The Ultimate Halloween Sitcom Episodes: Unveiling the Top 13 Gems with a Surprise Twist!
Sitcoms have produced some of the most memorable Halloween episodes ever! From Parks and Recreation to Boy Meets World, these comedic gems will have you laughing and spooked in equal measure
The best Halloween episodes go beyond the norm and bring something fresh to the table. "And Then There Was Shawn" from Boy Meets World is a perfect example. Directed by Jeff McCracken and written by Jeff Menell, this season 5 episode, which aired in February 1998, introduced a creative shift in the usually predictable family comedy series.
The story delves into the aftermath of Cory and Topanga's breakup, causing Shawn, their best friend, to feel distraught. A minor disagreement with classmate Kenny over a pencil quickly spirals out of control, resulting in the trio, along with Angela, Eric, Jack, and Mr. Feeny, being trapped inside the school after detention. Unbeknownst to them, a killer lurks among them.
"And Then There Was Shawn" fearlessly pushes Boy Meets World into uncharted territory, featuring genuine moments of suspense, shocking deaths, and numerous nods to 90s horror films.
In August 2022, Strong shared in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that he initially found the idea to be extremely unusual. He mentioned that although the show had previously explored some episodes that had a wild storyline, such as the crossover with Sabrina the Teenage Witch, he had never been a fan of deviating from the show's established structure until he read the script for "And Then There Was Shawn."
He fondly recalled his immediate love for this particular episode, finding it utterly hilarious. As someone who greatly appreciates horror films, Strong mentioned being a fan of movies like Scream and the resurgence of horror films during that time. Hence, he couldn't help but adore the script for "And Then There Was Shawn."
The episode featured something that other sitcoms did not: a cameo by Jennifer Love Hewitt, who was dating Friedle at the time. Hewitt had recently starred in the successful horror movie, I Know What You Did Last Summer. When asked about Hewitt's role on the show, Friedle explained that they were in a relationship for about a year and a half or two years. The show's co-creator, Michael Jacobs, wanted to include someone from the horror genre, so Friedle asked Hewitt if she would be interested. Since they were close and knew everyone on the cast, it was a perfect fit.
Despite the fact that Shawn himself is revealed to be the actual killer (spoiler alert!), the cast found this explanation to be somewhat too "cheesy" for the episode's spooky theme. Nonetheless, Strong, Friedle, and Fishel consider it to be their "best" experience on the set of Boy Meets World. On the other hand, McCracken, the director, may have had a different experience.
"From a directorial standpoint, this episode was a disaster for Jeff. He was not happy with us," Strong joked. "It's extremely challenging to execute single-camera jokes and effects with a multi-camera crew. He clearly had specific shots and homages in mind, along with unique camera angles, and I think it was a nightmare. We didn't help by constantly making each other laugh and not taking the job seriously. I believe it was a really tough episode for Jeff."
Keep scrolling for your guide to the best Halloween sitcoms of all time:
Credit: Youtube ; Peacock ; CBS
The 13 Best Halloween Sitcom Episodes of All Time: ‘Boy Meets World,’ ‘Parks and Rec’ and More
Everyone enjoys seeing their beloved sitcom characters getting dressed up and causing some mischief on Halloween. However, the most outstanding Halloween episodes are the ones that push the boundaries and think differently.
"And Then There Was Shawn" from Boy Meets World is a perfect example of such an episode. Airing in February 1998 and directed by Jeff McCracken, this episode, written by Jeff Menell, brought a refreshing and creative shift to the usually predictable family comedy series.
In "And Then There Was Shawn," the aftermath of Cory and Topanga's breakup has a profound impact on their best friend, Shawn. A confrontation over a pencil with classmate Kenny quickly escalates, leading the group of friends, including Angela, Eric, Jack, and Mr. Feeny, to find themselves trapped inside the school after detention. However, their situation takes a sinister turn as they realize there is a killer on the loose. This episode of Boy Meets World combines genuine jump scares, graphic deaths, and numerous nods to '90s horror movies, pushing the boundaries of a network sitcom.
In August 2022, Strong shared with Entertainment Weekly his thoughts on a particular episode of the show. He recalled initially finding it incredibly wild, while acknowledging that the series had already ventured into unconventional territory with episodes such as the crossover with Sabrina the Teenage Witch. However, it was not until he read the script for "And Then There Was Shawn" that he became a fan of breaking the show's rules. He fondly remembered instantly falling in love with the script, finding it absolutely hilarious. Being a passionate aficionado of horror films, particularly the Scream franchise and the resurgence of the genre at that time, he couldn't help but adore it.
