Script written by Nick Spake

Top 10 Halloween TV Episodes

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Halloween TV Episodes.

For this list, we’ll be looking at episodes of live-action shows that bring out the spirit of All Hallows’ Eve.

What’s your favorite Halloween episode? Let us know in the comments!

#10: “Stevil”
“Family Matters” (1989-98)

By this point in “Family Matters,” Steve Urkel had already invented a cloning machine and a teleportation pad. So, it was only a matter of time until he tangoed with an evil dummy - even if it was just a nightmare. Giving Chucky a run for his money, Stevil wants Steve all to himself. The dummy’s pursuit of the Winslow family makes leeway for a lot of creative and creepy scenarios, most memorably turning Harriet into a jack-in-the-box. Growing up, this episode had us sleeping with the lights on. Looking back years later, however, it’s admittedly pretty funny seeing a TGIF sitcom take such a twisted turn. Plus, how can you not smile at a dummy that dances? Whether you laugh or tremble, “Stevil” is unforgettable.

#9: “Who Got Dee Pregnant?”
“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (2005-)

This episode catches the audiences off guard with its Halloween theme. The Gang’s plan to spend a night at the museum is put on hold when Dee claims that one of the guys got her pregnant. Finding that the conception must’ve occurred on Halloween, they attempt to piece together that night’s events. The episode not only makes hilarious use of the Rashomon effect, but also cleverly ties everyone’s costumes into the story. Dennis is one half of the Mario Bros., Mac is “Viggio Morgenstein,” Charlie is the Vampire of the Opera, Dee is a birdy angel, and Frank is Spider-Man… er, we mean Man-Spider. A costume mixup leads to a horrifying revelation, although the true identity of Dee’s baby daddy thankfully isn’t so gross.

advertisement

#8: “Greg Pikitis”
“Parks and Recreation” (2009-15; 2020)

After a rocky first season, “Parks and Recreation” found its groove in Season 2. “Greg Pikitis” stood out as one of the show’s first truly great episodes, not to mention one of the funniest Halloween episodes ever. Leslie has always been passionate about her job, but Greg Pikitis brings out an especially aggressive side of her. Treating this teenage prankster like Public Enemy No. 1, Leslie is determined to end his trickery for good. Not even Burt Macklin can break Pikitis, but the Parks Department gets to the center of the peach by the night’s end. By bringing down her arch-nemesis, Leslie also develops a genuine friendship with Andy. Meanwhile, Anne throws a Halloween party that’s DOA, that is until Tom brings it to life.

#7: “Halloween”
“The Office” (2005-13)

Like “Parks and Rec,” “The Office” came into its own during Season 2 and “Halloween” was one of several episodes that helped shape the show’s unique identity. Honestly, Halloween at Dunder Mifflin isn’t too different from a normal day. It’s business as usual for some of the employees while Jim focuses his energy into toying with Dwight. Of course, this day stands out for a couple of reasons. Almost everyone is wearing a goofy costume, which hilariously contrasts Michael’s obligation to fire one of his workers. In typical “Office” fashion, the day ends on an awkward note, but at least Devon is dressed for unemployment. Between two-headed Michael and Three Hole Punch Jim, this episode has given us no shortage of inspired costume ideas.

#6: “Slutty Pumpkin”
“How I Met Your Mother” (2005-14)

The Mother wasn’t this sitcom’s only mystery woman. In Season One, Ted recounts his evening with a woman dressed as a pumpkin - or a “slutty pumpkin” as everyone calls her. Sadly, her number got lost on a Kit Kat Bar wrapper. Much like Linus in “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” Ted returns to the same party every year, hoping she’ll return. We might not get Snoopy as a World War I Flying Ace, but we do get to see Barney in the Danger Zone. A mix of one-liners, visuals gags, and romance made for one of the show’s most iconic episodes. Oh, and in case you were wondering, the Slutty Pumpkin isn’t the Mother, but she does share a resemblance to Katie Holmes.

