Horror movies are usually all the rage when it gets close to Halloween. But oftentimes, TV shows don't get the recognition they deserve. Halloween episodes are my favorite part of watching any TV series, and I think they are becoming a lost art. TV shows should always have holiday specials, especially Halloween ones.
Below, I shared a list of all of my personal favorite TV shows and my favorite Halloween episodes ever.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer “Halloween” (season 2, episode 6)
In Sunnydale, Buffy can never catch a break. Buffy, Willow, and Xander are volunteered to take kids trick or treating, but the night takes a turn when they magically become the costumes they are wearing.
Buffy becomes an 18th-century girl, Willow becomes a ghost, and Xander becomes a soldier, and they must try to survive the vampires without Buffy's slaying abilities. Buffy the Vampire Slayer is one of my favorite TV series ever, each episode feels like a Halloween special. The 1990s and vampire shows in general would have never been the same without Buffy.
Where to watch: Tubi and Hulu
Bob’s Burgers “The Hauntening” (season 6, episode 3)
Bob and Linda are wanting to scare their daughter Louise. They set up a haunted house that does little to scare her, but strange things start to happen when they decide to leave. Louise realizes her parents aren’t behind it all (even though they are), and she finally admits to being scared for the first time in her life. This episode is hilarious, like all the other episodes, but especially because of Bob and Linda, who are my favorite characters in the show.
Where to watch: Hulu
Stranger Things “Trick or Treat, Freak” (season 2, episode 2)
Will is still struggling with his return from the Upside Down, and all he wants is to feel normal. In an effort to feel better, he tries to go trick or treating with his party but can’t help the visions that plague him. The Mind Flayer gets closer and closer to Will, and he realizes the impending doom in Hawkins. This episode is so much fun despite the dark undertones. We get to see some iconic '80s costumes and the party enjoying the holiday before everything goes to hell again.
Where to watch: Netflix
That '70s Show “Too Old to Trick or Treat, Too Young to Die” (season 3, episode 4)
The gang are all having their own separate terrifying experiences that are homages to Alfred Hitchcock movies. The movies referenced are Psycho (1960), North by Northwest (1959), Vertigo (1958), The Birds (1963) and Rear Window (1954). All of the clear references in this episode are done so well, and it makes me laugh every time I watch it. This is arguably the best episode of That '70s Show and is definitely my favorite.
Where to watch: Peacock
New Girl “Halloween” (season 2, episode 6)
Jess is working at a haunted house and invites Sam to come. She gives herself an ultimatum that if he shows up, he is ready to commit to her. But if he doesn’t come, she is content with their casual relationship. Meanwhile, Nick tries to warn her that Sam doesn’t share the same feelings as she does. New Girl has quite a few Halloween episodes, and each of them is great, but this one is the best in my opinion because we get to see the dynamic between Jess and Nick grow.
Where to watch: Hulu
Abbott Elementary “Candy Zombies” (season 2, episode 6)
The students at Abbott get their hands on all of the Halloween candy and distribute it to every class. They get the candy rush of their lives and start acting crazy. The teachers try to get it under control, but they have to find who the culprit is distributing all the candy. This episode is one of my favorites because of the iconic costumes such as Storm from X-Men, Wanda and Thanos from the Marvel Universe, and Lil Uzi Vert with the diamond in his head.
Where to watch: Hulu
American Horror Story “Halloween” (season 1, episode 4 and 5)
This Halloween special is divided into two episodes because there is a lot to be revealed. The ghosts of the house all get their own backstory and how they ended up dead in murder house. We get to see that the ghosts are only allowed to leave on Halloween night.
In part 2, Tate is confronted with the ghosts of his past (literally) and the cold, hard truth of what he did to them. This episode really ties the season together, and seeing how the story of each character develops leaves you wanting more.
Where to watch: Hulu and Amazon Prime
The Office “Halloween” (season 2, episode 5)
Everyone is celebrating Halloween at Dunder Mifflin, but Michael must make a crucial decision. He has to choose someone to fire at the end of the day. Michael, being himself, drags this process out and wants someone to make the choice for him. The Office also has a few Halloween episodes, but the very first one has a special place in my heart.
Where to watch: Peacock
The Vampire Diaries “Haunted” (season 1, episode 7)
Vicky is a new vampire and can’t get her bloodlust under control. She rebels against the Salvatore brothers because she only wants to see her boyfriend and attend the school's Halloween party. At the party, she can’t help her nature and puts every student at risk.
The Vampire Diaries is a show I can rewatch over and over again and not get tired. The show only has a few Halloween episodes, but they are all enjoyable to watch, with tons of teenage vampire drama.
Where to watch: Peacock and Max
Friends “The One with the Halloween Party” (season 8, episode 6)
Monica throws a Halloween party, and we get to see everyone in their costumes. At this party, Phoebe meets her twin sister's fiancé. She realizes her sister has lied about herself, and Phoebe desperately wants to tell him the truth. Despite everyone's opinion, Friends is an iconic show that deserves a place on this list, and I think it's pretty funny and entertaining.
Where to watch: Max