For the non-Netflix audiences who rely on linear television to provide them with an eerie evening of TV treats, this list of the best Halloween shows on TV for tonight — Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013 — is for YOU! While these aren’t all “Halloween” related, each do provide the best creeps and scares to leave you satisfied. So sit yourself down in front of that tube and let the creepfest begin! Here are 8 picks you can’t got wrong with! (All times listed below are Eastern.)
1. The Returned
Sundance Channel, 9pm
Topping my list is Sundance Channel’s new series, The Returned, which debuts tonight. Sundance acquired the rights to this highly acclaimed eight-part French series based on the feature film Les Revenants by Robin Campilloset. The series is a creepy, emotional look at what happens when a seemingly random collection of people start returning from the dead — completely confused as they don’t know that they have been dead for years and no one is expecting them to come back. Their return to disbelieving family members is both heart-wrenching and shocking. But that’s just the beginning, as they try to reintegrate into their old lives, a series of gruesome murders that bear a chilling resemblance to the work of a serial killer from the past. A&E is currently in development of an American version of the series.
2. Paranormal Activity and Paranormal Activity 2
FX, 5:30pm & 7:30pm and 10pm & Midnight
If only these movie weren’t so believable … I seriously can’t watch either of these films alone even with the lights on or in the middle of the day, as every little noise or slight shadow I see reminds of these films. FX is airing both of these films back to back a couple times today.
3. “Saw” Marathon
IFC, beginning at 3:45pm
If you’re not familiar with Jigsaw and his story, you’re in for a treat. The first three installments of the Saw franchise are definitely the best, but each of these psychological thrillers will get your heart pounding fast. They’ll also leave you somewhat scarred and in discussions post-viewing over who had the worst death — was it the butterfly ribcage trap, the razor wrist box, or the venus “eye” fly trap? IFC airs Saw (3:45pm), Saw II (6pm), Saw III (8pm), Saw IV (10:15pm), Saw V (12:15am) and Saw VI (2:15am).
4. “Halloween” Marathon
AMC, 12pm
AMC’s Fearfest 2013 concludes tonight with a marathon of Halloween films. The marathon starts from the beginning with the classic Jamie Lee Curtis Halloween, and follows with Halloween II, Halloween III: Season of the Witch, Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers, Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers and Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers.
5. The Pit and the Pendulum
TCM, 8pm
This 1961 Roger Corman thriller has always been a favorite. Based on Edger Allen Poe’s work the film stars Vincent Price and Barbara Steele. The ending scene is one of my favorites.
6. Children of the Corn
TV Guide Network, 10pm
This 1984 cult favorite will forever be credited for ruining the name Malachi (not like it was a great name to begin with, but just saying …). Being an adult is so not cool in this creepy, cult horror flick.
7. Identity
Starz, 9pm
John Cusack leads an great cast including Amanda Peet (The Whole Nine Yards) and John C. McGinley (Scrubs) in this chilling tale of murder and mystery set in one of those middle-of-nowhere motels in a torrential rainstorm. Identity keeps its secrets carefully hidden until the very end, and it doesn’t disappoint.
8. 28 Days Later
BBC America, 8pm
This is one scary film and if you haven’t seen it yet, it’s the perfect pick for tonight. Twenty-eight days after a deadly virus is unleashed, a coma patient awakes to find London entirely deserted. As he wanders the empty streets, viewers are first treated to some of the most astonishing shots on film, then to horror and suspense as the virus’s few survivors seek salvation.
