It’s fall! Which can only mean one thing: it’s time to entry our cozy girl eras—which sure, other people might call our hermit eras, but whatever. Luckily, there’s lots to watch this October including How to Fail as a Popstar, Bria Mack Gets a Life, Big Mouth Season 17, Fair Play and The Blackening. Read on for the full list of what we’re recommending on Apple TV+, CBC Gem, Crave, Disney+, Netflix Canada and Prime Video in October 2023.

Apple TV+

Lessons in Chemistry (Premieres October 13)

Set in the early 1950s, Lessons in Chemistry follows Elizabeth Zott (Brie Larson), whose dream of being a scientist is put on hold in a patriarchal society. When Elizabeth finds herself fired from her lab, she accepts a job as a host on a TV cooking show, and sets out to teach a nation of overlooked housewives — and the men who are suddenly listening — a lot more than recipes.

The Pigeon Tunnel (Premieres October 20)

Academy Award-winning documentarian Errol Morris pulls back the curtain on the storied life and career of former British spy David Cornwell — better known as John le Carré, author of such classic espionage novels as The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and The Constant Gardener. Set against the turbulent backdrop of the Cold War leading into present day, the film spans six decades as le Carré delivers his final and most candid interview, punctuated with rare archival footage and dramatized vignettes. "The Pigeon Tunnel" is a deeply human and engaging exploration of le Carré's extraordinary journey and the paper-thin membrane between fact and fiction.

The Enfield Poltergeist (Premieres October 27)

This new four-part documentary series tells the riveting story of the most famous poltergeist haunting in history. In 1977, the terrifying haunting of an everyday family in Enfield, London dominated headlines across the United Kingdom and had a tremendous impact on an entire generation of children. The mysterious case forever changed ideas about the supernatural, and showed that it wasn’t just restricted to castles and stately homes but could be experienced by anyone, anywhere. The chilling story has inspired fictionalized versions of the case, including the film The Conjuring 2, a television series and two stage plays. Combining more than 250 hours of rare audio archive, meticulous recreation of the setting of the haunting and original interviews with the people impacted by the case, the series is an ambitious, genre-bending story that explores the human fascination with the unexplained and its impact on those who live it.

CBC Gem

Ghosts, Season 5 (Premieres October 6)

The unlikely house share between Mike and Alison and their after-life tenants continues to cause comedy chaos. There’s April Fools’ high jinks between Alison and the ghosts. Meanwhile, Mike struggles to handle the insurance claim on the gate house fire (yes, lightning really does strike thrice). And can a visit from an antiques dealer be the answer to all Mike and Alison’s money woes or is a golf consortium and buddying up with nosey neighbour Barclay really the best option? Needless to say, there are laughs a plenty in this final season.

Zarqa, Season 2 (Premieres October 6)

From award-winning Canadian film and television producer, author, journalist, and internationally renowned thought leader for Muslim women in media, Zarqa Nawaz (Little Mosque on the Prairie), the season follows Zarqa’s (Nawaz) pursuit of a holier-than-thou social influencer’s friendship and clout. Her plan backfires when she gets cancelled, sending her life spiralling out of control as she attempts to claw her way out of the latest hole she’s dug.

How To Fail As A Popstar (Premieres October 13)

What happens when a star isn’t born? An adaptation of Vivek Shraya's hit play and subsequent book, the CBC Gem original short form series How to Fail as a Popstar answers this question with hilarity, vulnerability, imagination, and of course, music. The series tracks the journey of Vivek, a young queer brown boy from Edmonton as he tries (and fails) to achieve pop stardom – from the perspective of the now 40-something trans feminine multidisciplinary artist that boy became.

