By: Sophia Kibler

 As the leaves turn crisp alongside dropping temperatures, the signs of the autumn season approach. Students transition from wearing shorts and tanks to sweaters and Uggs, and their choice of media consumption changes, too. For some, there is something about the fall season that evokes a type of nostalgia within them. Whether through reminiscing on past cozy fall nights or painfully missing the warmth of summer, autumn tends to be a time for students to rewatch nostalgic TV shows. 

   “I like SpongeBob in the summer because I feel like it gives summer vibes. Like, you’re out at the pool and you can watch sea creatures. While in the fall, I usually watch Adventure Time and Gravity Falls to get into the cozy feeling. I want to be connected in the season through the media I consume,” expressed junior Tyler Curtis. 

    Cartoons are a cornerstone of nostalgia. SpongeBob, a Nickelodeon classic, is regarded by many as a feel-good summer show. Many state that the show has shaped this generation’s humor and internet culture. To transition out of the summer vibes and into fall, Adventure Time and Gravity Falls can be a great watch. The atmosphere of Adventure Time takes place in an absurd yet comfortingly casual world led by a loveable dog and human duo. Perfect for getting cozy and relaxing. The show Gravity Falls also has a model fall atmosphere, taking place in the mountains and forests of Oregon. If students are looking for a way to immerse themselves in the fall spirit, cartoons are a definite way to fuel nostalgia. Though others may find more enjoyment in live-action TV. 

   “I really enjoy watching Gilmore Girls in the fall because it gets me back into school season. Fall is very nostalgic for me because it’s filled with my favorite holidays, like Thanksgiving and Halloween,” said junior Haewan Kibret. 

    For some, a seasonal show’s thematic elements are important to the show’s enjoyability. For instance, Gilmore Girls’ recurring motifs of academia and coffee are crucial to many people’s viewing experience of the show. The show’s warm autumn atmosphere can bridge the gap from summer to fall. Thanksgiving and Halloween are the usual holidays for nostalgic reminiscence. 

   “I don’t watch specific shows during specific seasons. When I think of autumn, I lean more towards things like cinnamon and pumpkin scents, or decor, not television. I do tend to enjoy horror movies like The Substance and Halloween during the fall,” junior Abigail Lyu shared. 

   Many may find themselves in the same position as Lyu. To really get into the fall spirit, many don’t correlate media but their decor and physical surroundings. Things like drinking pumpkin spice lattes, decorating, and just enjoying the weather can be more than enough to dive into fall’s comfort. Though, as Halloween approaches, horror movies increase in their rewatchability factor. Classics like the Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, Halloween, and Nightmare on Elm Street all bring back the memories of past Halloweens and being scared as a kid. New wave horror, like Barbarian and the Substance, brings in new Halloween memories and newer ways to get spooked. 

   With Halloween and Thanksgiving coming up soon, there is a multitude of nostalgic media to immerse oneself in this fall. Enjoy the time between sweltering heat and freezing Maryland winters with a cozy show and the cooling weather.