Let’s face it. When we were kids, some of the best parts of Halloween where the TV specials and movies. You had "Phantom of the Multiplex," you had "The Little Vampire," you had spooky episodes of "Suite Life of Zack and Cody" and "Spongebob Squarepants." But now that we’re older, wiser, and have a higher comedic threshold, that means that we can’t indulge in the TV specials of our youth the way we once did. However, we can totally watch the Halloween episodes of our fave TV shows and sink back into the warm nostalgic embrace of Halloween.
1). The Office, “Costume Party” (Season 7, Episode 6)
Jim in a Pop-Eye costume. NEED I SAY MORE? Fine, I will. Daryl goes over Michael’s head to Corporate for an idea, Gabe dresses as Lady Gaga, and I’ve never been more uncomfortable. Sheer, tense humor and weirdness.
2). Parks and Recreation, “Greg Pikitis” (Season 2, Episode 7)
Literally one of the best episodes. You’ve got Leslie Knope at her peak crazy, the addition of Louis C.K., and Ann Perkins dressed as Raggedy Ann. Fun, spooky, and spoopy, “Greg Pikitis” proves that just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean you can’t have a middle school nemesis.
3). Brooklyn Nine-Nine, “Halloween” (Season 1, Episode 6)
The first season of Brooklyn Nine-Nine is something to behold. Rarely has a show had such a cohesively funny voice from the get-go, but this is one that does. “Halloween” has gimmicks, crime, and an impossible bet between Jake and Captain Holt. Plus, it’s a recurring bet over the next three seasons.
4). Bob’s Burgers, “Full Bars” (Season 3, Episode 2)
Louise, Tina and Gene head to King’s Head Island for “full-sized candy bars” only to fall prey to the Hell Hunt, where mean high schoolers steal candy from middle-schoolers. The B-story about Bob and Linda at a costume party is cute because Linda is always cute, but the story with the kids, ending in utter victory over the bullies, is amazing.
5). Community, “Epidemiology” (Season 2, Episode 6)
Weird, apocalyptic and perfect. "Community" tinges the Halloween party with a deadly dose of "Walking Dead," ending with everyone getting amnesia from the chemicals. "Community" nails holiday specials like nothing I’ve ever seen before.
6). New Girl, “Halloween” (Season 2, Episode 6)
Possibly the best usage of pun-related costumes. “Bee Arthur,” “Reigning Cats and Dogs.” Jess is working at a haunted house and realizes she wants more from her friend-with-benefits. Guest appearances from David Walton and Maria Thayer.
7). Glee, “The Rocky Horror Glee Show” (Season 2, Episode 5)
Remember when "Glee" wasn’t a total mess? This episode includes boyz looking cute in gold underwear, John Stamos, and songs pulled from the "Rocky Horror Picture Show." The "Glee" cast brings a true Halloween classic to the mainstream and I’m living for it.
This list is obviously not exhaustive, so hit me up with your favorite Halloween TV episodes! But not right now, because I need to watch all of these immediately and over-and-over again.
