9 most iconic Halloween special episodes from classic sitcoms to re-watch this spooky season

Every year, several sitcoms make special Halloween episodes.

For one night, living rooms and offices look different. Sets are covered in fake cobwebs, skeletons, and orange lights. Fans at home can feel the change. These are not just regular episodes. They give both actors and viewers something fresh and fun.

These episodes let writers try wild, spooky ideas. The main characters are often seen wearing funny or clever costumes, and sometimes they dress as monsters or famous people. Families watch these episodes together every October. Here are 9 of the best Halloween sitcom episodes ever made, which still bring joy, laughter, and memories.

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9 most iconic Halloween special episodes from classic sitcoms

Roseanne: “BOO!” (Season 2 - Episode 7)

Among all sitcoms, Roseanne celebrated Halloween perfectly. The episode “BOO!” showed the Conner family’s love for the holiday. The story is about a prank war between Roseanne and Dan. They both want to be the “Master of Halloween.” Their tricks become bigger and funnier. Dan drops a monster mask from the ceiling. Roseanne fools him with fake phone calls.

Together, the family builds their famous “Tunnel of Terror” in the basement. They use simple props but lots of creativity. The ending is perfect. Roseanne, dressed as a lumberjack, gives Dan the final scare. It’s one of TV’s most joyful Halloween moments.

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The Simpsons: “Treehouse of Horror V” (Season 6 - Episode 6)

Every year, The Simpsons makes a “Treehouse of Horror” episode. The fifth one is often called the best. It has three short stories. In “The Shining,” the family takes care of a haunted hotel. Homer’s line, “No TV and no beer make Homer go crazy,” became classic.

In “Time and Punishment,” Homer uses a broken toaster to travel through time. Each trip changes the future in strange ways. The story shows how small choices create big problems. The last part, “Nightmare Cafeteria,” takes place at Springfield Elementary. The teachers begin cooking and eating the students. The idea is shocking but funny. No doubt that the spooky opening credits and sharp writing make this episode unforgettable.

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Friends: “The One with the Halloween Party” (Season 8 - Episode 6)

Friends had only one Halloween episode, but one that became a fan favourite. It shows that Monica and Chandler host a costume party. The humor comes from the funny outfits. Ross arrives as “Spud-nik,” a mix of a potato and a satellite. His idea is smart but confusing. Chandler wears a pink bunny suit, Phoebe becomes Supergirl, and Joey copies Chandler’s usual outfit to tease him.

There’s a funny arm-wrestling contest between Ross and Chandler. Rachel gives candy to kids but finds it harder than she expected.. The episode captures the awkward, playful fun of adult costume parties.

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Frasier: “Halloween” (Season 5 - Episode 3)

This Frasier episode is a clever farce. Niles throws a fancy costume party with a literary theme. Frasier comes as Cyrano de Bergerac. Niles is Sherlock Holmes. During the party, a rumor spreads. Roz might be pregnant. Daphne overhears wrong details and thinks Frasier is the father. The gossip spreads fast.

Soon, everyone whispers strange things about Frasier. He tries to understand what’s going on. The mix-ups lead to chaos. The episode shows the show’s sharp humor and smart writing.

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Boy Meets World: “And Then There Was Shawn” (Season 5 - Episode 17)

In this episode aired in February 1998, the main group ends up locked in school. It shows a masked killer who starts hunting them. This Boy Meets World episode is a funny tribute to 1990s horror movies like Scream.

The characters here talk about “rules” for surviving scary movies. The suspense and jokes are balanced well. Jennifer Love Hewitt appears as a guest. The final twist shows that the entire event is Shawn’s dream.

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Home Improvement: “The Haunting of Taylor House” (Season 2 - Episode 6)

Tim Taylor loves Halloween and building things. In this episode, he creates a haunted maze in his basement for his son Brad’s party. It’s full of special effects and gadgets. Tim uses his “Tool Time” tricks to make it work.

But Jill, Al, and Wilson decide to get revenge on Tim’s constant pranks. They pull off an elaborate trick involving fake phone calls and a pretend ghost. Their plan works perfectly, and Tim finally gets scared. It’s a funny mix of family fun and light fright.

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The Dick Van Dyke Show: “The Ghost of A. Chantz” (Season 4 - Episode 1)

This 1964 episode helped start the sitcom Halloween trend. Rob, Laura, Buddy, and Sally stay at a remote cabin. The caretaker tells them ghost stories about a man named Mr. Chantz. Strange things soon happen. A piano plays by itself. Objects move on their own.

Rob tries to stay brave but is terrified. Dick Van Dyke’s physical comedy shines here. The episode feels spooky yet funny, making it a timeless Halloween classic.

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Cheers: “Fairy Tales Can Come True” (Season 3 - Episode 4)

This Cheers episode is not scary; it’s a simple story about hope and missed chances. It’s sweet and sad. The bar is full of people in costumes. Sam dresses as Groucho Marx. Diane is a nun. Cliff wears an explorer’s outfit as Ponce de León.

Cliff meets a woman dressed as Tinkerbell. They talk all night and seem perfect for each other. But a small misunderstanding ruins it. He never gets her number; the ending feels lonely but warm.

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Bewitched: “A Safe and Sane Halloween” (Season 1, Episode 7)

Samantha’s mortal guests wish to experience a “real” haunted house in Bewitched. Seeing this, Endora and Uncle Arthur feel insulted by their fake decorations. So they decide to show them real magic. They summon actual ghosts and monsters. And, definitely, the mortals panic.

The episode uses witchcraft to make a point about Halloween. It’s light and funny for viewers, mixing magic and human reactions perfectly.