buffy must slay vampires and demons while balancing high school drama. What really shines about this show is friendships. The entire “Scooby Gang” have significant character arcs, and Buffy’s romantic relationships are deep and moving. There’s a reason fans still argue about who her true OTP (“One True Pairing”) really is. Once you embrace the 90s cheese, this show is fire.

 

Charmed (1998-2006)

The three Halliwell sisters, known as the Charmed Ones, discover that they are witches destined to fight evil. With the help of their White Lighter (basically, a guardian angel), they learn about their powers and the supernatural world. Of course, they also have to juggle their careers and personal relationships. This is the first adult show on the list, but still full of family and romantic drama. Note: I wasn’t a fan of the recent reboot, so it’s not featured on the list.

 

 

 

Angel (1999-2004)

Angel is a spin-off of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. While it takes place in the same world and features many of the same characters, it has a much different vibe. Angel runs a detective agency in Los Angeles, giving the show a “cop drama” tone and the ability to tackle slightly more adult themes. If you’re going to watch both of them, I highly recommend watching in the order the episodes were released (alternating between Buffy and Angel), as events from each show affect the other in a really satisfying way.

 

 

Supernatural (2005-2020)

The Winchester brothers grow up as monster hunters, and the show begins with their quest to find the monster that killed their mom. Over time, the show becomes so much more, with all kinds of monsters, a cast of fascinating hunters/helpers, and many thrilling apocalypses. Supernatural is the show that helped me realize that I wasn’t alone in my love for the paranormal. It will always be special to me, and I’m proud that Sam and Dean are Kansas natives like myself. Full disclosure: my dad and I even have matching tattoos like Sam and Dean’s!

 

True Blood (2008-2014)

True Blood is a total guilty pleasure, but I maintain it’s worth watching for the concept alone. In this world, vampires have developed synthetic blood, eliminating their need to kill humans. Therefore, they’ve decided to “come out” and live among humans in society. The main action revolves around Sookie Stackhouse, a young waitress from Louisiana who has the ability to read minds … but not vampire minds. This leads her to develop a relationship with a local vampire and get dragged into the paranormal world. Be warned: there’s lots of sex and even more soap-opera-style drama.

 

Penny Dreadful (2014-2016)

Where are my classic literature nerds at? Penny Dreadful features so many of your favorite gothic characters (Dr. Frankenstein, Dorian Gray, etc.) and puts them together in Victorian London. The show is gorgeously stylized and deliciously dark. While a bit of a slow burn, it has fascinating character arcs and a bewitching mixture of magic and religion. Definitely recommend if you like a slightly more high-brow style of paranormal.

Lucifer (2016-2021)

Imagine if the devil got bored of ruling Hell and decided to open a nightclub in Los Angeles. If that’s not enough to sell you, Lucifer also becomes enchanted with a detective who’s immune to his charms and starts assisting her with her cases. Everyone knows I have an unhealthy obsession with the devil, and this is probably my favorite portrayal of him. (The character was created by Neil Gaiman in his Sandman comic series—which I strongly recommend!) Lucifer, the character, is honest, complex, and completely captivating. The show is fun, full of action-packed mystery, and brimming with romantic tension. It starts out like a formulaic cop show, but grows to be much more.

 

The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell (2018)

Why does know one know about this brilliant show? Christine McConnell lives in a spooky mansion with her reanimated animal friends and a sultry ghost played by Dita Von Teese. The story follows Christine’s attempts to be a good neighbor and strike up a relationship with a mysterious man. In between scenes, Christine (a professional artist and dessert chef) teaches you how to make drop-dead-fabulous creepy crafts. Christine herself is a ray of light and positivity in a humorously dark and menacing world. A true hidden gem.

 

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018—)

Another take on Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Netflix’s recent show is definitely a drama with a much more sinister vibe. The premise is the same: Sabrina must balance her life as a witch and high school student, but everything else is different. In this version, Sabrina also attends a dark academy for witches and belongs to a Satanic coven. This is another guilty pleasure of mine, as the teenage angst is in full force, but holy hell are the aesthetics gorgeous and the plots fun!

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Supernatural TV Shows on My To-Watch List

The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017)
This looks a bit too teen angst for me, but I figure I can’t knock it until I’ve tried it.

American Horror Story (2011—)
I hated the first episode. But since this show is an anthology, every season is a different story. So many people have told me I’d love the Coven season, so it stays on the list.

The Originals (2013-2018)
A spin-off of The Vampire Diaries, but I’m told it’s pretty good. Would love to hear your thoughts!

Salem (2014-2017)
I watched the first season when it aired, but I never continued for some reason. Honestly, I think my cable package changed and no longer had WGN. I’m interested to finish the series, but I have to admit, it does kind of annoy me when Salem Witch Trials fiction has real witches. It degrades the tragedy and the deaths of innocent people.

The Magicians (2015-2020)
Literally everyone: Kate, you have to watch The Magicians. Me: What’s it about? Everyone: Just watch!

Wynonna Earp (2016—)
I watched the first three episodes of Wynonna Earp but struggled with the camp/cheesy vibe. I’ve heard it gets better as it goes on, so I want to power through one day. I love the concept of Wyatt Earp’s descendant fighting demons!

Motherland: Fort Salem (2020—)
Another teen drama of which I’m skeptical. But I like the idea of witches being weaponized in the military. I think it deserves a try just for that.

What do you think are the best supernatural TV shows? Share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments!

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If you’re a fan of these supernatural TV shows, I bet you’ll enjoy my writing too. Join Kate’s Coven to read The Witch, an exclusive short story about a witch who must save Salem from the devil. You’ll also receive updates on my upcoming paranormal fantasy series.

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