There is something about autumn rain that makes a night in irresistible. The days are shorter, the air is damp, and houses cool quickly after dark. Rather than reaching for the thermostat, we reach for layers, pull on slippers, and invite friends over to share the evening. A cosy night with the girls doesn’t need to be complicated: the right company, the right food, and a series that everyone can sink into.
Some classics set the tone perfectly. Grey’s Anatomy has carried friendships through two decades, and part of the pleasure lies in watching it together. You can dip into almost any season, laugh at the familiar drama, and still find yourself unexpectedly caught by the emotion. Season six, episode twenty-three is 👀. A glass of wine, some picky bits and the comfort of sheepskin slippers make it the kind of night that lingers in memory.
For something lighter, The Summer I Turned Pretty brings hazy nostalgia and an easy charm. The beach houses and teenage romances are pure escapism, a glimpse of sunshine just as the rain beats harder at the window. It doesn’t demand concentration, which means you can chat, pause, and refill mugs without losing the thread. Be warned though, the tears arrive when you least expect them.
If the mood shifts, We Were Liars offers a darker edge. Its gothic mystery feels at home on an evening when the lights are low and the rain hasn’t stopped all day. It has just enough tension to keep everyone leaning in, but still leaves space for conversation when the credits roll.
Another strong choice is The Girlfriend, a drama that has quickly gained a following. With its mix of intrigue and sharp emotional turns, it is made for shared viewing. The twists land harder when you are watching together, exchanging looks across the sofa as the story deepens. It is the kind of series that sparks conversation long after the screen goes black.
Atmosphere matters as much as the show. Ask each friend to bring a pair of slippers or lend them ONAIE pairs when they arrive so everyone feels equally cosy. Blankets folded over the sofa keep the chill at bay, while a gilet within reach means the heating can stay off a little longer. When it comes to food, make it fun. The TikTok-inspired charcuterie board trend works beautifully: each guest brings a board, themed by colour or by the mood of the series you are watching. Alongside that, set up “picky bits” for grazing, small, cute plates of olives, crisps, dips and fruit that everyone can help themselves to between episodes. It keeps the table casual and full, with food that suits the pace of the evening.
These gatherings are not about novelty but about ease. They are a way of slowing down after the rush of summer, of making the darker months feel more welcoming. Choose a series that suits the mood, share the food, and keep the room warm with simple comforts. With friends gathered, slippers on, and stories unfolding on screen, autumn nights begin to feel less like a burden and more like a season made for staying in.
