13 SPOOKY SHOWS YOU NEED TO WATCH!

13. FRIDAY THE 13TH THE SERIES
Paramount
1987-1990
70 episodes
Louise Robbey, Chris Wiggins and John D. LeMay star.
Created by Larry B. Williams and Fran Mancuso Jr.

Originally titled the 13th Hour but re titled trying to draw some of the popularity of the film series at the time. The series centered around an old antique dealer who made a deal with the devil to sell cursed antiques When he dies his store his inherited by his peppy niece Micki played by Louise Robbey and her cousin Ryan played by John D. LeMay. They team up with Jack Marshak (Wiggins) to recover sold antiques before they hurt the people who bought them. The leads had a fun playful chemistry throughout the show and the creators seem to have fun with the concept throughout from cursed youth stealing tea cups, to possessed dolls and killer amish people. Despite the name the Canadian/American show had no ties to the franchise besides Mancuso being a producer on Friday sequels, the music being used in parts VII and VIII and actor John D. LeMay starring in Jason Goes to Hell. Originally perceived and aired as a late night product the show moved to prime time because of it's popularity and ultimately failed. The reason why this is number 13 on my list is because some truly creeptastic episodes throughout it's run. Such as the first episode "the inheritance" which featured one of the scariest porcelain dolls in horror as it manipulates and tries to possess a young girl. There's also "Scarecrow" about the title creature returning to life each year to murder people during the harvest. And quite possibly the most chilling episode of the series "The Playhouse" dealt with two young children who escape their abusive lives by going into the title place but the only catch is that they must lure other young children in and sacrifice them. It could no doubt be hammy at times and it's low budget made things a little on the funny side but it still managed to have some intriguing concepts and deliver them with creepy sometimes nightmarish creativity.

12. HARPER'S ISLAND

CBS 

2009 

12 Episodes

Elaine Cassidy , Christopher Gorham, Matt barr, Gina Holden, Katie Cassidy, Cameron richardosn and C.J. Thomason star. 

Created by Ari Schlossberg

13 weeks. 25 suspects. 1 killer. Set up as sort of a slasher/ mystery thriller TV series with one big kill each week. The high concept eventually played itself out by the finale. But not before supplying some serious goosebumps. Keeping it interesting as any good show would. Everyone was a suspect, the body count kept rising and the killing scenes were always unique and boundary pushing especially for network TV. Originally airing on CBS on Thursday nights the show was then moved to Saturdays and axed after two episodes. Although they did finish airing all of it, lucky for us. The show gained a new life and a little cult following after premiering on Netflix. The show was set on Harper's Island where John Wakefield murdered seven people. Wakefield was murdered by the sheriff after killing his wife which led to him sending his young daughter to live with her grandfather. Some years later his daughter Abby returns to island to celebrate her friend's wedding and the disappearances/murders begin again. What made the show so creepy was the feeling that any one could die at any moment and they usually did. To further discuss this would give away spoilers but let's just say some of them involved creepy children, a bridge chase scene and someone being almost ripped in half and another being harpooned on dry land. Which all equals super fun in my book!

11. TALES FROM THE DARkSIDE

Laurel

1983-1988

90 Episodes

Narrated by Paul Sparer

Created by George A. Romero

Anyone who grew up during 83-88 and some time after in re broadcasts I'm sure was haunted even terrified by the opening of Tales from the Darkside with a combination of the creepy narration from Paul Sparer and disturbing imagery of a sunny day that becomes dark and foreboding. It was the stuff nightmares were made of, especially as a kid and maybe even as an adult. The show through it's five seasons and 90 episodes overall wasn't nearly as effective. It had it's ups and downs, mostly downs but there are some dark gems in there. With Episodes directed by Frank DePama, Tom Savini, Richard Glass and Jodie Foster amongst others And with guest stars Ronnie Blakely, Danny Aiello, Bruce Davison, Justine Bateman, Phyliis Diller, Jessica Harper, John Heard, Carol Kane, Deborah Harry, Lisa Bonet, Seth Green and Penelope Ann Miller among many others. Here are the most memorable, nightmarish episodes in my my humble opinion. Tom Savini directed this well made episode entitled Halloween candy about an elderly man named Mr. Killup who uses Halloween to taunt kids. But this year he gets more than he bargained for when a strange goblin like creature crashes his pad. There are slight similarities to Brian Cox's story in the beyond amazing Trick or Treat but this episode stands on it's own with some truly nightmarish imagery. Directed by Tom Savini once again there's Inside the Closet centering around a young woman whose a student and moves into the house of a veterinarian who seems normal enough and the place is affordable and sanitary.  But strange occurrences begin to happen which leaves her asking what's into the closet? The answer is horrifying. And last but not least the most shocking episode of the series and one that potentially ruined my holiday season every year. Seasons of Belief about two young children who are told a scary story about the Grither Christmas Eve. Creepy things happen through out and the tone is kept playful until that ending which is just so wrong. Throughout it's run Tales had several other memorable episodes until eventually being canceled in 1988. However it still stands a fun nostalgic 30 minute little nightmares. 

