And since we’re bad at picking just one, here are some of our runners-up!
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
#1.54 “Trick or Treat”
Originally aired May 3, 1994
The second Halloween episode of the original iteration of Power Rangers is a wonderful representation of the weird, kitschy 90s charm of the show. This episode features Kimberly and Skull competing on a Halloween-themed game show (for some reason); a fight with one of the all-time best monsters, the Pumpkin Rapper, who’s literally a pumpkin that only speaks in rap verses; and the inspiration for this amazing GIF.
Boy Meets World
#5.17 “And Then There Was Shawn”
Originally aired February 27, 1998
This surprisingly cerebral installment is shocking in how violent it is for a teen sitcom, in which the cast is gradually murdered during detention à la every teen slasher ever. It’s a surprisingly deep and unique look at Shawn’s psyche and insecurity in the face of a Corey/Topanga break-up, but it’s also totally hysterical. The characters are at their prime, and the Scream-influenced self-awareness yields some hilarious pop culture references–like a guest appearance from Jennifer Love Hewitt, and even “Oh my god, they killed Kenny!” jokes.
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
Originally aired October 27, 1966
We’d be remiss to not mention this TV classic, which features the Peanuts crew’s trick-or-treat escapades and Linus’s unending faith in the arrival of the Great Pumpkin. Despite clocking in at a mere half-hour, this special has thrived for nearly 50 years now–just as every other Peanuts special has–and still holds up for kids today and nostalgic adults alike. It’s also a nice reminder that, even if you don’t get as much candy as you’d like on Halloween, at least you didn’t get a rock.
What are your favorite Halloween specials? Sound off in the comments!
