The Haunting Adventures of “Scariest House in America”: A Journey into the Spine-Chilling

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As Halloween approaches, comedian Retta is stepping away from her usual comedic antics to explore the eerie and unsettling in her new series, “Scariest House in America.” Following her success with “The Ugliest House in America,” Retta is on a quest to uncover homes that send shivers down the spine, with one hauntingly unique residence set to win a $150,000 renovation by celebrity designer Alison Victoria.

A Spooky Showcase of Disturbing Dwellings

In the first two episodes, viewers are treated to an array of homes that not only defy conventional design but also carry haunting histories. From sinister elevators to chilling jail cells, these houses embody the unsettling spirit of Halloween.

A Death Trap in Saunderstown, RI

One standout from the premiere episode, “Nightmares in the Northeast,” features a home where homeowner Jeremy insists the spirit of the builder lingers. The 1950s structure is riddled with hazards, including a pit in the living room and a precarious 15-foot catwalk. Retta’s reaction? “Now, the concept of having an elevator in your home, I would be, like, ‘Baller!’ Until you told me it was this one,” she quips, eyeing the small elevator made from scrap parts with palpable apprehension.

From Jail Cells to Living Rooms in Bedford, PA

Another house that sends chills is a Victorian building with a dark past. This former county jail, operational until 1996, features old jail cells that homeowners Doreen and Jon use for storage—though they avoid them after dark. “Hearing the clanking? I’m out!” Retta declares, embodying the viewer’s own trepidation as she hears a mysterious noise from the cellblock.

Ghostly Encounters and Eerie Decor

A Graveyard in Brumley, MO

In the second episode, titled “Mysterious Midwest,” Retta visits Judy and Steve in their 1855 home, which boasts a graveyard on the property. “Four of the previous owners died here,” Judy reveals, leading Retta to deem the house the scariest in the Midwest. A passthrough closet adds to the spine-tingling atmosphere; the owners have caught it opening on its own on camera, an unsettling reminder of the supernatural.

Dolls and Spirits

Judy and Steve’s child’s room is another hair-raising highlight, packed with dolls reminiscent of horror films like “Chucky” and “Annabelle.” Retta can’t help but comment, “Children are scary, as are dolls,” as she navigates the chilling space. Eager to leave, she expresses, “If I could get out of here pretty soon, that’d be great.”

An Offering Room for a Ghost

The final home featured in this episode, an 1880s building in Atchison, KS, is claimed by homeowners Camille and Thomas to be genuinely haunted. With six confirmed deaths in the house, they refer to the spirits as their “honorary roommates.” The basement holds an “offering room” where a psychic once communicated with a ghost who requested his boots back. Camille and Thomas even leave a chair and refreshments for their spectral guest—a unique form of hospitality.

Final Thoughts

“Scariest House in America” not only dives into the realm of the paranormal but also challenges norms about home design and safety. With Retta at the helm, viewers are treated to an engaging exploration of haunted houses that provoke both fear and fascination. Just in time for Halloween, the series showcases homes that are far more than just places to live—they’re portals to the past, filled with stories that linger long after the doors close.