Haunting Homes and Chilling Encounters: Inside Scariest House in America

Photo byJán Jakub NaništaonUnsplash

Just in time for Halloween, Scariest House in America has hit the screens, bringing a thrilling new edge to the world of real estate horror. Hosted by comedian Retta, the show takes viewers on a hair-raising journey across the country, uncovering terrifying homes worthy of their own horror films. In this spine-chilling series, Retta sets out to find the most haunting residence—one that could win a $150,000 renovation from celebrity designer Alison Victoria, though whether that pleases the spirits is anyone's guess.

From death traps and jail cells to graveyards and haunted closets, here are some of the eeriest homes featured so far.

Death Traps in Saunderstown, Rhode Island

In the premiere episode, Nightmares in the Northeast, Retta visits a home that seems like it was plucked straight out of a horror movie. Built in 1950, the Saunderstown, Rhode Island, property comes with not just spooky vibes, but actual death traps.

Homeowner Jeremy believes the ghost of the house's original builder still resides within its walls. And as if that wasn’t enough, the house is a hazard in itself. There’s a pit in the living room, a 15-foot drop from a catwalk, and an elevator made entirely from scrap parts. Even Retta, initially excited by the concept of an in-home elevator, changes her tune when she realizes just how rickety this one is.

A Victorian Home with Jail Cells in Bedford, Pennsylvania

One of the most unsettling homes comes from Bedford, Pennsylvania. What seems to be a charming 1895 Victorian residence reveals a darker secret: it used to be the county jail, and some of the jail cells remain intact. Homeowners Doreen and Jon admit they steer clear of the old cellblock at night, and Retta doesn’t blame them—especially after hearing a mysterious clanking sound during her tour.

“This is not the kind of house where I want the walls to talk,” Retta jokes, but there’s a definite edge of unease.

Brumley, Missouri: A Graveyard and a Creepy Closet

In Episode 2, Mysterious Midwest, Retta explores a home in Brumley, Missouri, that was built in 1855 and features a graveyard on the property. Four of the previous owners died inside the house, and another passed away elsewhere on the property. But perhaps the most spine-tingling feature is the passthrough closet connecting two rooms. The current owners have caught the closet door opening on its own, sending shivers down Retta’s spine.

A Room Full of Dolls

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No haunted house is complete without creepy dolls, and Judy and Steve, the owners of the Brumley home, deliver on that front as well. One room is filled with old toys and dolls reminiscent of horror classics like Chucky and Annabelle. Even Retta, who’s known for her comedic delivery, can’t help but express her unease. “Children are scary,” she says. “As are dolls.”

The “Offering Room” in Atchison, Kansas

The most unnerving house in Episode 2 is an 1880s building in Atchison, Kansas, which has witnessed six confirmed deaths. Owners Camille and Thomas refer to the spirits as their "honorary roommates," but the house's real claim to horror fame is the "offering room" in the basement. According to Camille, a psychic once communicated with a ghost who asked for his boots back, and ever since, the room has been set aside for him to “hang out.”

With eerie spaces like this, it’s no wonder Retta was eager to make her exit after the tour, saying, “If I could get out of here pretty soon, that’d be great.”

As Scariest House in America continues, viewers can look forward to even more haunted homes, unsettling histories, and mysterious paranormal activity. Whether it's the death traps of Rhode Island or the haunted closets of Missouri, Retta’s search for the most terrifying home in America is bound to bring both laughs and screams.