The Best Modern-Day Supernatural TV Shows

Supernatural TV shows have held a place in the hearts of viewers for generations. From the timeless charm of classics like Bewitched and The Twilight Zone to contemporary hits such as Supernatural and Stranger Things, the genre has continually transformed to captivate audiences. The supernatural genre encompasses a wide range of stories centered around both the inexplicable and the fantastical. Over the past few years, we have witnessed an exciting array of supernatural content that continues this tradition.

Whether you prefer comedy or drama, mythical elements like ghosts or demons, the last five years have delivered a rich variety of supernatural TV shows. While not every series garners the attention it deserves, each title contributes uniquely to the genre, often grounding its narratives in relatable characters and their interconnected relationships. A perfect example of this is found in shows like Julie and the Phantoms and What We Do in the Shadows. Here, we explore some of the best supernatural TV shows available from 2019 to 2024.

10. Julie and the Phantoms: Connecting Life and the Afterlife Through Music

Streaming on Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
Metacritic Score: 77
IMDb Score: 8.4
Supernatural Phenomena: Ghosts

Julie and the Phantoms, inspired by the Brazilian series Julie e os Fantasmas, follows the touching journey of a teenage girl navigating the grief of her mother’s passing. In this heartfelt tale, Julie encounters three ghostly musicians whose presence becomes tangible only when they play music together. Despite its single-season run, the show has left a lasting impression, evidenced by its vibrant fanbase and popular soundtrack that bridges the gap between the living and the dead.

While it may not epitomize the traditional supernatural genre, Julie and the Phantoms excels at utilizing its ethereal context to create an original narrative experience. Music serves as a profound device for character development, fostering emotional connections that resonate with viewers. The series stands out for its charming performances, lighthearted ghost antics, and uplifting themes of friendship and healing, making it a show worth revisiting.

9. Wednesday: Unraveling the Mystique of the Addams Family

Streaming on Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 73%
Metacritic Score: 66
IMDb Score: 8.1
Supernatural Phenomena: Psychics, ghosts, vampires, werewolves, gorgons, sirens

Wednesday takes a fresh look at the beloved Addams Family, particularly focusing on Wednesday Addams, who enrolls at Nevermore Academy—an institution for students with special abilities. At this peculiar school, Wednesday becomes embroiled in a local mystery linked to an unknown creature and a series of alarming murders. With a quirky ensemble cast and standout performances, especially from Jenna Ortega as Wednesday, the show has resonated with audiences, quickly gaining a loyal following.

Elevating the supernatural elements of the traditional story, Wednesday weaves existing folklore with original creations, providing an imaginative playground for the characters. Alongside enchanting visuals, the series subtly addresses profound themes of friendship, acceptance, and tolerance, generating relatable narratives that appeal to long-time fans and newcomers alike.

8. School Spirits: A Haunting High School Mystery

Streaming on Paramount+ and Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%
Metacritic Score: 69
IMDb Score: 7.6
Supernatural Phenomena: Ghosts

School Spirits centers on Maddie Nears, who awakens in purgatory at Split River High, devoid of any memory of her demise. Surrounded by the spirits of other deceased teens, Maddie is driven to uncover the truth behind her murder while assisting her fellow spirits in crossing over. The series distinguishes itself through a captivating blend of emotional depth and unique ghostly lore.

By exploring grief alongside the challenges of adolescence, School Spirits resonates deeply with its audience. The clever incorporation of high school tropes combined with haunting twists creates a compelling narrative that appeals to various age groups. Fans are excited to see what the subsequent seasons will unfold, given the engaging characters and intricate plotlines.

7. The Haunting of Bly Manor: A Modern Ghost Story

Streaming on Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%
Metacritic Score: 63
IMDb Score: 7.4
Supernatural Phenomena: Ghosts

Based on Henry James’ novella The Turn of the Screw, The Haunting of Bly Manor transports viewers into a chilling narrative following Dani Clayton, an American au pair assigned to care for two orphans in a secluded English manor. However, as Dani immerses herself in her new environment, she discovers that the house is plagued by sinister spirits. This series might not garner as much acclaim as Mike Flanagan’s previous endeavors, but it reimagines the original tale creatively.

By integrating themes of love, loss, and identity, The Haunting of Bly Manor revitalizes classic ghost stories for contemporary audiences. The revamped setting and character dynamics provide a rich tapestry wherein viewers can explore deep emotional undercurrents, making it a standout in modern supernatural TV.

6. Dead Boy Detectives: A Fantastical Dive into the Supernatural

Streaming on Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
Metacritic Score: 65
IMDb Score: 7.5
Supernatural Phenomena: Ghosts, witches, demons

Adapting the comic series Dead Boy Detectives, this show invites viewers into a whimsical and sometimes terrifying supernatural realm. The narrative follows two teenage specters, Edwin Payne and Charles Rowland, as they team up with a young psychic named Crystal Palace. As they traverse this fantastical world, they confront various formidable entities, including witches, demons, and even the King of Cats.