Chuck And The First Peoples’ Kitchen (Premieres October 13)

Eager to learn more about First Nations culinary traditions, Chef Chuck Hughes meets Canada's Indigenous communities. From lobster fishing in Chaleur Bay, to moose hunting in the province of Newfoundland, to the Ptarmigan hunt in Nunavut, Chuck does not hesitate to travel through forests, rivers and streams and snow-covered landscapes to learn about the food supply techniques of yesterday and today. Members of the communities teach Chuck various family and ancestral recipes, an integral part of their cultural and culinary heritage, which are to be protected and passed onto future generations. Guided by his mentors, Chuck becomes a privileged witness of the respect this proud people has toward Nature.

Black Life: Untold Stories (Premieres October 18)

Black Life: Untold Stories is an eight-part documentary series that reframes the rich and complex histories of Black experiences in Canada, dispelling commonly accepted myths and celebrating the many contributions of Black Canadians. The series spans more than 400 years with an eye towards contemporary issues, music, policing, Black liberation, immigration, culture, and sports.

Code 8 (Premieres October 20)

Code 8 is set in a world where 4% of the population is born with varying supernatural abilities, but instead of being billionaires or superheroes, they face discrimination and live in poverty, often resorting to crime. Connor Reed (Robbie Amell), a power-enabled young man, is struggling to pay for his ailing mother’s (Kari Matchett) health treatment. Fighting to earn enough money as a day labourer, Connor is lured into a lucrative criminal world by Garrett (Stephen Amell) who works for Lincoln City’s reigning drug lord, Marcus Sutcliffe (Greg Bryk). Garrett helps Connor sharpen his powers in order to execute a series of crimes on behalf of Sutcliffe, while a militarized police unit, led by Agent Park (Sung Kang) and Agent Davis (Aaron Abrams), hunts them down.

The Bannocking (Premieres October 20)

A journalism student, Ellen Bear, returns home to uncover the truth about an abandoned residential school, but chaos ensues when residents of Bent Creek First Nations begin to show bizarre and violent behaviour, leaving everyone to ask: “What’s in the bannock?”

Bloodthirsty (Premieres October 27)

Grey, an indie singer whose first album was a smash hit, gets an invitation to collaborate with notorious music producer Vaughn Daniels at his remote studio in the woods. Together with her girlfriend Charlie, they arrive at his mansion, and the work begins. But Grey is having visions that she is a wolf, and as her work with the emotionally demanding Vaughn deepens, the vegan singer begins to hunger for meat and the hunt. As Grey starts to transform into a werewolf, she begins to find out who she really is, and begins to discover the family she never knew. What will it take to become a great artist and at what cost to her humanity?

Crave Canada

The Ringleader: The Case of the Bling Ring (Premieres October 1)

Rachel Lee, the so-called teenage mastermind behind a string of high-profile celebrity robberies in 2008 and 2009, shares what motivated her to rally her friends to break into celebrity homes in Hollywood to ransack and steal.

Our Flag Means Death, Season 2 (Premieres October 5)

Based (very) loosely on the true adventures of 18th century would-be pirate Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby). After trading the seemingly charmed life of a gentleman for one of a swashbuckling buccaneer, Stede became captain of the pirate ship Revenge. Struggling to earn the respect of his potentially mutinous crew, Stede’s fortunes changed after a fateful run-in with the infamous Captain Blackbeard (Waititi). To their surprise, the wildly different Stede and Blackbeard found more than friendship on the high seas… they found love. Now, they have to survive it.

The Blackening (Premieres October 6)

Based on 3Peat Comedy’s acclaimed sketch of the same name, director Tim Story’s savvy and vicious skewering of genre film tropes poses the sardonic question: if the entire cast of a horror movie is Black, who dies first? The Blackening centres around a group of Black friends who reunite for a Juneteenth weekend getaway, only to find themselves trapped in a remote cabin with a twisted killer. Forced to play by his rules, the friends soon realize this isn’t a game.

Bria Mack Gets a Life (Premieres October 13)

After seven long years in University, fresh graduate and newly minted valedictorian, Bria McFarlane (Malaika Hennie- Hamadi), moves back home to the suburbs ready to finally take a break. But when her mother Marie (Leslie Adlam) shares her plan to retire early – and soon – Bria must coordinate her life, friends, dating, a place to live, and most importantly, a job, to fund it all, before time runs out. With her hype girl and most-trusted imaginary confidant, Black Attack (Hannan Younis), by her side, the series follows the pair as they take on the world… one microaggression at a time.

