There are two schools of thought on Halloween-themed entertainment. Some think the only way to properly celebrate the holiday from the comfort of your own couch is to watch as much blood, guts, and overall scary content as possible. For the squeamish and easily spooked, however, Halloween TV means rewatching your favorite characters don dorky costumes and whine about passing out candy. These episodes generally expose the antagonists' real fears or, finally, unite potential couples in haunted houses.
Halloween episodes are often some of the best holiday specials on TV. They don't get as sappy as the Christmas celebrations but seem way more festive than the Valentine's Day fare. Here are a few All Hallow's Eve-themed episodes to kick off your not-so-haunted marathons.
Community
"Horror Fiction in Seven Spooky Steps" (2011)
Community loved its Halloween episodes, but not even their (very brief) take on the zombie apocalypse could compete with their send-up of horror tropes (Abed would have survived any slasher flick).
How I Met Your Mother
"Slutty Pumpkin" (2005)
This is the episode that introduced HIMYM fans to so many recurring gags, from the titular "Slutty Pumpkin" to Marshall and Lily's epic couples costumes.
Gilmore Girls
"Twenty-One is the Loneliest Number" (2005)
For a series so obsessed with fall, Gilmore Girls really doesn't spend that much time on Halloween. Here, you're reminded that the people of Stars Hallow are kind of scary all year round.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
"Halloween" (1997)
There are two types of Buffy fans — the ones who prefer season four's Halloween special, that delves into each character's deepest fear as they physically manifest themselves, and those who like to hear Buffy ask her one true love "Do you have a musket?" I am the latter.
Parks and Recreation
"Meet N Greet" (2011)
Andy and April know how to throw a Halloween party full of bloodshed and home accessories that could actually kill you.
Supernatural
"Pilot" (2005)
If you're looking for something a little less like a sitcom and a bit more spooky, you can always dive into this Supernatural pilot. You'll also learn an important lesson — if someone is vague about why they hate Halloween, they're somehow involved with actual ghosts.
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