10. R.L. STINE'S THE HAUNTING HOUR

Hub

2010-present

Bailee Madison, Booboo Stewart, Dan Payne, Brendan Meyer, Matt Angel and Jeny Casady star.

Created by R.L. Stine

I'm sure many of you are rolling your eyes at this point. I mean come on a kid's horror show on the Hub for God sakes. But I was a skeptic just like you and although I haven't seen every episode because it's a fairly new discovery I can tell you I've seen some that have given me a little trouble sleeping. Although the show is obviously not gory, nor does it feature any hardcore horror or real violence. The creepy psychological terror of these tales are what really get under your skin. And there's much to behold. Take for instance a killer doll. OMFG are you serious another killer doll story. But seriously her name is Lilly D. and she's a doll that's been modeled after her owner, including being life size. At first she only talks to her friend the owner. But soon enough she begins to take on a life of her own as she manipulates those around her destroying her reputation and finally taking over her body. Essentially making the owner the plastic plaything. Or how about the urban legend about sneaking into grave yards at night and your soul being replaced by one of the ghosts roaming throughout, stranding you forever in purgatory. And let me not forget to tell you about a shark that lives in the high school swimming pool or worst of all finding out that clowns are not even human but an ancient race of beings who feed on fear and after a certain age you begin to turn into one. Creepy stuff people. It may sound a little hokey and most of it is. But if you can watch with an open mind you'll be rewarded with what may be the scariest kids show ever made!

9, MASTERS OF HORROR

Showtime

2005-2007

26 Episodes

Norman Reedus, Steven Weber Fairuza Balk, Sean Patrick Flannery, Meatloaf Lori Petty, Jason Priestly, George Wendt and Daniel Gillies star among many others.

Created by Mick Garris

When the announcement came that showtime was doing a horror series with hour long mini movies airing every week and directed by the best in genre without a leash. Everyone was excited across the board. Unfortunately there were more misses than hits. Still there are some truly creepy episodes in there with a huge number of guest stars as well as a wealth of talent with horror directors  Which include Clive Barker, Dario Argento, Mick Garris John Carpenter, Don Cascarelli, Stuart Gordon, John Landis and Tobe Hooper among many others. Some of the most nightmarish segments were Incident On and Off Mountain Road directed by Don Coscarelli of Phantasm fame. It featured a young woman being hunted by a Moon faced monster in the woods after a brutal show down with her abusive boyfriend. It all culminates to a stomach churning house of horrors and a creepy twist that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Cigarette Burns is a hallucinatory nightmare directed by John Carpenter. A haunted movie theater owner searches for a print of an infamous movie that drove the audience psychotically insane after just one screening.  I'm sure you can guess that the pay off is worth it. And last but not least there is William Malone's Fair Hair Child a visually stunning slice of fear about a young warlock couple who adopt a girl to sacrifice her to their long dead boy. The creature effects are disturbing and the whole experience feels very surreal. Not to say these were the only good ones but these are the ones that really got under my skin. Family, Screwfly Solution and Pick me Up have their charms as well. For better and Worse it's all worth a look. 

8. FEAR ITSELF

NBC

2008-2009

13 Episodes

Brianna Evigan, Dough Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Eric Roberts, Ethan Embry, Anna Kendrick, Johnathan Schaech, Shiri Appleby, Eric Balfour and Rachel Miner star.

