Ultimate Guide to the Top Horror Reality TV Shows for Halloween

Article Summary

Reality TV has more to offer than just drama and competition, with shows like

Ghost Adventures

provide a mix of comedy, paranormal investigations, and real fear.

John Carpenter's Suburban Screams is a spine-chilling supernatural mini-series available on Peacock, seamlessly blending true-crime narratives with chilling re-enactments.

On Netflix, Haunted and The Devil's Plan are reality series that captivatingly recreate real individuals' haunting encounters through dramatic re-enactments and insightful interviews.

When you think of "reality TV," what comes to mind? Most people think of the explosive arguments on Bravo's Housewives or the intense mind games on Survivor and Big Brother. While these shows are certainly memorable, it's important to remember that there are plenty of other options available. Reality TV is often associated with drama and competition, but there are lesser-known shows that may appeal to a wider audience. In fact, there are likely many reality TV skeptics who are unaware of the diverse content that exists for their viewing pleasure.

Reality TV is a vast genre with numerous sub-genres to explore. As Halloween approaches, it can be challenging to find suitable content for those who prefer reality TV over movies. Streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Peacock, and Max (formerly known as HBOMax) offer a wide variety of options to choose from this Halloween season. There are too many choices to count, but we've narrowed it down to the top 8 reality series you should stream on All Hallows Eve. So, set aside the fictional movies for now and get ready for the terrifying real-life stories that lie ahead.

1. ‘Ghost Adventures’

Streaming on Max and Discovery+

Since its 2008 debut, Ghost Adventures has been an ongoing Travel Channel hit. Led by Zak Bagans and the Ghost Adventures Crew (GAC), the show documents their explorations of haunted sites worldwide. Blending comedy with the paranormal, the team's vibrant "Bro" energy often creates amusing moments in each episode. While the bro-vibes have toned down in recent seasons, they remain a key factor in captivating Ghost Adventures fans.

There have been some incredibly frightening episodes of the show.

2. ‘John Carpenter’s Suburban Screams’

One standout episode from the show's first season is when the crew explores Bobby Mackey's Music World, declared as one of the most haunted places in the United States. This particular episode resonates with genuine fear, as all three members of the GAC crew visibly demonstrate their trepidation. With spine-chilling growls and disturbing scratches, this episode offers a captivating blend of horror and humor.

Streaming on Peacock

John Carpenter’s Suburban Screams is Peacock's latest mini-series that combines elements of paranormal activity and true crime. Premiering on Friday the 13th, this choice enhances the eerie atmosphere of each episode. Produced by horror icon John Carpenter, the show delves into real horror stories, featuring interviews, video footage, and chilling re-enactments. What sets these re-enactments apart is their ability to evoke even more fear than the standard style.

While every episode of the mini-series is horrifying, three tales in particular will leave viewers on edge. Episode two, "A Killer Comes Home," explores the chilling killing spree of Canadian serial killer Allen Legere, also known as "The Monster of Miramichi." The finale episode, "Phone Stalker," follows a woman's terrifying encounter with an unseen and threatening stalker, guaranteeing sleepless nights.

3. ‘Haunted’

Streaming on Netflix

Similar to Suburban Screams, Haunted presents real people's stories and re-enacts them as they share their experiences. The unique aspect of this show is that the individuals sharing their stories are present in the room with their friends and loved ones, sitting in an intervention-style circle. This setting creates a discomforting atmosphere that complements the horror series perfectly. The dramatic re-enactments in Haunted are equally impressive, featuring imagery that lingers in your mind long after watching. It's challenging to select the scariest episode from this series, as each one brings its own eerie energy. With only three seasons, Haunted is an ideal choice for horror enthusiasts who want to binge-watch at least one season on Halloween night.

4. ‘The Devil's Plan’

Streaming on Netflix

The Devil’s Plan, a reality TV series set in South Korea, has achieved immense popularity in the realm of Korean television. Rather than falling into the horror genre, this suspenseful competition reality series captivates audiences with its strategic alliances and psychological mind games, challenging contestants to reach the end and claim the grand prize. The first season boasts a star-studded cast of Korean movie and television celebrities, intensifying the gameplay. Engaging and anxiety-inducing, the show has left fans yearning for more, hopeful that a US adaptation is in the works.

