While I’m a big movie fan, sometimes a TV show just hits differently. The thrill of an episode-ending cliffhanger, the time to really get to know and care about the characters, and the complete and utter satisfaction of getting lost in a story that unfolds slowly over multiple episodes. With the streaming wars showing no signs of slowing down, these platforms are constantly looking for the next big thing to draw viewers in. Horror has certainly become one of the newest ways to grab their attention, giving fans plenty of creepy new series to add to their watchlists.
The Haunting of Hill House
Creator Mike Flanagan (who you’ll see many more of his shows on this list) in my opinion really kicked off this renaissance of horror TV shows we’re in with The Haunting of Hill House back in 2018. Based on Shirley Jackson’s novel of the same name, it follows the Crain family whose lives are shaped by haunting experiences they had growing up and how they must return to face them head-on. It’s praised for showing an openly lesbian character whose sexuality is treated as a natural part of her character, and not a defining struggle. It also features plenty of “Did you see that in the background?” moments where you’ll want to pause and rewind to see them.
Where to watch: Netflix
The Haunting of Bly Manor
The Haunting of Bly Manor is the second show in Mike Flanagan’s The Haunting anthology series. It follows Dani Clayton, an American hired to care for two children at an estate in the English countryside. As she settles into her new job, she discovers that the manor is haunted and that those who work there are hiding disturbing secrets. The series combines ghostly encounters and supernatural mysteries with a sapphic love story between Dani and Jamie, the estate’s gardener.
Where to watch: Netflix
Crystal Lake (2026)
While some say it’s a gimmick, I personally love a prequel series or a project that explores a well-known and established universe…if it’s done well. Crystal Lake tells the story of the events surrounding Camp Crystal Lake and Pamela Voorhees from the original Friday the 13th movie. It shows her descent into madness and how far a mother will go for her child. While there isn’t necessarily a queer connection, it stars Linda Cardellini and that’s enough of a reason for it to be on this list for me!
Where to watch: Peacock
Carrie (2026)
The first of many Mike Flanagan shows on this list starts with Carrie, a TV adaptation of Stephen King’s debut novel. It centers around Carrie, a teenage girl who realizes she has telekinetic powers after years of religious trauma at the hands of her mother and bullying by her new classmates. While Carrie herself isn’t queer, her story of being ostracized and shamed for being different is an experience many queer people can relate too.
Where to watch: Amazon
American Horror Story
It’s almost hard to believe that AHS is still running. With a rotating cast of queer characters and actors, AHS has kept queer storylines at the forefront since its inception in 2011. Even after thirteen seasons (and just renewed for a fourteenth), it continues to serve up campy, theatrical, over-the-top moments with all-star casts including Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Angela Bassett, Kathy Bates, and even Lady Gaga. While some seasons are slightly connected, especially the later ones, you can really pick any season out of a hat and watch it in any order you please. The show continues to deliver iconic lines that become part of the cultural zeitgeist. My favorite? Minnesota native Lange screaming “Knotty Pineeeee!” in American Horror Story: Coven.
Where to watch: Hulu/Disney+
Chucky
Everybody’s favorite “Good Guy Doll” returned for three seasons of this queer coming-of-age story. Jake Wheeler is navigating the hells of growing up while also dealing with Chucky’s murderous rampage after finding him at a yard sale. The show not only features a gay protagonist but also gender-fluid characters, making its representation central to the story and not just incidental. Also, for those OG fans of Chucky (or The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills), we even see the return of Jennifer Tilly as Tiffany Valentine.
Where to watch: Peacock, Amazon
Midnight Mass
Supernatural horror stories centered around religion can be some of the most terrifying things out there. Midnight Mass brings those horrors to life on a small, isolated island where its community begins experiencing strange events after the arrival of a young, charismatic priest. Riley Flynn returns home after serving time in prison and is caught up in the growing religious passion that the community feels around Father Paul. While Father Paul continues to make miracles happen and bring new hope to the island, more malevolent things continue to take place.
Where to watch: Netflix
Interview with a Vampire
Anne Rice was the queen of vampires long before Stephenie Meyer introduced us to the world of Twilight and the Cullens. This reimagining puts the queer desire and complicated romance of Louis and Lestat’s relationship at the forefront of its story. It follows Louis as he recounts his life as a vampire, including his passionate and unstable relationship with Lestat. An unapologetically queer story set against a gothic atmosphere? Yeah, that sounds pretty much right up my alley for this season.
Where to watch: AMC+, Netflix, Amazon
IT: Welcome to Derry
While Carrie is a modern retelling of a well-known Stephen King story, IT: Welcome to Derry takes a different approach, and expands the terrifying lore and dark history of the fictional town of Derry and the entity known as Pennywise. For those who haven’t read the book, the show really dives deeper into the town’s disturbing past, the origins of this supernatural being, and the mythology and fantastical world King has created. In this show we see Pennywise terrorize a new group of kids before the Losers’ Club was even born. The plot can be confusing at times as it weaves together various storylines but for fans of the movies they’ll find plenty of Easter eggs to obsess over. The finale is what really drew me in and made this a show I wanted to keep tabs on, and I’m happy to say that it did get renewed for a second season.
Where to watch: HBO Max
Below
Minnesota native Josh Hartnett stars in this creature-horror show set in a small fishing town in Newfoundland. Calvin Penney (Hartnett) is a fisherman doing his best to hold his family and community together. However, when a mysterious sea creature begins attacking the town, Calvin must team up with his family and with the help of a marine biologist to uncover the truth behind the deadly encounters. But the creature isn’t the only threat facing residents. As an outside organization attempts to push the townspeople to abandon their homes, Calvin must fight to protect his community from those who have their own sinister plans for the town. This miniseries is a perfect weekend binge with just a quick six episodes.
Where to watch: Netflix