#5: “Epidemiology”
“Community” (2009-15)

What do zombies, George Takei, and the music of Abba all have in common? Absolutely nothing, but they go together flawlessly in this uproarious episode. Due to an incompetent purchase on the Dean’s behalf, a Halloween party turns into a biohazard. It isn’t long until a zombie apocalypse of sorts breaks out, although it’s hard to take the situation that seriously when the only doctor is dressed as a banana. “Community” was always at its best whenever the writers went into full-blown parody mode and “Epidemiology” ranks up there with the funniest zombie comedies ever. The episode also offers some welcome character development for Troy as he embraces his inner nerd and his inner action hero. We knew the sexy vampire had it in him.

advertisement

#4: “The One with the Halloween Party”
“Friends” (1994-2004)

Thanksgiving might have been its specialty, but “Friends” dished out a Halloween treat in Season 8. The holiday brings out Rachel’s maternal side while Joey channels Chandler, although he doesn’t wear everything he owns this time. If you ever wanted to see a potato satellite arm wrestle a pink bunny, this episode will fulfill that strange request. As funny as Chandler and Ross’s costumes are, Gunther as Charlie Brown may be the most fitting outfit at Monica’s party. Lisa Kudrow singled this out as her favorite episode, noting that it gave people a much-needed laugh during a difficult time for the country. It was also a strong showcase for Kudrow, who got to play Phoebe and her twin sister Ursula while acting opposite Sean Penn.

#3: “Halloween”
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003)

Given its horror roots, “Buffy” had a year-round Halloweeney vibe. So, whenever the show turned in an official Halloween episode, the results were always extra special. It was tempting to select “Fear, Itself,” if only to see Anya dressed as her greatest fear: a bunny. Yet, it’s hard to top “Buffy’s” inaugural Halloween episode, which saw a spell turn Sunnydale locals into their costumes. This premise has been done in a few other shows, but “Buffy” executed the idea with the most wit and imagination. The episode allows several characters to play against type, transforming Buffy into a damsel and Xander into a no-nonsense soldier. All the while, Willow has an out of body experience. Fortunately, Buffy is ready to kick ass again before sunrise.

#2: “And Then There Was Shawn”
“Boy Meets World” (1993-2000)

Granted, this episode doesn’t take place on Halloween and initially aired in February. Due to its dark storyline and wicked sense of humor, though, we’ve all come to associate it with the holiday. Locked in school with a masked lunatic, Shawn attempts to navigate his friends through a horror movie. The episode encompasses the meta humor of “Scream,” albeit with a zanier edge. There’s even room for an “I Know What You Did Last Summer” alumna in Jennifer Love Hewitt. Come to think of it: you could argue that this was “Scary Movie” before “Scary Movie.” For all of its laughs and screams (most of which come courtesy of Angela), the ending offers a surprisingly deep revelation about Shawn’s dynamic with Cory and Topanga.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Halloween,” “Modern Family” (2009-20)
This Episode Won an Emmy for a Reason

“Jacked o' Lantern,” “Black-ish” (2014-)
Dre’s Obama Costume Is Spot-On

“Hex and the Single Guy,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” (1990-96)
Don’t Mess with the Interior Designer from “Beetlejuice”

“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Sam Winchester,” “Supernatural” (2005-20)
The Winchesters Do Halloween; It’s a Natural Fit

“Miracle on Dead Street,” “Fresh Off the Boat” (2015-20)
Dead Street Springs to Life with Mr. T

#1: “HalloVeen”
“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (2013-)

Ever since the first Halloween heist, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” has found new ways to top itself every October. By Season 5, you’d think that the writers would run out of tricks and treats. This is the show’s best Halloween episode for a few seasons, though. Staying true to the previous heists, there are twists and turns around every corner, keeping the audience on their toes. The ensemble fires on all cylinders, whether the characters are teaming up or stabbing each other in the back. The stakes are raised as well with a champion cummerbund on the line. While nobody technically wins the cummerbund, Amy does walk away with an engagement ring. Jake’s unexpected proposal propels the episode from greatness to near perfection, balancing laughs and heart.