With October falling into place and the world growing increasingly uncomfortable outside, now is the perfect time to reflect upon small pleasures and the joy of a cozy autumn. The time has arrived to don one’s fluffiest blanket, light that pumpkin spice candle that’s been hibernating since November and throw on some comfort shows.
“Gossip Girl”
A lot can happen in New York, and especially the Upper East Side of Manhattan. “Gossip Girl” depicts the lives of Manhattan’s young elite who seem to get away with everything — that is until they realize a secret blogger is watching their every move.
Beyond the scandal and succession, the series is decorated with Blair Waldorf’s headbands, Chanel sets and Dior bags alongside Serena van der Woodsen’s long scarves and layered necklaces. No matter what the drama may be, there is something about the show that feels so fall.
Perhaps it is the leaves rustling through the air as Chuck Bass and Nate Archibald walk to the nearest bar or the autumn hues outside Dan Humphrey’s window from his loft-style apartment in Brooklyn. The balance of academia, indie tracks and layered clothing while out for a walk in Central Park make “Gossip Girl” a fall favorite.
“Derry Girls”
High school sucks but watching a show about high schoolers can be a refreshing pause from the struggles of university life. Set in Londonderry, Ireland during The Troubles, “Derry Girls” follows five teenagers attending a Catholic school for girls amid armed checkpoints and community division. Though the world is changing around them, the kids don’t seem to mind much as they are more preoccupied with gossip, crushes and making the most of their youth.
“Derry Girls” is a delightful and clever dramatic comedy to get wrapped up in this season. The series highlights the comfort found amongst friends in a turbulent era.
“The Vampire Diaries”
What screams spooky season more than vampires?
As the weather cools and nights become eerie, “The Vampire Diaries” is the perfect late-night watch. Set in the mysterious town of Mystic Falls, Elena Gilbert is a high school student who begins crushing on the broodingly handsome Stefan Salvatore. Only one problem: he is a 161-year-old vampire.
Their relationship gets a little complicated when Elena meets Damon, Stefan’s older brother, surrounded by the deep wood architecture, dark leather furniture and warm, low lighting that is the Salvatore mansion. Dark, passionate, supernatural and gothic are all words to describe the aesthetic of “The Vampire Diaries.” This saga checks all of the boxes: autumnal, thriller, romance.
“Anne With an E”
Kindred spirits who’ve already seen “Anne with an E” will agree that the Netflix original is a delightfully loquacious take on the original story. The series is an adaptation of the beloved children’s novel series titled “Anne of Green Gables,” which follows a brilliantly imaginative young lady through the adventures of growing up in Victorian Canada.
The tale begins with Anne arriving at the Cuthbert home, a family looking to adopt a boy to help out around the farm. The energetic heroine quickly proves her worth and slowly is accepted into the community. Despite the uncertain start, she’s determined to find a family to call her own and to stay in Avonlea.
Each episode is an excursion through the quaint countryside and seaside cliffs of Prince Edward Island, seen through the whimsical vision of Anne’s daydreams and storytelling.