Despite its unfortunate cancellation after just one season, Dead Boy Detectives captivates with its imaginative storytelling and distinctive character arcs. The vibrant fantasy world is brought to life through vivacious visuals and exceptional chemistry between the lead characters, enabling the series to carve its niche amidst supernatural offerings. Fans passionately advocate for the revival of this imaginative series, attesting to its lasting impression.

5. Good Omens: A Wit-Fueled Tale of Good and Evil

Streaming on Amazon Prime Video

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%
Metacritic Score: 67
IMDb Score: 8.0
Supernatural Phenomena: Angels, demons, zombies

Based on Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett’s novel of the same name, Good Omens explores the unlikely friendship between an angel named Aziraphale and a demon named Crowley. United by their affinity for humanity, this duo works clandestinely to thwart the impending apocalypse. With two seasons already aired and a third one in the making, the show has captured audiences with its unique blend of humor and supernatural intrigue.

Good Omens stands out for its playful satire of religious themes while articulating the profound bond between its two main characters. Michael Sheen and David Tennant deliver captivating performances that resonate deeply with viewers. The series deftly balances comedic elements with sincere emotional moments, fostering a rich narrative that exceeds standard supernatural tropes.

4. Ghosts: Finding Family Among Spirits

Streaming on Paramount+

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
Metacritic Score: 81
IMDb Score: 8.4
Supernatural Phenomena: Ghosts

Ghosts tells the story of a couple who unexpectedly inherits a crumbling estate, only to find it inhabited by numerous spirits. Following a near-death experience, Alison, the wife, gains the extraordinary ability to interact with the ghosts residing in their new home. Together, they embark on a journey of cohabitation, humor, and compassion.

This charming series blends supernatural occurrences with heartfelt comedy that highlights human connections amid ghostly antics. The familial dynamic developed between the living and the dead adds an extra layer of warmth, transforming supernatural experiences into relatable and uplifting content. The series’ success spawned various international adaptations, attesting to its wide appeal.

3. Lockwood & Co.: An Engaging Ghost-Hunting Adventure

Streaming on Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
Metacritic Score: 76
IMDb Score: 7.4
Supernatural Phenomena: Ghosts

Lockwood & Co. is set in a modern-day UK plagued by a ghostly epidemic, placing us in the shoes of Lucy Carlyle, a gifted girl who joins a small ghost-hunting agency. As Lucy, alongside her two male counterparts, navigates the challenges of the supernatural world, she uncovers the mysteries surrounding her own abilities and the broader societal unrest caused by these specters.

Honored for its world-building and character progression, Lockwood & Co. thrives on the chemistry between its lead trio. The series burgeoning mythology offers opportunities for captivating storytelling and thrilling encounters, compelling audiences to become engrossed in their adventures. Despite its cancellation after just one season, the show’s momentum continues as fans campaign for its return.

2. Evil: A Gripping Exploration of Morality

Streaming on Paramount+ and Netflix

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
Metacritic Score: 83
IMDb Score: 7.8
Supernatural Phenomena: Demons, angels

Evil centers around forensic psychologist Kristen Bouchard, who investigates supernatural phenomena alongside a priest-in-training and a tech whiz. Together, they confront demonic entities and the intricate web of human connections that intertwine with spirituality. Widely acclaimed for its thought-provoking narrative, Evil challenges societal issues while weaving in supernatural elements.

The series excels through its multifaceted characters and insightful storytelling. Each episode unfolds new threads that intersect with profound themes, such as faith, morality, and the complexities of belief systems. Balancing dark humor with spine-tingling tension, Evil strikes a resonant chord with viewers seeking depth within the supernatural realm.

1. What We Do in the Shadows: A Hilarious Take on Vampire Life

Streaming on Hulu

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
Metacritic Score: 83
IMDb Score: 8.6
Supernatural Phenomena: Vampires, werewolves, ghosts, witches, sirens

Based on the acclaimed film of the same name, What We Do in the Shadows follows a group of vampires navigating modern-day Staten Island. With Guillermo, the familiar of Nandor, aiding their comical aspirations for domination, the show brilliantly juxtaposes supernatural lore with humor and everyday challenges. As the series embarks on its sixth and final season, viewers eagerly anticipate how these endearing yet quirky characters will conclude their stories.

What We Do in the Shadows infuses clever social commentary into its comedic fabric, exploring the nuances of existence while lampooning vampire clichés. By delving into the complexities of vampirism, the series evokes empathy in its characters, lending an authenticity that resonates with audiences. Whether you love or loathe vampire narratives, the show’s unique blend of humor, emotion, and the supernatural makes for an engaging watch.

The array of supernatural TV shows currently offered delivers something for everyone, enriching the genre with innovative narratives, complex characters, and delightful transformations of classic themes. From the heartfelt connections in Julie and the Phantoms to the hilarious escapades of What We Do in the Shadows, these series invite us to explore the magic of the unknown. Embracing the supernatural has never been more entertaining, and it’s thrilling to anticipate what the future holds for this fascinating genre.