For me, Halloween (not Christmas) is actually the most wonderful time of the year. We rounded up the best Halloween TV episodes on Netflix, so you can better enjoy the season: a time for Halloween parties, pumpkin spice lattes (don’t judge) and binge-watching scary stuff while hiding under a big, warm blanket. While I can never pass up quintessential Halloween fare like Hellraiser and The Shining, few things get me in the Halloween spirit like television, particularly classic Halloween episodes from beloved TV shows.
When it comes to Halloween, it’s not just the dressing up that gets me (though that’s definitely part of it). It’s just the spooky essence of the season (cobwebs! pumpkins! black cats!) that keeps me yearning for October all year long. There’s something about it that feels — dare we say it? — even cozier than the holidays, and we’re determined to make the most of every witchy moment.
Not all of these TV episodes are super scary — you can head over to our Stephen King round-up for that — but they are festive enough to get you into the Halloween spirit. Sit back, grab some candy corn (or not), and check out our top picks.
A version of this article was originally published October 2018.
‘Stranger Things’ — Chapter Two: Trick or Treat, Freak (Season 2, Episode 2)
It’s a Ghostbusters Halloween for Dustin, Lucas, Mike, and Will — but there’s friction when new girl Max is invited along for the ride. Meanwhile, Nancy struggles with her revelation about Barb and questions her relationship with Steve.
‘Grey’s Anatomy’ — Haunt You Every Day (Season 4, Episode 5)
In this episode, Meredith Grey is haunted by her “dead mommy” and spends the episode lugging her ashes around Seattle Grace until she can find an appropriate resting place. The episode doesn’t have a distinctly Halloween vibe (other than Lexie wearing a costume), but rejoice, horror fans: There is still a surprising amount of gore when a patient hacks off his own foot with a chainsaw.
‘Gilmore Girls’ — Pulp Friction (Season 5, Episode 17)
Logan lovers, rejoice — this episode centers on Rory and Logan’s sorta-kinda romance. The two end up at a Quentin Tarantino-themed Halloween party, ditch their significant others momentarily to make out, then decide to cool off (at least for this episode). Film buffs will enjoy the myriad Tarantino references; Gilmore Girls fans will enjoy how Lorelei finally tells Emily to shove it.
‘American Horror Story’ — Halloween (Season 1, Episodes 4 & 5)
On Halloween, it’s said that the dead can walk freely, and boy, do they in American Horror Story season one. Not only do we learn about the Murder House’s former owners, but we’re also treated to a lot more backstory on Tate, and tensions between Ben and Vivian finally boil over.
‘Orange Is The New Black’ — Mischief Mischief (Season 6, Episode 5)
Luschek enjoys newfound popularity among the guards after starting a Fantasy Inmate league. While pranksters run wild for Halloween, Maria struggles to find her place, and Linda tries to send Joe to Missouri.
‘NCIS’ — Murder 2.0 (Season 6, Episode 6)
A series of murders in Quantico, Virginia are tied by a mysterious clue: a URL left with each victim. After a witness interrogation gone wrong, This episode has fun referencing classic horror movies like Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Rosemary’s Baby, and explores the psychology of serial killers — both make it a perfect Halloween treat.
‘Happy Endings’ — Spooky Endings (Season 2, Episode 5)
While plenty of episodes on this list feature some elaborate costumes, this episode of the beloved ABC series Happy Endings featured two people dressed as a mom and a baby, while they’re both trying to flirt with other people at a party. You have to see it to believe, and you can on Netflix!
‘Riverdale’ — Chapter One Hundred Twenty-Eight: Halloween II (Season 7, Episode 11)
Whether you love it or hate it, you have to admit: Riverdale is entertaining. It has quite a few Halloween episodes, including in season 7, episode 11: this episode follows Veronica (Camila Mendes) hosting a ghost show, Betty (Lili Reinhart) having a needed day out, and Jughead (Cole Sprouse) uncovering a mystery,
‘BoJack Horseman’ — Mr. Peanutbutter’s Boos (Season 5, Episode 8)
The beloved animated series Bojack Horseman knows how to hit you in the feelings, and really show life with depression and societal pressures. In this episode, it’s BoJack’s 25th annual Halloween party. Mr. Peanutbutter reazlies he has a pattern with ruining relationships at around Halloween and his ex-wife helps his new girlfriend.
‘How I Met Your Mother’ — The Slutty Pumpkin Returns (Season 7, Episode 8)
Like many sitcoms, How I Met Your Mother has quite a few Halloween episodes, but none more iconic than this episode from season seven. Ever since season one, the lead, Ted Mosby, has been trying to find the girl of his dreams he met on Halloween years prior: who was dressed as a Slutty Pumpkin. However, when they finally meet, it doesn’t go according to plan.
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