The Best Halloween Episodes of TV Shows
Halloween doesn’t have to mean horror movies. For decades, TV shows have used October 31 to send their characters into costume parties, haunted houses, pranks, and heists, and the results are often among the best episodes of a series. These stories give shows a rare chance to break from their routine, so they feel fresh even when you’ve seen them a dozen times. That makes them ideal rewatches.
We combed through more than a dozen “best Halloween episode” lists and picked the episodes that kept turning up, from sitcom classics to animated favorites. Some are spooky, most are silly, and all are worth queuing up before the month is over.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine, “Halloween III”
The precinct’s annual Halloween heist returns, bigger and more elaborate, with rival schemers and everyone pulled into the fun. The 99th Precinct holds an annual Halloween heist, which means a festive episode almost every season. This episode ranks among the series’ most-praised heists.
Bob’s Burgers, “The Hauntening”
The Belcher family visits a haunted house on Halloween, where the parents want to scare their children, especially Louise. Critics call it the closest the show has come to a real horror story. It’s also memorable for the Boyz 4 Now music video that closes it.
The Office, “Halloween”
Michael struggles to assert himself in a costume while Jim and Pam prank Dwight. Michael also faces an unwelcome task that hangs over the whole office. Characters in ridiculous costumes stay completely themselves. It’s a comfort rewatch.
The Simpsons, “Treehouse of Horror V”
An anthology of three spooky segments, including a famous parody of The Shining. It’s the Simpsons Halloween episode that shows up most often, and it kicks off the show’s long-running annual tradition.
Community, “Epidemiology”
A Halloween party at Greendale goes sideways when a contaminated food mix-up sets off an outbreak. It’s a fan-favorite zombie-style episode that stays funny while keeping the characters’ dynamics intact.
Modern Family, “Halloween”
Claire is gearing up to spookify the Dunphy house for trick-or-treaters. The show has several Halloween episodes, but this first one is arguably the best.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, “Halloween”
A spell turns Sunnydale’s residents into real versions of their costumes. It’s the best pick if you want a genuinely spooky story with humor and heart.
Parks and Recreation, “Halloween Surprise”
The Pawnee gang deals with Halloween night while Leslie and Ben have something big planned. Grumpy Ron goes door-to-door with two screaming kids. It’s warm, character-driven, and packed with great Ron moments.
Friends, “The One with the Halloween Party”
The gang gathers for a costume party where nearly everyone has an awkward moment. The show has only one Halloween episode, and it’s iconic.
Cheers, “Fairy Tales Can Come True”
Cliff meets the woman of his dreams at the bar on Halloween night but is afraid to meet her out of costume. Meanwhile, Sam and Diane have their first non-romantic outing since the breakup. Not every Halloween episode needs scares. This one is sweet and character-driven.
The Big Bang Theory, “The Holographic Excitation”
Stuart throws a costume party at the comic shop, while Sheldon and Amy argue over a couple’s costume, Howard won’t stop talking about space, and Penny tries to learn about Leonard’s work. Several couples’ storylines get a Halloween backdrop, and it’s a good episode for the show’s costume ideas.
MASH, “Trick or Treatment”
The 4077th’s preparations for a big Halloween party turn into a nightmare when they’re deluged with casualties, one in particular whom everyone else thinks is dead. It balances pranks with tearful moments. It’s also the show’s only Halloween episode, and the cast includes some future famous faces.
Gilmore Girls, “Twenty-One Is the Loneliest Number”
The episode features Stars Hollow’s Halloween festivities and Rory’s 21st birthday. Stars Hollow is known for going overboard on festivities, and Halloween is no exception. It’s a cozy pick, not a scary one.
Roseanne, “BOO!”
The Conners’ first Halloween turns into a prank war. TVLine says the show’s first Halloween episode was also its best, hands down. The show went on to make Halloween an annual tradition.
Frasier, “Halloween”
Niles hosts a costume party where great literary characters are out in force, and Roz lets Frasier in on a secret. One roundup calls it one of the show’s best farces, with a major reveal that changes a character’s story for the rest of the series.