The episode stood out from other sitcoms by featuring a cameo from Jennifer Love Hewitt, who was dating Friedle at the time and had recently gained popularity through her role in the horror film I Know What You Did Last Summer. Friedle explained that the idea to have Hewitt on the show came from cocreator Michael Jacobs, who wanted someone from the horror genre. Friedle, being close to Hewitt, approached her about the opportunity, and it seemed like a natural fit since she was familiar with the cast and they were familiar with her.
Although the actual killer is revealed to be (spoiler alert!) Shawn himself, the cast felt that this explanation was a bit too "cheesy" for the spooky narrative of the episode. Nevertheless, Strong, Friedle, and Fishel consider it to be their "best" time on set during the run of Boy Meets World. However, McCracken, the director, may have had a different experience.
"This episode was a disaster for Jeff in terms of directing," Strong jokingly remarked. "It was challenging to incorporate single-camera jokes and effects with a multi-camera crew. He had specific shots and homages in mind, along with quirky camera angles, but it turned into a nightmare. We didn't help matters by constantly making each other laugh and not taking the job seriously. It was a really tough episode for Jeff."
Keep scrolling for your guide to the best Halloween sitcoms of all time:
Credit: Youtube
‘Parks and Recreation’: ‘Greg Pikitis’ (Season 2, Episode 7)
In this episode, Leslie Knope, portrayed by Amy Poehler, takes on the challenge of preventing Greg Pikitis, a notorious high school troublemaker, from vandalizing the town's park on Halloween. Despite Leslie's usual knack for being one step ahead, she is outsmarted by her teenage arch nemesis, providing a delightful twist to the story. Cody Klop's portrayal of Pikitis adds to the humor and he would later make amusing appearances throughout the seven seasons of Parks and Recreation.
Credit: Youtube
‘The Office’: ‘Halloween’ (Season 2, Episode 5)
"The Office" is famous for its holiday-themed episodes, and it was season 2's "Halloween" episode that started this trend. Corporate puts pressure on Michael Scott (played by Steve Carell) to fire someone before the day ends, which puts a damper on the office's Halloween party. Without spoiling the ending, Michael's procrastination and indecision creates utter chaos among the employees.
Credit: Youtube
‘Brooklyn 99’: ‘Halloween’ (Season 1, Episode 6)
Another first Halloween-themed episode that would spark a trend, Brooklyn 99’s sixth episode of season 1 would lay a foundation for a tradition of Halloween Heists.
Starting with a simpler tone compared to the subsequent heists, "Halloween" kicks off with Jake (played by Andy Samberg) embarking on a quest to prank Holt (portrayed by Andre Braugher) by swiping his Medal of Valor from his office. Holt, as always, finds himself reluctantly roped into Jake's shenanigans, yet there are unexpected twists in the plot that will undoubtedly leave you both surprised and delighted.
Credit: Youtube
‘Boy Meets World’: ‘And Then There Was Shawn’ (Season 5, Episode 17)
The fractured gang, still reeling from Cory and Topanga's unexpected breakup, are trapped inside their high school, desperately evading a relentless serial killer who is methodically eliminating them one by one.
Credit: Youtube
‘Community’: ‘Epidemiology’ (Season 2, Episode 6)
Greendale students consume a dangerous substance during a Halloween party, resulting in their transformation into zombies. In response, the Army imposes a strict lockdown on the campus while Jeff (Joel McHale) and his study group friends scramble to find a way to escape before they too fall victim to the infection. This episode combines elements from popular horror films like Dawn of the Dead and Alien to create a perfect mix of humor and fright.
Credit: Youtube
‘Modern Family’: ‘Halloween’ (Season 2, Episode 6)
A woman who truly understands our passions, Claire (Julie Bowen), reveals her unwavering devotion to Halloween as she sets out to transform the Dunphy house into an exceptionally spine-chilling haunted house. Despite the distractions of their individual dramas, the rest of the family eventually unites to grant Claire an unforgettable night filled with spine-tingling thrills.
