The weathers getting colder (terrifying in itself), which means that spooky season is upon us.

Or maybe its just the evocative plastic pumpkin displays at Target.

Either way, its the time of year when our thoughts turn to horror.

This newCreepshow, though, is something surprising: Its consistently good.

Even with its dark sense of humor and and over-the-top murders, the show became an unlikely critical favorite.

Rose Salizar plays Lisa Nova, a newcomer to LA whos determined to direct her first feature film.

It was Netflixs first German import, but dont let the subtitles steer you away.

The feel is closest to Lovecraft-meets-The Exorcist, with Christian mythology subbing in for eldritch horrors.

Max canceled the series after two seasons, but a third is being shopped elsewhere.

The second season moves the action to the present day, with a third season renewal looking likely.

From (2022 , three seasons)

Ever felt trapped in a small town?

Oh, and did I mention that creatures come from the woods and kill anyone found outside after dark?

Doesn’t sound quite as bad as the town where I grew up, but nevertheless: concerning.

It ended a bit too early, but the three seasons still make for a satisfying meal.

Of course, the smiling white faces concealing vicious intent are far more frightening than any specters.

The second season moves forward to LA of 1991.

The shows been popular in NZ, but has only recently gone global.

Admittedly, its not particularly scary, but its an excellent parody of all thoseGhost Hunters-style shows.

The awkward chemistry between the leads is a big selling point, as are the old-school practical monster effects.

Each episode is like a mini-movie.

HBO declined to renew the show, but it ends fairly decisively.

That slightly confusing log line probably hurts the show more than it helps.

The second introduces a young Annie Wilkes (fromMisery) and a disturbing cult.

Its as beautiful as it is bloody.

The series continues with the feature-lengthAshin of the North.

Instead, she refuses to choose.

By taking things more seriously, it plays as a very dark comedy.

The series concluded on Netflix, though the producers are shopping a fifth season elsewhere.

Each stands on its own, so it’s OK to pick it up anywhere.

It’s spooky and often moving without ever being schmaltzy or precious.

OK, that’s being reductive about the appeal of this, the ur-monster procedural.

Where to stream:Peacock