If you’ve spent any time on Netflix or Paramount+ lately, there is a very high chance you’ve seen Sarah Yarkin’s face. She has this specific, magnetic energy—the kind that makes you go, "Wait, I know her from somewhere." Usually, that "somewhere" is a high-stakes horror movie where she’s fighting for her life or a supernatural teen drama where she’s already dead.
Honestly, Yarkin has quietly become one of the most reliable faces in modern genre storytelling. Whether she's playing the cynical ghost Rhonda in School Spirits or facing down a chainsaw-wielding maniac, she brings a grounded, slightly dry wit to roles that could easily become caricatures.
The Breakout: Sarah Yarkin Movies and TV Shows You Should Know
It is hard to talk about Sarah Yarkin without starting with her scream-queen credentials. Most people probably first clocked her in the 2022 Netflix reboot of Texas Chainsaw Massacre. She played Melody, one of the idealistic (and maybe a bit naive) influencers who decide to "revitalize" a ghost town in Texas.
That movie was polarizing. Critics were split, but Yarkin’s performance was undeniably physical. She spent half the movie covered in mud, blood, and floorboard dust. It wasn't just about screaming; it was about that visceral, wide-eyed terror that actually makes a slasher movie work. If you haven't seen it, the "bus scene" is basically a masterclass in claustrophobic horror, and she carries the weight of that tension.
But before she was dodging Leatherface, she was in Happy Death Day 2U.
She played Dre, a science student who helps navigate the multi-dimensional madness of that sequel. It was a smaller role than her Texas outing, but it proved she could handle horror-comedy—a genre that’s notoriously difficult to balance. You have to be funny without breaking the stakes, and she nailed it.
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The Television Shift: From Witchcraft to the Afterlife
While the movies got her noticed, her TV work is where she’s really been able to stretch. You might remember her as Libba Swythe in Motherland: Fort Salem. She played a rival-turned-ally with this sharp, competitive edge. It’s a cult-favorite show for a reason, and her character’s arc was one of those "gone too soon" moments that still has fans talking on Reddit.
Then came School Spirits on Paramount+.
This is arguably her best role to date. As Rhonda, a 1960s beatnik ghost stuck in a high school afterlife, she provides the show with its cynical soul. She’s the veteran ghost who has seen it all and isn't impressed by the new kids.
What makes her performance as Rhonda stand out is the underlying tragedy. She isn't just "the sassy friend." There is a deep, simmering resentment and grief there that Yarkin plays with incredible subtlety. As of January 2026, the show is deep into its third season, and Rhonda remains the character everyone wants more backstory on.
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A Career Built on Range (and Chaos)
A lot of actors get stuck in a "type." Yarkin seems to actively avoid it. Look at her guest spots—she’s been in everything from The Good Place to American Horror Story.
In Single Parents, she played Homily Pronstroller, a character name that is as chaotic as the role itself. It was a complete pivot from her darker work, showing she has the comedic timing to hold her own in a fast-paced sitcom environment.
Why She’s Ranking on Discover
People are searching for Sarah Yarkin because she represents a new wave of actors who don't need a massive PR machine. Her work speaks for itself. She has this "everygirl" quality that makes her relatable, but she’s also weird enough to be interesting.
She also doesn't shy away from smaller, indie projects. Tankhouse, released in 2022, is a great example. It’s a weird, niche comedy about the pretentious world of avant-garde theater. She stars alongside Stephen Friedrich, and they play two blacklisted actors who move to North Dakota to start a theater revolution. It’s bizarre. It’s theatrical. It’s nothing like Texas Chainsaw, and that’s exactly why it works.
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What’s Coming Next for Sarah Yarkin?
If you’re looking for what’s on the horizon, Yarkin isn't slowing down. With School Spirits Season 3 currently airing (January 2026), she’s firmly cemented in the "TV regular" category.
But there’s also buzz about her returning to the big screen in more elevated thrillers. She was recently cast in The Silence Game, a project that’s been described as a high-concept psychological thriller. It’s a step away from the "slasher" label and into something a bit more cerebral.
She’s also a musician. If you follow her on social media or catch her interviews, she’s often talking about the intersection of her music and her acting. It adds a layer of "creative polymath" to her brand that keeps her feeling fresh.
Actionable Tips for New Fans
If you want to catch up on the best of Sarah Yarkin, don't just watch the big Netflix hits. Here is a quick roadmap to get the full picture of her career:
- For the Horror Buff: Start with Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022). It’s brutal, but her performance is the anchor.
- For the Binge-Watcher: Check out School Spirits. It’s a mystery show that actually has a brain, and Rhonda is the best character. Period.
- For the Indie Lover: Find Tankhouse. It’s a hidden gem that shows off her comedy chops.
- For the Completionist: Go back to her guest spot on The Good Place. It’s brief, but you can see that "it" factor even in a small role.
The reality is that Sarah Yarkin is one of those actors who is going to be a household name sooner rather than later. She’s putting in the work, choosing interesting projects, and refusing to be pigeonholed. Keep an eye on her—she's basically the queen of the "I know her!" moment for a reason.
If you're tracking her latest releases, make sure to keep your Paramount+ subscription active for the latest School Spirits updates, as the Season 3 finale is expected to drop within the next month, potentially setting up even more for Rhonda’s character.