5. ‘Ghost Brothers’

Streaming on Max and Discovery+

Ghost Brothers follows a similar format to typical ghost-hunting TV shows, but stands apart with its all-Black cast. This group, consisting of ghost hunters Dalen Spratt, Juwan Mass, and Marcus Harvey, embarks on a quest for evidence of the paranormal. Distinguishing themselves from their competitors, the crew injects their own distinct style into the show and poses unconventional questions that most ghost hunters wouldn't even consider.

Can ghosts exhibit racial prejudice? Yes, based on the events that unfolded at Magnolia Plantation in the premiere episode of the series. The series successfully explores the depths of history while paying homage to it. Furthermore, the crew's demeanor noticeably changes when they visit places like plantations, which are tainted by the haunting legacy of slavery. Although the show concluded after three seasons, we highly recommend giving it a watch.

6. ‘The Traitors’ (US)

Streaming on Peacock

Alan Cumming, the incredible host of the US version of The Traitors, sets a haunting tone for this psychological murder game. Originally from the UK, The Traitors has spawned franchises across the Western world. What sets the US version apart for the spooky season is Alan's chilling and villainous portrayal as the host, intensifying the suspense for both the participants and the viewers.

The series is a large-scale adaptation of the popular party games "Werewolf" or "Mafia," featuring additional challenges or "missions" that contribute to the prize money. Only a select few contestants are chosen as traitors, responsible for "killing" someone each night. The remaining players, known as the faithful, strive to expel all traitors from the mysterious castle in order to claim the prize money. This eerie game show is perfect for Halloween enthusiasts who prefer a thrill without venturing into truly terrifying territory.

7. The Exorcism of Roland Doe

Streaming on Max and Discovery+

The Exorcism of Roland Doe is a captivating documentary that delves into the alleged demonic possession based on a true story. Roland Doe, originally known as former NASA engineer Ronald Edwin Hunkeler, was a young boy who became deeply affected by his Aunt Harriet's passing. After her death, Ronald, who had been taught the art of using a Ouija board by his spiritualist aunt, experienced disturbing paranormal activity within the house. The family sought the help of a priest, but the first attempt at exorcism resulted in severe injury to the priest. The second priest, who served as the inspiration for the main exorcist character in the book and subsequent movie The Exorcist, achieved success in his harrowing endeavor. This "shock doc" proves to be an excellent choice for Halloween, as it combines compelling narratives with unsettling photographic evidence, leaving a chilling impact. Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore the true stories that inspire the beloved films of today.

8. The Devil On Trial

Streaming on Netflix

The Devil Made Me Do It documentary delves into a captivating murder case that took place in the early 80s. It revolves around Arne Cheyenne Johnson, who was arrested for the murder of his landlord, Alan Bono. This case stands out in history as it was the first to attribute demonic possession as a motive for the crime. Notably, renowned spiritualists and ghost hunters Ed and Lorraine Warren became involved after conducting an exorcism in which Arne was present. The defense claimed that during the exorcism, the demon transferred into Arne, which ultimately did not sway the court's decision. Arne was subsequently convicted, serving only half of his 10-20 year sentence, granting him the opportunity to contribute to this new documentary. Presented in first-person accounts, the Netflix film provides a captivating and unsettling exploration of the events. Rather than opting for The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, a film veering more towards romance than horror, viewers can delve into this true-crime documentary that will both enthrall and chill, regardless of whether one believes in the involvement of the devil.

Editor's P/S

1. Reality TV has more to offer than just drama and competition. There are many lesser-known shows that may appeal to a wider audience. In fact, there are likely many reality TV skeptics who are unaware of the diverse content that exists for their viewing pleasure. Reality TV is a vast genre with numerous sub-genres to explore.

2. As Halloween approaches, it can be challenging to find suitable content for those who prefer reality TV over movies. Streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Peacock, and Max (formerly known as HBOMax) offer a wide variety of options to choose from this Halloween season. There are too many choices to count, but we've narrowed it down to the top 8 reality series you should stream on All Hallows Eve. So, set aside the fictional movies for now and get ready for the terrifying real-life stories that lie ahead.