Shining Vale, Season 2 (Premieres October 13)

Season one of Shining Vale introduced Pat (Courteney Cox) and Terry Phelps (Greg Kinnear), a dysfunctional family that tried to run from their problems by moving their kids into a possibly-haunted Victorian mansion in small-town Connecticut. Once settled in, Pat encountered Rosemary (Mira Sorvino), a demon who possessed her body and turned her life upside down. When the family steps in to “save” Pat, they commit her to a psychiatric hospital where she sees an old photo of a nurse who looks just like her demon Rosemary. Season 2 kicks off four months later, when Pat’s insurance runs out and she is released from the psychiatric hospital early. Pat returns home, determined to pick up the pieces of her broken family, but she quickly finds out her children don’t need her, Terry doesn’t remember her, and to make matters worse, Pat’s new neighbour Ruth looks exactly like Rosemary. Meanwhile, the house starts to reveal the shocking secrets of its dark past.

Dark Side of Comedy, Season 2 (Premieres October 17)

Produced by Vice TV in partnership with Crave, the Crave Original series Dark Side of Comedy returns for a second season, continuing to explore the dark stories of addiction, suicide and self-destruction that lurk behind the laughter. Season 2 subjects include: Robin Williams, Sam Kinison, Joan Rivers, Carlos Mencia, Phil Hartman, Tracy Morgan, sitcom Family Matters, Ellen DeGeneres, Norm MacDonald and Gilda Radner.

The Godfather of Harlem, Season 1 & 2 (Premieres September 27)

The series tells the story inspired by infamous Harlem crime boss Bumpy Johnson, played by Oscar® winner Forest Whitaker, who in the early 1960s, returned from 11 years in prison to find the neighbourhood he once ruled in shambles. With the streets controlled by the Italian mob, Bumpy must take on the Genovese crime family to regain control. During the brutal battle, he forms an alliance with radical preacher Malcolm X (Nigél Thatch), catching Malcolm’s political rise in the crosshairs of social upheaval, and a mob war that threatens to tear the city apart. Godfather of Harlem is a collision of the criminal underworld and the civil rights movement during one of the most tumultuous times in American history.

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret (Premieres October 27)

Based on Judy Blume’s classic and groundbreaking novel of the same name, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, follows 11-year-old Margaret (Abby Ryder Fortson) as she’s uprooted from her life in New York City for the suburbs of New Jersey, going through the messy and tumultuous throes of puberty with new friends in a new school. She relies on her mother, Barbara (Rachel McAdams), who is also struggling to adjust to life outside the big city, and her adoring grandmother, Sylvia (Kathy Bates), who isn’t happy they moved away and likes to remind them every chance she gets.

The Gilded Age, Season 2 (Premieres October 29)

Season 2 begins on Easter morning 1883, with the news that Bertha Russell’s (Carrie Coon) bid for a box at the Academy of Music has been rejected. Through the season, audiences see Bertha challenge Mrs. Astor (Donna Murphy) and the old system, and work to not only gain a foothold in society, but to potentially take a leading role in it. George Russell (Morgan Spector) takes on his own battle with a growing union at his steel plant in Pittsburgh, while in the Brook House, Marian (Louisa Jacobson) continues her journey to find her way in the world secretly teaching at a girls school while much to everyone’s surprise Ada (Cynthia Nixon) begins a new courtship. Of course, Agnes (Christine Baranski), approves of none of it. In Brooklyn, the Scott family begins to heal from a shocking discovery, and Peggy (Denée Benton) taps into her activist spirit through her work with T. Thomas Fortune (Sullivan Jones) at the NY Globe.