Credit: Youtube
‘Sabrina the Teenage Witch’: ‘A River of Candy Corn Runs Through It’ (Season 2, Episode 7)
After being excluded from Libby's Halloween bash, Sabrina and her best friend Valerie take matters into their own hands by organizing their own party. Sabrina's aunts eagerly join in to make it a memorable event, but their enthusiasm results in a chaotic mess involving animated furniture, an abundance of candy corn, and spooky creatures materializing.
Sabrina has always excelled in Halloween-themed episodes, and "A River of Candy Corn Runs Through It" strikes the ideal combination of nostalgic enjoyment and safe thrills for the whole family.
Credit: Youtube
‘The Middle’: ‘Halloween’ (Season 2, Episode 6)
Frankie (Patricia Heaton) eagerly anticipates attending a Halloween party in their neighborhood, but her husband Mike (Neil Flynn) is not quite enthused about the spooky celebrations. With contrasting perspectives on the October festivities, including his unwavering refusal to dress up as anyone other than himself, the couple finds themselves engaging in a comical argument before eventually reconciling with warmth.
Axl (portrayed by Charlie McDermott) devises a strategy to attract girls at an exclusive haunted house, while Sue (played by Eden Sher) joins in the festivities with the youth group. Meanwhile, Brick (portrayed by Atticus Shaffer) indulges in trick-or-treating wearing a peculiar costume. This is a classic Halloween episode of a suburban sitcom, capturing the essence of the holiday.
Credit: Youtube
‘How I Met Your Mother’: ‘The Slutty Pumpkin’ (Season 1, Episode 6)
Despite the slightly problematic episode title, the actual episode remains highly enjoyable. Ted (Josh Radnor) and Barney (Neil Patrick Harris) make a yearly tradition of attending their Halloween party on the rooftop of Ted's apartment building, hoping to encounter a woman Ted had a fleeting encounter with in the past, dubbing her the "slutty pumpkin" due to his failure to learn her name. Although there is no exciting reunion this time, this storyline sets the stage for a fun and captivating follow-up episode in season 7, featuring a cameo by Katie Holmes.
Credit: Youtube
‘Abbott Elementary’: ‘Candy Zombies’ (Season 2, Episode 6)
As the day nears its end, an unexpected incident occurs when a student makes off with a bag of candy intended for the children. Unfolding during school hours, the determined staff rally together to apprehend the culprit and simultaneously manage the exuberant, sugar-fueled youngsters.
Janine (Quinta Brunson) receives an invitation to a Halloween party organized by a former acquaintance, prompting her to reevaluate her romantic choices. Without a doubt, Abbott Elementary consistently excels, continuously delivering exceptional content!
Credit: Youtube
‘Superstore: Halloween Theft’ (Season 2, Episode 7)
After an accused robbery, Dina (portrayed by Lauren Ash) initiates a comprehensive examination across the entire store, causing a disruption in everyone's Halloween festivities. In a separate instance, Jonah (played by Ben Feldman) and Cheyenne (portrayed by Nichole Sakura) develop a connection, while Garrett (portrayed by Colton Dunn) defends himself against Dina's interrogation, realizing that he is becoming even more attracted to her than ever before.
Credit: Youtube
‘Brooklyn 99’: ‘HalloVeen’ (Season 5, Episode 4)
"HalloVeen" succeeds in bringing exhilaration to Brooklyn 99's fifth Halloween episode. What begins as a customary B99 heist rapidly transforms into the ultimate plot twist, where one person (whose identity we won't reveal) takes a knee. This peculiar proposal perfectly complements the whimsical charm of this unconventional police sitcom on television.
Credit: Youtube
‘Parks and Recreation’: ‘Meet ’N’ Greet’ (Season 4, Episode 5)
Tom (played by Aziz Ansari) undermines Leslie's chances of gaining support from the business community in order to promote his own business, Entertainment 7Twenty. Meanwhile, the Halloween festivities take place at Andy (Chris Pratt) and April's (Aubrey Plaza) impromptu party, which they fail to inform their roommate Ben (Adam Scott) about.
Episodes featuring April and Andy are consistently delightful, and this particular one showcases the reasons why these contrasting personalities make an ideal couple.
In this article
Adam Scott
Amy Poehler
Andy Samberg
Aubrey Plaza
Ben Savage
Chris Pratt
Danielle Fishel
Joel McHale
Josh Radnor
Julie Bowen
Melissa Joan Hart
