Halloween is creeping up on us, which means it’s finally time to get into our spooky TV bag. And while there’s no shortage of things that go bump in the night, we’re always here for a little Black acting excellence alongside our terror.
From the frightening mysteries of “From” to the truly twisted history of “Lovecraft Country” and the witchy goodness of “American Horror Story: Coven”—these shows know how to keep us screaming! So, grab your favorite candies, turn those lights down low, and add these Black-led/Black-centric horror shows to your Halloween watch list ASAP!
“From”
Let’s start with the Harold Perrineau-led show that’s got a lot of folks in a chokehold: “From.” This sci-fi horror show centers a town where leaving is impossible, the monsters come out at night, and is one that will have you questioning every single thing happening on that screen.
Related: Best Black Halloween Movies to Watch in 2026
“It: Welcome to Derry”
Good old Pennywise is back, and the town of Derry, Maine, is once again proving that evil has a way of sticking around. This prequel series to the “It” films takes a look at the town’s terrifying history, so prepare for creepy clowns and the frightening clown face we’ve all come to love (sort of.)
“Lovecraft Country”
Jim Crow America is already terrifying enough, right? But thanks to “Lovecraft Country’s” supernatural, monsters, magic, and nightmares-inducing imagery, it takes it up a whole other notch. Jonathan Majors, Jurnee Smollett, and Courtney B. Vance really sell it too, so you’ll definitely enjoy this one just as much as you’re creeped out by it.
“Grotesquerie”
When it comes to the Niecy Nash-led show, “Grotesquerie,” creator Ryan Murphy really said: “What if your neighborhood had a serial killer problem and everything got progressively more deviant and slighly Satanic?” Add in heious crimes, religious imagery, and enough unsettling twists to keep you guessing—this show might make you sit up with the lights on for a little minute.
“Them: Covenant” & “Them: The Scare”
If you enjoyed “Them: Covenant,” then the 90s Los Angeles centered, second chapter of the anthology series is exactly what you need to see. This season sees Deborah Ayorinde returns in a new role and revolves around a gruesome murder that gets stranger by the minute. Believe us when we tell you: this season is not for the faint of heart.
“Swarm”
What happens when stan culture goes way too far? Dominique Fishback stars in the Donald Glover-produced series, “Swarm,” as an obsessive fan whose devotion to a pop superstar takes a disturbing turn in this psychological horror series inspired by the darker side of fandom.
“Interview With the Vampire”
Vampires, toxic relationships, and enough beautiful people making terrible decisions?? Sign us up expeditiously. No, seriously, sign us up—especially when the iconic Pointe du Lac is being played by the talent that is Jacob Anderson.
“Archive 81”
In “Archive 81,” Mamouduo Athie plays a restoration archivist who takes a job recovering damaged videotapes. However, he quickly discovers that the footage is connected to a missing filmmaker and a disturbing mystery. Trust us, this one will have you feeling creeped out.
“Kindred”
Based on Octavia E. Butler’s groundbreaking novel of the same name, this sci-fi drama follows a young Black writer who keeps getting pulled between present-day Los Angeles and an antebellum plantation. Now, we know time travel shows might give you a headache. But this one also involves navigating slavery, family secrets, and a complicated past that makes it worth the watch.
“American Horror Story: Coven”- Season 3
Angela Bassett, Kathy Bates, and Jessica Lange in a show about witches? Oh, we are absolutely seated and sat. The third season of Ryan Murphy’s horror anthology, “American Horror Story” brings the supernatural, dark magic, and plenty of delicious and messy drama to a New Orleans coven!
“The Other Black Girl”
As a handful of our readersa might know, being the only Black woman in the office can be uncomfortable enough. But in “The Other Black Girl,” a young Black woman soon discovers that her new Black coworker might be the least of her problems. This psychological thriller mixes workplace politics, racial dynamics, and corporate culture and throws it all into some truly unsettling territory.
“The Changeling”
Fatherhood, folklore, and a sinister New York City that seems to be hiding something all collide in this spooky series starring LaKeith Stanfield. After his wife disappears after the birth of their child, Apollo’s (Stanfield) search for answers takes him into a dark, fantasy-like world.
Honorable Mention: “Widow’s Bay”
While not Black-leading, we’d be remiss not to include this one. The Emmy-winning show, “Widow’s Bay” centers on a seemingly charming New England island that has a whole lot of dark history lurking beneath its surface, and the residents who have plenty of reasons to fear what might be hiding there. This horror-comedy has the kind of small-town secrets that make you think twice about booking that cute coastal getaway you saw on TikTok!
