(Credits: CBC Television / Netflix)

Here’s the truth: the second September hits, everyone suddenly pretends to be a character in a Hallmark movie. Pumpkin this, pumpkin that, like Starbucks invented autumn. But beneath that, you just want Netflix shows that don’t bore you while you pretend to be productive under a blanket.

And honestly? Some series just fit better when the weather starts turning. You don’t want a neon-lit summer rom-com when it’s already dark at 6pm. You want drama, sarcasm, maybe a little witchcraft, and definitely enough drama to match the mess in your group chats.

The good news: Netflix has plenty. The bad news: you will waste two hours scrolling if I don’t narrow it down. Which is why we have made you a list, because we care, and because we don’t want you to rewatch Friends for the 17th time. On a side note, these shows were recommended by Netflix, so you know you’re in good hands (apart from ours, obviously).

So grab whatever overpriced drink you convinced yourself counts as “seasonal”, and let’s talk about the five shows you actually need in your queue right now.

Five perfect Netflix series to binge on in autumn:

Anne with an E (2017-2019)

So picture this: a small, quiet town in Canada, an elderly brother-sister duo who just wanted a boy to help with farm work… And instead, they get Anne. She is this red-headed, loud, dramatic orphan who talks like she swallowed a dictionary. And honestly, she doesn’t care if she makes everyone uncomfortable. From day one, she is either making enemies or giving a speech about imagination and equality, and half the time, she is doing both.

And the best part? The show doesn’t treat her quirks like a joke. You get the hilarious “Anne being Anne” moments, like her fainting in the middle of the town square or declaring herself practically dead over a failed friendship. But you also see how she reshapes Green Gables and Avonlea. She takes on bullying, sexism, and racism, all while staying this oddball kid who insists life should be more. It’s emotional, it’s funny, and yes, you’ll cry over a girl yelling about puffed sleeves.

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018-2020)

This isn’t your 90s laugh track, Sabrina. Nope. Here she is signing her name in the Dark Lord’s book while still trying to get to class on time. This is the story of Sabrina Spellman, half-witch, half-human, who is basically being forced to pick a side, and she’s like, “What if I just rewrite the rules instead?” Cue four seasons of drama. Kinda gives you Wednesday vibes, just a little.

But the show gives you everything, from creepy rituals in the woods to aunts who casually summon demons over dinner. Oh, and Sabrina has a boyfriend who may or may not survive all the magical mess and a school for witches that makes Hogwarts look like daycare. And yet, in between all the occult madness, you get these teen-drama beats that feel so familiar.

The Chair (2021)

The Chair starts with Ji-Yoon (Sandra Oh) when she walks into her new job as chair of the English department. All that only to realise it’s a sinking ship. The professors are ancient; the students are done with the “classics”. So she’s left trying to save the entire department while babysitting people who’d rather debate Melville than update a syllabus.

The comedy is sharp, but it’s not just jokes. Ji-Yoon’s also a single mum, trying to raise her daughter while dodging workplace politics and, oh yeah, maybe falling for a messy fellow professor. One minute you’re laughing at an old professor trying to “connect” with Gen Z, the next you’re tearing up at Ji-Yoon’s struggle to prove herself. It’s short, it’s snappy, and it feels exactly like watching academia crash in real time.

Heartstopper (2022-)

You cannot convince us that nobody thought of fall while writing Heartstopper. This cute little show starts with Charlie, an openly gay teen who’s sweet and anxious but is constantly underestimated. He gets seated next to Nick, the rugby golden boy, and what starts as a friendship slowly (and painfully awkwardly) turns into something more. That’s the magic of this Netflix show: it takes those tiny moments, like a hand almost touching or a smile that lingers too long, and makes them feel like the most important thing in the world.

But it’s not just Nick and Charlie. The friend group around them gets just as much love: Elle adjusting to a new school, Tao hating change, and Tara and Darcy working on their relationship. The show captures all the beautiful parts of being a teenager and then sprinkles little animated doodles on top to make it feel like you are watching a diary come alive.

Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)

We are sure you have watched it before, but who can say no to a Gilmore Girls rewatch? Who doesn’t agree that Stars Hollow is not a real town, but it should be? You’ve got two women, Lorelai and Rory, who basically live off coffee and sarcasm. The whole thing starts with Rory heading off to private school, but the real pull is the mother-daughter relationship. Lorelai is more like Rory’s best friend than her mum, and their banter is half the show’s charm.

But you haven’t watched it before; we want to alert you that it’s not just quirky dialogue and cosy vibes. You get relationships, heartbreaks, messy love triangles, and debates that still split the fandom (yes, we’re talking about Dean vs Jess vs Logan). And somehow, between all the drama, the show wraps you in this small-town comfort that makes you want to move to Stars Hollow and argue about the town troubadour.