The Complete Guide to “Bob’s Burgers” Halloween Specials

The Belchers have mastered the art of Halloween TV. Explore every “Bob’s Burgers” Halloween episode in order, from creepy to candy-coated.

MORBID MINI: While The Simpsons may have paved the way with its “Treehouse of Horror,” it’s Bob’s Burgers that has perfected the art of the Halloween episode. With pun-heavy costumes, neighborhood adventures, and just the right mix of warmth and weirdness, Bob’s has given us some of the best holiday comfort viewing in animation history. This is your complete chronological guide to every Bob’s Burgers Halloween special.

It’s hard to describe in absolute terms. But, to some degree, I have spent most of my life chasing the feeling of an hour before trick-or-treating, when you’re in your costume. You’re helping stuff the candy bags for other kids… eating pizza because it’s quick and easy. Either the “Tree House of Horror” episodes of The Simpsons or AMC’s Monsterfest are on in the background. There was a special kind of anticipation to those nights that was somehow, also, entirely fulfilling.

Every year, I fill my trick-or-treat bags to the brim, hoping to give kids of all ages just a taste of that feeling.

While The Simpsons immediately leaps to many minds in terms of Halloween specials, I admit, my heart belongs to Bob’s Burgers, both because of how The Simpsons would come to stray from the sweet framing devices that made their Halloween episodes feel so magical and because of their eventual commitment to pop-culture parody over cultivating a Halloween-specific feel.

BOB’S BURGERS, on the other hand, gave us myriad seasons of absolutely pitch-perfect Halloween eps that captured the feel of Halloween-and maybe most importantly, the feel of kids’ Halloween.

While Bob’s does indulge in homage, it’s never the paint-by-numbers imitations The Simpsons becomes (to be clear, I FUCKING love the first several “Treehouse of Horrors” episodes; they truly did do some great work with those holiday specials).

Bob’s Burgers Halloween episodes have become comfort watches for me. They capture both what makes Halloween great and what makes the Belchers great. The warmth, silliness, creepiness (at times), and the absolute reckless abandon in the face of candy and nonsense is what makes the holiday so goddamn wonderful.

I’ve watched them all 78 times, and now you can benefit from my knowledge!

This is a chronological breakdown, in which I will outline the strengths and weaknesses of each episode, highlight notable guest stars, and discuss the jazzy end credits song. Additionally, we shall praise the ludicrously punny Halloween costumes that become a cornerstone of Bob’s.

Many of these episodes evoke a specific feel, so I will also provide a guide on what to watch, depending on your particular spooky preference. Let’s go!