Angel

Angel is a supernatural drama spun off from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Joss Whedon, who created Buffy, made this series with David Greenwalt. That connection is the clearest starting point. I would leave the plot there: you can decide whether the series interests you without having its surprises explained before you press play.

I would put the scare at three out of five. Horror is part of the mix, alongside action and fantasy, so I would choose it for an evening when I wanted some unease without making fear the whole point. If you are wavering between a horror pick and something more fantastical, that combination makes the decision rather easier.

This is one to start when a continuing series sounds appealing. There is room to come back to it on another night, which is a relief if your evening also involves making dinner and remembering where you left your mug. The reason to choose Angel is its mix of supernatural drama, horror and action. Start with that, and let the story tell itself.