10 of the best Halloween TV episodes

As a seasoned gamer with a heart for all things spooky and a soft spot for well-crafted TV shows, I’ve had my fair share of experiences delving into various worlds both virtual and on screen. And when it comes to Halloween specials, these are some of the ones that have left an indelible mark on me.

Halloween season often sees a surge in popularity for horror movies. Yet, TV shows tend to be overlooked despite their merits. For me, the Halloween episodes in TV series are particularly enjoyable, and I believe this aspect is becoming underappreciated. It would be great if TV shows consistently featured holiday specials, especially those centered around Halloween.

Here’s a list of TV shows that I absolutely love, along with some of my top-pick Halloween episodes – these ones really get me into the spooky spirit!

Buffy the Vampire Slayer “Halloween” (season 2, episode 6)

In the town of Sunnydale, it seems like Buffy just can’t catch a moment’s peace. On what should have been an ordinary Halloween, Buffy, Willow, and Xander find themselves unexpectedly roped into supervising trick-or-treating. However, things take an unusual twist when they unintentionally get magically transformed into the costumes they were wearing!

In a fascinating twist, if we were to reimagine “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” Buffy might find herself as an 18th-century girl, Willow could transform into a spirit, and Xander could become a soldier. This new version would have them struggling against vampires without Buffy’s slaying abilities. One of my most cherished TV series, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” evokes the spooky charm of Halloween in each episode. The 90s and the entire genre of vampire shows would have been drastically different without the influence of Buffy.

Where to watch: Tubi and Hulu

Bob’s Burgers “The Hauntening” (season 6, episode 3)

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Where to watch: Hulu

Stranger Things “Trick or Treat, Freak” (season 2, episode 2)

In this episode, we find that Will’s struggle continues as he grapples with his experiences from the Upside Down, yearning for a sense of normalcy. To try and improve his state, he joins his friends in trick-or-treating, but his troubling visions won’t let up. As the Mind Flayer draws nearer to Will, he becomes aware of the impending disaster looming over Hawkins. Despite its dark themes, the episode is still entertaining, showcasing some popular ’80s costumes and the group enjoying Halloween before chaos erupts once more.

Where to watch: Netflix

That ’70s Show “Too Old to Trick or Treat, Too Young to Die” (season 3, episode 4)

In this particular episode of That ’70s Show, each member of the group encounters chilling scenarios reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock films. Specifically, we see nods to Psycho (1960), North by Northwest (1959), Vertigo (1958), The Birds (1963), and Rear Window (1954). Each reference is handled skillfully, making me chuckle every time I rewatch it. This episode stands out as one of the best in the series for me, taking the top spot among my favorites.

Where to watch: Peacock

New Girl “Halloween” (season 2, episode 6)

As a gamer, I’m hosting a spooky soiree at a haunted house and I extend an invite to Sam. The twist? If he decides to join me, it’s a sign that he’s ready for something more serious between us. However, if he chooses not to attend, I’m cool with our current laid-back bond. On the sidelines, Nick tries to caution me about Sam possibly not reciprocating my feelings as deeply as I do. This episode of New Girl, in my view, outshines all other Halloween episodes because it offers a glimpse into the evolving relationship dynamics between Jess and Nick.

Where to watch: Hulu

Abbott Elementary “Candy Zombies” (season 2, episode 6)

At Abbott school, the students manage to gather every piece of Halloween candy and share it among all classes. It’s a thrill beyond belief that sends them into a frenzy. The teachers struggle to keep things orderly while figuring out who’s behind the candy distribution spree. This incident is one of my favorites due to the iconic costumes, such as Storm from X-Men, Wanda and Thanos from the Marvel Universe, and Lil Uzi Vert sporting a diamond in his head, which truly made the event memorable.

Where to watch: Hulu

American Horror Story “Halloween” (season 1, episode 4 and 5)

As a gamer immersed in this eerie Halloween tale, I’ve stumbled upon an intriguing twist: instead of one long episode, we’re treated to two! This is due to the sheer volume of secrets waiting to be unraveled about the ghostly inhabitants of this chilling abode. Each spirit gets their own haunting backstory, shedding light on how they met their untimely end in the infamous Murder House. And here’s the spooktacular twist: these spirits are bound to the house, only allowed to roam free on one night – Halloween!

In the second segment, Tate encounters spectral reminders of his past (in a literal sense), as well as the unforgiving reality of his actions towards them. This installment effectively wraps up the season’s narrative, and the progression of each character’s tale leaves you yearning for more.

Where to watch: Hulu and Amazon Prime

The Office “Halloween” (season 2, episode 5)

At Dunder Mifflin, everyone is enjoying Halloween, yet Michael Scott faces a significant dilemma: he must decide who to let go by the end of the day. Being characteristically indecisive, Michael delays this difficult choice and seeks someone else to make it for him. For me, the very first Halloween episode of “The Office” holds a special place in my heart.

Where to watch: Peacock

The Vampire Diaries “Haunted” (season 1, episode 7)

Vicky is a novice vampire who struggles with her thirst for blood. Instead of following the Salvatore brothers’ rules, she chooses to pursue seeing her boyfriend and attending the school’s Halloween celebration. However, at the party, her innate vampiric instincts take over, potentially endangering every student present.

I find myself repeatedly drawn to the series “Vampire Diaries,” unable to grow weary no matter how many times I view it. While it may not be overflowing with Halloween-themed episodes, each one offers an entertaining spin on the supernatural world, packed with plenty of captivating teenage vampire conflicts.

Where to watch: Peacock and Max

Friends “The One with the Halloween Party” (season 8, episode 6)

At Halloween, Monica hosts a party where guests don costumes. During this event, Phoebe encounters her twin sister’s future spouse. Upon meeting him, she becomes aware of her sister’s deception and feels compelled to reveal the truth. Regardless of popular opinion, I believe “Friends” is an enduring television show that warrants inclusion on any list, finding humor and entertainment in its unique storylines.

Where to watch: Max

2024-10-29 22:25