Written by: Venise Blow
For many of us who grew up watching sitcoms in the 90’s and early 2000’s, some of our favorite Halloween memories came from seeing our favorite television characters trade their everyday routines for costumes, ghost stories and sometimes even a supernatural encounter. From elaborate pranks to horror movie references, there was always something entertaining about watching a sitcom embrace the spooky side of things.
Black sitcoms especially knew how to have fun with the holiday.Shows like Family Matters, Martin, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air gave us episodes that were just as memorable as the series themselves. Whether you’re in the mood for something funny, a little creepy, or simply nostalgic, these episodes have plenty to offer. If you’re looking to switch things up between horror movies this October, these Black sitcom episodes are worth adding to your watchlist.
Family Matters: “Stevil”
Season 8, Episode 7 (1996)
Of all the Halloween episodes to come out of the 90s, Family Matters might have delivered one of the creepiest. When Steve Urkel (Jaleel White) introduces a ventriloquist dummy modeled after himself , things take a disturbing turn after the puppet comes to life and begins terrorizing the Winslow family.
While Family Matters was known for its family-friendly humor, “Stevil” leaned surprisingly far into horror. Between the creepy puppet design, and outlandish scenarios, this episode is a reminder of just how creative sitcom Halloween specials could be.
For those interested in revisiting the nightmare inducing puppet episode, Family Matters is available to stream on Hulu.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: “Hex and the Single Guy”
Season 4, Episode 7 (1993)
When Hilary (Karyn Parsons) arranges a séance to communicate with her late Fiance’, Trevor (Brian Stokes Mitchell), the Banks family finds themselves dealing with more than they anticipated.Will’s skepticism towards the medium results in a curse that sends the family’s lives in complete chaos.Will (Will Smith) refuses to take things seriously until a series of unfortunate events make him reconsider. What makes this episode particularly enjoyable is how it brings all the Banks family into the Halloween festivities.
You can revisit this Halloween episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air on Hulu and Disney+.
Martin: “The Night He Came Home”
Season 1, Episode 10 (1992)
It’s difficult to imagine Martin Payne (Martin Lawrence) taking anything supernatural seriously,which makes this Halloween episode even more entertaining. After teasing Gina (Tisha Campbell) and their friends for being easily frightened, Martin finds himself at the center of a spooky prank involving the legend of Old Man Ackerman, a former tenant who supposedly died in the building.When they decide to hold a séance and attempt to communicate with the spirit world it leads to a night filled with strange things popping off.
One of the best things about Martin was the chemistry between the cast. The Halloween episode gave the actors another chance to play off one another while embracing some wild scenarios.
If you’re in the mood for a little Halloween comedy, you can find Martin streaming on Netflix, Paramount+ and Peacock.
Living Single: “Trick or Trust”
Season 2, Episode 8 (1994)
Halloween in Brooklyn comes with costumes, drama, and a few attempts to scare the unshakable Maxine Shaw (Erika Alexander). While Kyle (Terrence C. Carson), Overton (John Henton), and Synclaire (Kim Coles) try to spook Maxine, Khadijah (Queen Latifah) begins questioning Scooter’s (Cress Williams) loyalty and confronts him at a Halloween party.
Unlike some of the more horror-inspired episodes on this list, Living Single takes a more lighthearted approach.
The costumes and halloween atmosphere are fun additions but the real appeal is watching the characters navigate another messy situation together.Its a great pick for viewers who prefer their spooky season with more comedy than scare.
You can catch “Trick or Trust” on Hulu or Disney +
Moesha: “I know What you Did in the 3rd Grade”
Season 4, Episode 6 (1998)
When Moesha (Brandy Norwood) and her friends find themselves caught up in a mystery connected to their elementary school days. The situation brings up memories from the past that take a suspenseful turn.
The episode draws inspiration from the teen horror and slasher films that dominated the late 90’s, particularly I Know What You Did Last Summer. Interestingly enough, Brandy also starred in the 1998 sequel, I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, making this episode an especially fitting nod to the horror franchise.
Between the mystery, suspense and nostalgic references to the thrillers of that era, its a fun addition to any spooky watchlist. You can see the episode on Paramount+ or Pluto TV.
Smart Guy: “Diary of a Mad Schoolgirl”
Season 3,Episode 12 (1998)
When Marcus (Jason Weaver) uses T.J’s (Tahj Mowry) computer to read a girl’s diary, he discovers information he believes will help him win her over. Meanwhile their father Floyd (John Marshall Jones) and Mo (Omar Gooding) become increasingly invested in their new barbecuing hobby. Things quickly spiral out of control when Marcus and T.J realize they’re in over their heads after invading Marcus’ love interests’ privacy. This leads to a series of chaotic events involving meat cleavers and pig masks.
You can watch this episode on Disney +
Everybody Hates Chris: “Everybody Hates Halloween”
Season 1, Episode 6 (2005)
In this episode, Chris (Tyler James Williams) hopes to attend a neighborhood Halloween party dressed as Prince, but his plans hit a snag when his mother Rochelle (Tichina Arnold ) makes him take his brother and sister trick or treating first.Between his dad Julius (Terry Crews) handing out cheap knock off candy, and a lot of mishaps along the way, Chris quickly discovers that Halloween isn’t going to be as fun as he imagined.
You can check out why “Everybody Hates Halloween” on Hulu, Prime Video, Paramount+ and Tubi.
Black-ish: “The Prank King”
Season 1,Episode 6 (2014)
Halloween is serious business in the Johnson household, especially for Dre (Anthony Anderson), who takes pride in being the family’s ultimate prankster. However when his children start doubting his pranking abilities, Dre becomes determined to remind them why he’s earned the title of the family’s Prank King.
For viewers who grew up watching Halloween specials from sitcoms like Family Matters and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Black-Ish “The Prank King” feels like a modern continuation of that tradition.
You can watch the Johnson Family’s Halloween festivities on Disney +, Hulu and Netflix.
A Little Nostalgia for Spooky Season
Part of what makes these episodes so enjoyable is how easily they bring back memories of simpler times. Halloween specials felt like events and catching your favorite sitcoms annual holiday episodes was a part of the excitement.
Whether you’re planning a Halloween marathon or just looking for something familiar to watch on a quiet October evening , there’s no shortage of episodes worth revisiting.
