Halloween TV: 10 special episodes to celebrate the spookiest night
Halloween is quickly approaching and, as usual, television programmers are looking to scare up some extra viewers with some prime-time treats of their own.
In addition to spooky-movie marathons, a number of regular series are airing Halloween-themed episodes over the next few nights. We’ve scanned the schedules and have picked out 10 that appear to be particularly creepy and/or kooky:
Oct. 24
“Evil”
It’s only fitting that a series called “Evil” offers up an episode set on Halloween night. Kristen and David are called on to assess an exorcism, but once they analyze the situation, they can’t agree on whether it’s a supernatural demonic possession, or severe mental disease escalated by physical and mental distress. In a subplot that is almost as creepy, Kristen’s costumed daughters find themselves dealing with a pint-sized Halloween prankster. (10 p.m., CBS).
Oct. 25
“Hawaii Five-0”
Things can get terrifying, even in paradise. It’s Halloween on Oahu and the team investigates a home invasion turned deadly after a dangerous “monster” escapes from the basement. (8 p.m., CBS).
“Magnum P.I.”
Let’s keep it in the islands for this episode in which Magnum and Jin (guest star Bobby Lee) dress up as John Lennon and Yoko Ono in an attempt to nab a fugitive at a Halloween bash, just as Katsumoto tracks an escaped killer who is headed to that same party. Also, Higgins and Rick must spend the night at an allegedly haunted house in order to debunk the notion, and TC and Kumu protect a sacred Hawaiian burial ground. (9 p.m., CBS).
Oct. 29
“Black-ish”
In an episode called “Everybody Blames Raymond,” Halloween is just around the corner and the Johnsons are not seeing eye to eye on the family costume. The only thing they do agree on is that Jack’s new friend Raymond has got to go. Meanwhile, Junior wants Devante’s first trick-or-treating experience to be perfect. (9:30 p.m., ABC).
Oct. 30
“The Goldbergs”
In “A 100% True Ghost Story,” Beverly scores a bargain on four paintings. Once they make it home, she and Adam determine something supernatural is causing them to be destroyed. Much to Murray’s dismay, they call a psychic for help. Meanwhile, Barry decides to throw a huge “Rocky Horror Picture Show”-themed party against Erica’s wishes. Their confrontation leads to a visit to the dean’s office. “Rocky Horror Picture Show” alum Barry Bostwick guest stars as Professor Majors. (8 p.m., ABC).
“Riverdale”
Life in Riverdale is creepy enough. Can things get any worse on Halloween? Perhaps. When ominous videotapes begin appearing on doorsteps across town, widespread fear quickly returns. At Stonewall Prep, Jughead learns about a series of mysterious disappearances that have occurred to former students at the school. Meanwhile, Archie’s plan to create a safe space for the town’s kids gets derailed when some unwanted visitors crash their Halloween party. Elsewhere, Veronica comes face to face with trouble, while Betty’s past comes back to haunt her. Lastly, a haunting at Thistlehouse unnerves Cheryl and Toni. (8 p.m., The CW).
“Modern Family”
The sitcom, which is in its final season, gives us an episode titled “The Last Halloween.” It finds Phil determined to finally scare Claire on the big night. Meanwhile, for the first time, Gloria is feeling self-conscious about her age when someone correctly assumes she is Jay’s wife; and Mitch and Cam head to the WeHo Halloween Carnival after Lily decides to go to her first Halloween party alone. (9 p.m., ABC).
Oct. 31
“Superstore”
In “Trick Or Treat,” Amy revs up the store’s Halloween spirit to impress the new district manager — even setting up a haunted house that Glenn is terrified to enter. Meanwhile, Cheyenne and Mateo wonder if any of the Cloud 9 employees are capable of murder. Justina Muchado guest stars. (8 p.m., NBC).
“Grey’s Anatomy”
In “Whistlin’ Past the Graveyard,” – Alex is hoping to impress investors at Pac-Gen North, but when he hears disturbing news about skeletons on the construction site grounds, he enlists Richard to help with distraction tactics. Teddy feels the pressure to be super-mom after tasking herself with creating original Halloween costumes for Allison and Leo, while Meredith fears she won’t make it home in time for trick-or-treating with her kids. Elsewhere, Jackson tends to a pediatric patient who is upset she is spending her Halloween in a hospital. (8 p.m., ABC).
“Perfect Harmony”
In “Halle-Boo-yah,” When Ginny tries to step inWhen Ginny tries to step into a new management role at work, Arthur helps her overcome her fears of inadequacy. And when Dwayne opts out of a longstanding Halloween tradition, Wayne fears that they’re growing apart. (8:30 p.m., NBC).
Also, on Halloween night …
“The 13 Scariest Movies of All Time”
What makes a scary movie scary? Find out in this special as Dean Cain counts down the scariest movies of all time. (8 p.m., The CW).