In life, few things remain predictable, yet one sure bet is this: each year, your go-to TV series will deliver at least one holiday-centered episode. Be it a romantic tale for Valentine’s Day or something as quirky as 30 Rock’s iconic takes on Earth Day and Leap Day, it’s a delight to watch a show embrace the festive ambiance.
As Halloween approaches, we’ve curated a list of the spookiest and most entertaining Halloween episodes from beloved series.
The Adventures of Pete & Pete, Season 2, Episode 7: “Halloweenie”
Younger Pete aims to set a record for the most homes visited on Halloween, while older Pete grapples with a tough choice: should he enjoy trick-or-treating with his brother or join the so-called “pumpkin eaters,” a group of kids wreaking havoc in the neighborhood?
Are You Afraid of the Dark?, Season 5, Episode 3: “The Tale of Station 109.1”
Image: Courtesy Everett Collection
The series Are You Afraid of the Dark? is synonymous with Halloween nostalgia, but this particular episode really sticks with viewers. A teenager fascinated by death realizes he may not be fully prepared to face it after he tunes into a radio in a hearse that connects him to the afterlife. Plus, it features Gilbert Gottfried and a young Ryan Gosling!
BoJack Horseman, Season 5, Episode 8: “Mr. Peanutbutter’s Boos”
Any episode focusing on the goofy yet lovable Labrador and Hollywoo icon Mr. Peanutbutter is a treat, especially this one, which cleverly integrates his annual Halloween bash to explore different timelines—and even includes a cameo by Jessica Alba.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Season 4, Episode 4: “Fear, Itself”
After the mischievous Gachnar is inadvertently summoned during a Halloween party setup, chaos ensues. Buffy and her friends scramble to send the demon back to where it came from while discovering the vital lesson of confronting their fears.
Curb Your Enthusiasm, Season 2, Episode 3: “Trick or Treat”
In true Larry David fashion, he finds himself at odds with two opposing forces: the neighborhood kids seeking candy and the guests at a friend’s movie premiere. Hilarity ensues.
Freaks and Geeks, Episode 3: “Tricks and Treats”
This nostalgically rich episode captures the dual storyline of Sam and the nerds heading out for Halloween, contrasted with Lindsay initially staying home with her mother before opting to join the cool crowd egging their own houses and her brother.
Friends, Season 8, Episode 6: “The One with the Halloween Party”
When Monica and Chandler throw a Halloween bash, Phoebe decides to invite her twin Ursula and her fiancé Eric, leading to dramatic twists as Phoebe realizes Ursula has been deceiving Eric—yet she also finds herself developing feelings for him. With continuous squabbles in silly costumes and Rachel resorting to giving out cash after running out of candy, it’s a classic episode full of laughs.
Gilmore Girls, Season 6, Episode 7: “Twenty-One is the Loneliest Number”
It’s quite surprising for such a quintessential autumn-themed series to only feature one true Halloween episode, yet this one from Gilmore Girls‘ sixth season is exceptional. Naturally, Lorelai goes all out on decorations for Halloween, perfectly embodying the quirky spirit of Stars Hollow as the town joins in her enthusiastic celebrations.
How I Met Your Mother, Season 1, Episode 6: “Slutty Pumpkin”
MacLaren’s Pub is buzzing with its Halloween event, and the whole crew dresses in costumes. The usual antics unfold, but the central focus remains on Ted and Robin’s quest for romance in the big city—highlighted by Ted’s continual wait for the elusive Slutty Pumpkin, a girl whose number he mislaid in 2001, never truly able to forget her.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Season 6, Episode 7: “Who Got Dee Pregnant?”
As Dee reveals her pregnancy, the gang races to find out who the father is, complicated by the fact that the night of her revelation also coincides with their wild Halloween party, leading to a fog of uncertainty.
The Mindy Project, Season 1, Episode 4: “Halloween”
No one creates a holiday-centric sitcom episode quite like Mindy Kaling. Known for penning unforgettable Christmas specials on The Office, such as Season 6’s “Secret Santa” and Season 7’s “Classy Christmas,” her Halloween episode on The Mindy Project showcases unforgettable costume concepts like “Dirty Harry Potter” and “Tinkerbell Tailor Soldier Spy.”
Modern Family, Season 2, Episode 6: “Halloween”
Transforming the Dunphy household into a haunted house for neighborhood trick-or-treaters leads to a hilarious chain of events in this Season 2 episode, marking one of many Halloween-themed adventures on Modern Family.
New Girl, Season 2, Episode 6: “Halloween”
With four roommates under one roof, holiday gatherings are guaranteed to be entertaining, especially with Halloween kicking off the fun. In this episode, they drop in on Jess at her haunted workplace, each with their own unique problems and creative costumes. (Who could forget Winston’s girlfriend, Shelby, donning a stuffed-animal-covered cape to embody “reigning cats and dogs”?)
The Office, Season 2, Episode 5: “Halloween”
Among the numerous holidays covered throughout its run, The Office always delivers memorable episodes. This one stands out, as Michael is reluctantly tasked with making a tough decision about a layoffs just as the Dunder Mifflin Halloween party is about to kick off.
Parks and Recreation, Season 2, Episode 7: “Greg Pikitis”
In this episode, two main storylines emerge: Leslie is on a mission to take down her high school rival, Greg Pikitis, while Ann works hard to organize a Halloween party. Thanks to Tom and Wendy who ignite a dance party, Ann saves her own evening, and Leslie receives unexpected assistance from FBI agent Burt Macklin, aka Andy.
The Simpsons, “Treehouse of Horror” (multiple episodes)
With 36 distinct “Treehouse of Horror” installments, each one is a gem worth watching. While many of these episodes pay homage to various pop culture phenomena, it’s a rewarding adventure to explore them all to discover your favorite.
South Park, Season 1, Episode 7: “Pinkeye”
After the Mir space station crashes down and takes out Kenny, a mishap during his embalming process turns him into a zombie. As the community celebrates Halloween, the transformation goes unnoticed, leading to a creepy zombie outbreak mistaken for pinkeye. The only solution becomes apparent: eliminate Kenny…once again.
