5 cosy, cottagecore shows to watch this autumn

As the weather begins to change, I feel the desire to sink into a comfortable TV show that displays some rustic charm

Each season has its own allure, but autumn has always been my favourite. There’s something about that first chilly breeze of the year that sets me yearning to adventure with Kiki and Jiji in a picturesque town or fly towards that second star to the right all the way to morning.

It is during these times that I seek a refuge from the chaotic bustle of Dhaka life and look for misty mornings, shades of orange and brown, and the romanticised ideals of a simpler, rural lifestyle. Cottagecore is a celebration of this bucolic aesthetic, rooted in a deep appreciation of nature, the charm of country living, and an ethos that is as much about self-sufficiency and inner peace as it is about whimsical fairy tale imagery, handwritten notes, and the gentle rhythms of the quiet life.

If you too want to indulge in a celebration of the magic in the mundane, here are five enchanting TV shows that truly resonate with the season.

OVER THE GARDEN WALL

In 10 half-hour episodes, Over the Garden Wall establishes itself as a modern classic of the Halloween season, leading us into the woods of The Unknown as two brothers encounter a number of odd, intriguing, and slightly sinister denizens while trying to get home.

Against a charming backdrop of rustic cabins, crowded inns, and curious villages, the tale of Wirt and Greg winds threads of mystery, fantasy, and wonder into a tale about the strong, but sometimes difficult, bonds of brotherhood.

It is an incredibly warm and charming show and makes for a perfect capper for an autumn night.

ANNE WITH AN E

A modern adaptation of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables takes us to the quaint village of Avonlea, where we find a love letter to the underrated beauty of the Canadian countryside. The picturesque landscapes, dotted with cosy cottages nestled in the autumn foliage makes for a gorgeous backdrop to the quirky adventures of adopted orphan Anne Shirley-Cuthbert and the people she meets.

The show invites you to savour the nostalgia for a simpler time while also developing a timeless theme of never losing the kindred spirit inside us all and fighting against prejudice.

MIDNIGHT MASS

For those looking for a darker, more mysterious flavour to pair with autumn, there is the Netflix series Midnight Mass. Crafted by masterful horror auteur Mike Flanagan (who directed The Haunting of Hill House and the new series The Fall of the House of Usher), this supernatural drama unfolds on a remote American island.

Though the show features an intriguing landscape and picturesque interiors, it doesn’t shy away from delving into the bleaker undercurrents of a small community slowly wasting away as jobs and people leave the area.

The arrival of a prodigal convict and a charismatic priest shakes up the lives of island residents, resulting in a complex and intricate story of faith, human nature, and chilling revelations.

While it may not be the most comforting of watches, it perfectly paves the way for the coming Halloween season.

ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL

No proper cottagecore-inspired list of shows would be complete without a trip to the rolling hills and charming villages of the idyllic Yorkshire Dales in All Creatures Great and Small.

Set against the backdrop of the 1930s, this heartwarming series transports viewers back to a time when simplicity was cherished and the beauty of nature celebrated.

The story follows a trio of veterinary surgeons who deal with the day-to-day animal care of farm country. It is an easygoing show, the kind that you can sink into, like wrapping yourself in your favourite blanket.

HAKUMEI AND MIKOCHI

This anime series paints a colourful, fairy tale landscape where our two miniature protagonists live their lives in harmony with a forest of wondrous creatures.

The show’s appeal lies in the meticulous attention to detail. Hakumei and Mikochi’s miniature treehouse is vibrant and charming, while every leaf of the forest they live in is depicted with loving shading and care.

Every episode the duo explore and forage through the woods and beyond, embracing the peace and tranquillity of farm-based living.

For many of us living in the concrete jungle, these shows are one of our few opportunities to immerse ourselves in the wonders of a more rustic, calm life. They have a grounded, down-to-earth feel while also resonating with the wonders of the fairy tales we all read as children.

If you’re looking to lose yourself in such a world, take a chance this autumn and curl up with one of these fantastic shows.

This article is part of Stripe, bdnews24.com's special publication focusing on culture and society from a youth perspective.