The Enduring Charm of The Addams Family and Beyond
The Addams Family, originally a collection of single-panel comics, has proven to be remarkably timeless. From its roots in the ’60s television series to a Broadway musical and the iconic films from the mid-’90s, it has consistently captivated audiences. Recently, the Netflix series Wednesday debuted in 2022 and quickly became a viral sensation, largely driven by social media excitement. Now, with season two around the corner, it serves as a reminder that in a world saturated with pressure to conform, there’s a universal desire for a touch of the unconventional. After enjoying the new season of Wednesday, fans may be looking for additional narratives featuring delightful oddities. Here are 13 shows that celebrate all things delightfully weird.
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018 – 2020)
In this evident choice, the narrative revolves around Sabrina Spellman (Kiernan Shipka), a young witch navigating a realm filled with supernatural antics and dark humor. Surrounded by her quirky family, including two enchanting aunts (Miranda Otto and Lucy Davis) and warlock cousin (Chance Perdomo), Sabrina finds herself torn between signing her name in Satan’s grimoire to fully embrace her witchy heritage or continuing her mundane high school life. The show dives deep into themes of cannibalism, sacrifice, and witchcraft rituals, pushing the envelope of customary teen dramas.
Stream Sabrina on Netflix.
The Midnight Club (2022)
Created by Mike Flanagan, The Midnight Club offers a haunting glimpse into the lives of eight terminally ill youths who reside in a mysterious hospice. Nightly, they clandestinely gather to share chilling tales, each promising to return from beyond when their time comes. While the tone is more serious than Wednesday, it intertwines heartfelt moments with spine-tingling storytelling. Unfortunately, the cancellation after just one season left lingering questions for its devoted audience.
Stream The Midnight Club on Netflix.
Legacies (2018 – 2022)
A spinoff from the well-known Vampire Diaries, Legacies follows Hope Mikaelson (Danielle Rose Russell), an orphan intertwined with various supernatural ancestries—vampires, witches, and werewolves. Set in the Salvatore School for the Young and Gifted, it acts as a sanctuary for those grappling with their powers, presenting a blend of teen angst and supernatural drama.
Stream Legacies on Netflix or buy episodes from Prime Video.
What We Do in the Shadows (2019 – 2024)
This delightful mockumentary centers on five vampires cohabiting a rundown residence in Staten Island, primarily focused on their everyday misadventures and unintentional comedy. Unlike Wednesday, this series embraces a comedic perspective on the absurdity of their antiquated beliefs. Despite their supposed superiority, they remain hilariously out of sync with contemporary life.
Stream What We Do in the Shadows on Hulu.
The Munsters (1964 – 1966)
Though The Addams Family is beloved, The Munsters deserves recognition for its unique charm and parody of 1960s sitcoms. This show humorously portrays Universal’s classic monsters functioning within an idyllic suburban backdrop, featuring memorable performances from Fred Gwynne and Yvonne De Carlo.
Stream The Munsters on Peacock.
Blood & Water (2020 – )
This South African series focuses on Puleng Khumalo, a teenage girl who has spent her life haunted by the abduction of her sister. When she attends an elite school and suspects that a fellow student might be her long-lost sister, she dives deep into a world of family secrets and high-stakes drama.
Stream Blood & Water on Netflix.
Lockwood & Co. (2023)
Set in a world where ghosts haunt daily life, this series follows Lucy Carlyle, a young medium working for Lockwood & Co.—a ghost-hunting agency composed of teenagers. It combines mystery, adventure, and supernatural elements while showcasing Lucy’s journey through the treacherous world of spirit investigation.
Stream Lockwood & Co. on Netflix.
Home Before Dark (2020 – 2021)
Centered around a young journalist named Hilde Lisko, who uncovers dark secrets in a small coastal town, this series highlights her tenacity in solving long-forgotten mysteries. The story, inspired by true events, provides a compelling insight into the life of a young investigator facing both internal and external challenges.
Stream Home Before Dark on Apple TV+.
Spellbound (2023)
Follow Cece Parker Jones, who discovers she’s a witch while attending a prestigious dance school in Paris. As she balances her burgeoning magical abilities with her desire for a normal life, she encounters Mystics—those destined to oppose her kind in thrilling magical duels.
Stream Spellbound on Hulu.
The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself (2022)
In a world divided between Fairborn Witches and Blood Witches, Nathan Byrne navigates his tumultuous identity as the progeny of a fearsome Blood Witch. The series delves into his journey of self-discovery amid societal judgment and impending danger as he unfolds a series of chilling murders.
Stream The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself on Netflix.
Doom Patrol (2019 – 2023)
Breaking the mold of traditional superhero narratives, Doom Patrol brings together a group of misfit heroes brought together by eccentric scientist Niles Caulder. With unique characters like Danny the Street and Flex Mentallo, the series explores themes of acceptance and belonging amidst chaos and absurdity.
Stream Doom Patrol on HBO Max.
Riverdale (2017 – 2023)
This bold reimagination of the Archie Comics universe blends high school drama, murder mysteries, and supernatural elements. As the show traverses various genres, it delivers a self-aware humor that plays into its increasingly outrageous plot lines.
Stream Riverdale on Netflix or buy episodes on Prime Video.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997 – 2003)
This cult classic set the bar for supernatural teen dramas, featuring Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy Summers, the Chosen One destined to combat the forces of evil while struggling to maintain a normal teenage life. The show’s blend of action, humor, and coming-of-age themes remains influential even today.
Stream Buffy the Vampire Slayer on Hulu or purchase episodes from Prime Video.