Created by Mick Garris

Sort of like the mainstream TV version of Masters of Horror. Fear Itself featured less sex and nudity but had a higher fear content in my opinion. After Masters was canceled I'm pretty sure this was the next season of it on the menu so it moved over to NBC. And although it didn't do very well in ratings or buzz. It has amassed a small cult audience with some truly unique and terrifying episodes. Featuring segments directed by Brad Anderson (Session 9), Daryn Lynn Bousman (Saw 2), Larry Fessenden (Wendigo), Ronny Yu (Freddy vs, Jason) and Ernest Dickerson (Tales from the Crypt presents Demon Knight) as wel as a few more. Some of the highlights and trust me they are all pretty good are Eater directed by Stuart Gordon (Re-Animator) starring Elisabeth Moss as a rookie cop dong over night duty when a brutal cannibalistic serial killer is brought in and gets loose. Truly Creepy will stay with you long after it's over. Skin and Bones directed by Larry Fessenden starring Doug Jones in a supremely creepy performance as a man who returns to his family days after being lost in the woods possessed by a Wendigo. And than there's the seasons best episode in my opinion supremely executed by Darryn Lynn Bousman and starring Brianna Evigan (Sorority Row) as a young woman who awaes in a drunken stupor on new Year's day and discovers the world is over run with zombies. It all leads up to one hell of a brilliant finale. 

7. TALES FROM THE CRYPT

HBO

1989-1996

93 Episodes

Patricia Arquette, Bil sadler, Demi Moore, Lea Thompson, Dan Akroyd, Hank Azaria, Sandra Bernhard, Sonia Braga, Steve Buschemi, Kirk Douglas, Mariel Hemingway, Bevery D' Angelo, Ed Begley Jr., Ewan McGregor, Christopher Reeve, Brooke Shields, Brad Pitt, Bill Paxton, Iggy Pop, Meatoaf, Eddie Izzard and Whoopi Goldberg among many others.

Created by Richard Donner, Walter Hill, Robert Zemekis, Joe Silver and David Giler

Oh Tales from the Crypt in it's 7 season 93 episode run there was way more crap than gems. But there were those episodes that made the show earn it's well deserved reputation. And it's hard not to see that it paved the way for American Horror Story, Masters of horror and so many others. It also featured experimentation with directors such as Michael J. Fox, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tom Hanks, Kyle Machlachlan as well as known directors such as William Friedkin (Exorcist), Tom Holland (Child's Play), Tobe Hooper (Texas Chainsaw Massacre), Russell Mulcahy (Razorback) and Mary Lambert (Pet Semetary) among others. Some of the most well known and effective episodes are Television Terror featuring Morton Downey Jr as a schlock TV show host giving a tour of a haunted house that merits horrifying results. Only Skin Deep directed by William Malone about an abusive man who picks up a one night stand at a Halloween party and discovers she's got a terrifying secret of her own. And who could forget And All Through the House starring Larry Drake as a homicidal Santa trying to break in after a woman kills her husband on Christmas Eve. And there are so many other memorable ones from House of Horror to Split Personality to My Brothers Keeper. But in the end the show was bogged down by unnecessary nudity and sex loosing a lot of it's fear factor, But every episode is worth a look if you haven't seen it before. 

6.THE TWILIGHT ZONE

MGM

1959-1964

156 Episodes

Starring and Created by Rod Serling

Although it may seem a little old school there is a reason why the original Twilight Zone has remained so popular for all these years and truth be told one of the most prominent reasons is because it's f*cking scary as hell. Some prime examples are Living Doll about a frustrated father having troubles with his  stepdaughter's creepy doll, Talking Tina which can say phrases like "I Hate you" and "I'm going to kill you".What made the episode so scary was because the doll looked like an every day doll and that like the original Child's Play made everything feel more realistic and believable. And than there's To Serve Man about a race of Aliens who come to earth and seem very friendly. Luring the public in with technological advances as well as promises of paradise. But an encryption specialist begins to decrypt a book left behind which suggests something truly horrific. Or what about the hitchhiker about a young woman driving across country who keeps seeing the same man on the side of the road no matter how fast she drives. There's lots of spine tingling episodes spread throughout and a lot of them were very reflective of the times in which they were made. There were brief attempts at resurrecting the series but none of them were nearly as effective as the original series which has inspired a countless number of movies, books, television shows, etc. 

5. THE X FILES

FOX

1993-2002

9 Seasons 202 Episodes

Created by Chris Carter

Starring David Duchovny, Gillian Andersen, Mitch Pillegi and Robert Patrick star.

