October is synonymous with spooky season, but you wouldn’t know it from Netflix’s programming slate this month. The streaming giant surprisingly lacks original movies and shows dedicated to all things eerie, leaving fans of the genre wanting more. But fear not, devoted viewers! There’s still an abundance of fantastic content on offer, catering to even the most discerning Netflix subscriber.
We’ve carefully curated three standout shows that should be added to your watchlist pronto:
Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft (October 10)
Remember the old saying, “If at first you don’t succeed, try again?” Well, it certainly applies to the Tomb Raider franchise, which has struggled to maintain consistent success outside of its acclaimed video games. It’s been over two decades since Angelina Jolie first donned Lara’s iconic cargo shorts, and the franchise has faced a string of disappointments. But the drought might finally be over as Crystal Dynamics, Tomb Raider’s video game publisher, teams up with Netflix to bring Lara into a whole new dimension: an animated series.
Get ready to see Lara dodging jewel thieves, dangerous criminals, and a plethora of shady characters in an eight-episode first season. Hayley Atwell, stepping into the footsteps of Jolie and reboot star Alicia Vikander, lends her voice to this iconic female action hero.
The Diplomat (October 31)
I confess, I initially slept on ‘The Diplomat’ when it premiered in April 2023. But a delayed watch this past summer turned me into a dedicated fan. This political drama, international thriller, and marriage comedy all rolled into one is pure entertainment. Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell deliver captivating performances as married couple Kate and Hal Wyler, who can’t stand each other but still harbor deep care for one another while navigating complex geopolitical issues, including warfare in the Middle East and succession dramas within the White House.
While details about the second season are sparse, we can expect it to pick up where the explosive finale left off. And I mean explosive literally, as a car bomb detonated near poor Hal. Will he make it out alright? Or will Kate finally be free to pursue the affair she’s been having with Austin Dennison, the charming U.K. foreign secretary who shares Kate’s ambition? Regardless of what unfolds, we’re guaranteed more action sequences, humorous banter, and of course, more Keri Russell, which is always a welcome addition.
Heartstopper (October 3)
Sometimes, too much of a good thing can be detrimental. Just like overindulging in sweets after dinner, season 2 of ‘Heartstopper’ might have overdosed on the qualities that made season 1 so successful: its delicate portrayal of the tentative romance between British teenagers Nick and Charlie. Thankfully, season 3 appears to be going back to basics, focusing on what the series does best: creating an idealized portrait of falling in love for the first time.
The two main leads, Kit Connor and Joe Locke, have risen to even greater prominence since the series’ debut in 2022. Connor is about to grace Broadway in ‘Romeo + Juliet’, while Locke is currently starring in the thrilling MCU series ‘Agatha All Along’. Both are sure to attract new fans to the show, which boasts brightly colored visuals and a killer indie pop soundtrack, guaranteed to satisfy Gen Z and aging Gen Xers alike.