Isa Briones, Will Price, Miles McKenna, Zack Morris and Ana Yi Puig in *Goosebumps.* (Image: Disney+)

Disney+ Canada

Haunted Mansion (Premieres October 4)

Inspired by the classic theme park attraction, “Haunted Mansion” is about a woman and her son who enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters.

The Boogeyman (Premieres October 5)

High school student Sadie Harper and her younger sister Sawyer are reeling from the recent death of their mother and aren’t getting much support from their father, Will, a therapist who is dealing with his own pain. When a desperate patient unexpectedly shows up at their home seeking help, he leaves behind a terrifying supernatural entity that preys on families and feeds on the suffering of its victims.

Loki, Season 2 (Premieres October 5)

Season 2 picks up in the aftermath of the shocking season finale when Loki finds himself in a battle for the soul of the Time Variance Authority. Along with Mobius, Hunter B-15 and a team of new and returning characters, Loki navigates an ever-expanding and increasingly dangerous multiverse in search of Sylvie, Judge Renslayer, Miss Minutes and the truth of what it means to possess free will and glorious purpose.

Goosebumps (Premieres October 14)

Plunging viewers into a world of mystery and suspense, the new Goosebumps series follows a group of five high schoolers as they embark on a shadowy and twisted journey to investigate the tragic passing three decades earlier of a teen named Harold Biddle — while also unearthing dark secrets from their parents’ past.

Bob’s Burgers, Season 15 (Premieres October 15)

This season, the Belcher family finds themselves caught in an exhilarating showdown when the kids refuse to do their chores; a magic trick ends up going disastrously wrong; Linda helps throw a bachelorette party; Gene enters a songwriting contest; and Tina and Louise work together to catch a cricket.

Emily Blunt in *Pain Hustlers.* (Image: Netflix)

Netflix Canada

Beckham (Premieres October 4)

This four-part documentary series tells the inside story of a global football star and cultural icon. David Beckham is one of the most known names on the planet, yet few people know who he really is. From his humble working-class beginnings in east London, his drive and determination to win, and the battle to find balance between ambition, love and family, David’s story is one of immense ups and downs. The series takes you on that rollercoaster and builds a surprising, personal and definitive story of one of the most recognizable and scrutinized athletes of all time.

Lupin, Part 3 (Premieres October 5)

As the media and police look to Claire and Raoul, an on-the-run Assane schemes to protect them from afar — but old foes are eager to thwart his plans.

Ballerina (Premieres October 6)

Grieving the loss of a best friend she couldn’t protect, an ex-bodyguard sets out to fulfill her dear friend’s last wish: sweet, sweet revenge.

Fair Play (Premieres October 6)

An unexpected promotion at a cutthroat hedge fund pushes Luke (Alden Ehrenreich) and Emily’s (Phoebe Dynevor) romance to the brink, threatening to unravel far more than their recent engagement.

The Fall of the House of Usher (Premieres October 12)

To secure their fortune — and future — two ruthless siblings build a family dynasty that begins to crumble when their heirs mysteriously die, one by one.

The Devil on Trial (Premieres October 17)

The Devil on Trial explores the first – and only – time “demonic possession” has officially been used as a defense in a U.S. murder trial. Including firsthand accounts of alleged devil possession and a shocking murder, this extraordinary story forces reflection on our fear of the unknown.

I Woke Up A Vampire (Premieres October 17)

On her 13th birthday, Carmie discovers that she's actually half human, half vampire — and that mythical powers make middle school way more complicated.

Bodies (Premieres October 19)

Four detectives. Four timelines. One victim. In order to save the future, they'll need to solve the murder that altered the course of history first.

Neon (Premieres October 19)

An aspiring reggaeton star and his best friends move to Miami on a mission, weathering roadblocks and reality checks together in their quest for success.

Big Mouth, Season 17 (Premieres October 20)

Season seven of Emmy Award winning Big Mouth follows the now teenage students of Bridgeton middle school as they make their way to high school. Change is the only constant as our characters are faced with a new school, new friends, new adversaries, and new Hormone Monsters.