It's hard to not hear that now historic show theme going through your head when reading/ viewing doing anything associated with The X Files. X Files was no doubt a pop culture phenomena that lasted nine seasons, two theatrical movies and over two hundred episodes. More often than not they presented some of the most compelling, awe inspiring and sometimes even disturbing hours on television. Throughout it's iconic run we met David Duchovny as the handsome, inquisitive front man Detective Mulder a.k.a Spooky Mulder to most of his colleagues. Gillian Andersen was his brilliant, protective co pilot Dana Scully. Like all great shows the characters and their relationship was always evolving and growing. But mixed in there was some of the most nightmarish imagery and horrifying hours to ever grace any screen. In 2016 we will see a reboot of the now classic series. So if you haven't seen them or just need to freshen up here are a few but limited choice episodes that stand out in a super scary way among the rest. Let's start things off with Squeeze which introduced us to one of the most terrifying creations in cinematic history Eugene Victor Tooms. A humanoid killer with the ability to stretch his body that returns to life every thirty years. And than we have Die Hand Die Verletzt about a satanic cult of teachers targeting school kids. And than there's the most disturbing episode of all which pits team Sculder/Mully against some inbred mountain folk. One you won't ever forget. It wasn't perfect there were a few lulls occasionally but for the most part the The X Files remains as one of the most influential and terrifying series ever to be created.

4. AMERICAN HORROR STORY

FX

2011-

52 Episodes with 53 on Weds

Jessican Lange, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Taissa Farminga, Denis O' Hare Gabourey Sidibe, Emma Roberts, Angela Bassett Kathy Bates, Frances Conroy, Lily Rabe, Chloe Sevigny, Zachary Quinto, Wes Bentley, Finn Whitlock, Naomi Grossman, Dylan McDermott, Matt Bomer, Adam Levine, Joseph Fiennes, Cheyenne Jackson, Connie Britton, Kate Mara and Lady Gaga among others.

Created by Ryan Murphy

Back when AHS first began in 2011 with Murder House. People didn't now what to really expected from a horror show from the creator of the Musical Dramedy Glee. But with the stylish ads and freaky imagery people tuned in wth astounding numbers. Now despite losing it's way last season it appears that AHS is right back on track with Hotel. Because that first episode was one of the disturbing of the bunch. It's had tons of stars delivering solid performances, countless Emmy and Golden Globe nominations and even a few wins most notably for the scene Chewing, powerhouse Jessica Lange. Not to say sexy Evan Peters, Taissa Farminga, Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett, Handsomely psychotic Zachary Quinto, the wonderful Sarah Paulson, Denis O' Hare and so many others haven't had some great moments and performances overall. The best of the bunch in my opinion was Murder House followed by the pop terror of Coven and than the psychological disturbia of Asylum which began to falter with the seasons last entry, The hot mess Freakshow which despite it's confused and somewhat generic approach had it's moments. But things seem to be right back to the fiendish fear factor that made it so popular to begin with, with Hotel. So here are a few examples of why Ryan Murphy's series is landed in fourth besting some truly wonderful shows in the scare department. Let's start off with Piggy, Piggy season 1 Murder House Episode 6. It opens with the columbine like murders of a group of high school students in 2010 by one of the show's main characters. It's executed with a chilling all too real vibe that will leave you on the edge of your seat. For my number two episode it is without a doubt Burn Witch Burn Season 3 episode 5 Coven. It has the girls going up against a small army of blood thirsty zombies and yes there is a chainsaw! And for my number one most powerful and creepy episode I'd have to say it's the final episode of the second season. Even though AHS can be a little bit of a mess sometimes with how ambitious it is. Asylum ended off it's run with the best episode of any of the seasons Madness Ends season 2 episode 13. With a jump forward in time, all things are explained and the culmination in the explanation of real evil is what will leave your mind reeling. AHS has been one of the most dependable series in the fear department since it first aired. And now with one of the most freakish episodes yet Hotel looks to maybe even give Murder House a run for it's money. I mean come on there's a blood orgy, a rape sequence with a diamond encrusted dildo and lots of other spooky touches. Tune in Weds on FX.

3.SUPERNATURAL

CW

2005-

11 seasons so far

220 Episodes 221 on Weds

Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki, Misha Collins, Mark Sheppard, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Rachel Miner, Kim Rhodes, Mitch Pileggi, Heather Mattarazo and Jim Beaver star.

