Halloween TV Binge: 12 Episodes for the Perfect Night In

Friends – "The One with the Halloween Party" (Season 8, Episode 6)

In true Friends fashion, hilarity ensues when Monica and Chandler throw a Halloween party. Ross shows up dressed as "Spud-nik," a potato with an antennae, while Chandler sports a pink bunny costume—both of which are as ridiculous as they sound. Phoebe runs into her twin sister Ursula, who drops some surprising news, while Joey challenges Chandler to a physical competition against Ross. As everyone mingles in their quirky costumes, there's a bit of romance, some sibling rivalry, and, of course, that signature Friends humor.

The Simpsons – "Treehouse of Horror V" (Season 6, Episode 6)

This Simpsons Halloween special is one of the series' best, offering three haunting yet hilarious tales. The episode's highlight is the parody of The Shining, with Homer losing his mind while the family is snowed in at a deserted hotel—without TV or beer, naturally. In the Time and Punishment tale, a time-traveling toaster sends Homer to alternate realities where he can't seem to find his way back to normal. Lastly, the Nightmare Cafeteria tale shows the school staff turning into ravenous cannibals in a grisly twist. Expect plenty of dark humor and sharp satire.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer – "Halloween" (Season 2, Episode 6)

Halloween night in Sunnydale takes an unexpected turn when a mysterious costume shop owner, Ethan Rayne, casts a spell that causes everyone to transform into their costumes. Buffy, who dresses as an 18th-century noblewoman, becomes helpless and fragile, while Xander transforms into a tough military soldier. As chaos ensues throughout the town, it's up to Willow, who is dressed as a ghost, to take control and save her friends. This episode is a fun blend of humor and action, with a twist that leaves lasting consequences for the friend group.

The Office – "Halloween" (Season 2, Episode 5)

It's Halloween at Dunder Mifflin, and Michael is faced with the tough decision of having to fire someone by the end of the day. Meanwhile, everyone in the office shows up in costumes, with Jim dressed as a three-hole punch version of himself and Dwight as a Sith Lord. As the day drags on, Michael scrambles to find someone to fire while dealing with his usual insecurity and need for approval. This episode offers classic The Office awkwardness mixed with the fun of Halloween.

Roseanne – "Boo!" (Season 2, Episode 7)

Roseanne is known for their legendary Halloween episodes, and this one kicks off the tradition. The Conners go all out for the holiday, transforming their home into a haunted house with elaborate decorations and costumes. Rosanne gives her best effort in scaring Dan, while he is impatiently waiting all day to hear about an important business deal going through. This episode captures the playful, slightly chaotic spirit of Halloween with family members.

The Addams Family – "Halloween with the Addams Family" (Season 1, Episode 7)

Of course, the Addams Family would celebrate Halloween! In this black-and-white classic, the family prepares for their favorite holiday by decorating their already scary mansion. When Wednesday and Pugsley go trick-or-treating, they find a pair of robbers hiding in the yard. Thinking they're dressed in costume, Gomez invites them into the house to play Halloween games. This episode is packed with gags and one-liners, capturing the hilarious nature of the Addams Family.

Modern Family – "Halloween" (Season 2, Episode 6)

Continuing the family dynamics theme, Modern Family's first Halloween episode is a spooky fun time. Claire is revealed to be a Halloween fanatic, and her enthusiasm drives the whole family into chaos. While she's busy decorating the house to be the best on the block, Phil struggles with a new-found fear: divorce. Mitchell's secret Spider-Man suit leads to some embarrassing moments, while Gloria puts a much more upbeat twist on the phrase "dog-eat-dog world." with her costume. This episode perfectly blends family fun, relatable moments, and the absurdity that Modern Family is known for.

How I Met Your Mother – "Slutty Pumpkin" (Season 1, Episode 6)

Ted reminisces about a fateful Halloween party years ago where he met the "Slutty Pumpkin," a woman in a memorable costume who he's been trying to find ever since. Determined to finally meet her again, Ted returns to the same rooftop party every year, wearing the same hanging chad costume. Barney tries to pick up as many women as possible with ridiculous costumes, such as a red devil and a penguin. Meanwhile, Marshall and Lily enjoy their first Halloween as a married couple, going on a double date with Robin and her boyfriend.

Sabrina the Teenage Witch – "A Halloween Story" (Season 1, Episode 5)

In this early episode of Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Sabrina is forced to attend a family Halloween celebration instead of going to Harvey's party. She uses a spell to make a clone of herself so she can be in two places at once. Naturally, things don't go as planned, leading to plenty of chaotic, magical mishaps. The episode is entertaining, lighthearted, and packed with that nostalgic '90s charm.

That '70s Show – "Halloween" (Season 2, Episode 5)

In the show's first Halloween special, the gang from That '70s Show stumbles upon their old, abandoned elementary school while having fun on the year's spookiest night. Inside, they find remnants of their childhood memories—along with some surprises. As they explore, the group starts to freak each other out with stories of childhood fears and unrevealed secrets. The episode is filled with typical That '70s Show humor, making it a perfect Halloween watch.

Pretty Little Liars – "The First Secret" (Season 2, Episode 13)

This Pretty Little Liars Halloween special takes us back to before it all began, offering a glimpse into the lives of the Liars before Alison's disappearance. Set on Halloween night, The Liars hope to score an invite to Noel's Halloween party. Jenna challenges Ali for dominance as both are dressed up as Lady Gaga. Meanwhile, Aria learns a shocking revelation about Byron that changes her perception of him. The episode is filled with eerie moments, unsettling encounters, and the show's signature twists.

The Suite Life of Zack & Cody – "The Ghost of Suite 613" (Season 1, Episode 19)

In this classic Disney Channel Halloween episode, Zack and Cody investigate a haunted suite in the Tipton Hotel. After hearing spooky stories from the staff about the mysterious "Suite 613," the twins, along with Maddie, London, and Esteban, decide to spend a night there to see if the ghost is real. What starts as a fun, lighthearted challenge turns into a night of jump scares and ghostly encounters. This episode is both scary and hilarious, making it a perfect addition to any Halloween watchlist.

Whether it's the hijinks of the Addams Family, the supernatural scares in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or the hilarious costume mishaps in Friends, these Halloween episodes remind us why we love the holiday. From the nostalgic charm of That '70s Show to more recent twists in shows like Gossip Girl, These Halloween episodes are the perfect way to celebrate the season with a mix of comedy, drama, and just enough fright to keep things interesting!