Disco Inferno (Premieres October 20)

A young couple conjures a dark presence that hungers for their unborn baby as they prepare to burn up the dance floor at LA's hottest disco.

Life on Our Planet (Premieres October 25)

This is the story of life’s epic battle to conquer and survive on planet Earth. Today there are 20 million species on our planet, yet what we see is just a snapshot in time — 99% of earth’s inhabitants are lost to our deep past. The story of what happened to these dynasties — their rise and their fall – is truly remarkable. In partnership with Industrial Light & Magic, the series uses the latest technology and science to bring long extinct creatures back to life. Narrated by Morgan Freeman and from executive producer Steven Spielberg and the Emmy® Award winning team behind Our Planet, this is the story of Life on Our Planet.

Pain Hustlers (Premieres October 27)

Liza Drake (Emily Blunt) is a blue-collar single mom who has just lost her job and is at the end of her rope. A chance meeting with pharmaceutical sales rep Pete Brenner (Chris Evans) puts her on an upwards trajectory economically but dubious path ethically as she becomes entangled in a dangerous racketeering scheme. Dealing with her increasingly unhinged boss (Andy Garcia), the worsening medical condition of her daughter (Chloe Coleman), and a growing awareness of the devastation the company is causing forces Liza to examine her choices. Pain Hustlers is a sharp and revealing look at what some people do out of desperation and others do out of greed. The film is directed by BAFTA award winner David Yates, produced by Lawrence Grey, and also starring Catherine O'Hara, Jay Duplass and Brian d’Arcy James.

Prime Video

Totally Killer (Premieres October 6)

When the infamous "Sweet Sixteen Killer" returns 35 years after his first murder spree to claim another victim, 17-year-old Jamie accidentally travels back in time to 1987, determined to stop the killer before he can start.

Fast X (Premieres October 6)

Dom Toretto and his family are targeted by the vengeful son of drug kingpin Hernan Reyes.

Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe (Premieres October 10

Beloved by millions of Canadians, the Mr. Dressup series has a legacy of bringing kindness and thoughtfulness to generations of young people. This celebrated documentary tells the origins and history of Canada’s favourite children’s show, Mr. Dressup, which built a legacy of kindness, patience, inclusiveness, and creativity in 4,000 episodes across 29 years on CBC. With never-before-seen footage and interivews, the documentary reveals Ernie Coombs’ two passions: Entertaining others with childlike wonderment and kindness, and the love for his wife and family, who were his support system and biggest fans. From his early days working with Fred Rogers, to his remarkable creative collaboration with puppeteer Judith Lawrence (voice and creator of Casey and Finnegan), to the struggles to fund the iconic series, and finally, his second act touring college campuses, the documentary shows the highs-and-lows of the creative force that helped raise Canadian children for well over four decades.

Awareness (Premieres October 11)

A teenager who lives with his father on the outskirts by running small scams using Ian's ability to generate visual illusions upon unsuspecting victims. Things get complicated when his powers get out of control in public.

The Burial (Premieres October 13)

Inspired by true events. When a handshake deal goes sour, funeral homeowner Jeremiah O’Keefe (Tommy Lee Jones) enlists charismatic, smooth-talking attorney Willie E. Gary (Jamie Foxx) to save his family business. Tempers flare and laughter ensues as the unlikely pair bond while exposing corporate corruption and racial injustice in this inspirational, triumphant story.

Silver Dollar Road (Premieres October 20)

Silver Dollar Road follows the story of the Reels family as told by the matriarch Mamie Reels Ellison and her niece Kim Renee Duhon, two fierce and clear-eyed women bending to safeguard valiantly their ancestors’ land and their brothers and uncles Melvin and Licurtis, who were wrongfully imprisoned for eight years—the longest sentence for civil contempt in North Carolina history. This documentary, based on the 2019 ProPublica article, highlights the covert ways the legal system has been exploited to keep Black land ownership fragile and the racial wealth gap growing.

Watch List: 44 Shows and Movies to Stream in October 2023

By stacy lee kong