Ready to get into the Halloween spirit? Grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and check out these must-watch Halloween TV specials!
1. “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”
We can’t talk about Halloween specials without mentioning this timeless classic. "It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" has been a staple of Halloween viewing since it first aired in 1966. Follow the Peanuts gang as they celebrate Halloween, with Linus eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Great Pumpkin. The humor and charm of this special make it perfect for viewers of all ages.
If you want a heartwarming experience filled with nostalgia, this is a must-watch. Plus, who doesn’t love seeing Charlie Brown’s never-ending trick-or-treating woes?
Perfect For: Families and those who love classic animation.
2. "The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror"
For over 30 years, The Simpsons have delivered annual Halloween episodes with their Treehouse of Horror series. These episodes are known for their hilarious (and sometimes terrifying) parodies of horror movies, sci-fi, and pop culture.
Each "Treehouse of Horror" episode is divided into three mini-stories, giving you a variety of spooky content in one sitting. From alien invasions to zombie outbreaks, you’ll find plenty of ghoulish laughs and clever references. If you’re a fan of the show or just looking for something fun and spooky, these episodes are perfect for a Halloween binge.
Perfect For: Comedy lovers and fans of pop culture references.
3. "Stranger Things" (Season 2, Episode 2: “Trick or Treat, Freak”)
If you're craving a mix of sci-fi, 80s nostalgia, and Halloween goodness, look no further than Stranger Things. While the entire show is packed with spooky moments, Season 2’s Halloween episode, "Trick or Treat, Freak," stands out. The kids of Hawkins dress up as Ghostbusters and hit the streets for some trick-or-treating. But as you’d expect from Stranger Things, it’s not all fun and games.
This episode sets the tone for the darker events that follow in the season while still giving you all the Halloween feels. It’s the perfect combination of suspense, heart, and nostalgia.
Perfect For: Sci-fi fans and those who love 80s throwbacks.
4. "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (Season 2, Episode 6: “Halloween”)
No Halloween TV guide would be complete without a mention of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The show has several memorable Halloween episodes, but Season 2’s "Halloween" is a fan favorite. In this episode, Buffy and her friends are transformed into their Halloween costumes, resulting in some hilarious and dangerous situations.
It’s a great mix of humor, action, and supernatural thrills, with a dash of character development. Even if you’ve never watched Buffy before, this episode is a fun, standalone adventure perfect for the spooky season.
Perfect For: Fans of supernatural drama and strong female leads.
5. "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" (Season 4, Episode 5: “Halloween IV”)
For a Halloween episode full of laughs and lighthearted competition, you can’t go wrong with Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s annual Halloween Heist episodes. One of the best is "Halloween IV," where Jake and the squad engage in an over-the-top competition to determine who is the “Ultimate Detective/Genius.”
The series combines clever writing with plenty of Halloween antics, making it a fun and entertaining watch. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, the Halloween episodes are guaranteed to make you laugh out loud.
Perfect For: Comedy lovers and fans of lighthearted mysteries.
6. "Supernatural" (Season 4, Episode 7: “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Sam Winchester”)
For fans of horror and the supernatural, Supernatural’s “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Sam Winchester” is a must-watch. The Winchester brothers find themselves facing an ancient witch who’s trying to raise a dangerous demon on Halloween night. This episode delivers all the chills, thrills, and dark humor that fans of the show love.
If you're looking for something a bit scarier to get you in the Halloween mood, Supernatural has you covered. The combination of lore, monsters, and brotherly banter makes this episode a spooky standout.
Perfect For: Horror fans and lovers of supernatural themes.
7. "Modern Family" (Season 2, Episode 6: “Halloween”)
For those who prefer more lighthearted, family-friendly entertainment, Modern Family’s Halloween episode is a must-watch. In "Halloween," Claire Dunphy goes all-out with her plans to create the ultimate haunted house, but things don’t go quite as expected.
This episode is full of hilarious moments and awkward situations, as each family member deals with their own Halloween-related mishaps. If you’re in the mood for something fun and heartwarming, this is a perfect pick.
Perfect For: Families and fans of feel-good comedies.
8. "American Horror Story: Murder House" (Season 1, Episodes 4 & 5: “Halloween”)
If you're looking for something truly terrifying, American Horror Story has plenty of Halloween-worthy content. The first season, Murder House, features a two-part Halloween special that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
In these episodes, the spirits trapped in the Murder House are free to roam on Halloween, leading to some horrifying confrontations. With its dark, twisted plot and chilling atmosphere, this show is perfect for those who want a serious dose of horror.
Perfect For: Hardcore horror fans and those who love dark, complex stories.
9. "The Office" (Season 2, Episode 5: “Halloween”)
Looking for some office hijinks mixed with Halloween fun? The Office delivers with its Halloween-themed episode from Season 2. In this episode, Michael Scott has to choose someone to fire while the entire office is dressed up in ridiculous costumes.
With its signature blend of awkward humor and heartwarming moments, this episode is a Halloween treat for fans of the show. Plus, who can forget Dwight's iconic Sith Lord costume?
Perfect For: Fans of workplace comedies and awkward humor.
10. "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" (Season 1, Episode 5: “A Halloween Story”)
For a dose of 90s nostalgia, Sabrina the Teenage Witch is a great option. In "A Halloween Story," Sabrina finds herself in a tricky situation when she has to attend two Halloween events at the same time—one with her aunts and another with her friends. Using magic to clone herself, Sabrina’s plan doesn’t go as smoothly as expected.
This lighthearted episode is packed with magical mishaps and funny moments, making it a great option for a laid-back Halloween night.
Perfect For: 90s kids and fans of magical comedies.
Get Ready for Halloween Night!
No matter your style—comedy, horror, or family fun—there's a Halloween TV special out there for you. These episodes and specials offer the perfect way to get into the spooky spirit, whether you’re hosting a watch party with friends or enjoying a quiet night in. So, as you carve pumpkins and prep your costumes, don’t forget to set aside some time for these hauntingly good shows!
Happy watching, and have a spook-tacular Halloween!