Halloween is almost here, and this year the TV networks are finally changing things up with alternative paranormal TV shows 2025. Gone are the endless ghost-hunting clones—this season focuses on storytelling, folklore, and atmospheric suspense. From the chilling origins of Pennywise in IT: Welcome to Derry to real-life supernatural encounters in My Haunted Hometown, these shows promise fresh twists and spine-tingling thrills for viewers who crave more than just jump scares. And I feel it’s about bloody time!
This year is different. The new paranormal shows making their debut aren’t chasing cheap scares—they’re leaning into storytelling, folklore, and actual atmosphere. Instead of ghost hunters yelling at the dark, we’re getting richer narratives, cultural explorations, and fresh twists on the supernatural. The output isn’t as prolific, and I’m thankful for that.
While there’s one new show expected to air on Travel Channel, My Haunted Hometown sounds promising. It’s a documentary series that takes viewers on a journey to small towns across North America to explore real-life paranormal encounters. The show’s unique approach is to have the residents themselves serve as the tour guides, sharing their vivid and often terrifying first-hand accounts of the supernatural activity. These families or folks refuse to leave. Although this series uses dramatic recreations to bring these experiences to life, just whether these incidents are too crazy to be true remains to be seen.
Ghost Hunters of the Grand River
APTN (Oct 22, 2025)
Unlike typical ghost-hunting reality shows, Ghost Hunters of the Grand River combines spiritual and cultural perspectives with paranormal investigation. Following Six Nations legends, it offers a respectful, story-driven approach to hauntings and unexplained phenomena.
IT: Welcome to Derry
HBO Max (Oct 26, 2025)
This chilling prequel to Stephen King‘s iconic story explores the origins of Pennywise and the dark history of the town. Fans can expect suspense, rich lore, and character-driven horror rather than the standard reality-TV jump scares.
Lazarus
Amazon Prime Video (Oct 22, 2025)
Bill Nighy and Sam Claflin star in Lazarus, a psychological thriller about a man confronting the sudden return of his presumed-dead wife. Expect eerie twists and a tense, atmospheric story that plays with perception and mystery.
Mobius
Netflix (Oct 18, 2025)
Mobius takes a bold step by blending science fiction with paranormal horror. The story revolves around a research team experimenting with dimensional travel who accidentally unleash something terrifying from the other side. It promises a mix of cosmic dread, psychological suspense, and paranormal twists.
Revival
Syfy (Oct 14, 2025)
Revival explores strange events and unexplained phenomena with a focus on narrative tension rather than staged scares. This series blends supernatural elements with dramatic storytelling, appealing to viewers who prefer suspense and character depth.
Talamasca: The Secret Order
AMC (Oct 26, 2025)
Set in Anne Rice‘s Immortal Universe, Talamasca: The Secret Order follows a secret society that monitors supernatural entities. Delving into occult conspiracies and hidden lore, it’s perfect for viewers who enjoy rich world-building and supernatural intrigue.
PART TWO: Alternative Paranormal TV Shows Leaning on Realism
While few shows currently match the originality of classics like The Paranormal Zone or Sightings, there are modern series that echo its thoughtful, culturally aware approach:
Historically Haunted (2025)
Led by Amy Bruni, this upcoming docuseries explores haunted histories across various locations. It will blend historical context with paranormal investigation and consider what is said to be lingering around still. Broadcast date is TBA, and when it’s led by this talent, some people will be glad she’s never left the scene.
Haunted Discoveries (2023–present)
Haunted Discoveries is a North American paranormal documentary series that premiered on October 6, 2023 and follows a team of investigators, including Ghost Hunters alumni Brandon Alvis and Mustafa Gatollari, as they explore haunted locations across Kentucky and Illinois. The team employs scientific methods to document paranormal activity, aiming to uncover both the supernatural and historical significance of each site. This series can be found on T&E (Canada) and Tubi (USA, New Zealand).
OUT THERE: Crimes of the Paranormal (2024)
This HULU series explores eight true crime cases that involve shocking encounters with the paranormal world. Through eyewitness accounts, expert interviews, and all-new investigations, the series delves into cases where the line between crime and the supernatural blurs. It streams on Hulu.
Final Thoughts
With these alternative paranormal shows, 2025 offers something fresh for Halloween enthusiasts—whether you prefer suspenseful storytelling, rich folklore, or psychological thrills. There’s no need to follow Zak Bagans. Jason Hawes’ attempt to go solo with Ghost Nation folded in 2021, when the parent show Ghost Hunters moved networks. Also, with Grant Wilson coming back briefly, it’s good to see the old crew back together again, even though not all of them are always 100% committed. Change is overdue, and thankfully, we’re starting to see it.
If you’re seeking an animated series that fuses vibrant cultural storytelling with striking visuals, put Iyanu on your radar. This isn’t just another fantasy—it’s a journey through a mythical African world where tradition drives destiny. Unlike Disney’s Iwájú, Iyanu offers a grounded, heritage-rich take on 
Disney’s Iwájú ambitiously blends African, Eastern, and Western animation styles, yet the fusion sometimes feels disjointed. Its uneven pacing and high-tech, Wakanda-like aesthetic often eclipse traditional Yoruba elements. Tola Martins (
Shout! Studio & Automatic Entertainment
Available to preorder on Amazon USA
National Film Board of Canada