Pairing Halloween candy with TV shows (so that you don’t have to)

Spooky season is upon us! Rejoice and take part! Something has always been missing in the annual re-watching of shows that feel like Fall…candy! Halloween is not just for kids and parents of kids (though they do get most of the fun). Now it’s for regular, childless Millenials and Gen Z-ers, too. And we want TV and CANDY!! Just like we do during all the other seasons, but MORE.

Kit Kat Bars + Decameron

Have you watched this show, yet? Log back into your mom’s Netflix just this once. It’s worth it. Based on the predecessor to Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, this plague- and sex-filled romp is FRESH and FUN and WILD. You’ll see charming faces you recognize from Veep, Derry Girls, and more. But, it’s the newcomers that make this show sing. It’s very fall, strangely cozy, and a pure delight start to finish. You hate them all, you love them all, you are so sad when the final credits roll.

Sour Patch Kids + Abbott Elementary

This pairing feels as inevitable as it is lovable. Nothing says Fall like Back-To-School, so tighten those backpack straps and start your Abbott re-watch ahead of the fourth season. Don’t let Baby Thanos out do you! Prep for your binge by purchasing every kind of weird niche Sour Patch Kid your local CVS sells.

Swedish Candy + Hacks

Prestige shows call for prestige candies. I know you have seen these on TikTok. And if you haven’t, that’s honestly messed up because my TikTok shows me Swedish candy 4 million times every day. Go onto that shady TikTok Shop profile or find your local rare candy peddler and get yourself some Bubs–sour cola skulls, blueberry/strawberry logo things, sour pear–whatever! And then enjoy the comedic stylings of Jean Smart how God always intended it!

Reese’s Cups + Ghosts

A candy classic for an underappreciated gem. You deserve to eat 30 Reese’s instead of dinner and you deserve to watch a new show that you didn’t realize you’d love so much! You can catch up on Ghosts (and binge the British version) on Paramount+, but don’t hold that against it. Give this charming throw-back-y sitcom a real chance, because I love it! As the show goes on, the ghosts bloom into very full and very silly characters. They don’t make much TV like this anymore, and I’ll never forgive you if they stop altogether. So hurry up and watch!!

M&Ms + Only Murders in the Building

Jane Lynch as Sazz Patacki, Steve Martin’s body double. That’s all I should have to say for you to realize that this show is pure fun. It’s so comfy and gorgeous to look at, and the jokes come a mile a minute. PLUS, there are stakes and drama and running and celeb cameos thrown in. I’m never bored watching this show–which counts for a lot these days. Ya’ know what else counts for a lot, here? COLOR. This show is a marvel of color and prints, making it the perfect maximalist Fall binge. Plus I’ve heard people say that this show melts in your mouth, not in your hands?

Candy Corn + What We Do In the Shadows

There is no better show to binge or re-watch this Fall!! Shadows is full of every spooky ooky critter and creature you can think of (Even several Babadooks. Or one Babadook? Several Babadooks.) and some that never crossed your mind. All the fun silliness of Halloween met with the broad gothic aesthetics of MGM monster movies. Vampires, duh! This is classic spooky season. Through and through. Plus, the next (and final…brb sobbing) season comes out soon.

Snickers + Bob’s Burgers

Welcome to my comfort show. Bob’s Burgers has grown and changed so much since I started watching (nearly eleven years ago, jump scare!). But something that has remained consistent is its dedication to making excellent holiday episodes. Pop your little booty down on the couch and spend a couple of hours watching all the Halloween episodes of Bob’s. You’ll be convinced to stay by the heart, humor, and costume puns. It’s good! What else is there to say? Do it!

Laffy Taffy + The Bear 

At least there will be one joke. The one from the wrapper.