Created by Eric Kripke

Two sexy brothers in an ongoing war against evil and the demonic apocalypse on the CW. It's probably a show that most would think have been canceled if even green lit at all. But here we are at season 11 and Supernatural is still keeping it fresh from ghosts to vampires to demons to werewolves, curses, alternate dimensions, angels, heaven, hell, there is just too much to name. And with a loyal fan base and surprisingly scary episodes. Supernatural keeps surprising on all levels it's not just scary and creative it's emotionally resonant and inspired. Here are a few examples of how spooky it can be. First up "The Kids are alright", Sam and Dean discover a changeling possessing children making them kill their fathers and locking their mothers up to devour later. "Of Grave importance", The Winchesters are brought into one hell of a haunted mansion with a load of nightmare inducing ghosts all leading up to the big bad specter in charge. Yikes. And the scariest crown goes to Croatoan a subject that's always interested me. This take on the material has a sort of rageful virus changing all of the townsfolk into murderous demons. The first couple seasons can be rough but what makes supernatural work so well are the leads. they have great chemistry with each other as well as the regulars and anyone else who comes on the show. It doesn't hurt that they are ridiculously handsome and that the show writers continue to find new, unique ways to horrify us. Tune in Weds on the CW.

2. PARANORMAL STATE

A&E

2007 TO 2011?

6 seasons so far

89 episodes...

Created by Ryan Buell

Ryan Buell, Chip Coffey, Lorrainne Warren, Heather Taddy, Sergey Poberezhny, Elfie Music, and Katrina Weidman star among others.

I'm sure you've heard of Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures but although i do like to watch shows about the supernatural, I don't consider them to be very genuine. Paranormal State is the exception. From The first moment I saw an episode. I was pretty freaked out. Ryan Buell of course lured me in with his classic good looks and genuine demeanor. But the show is what kept me there. No matter what or who they were investigating it all felt very genuine. Nothing ever felt staged and truth be told there are some episodes where not too much happens and that's because the person who reaches out to them for help might need more psychological help than supernatural. And that's the thing it always feels like they are genuinely trying to help the person/ people in one way or another. But there are moments when they come up against some truly horrifying things. And no matter what you feel or believe it's scary that these things could actually be happening or it's scary to think that your mind could have so much power that it could make you believe that these things could happen. Some of the episodes that kept me awake at night are as follows, watch at your own discretion. One of the first ones that i saw was called I am Six. It's about a young woman named Laura who has felt oppressed by an evil spirit ever since listening to a haunting EVP. She claims to have been beaten, strangled and possibly even raped. But the the photos are the most haunting evidence, deep scratches on Laura's skin that spell out profanities. It all culminates with a  very disturbing exorcism that feels more real than anything I've seen before it. Another is Paranormal Intervention. About a retiree named Carol Anne who stays awake every night taping the voices of the dead. Which may be opening up a dark portal for something to cross over. The real Lorrianne Warren who has investigated some of the most famous supernatural cases in history and whose work has inspired Amityville horror and the conjuring to only name a few comes in too hep Carol Anne curtail her obsession before it's too late. And one of the most disturbing episodes is titled "They Only Come out at Night" about a police officer's family being terrorized by Demons. PRS arrives just in time to help them vacate their home before it's too late.Throughout the show the main cast members come across very genuine and as it goes along and we learn more about them and their lives we start to feel connected. And as for Ryan Buell he's struggled with a demon most of his life and it appears to have followed him into adult hood. Although he seems to be healthy and doing well now, the struggle continues. And there have been some rumblings that he might be returning to TV. Crossing my fingers.

1.  A HAUNTING

Discovery

2005-

69 episodes to date

Narrated by  Anthony D. Call

Created by Discovery Channel

And here it is the scariest show I've ever seen. It depicts real life encounters with the supernatural through sometimes cheesy but always effective reenactments. Created by the discovery channel in 2005 as a two part series it eventually grew through reputation to become what it is today. Horrifying in it's depiction of the supernatural. A haunting always makes the proceedings feel genuine and unnerving . Some of the most disturbing episodes are The Possessed about Mary Vogel a spiritual counselor who finds herself under attack from the same forces she's saved others from. It begins to consume her life as an evil voice taunts her "You're God can't save you now". In the end only an exorcism can save her soul.There is "Where Demons Dwell" about a young couple who move into a new home with the help of Debbie's younger brother who almost immediately gets attacked but no one believes him. Later on when eventually having left he tells them that the spirit has followed him here. So Creepy. And than there is "Demon's Revenge" about two different entities terrorizing a family living on the property of a two hundred year old farm house. Sure it can be a little unintentionally funny at times and there is definitely an old school charm to all of it but it is the scariest show I've seen with a doubt. Anything that can make it all seem that real is worth a look but be forewarned.