Halloween is approaching, as you can tell by the boisterous front yard decorations lining up streets, the chatter about costumes, and arguments on whether candy corn is actually a good treat (yes, it is). But as for our picks for Halloween entertainment this year, let’s take it old school. To get into the spirit of this spooky season, let’s dive into some iconic Halloween episodes that aired on the network that raised us: Disney Channel.
- Wizards of Waverly Place – “Halloween” (Season 3, Episode 2)
Already regarded as one of Disney Channel’s eerier shows, it’s to be assumed that Wizards of Waverly Place does Halloween best. Starring a teenage Selena Gomez, who portrays Alex Russo, Wizards of Waverly Place is a comedic show about the Russo family, who are secretly wizards. In this particular episode, the Russo family is deciding ideas for their annual haunted house exhibition. Justin, Alex’s older brother, picks a boring theme for the house, and Alex decides to switch it up. Using her wizard portal, she finds 3 real ghosts and allows them to wander around the family’s haunted house. But, as usual with the Russo family, things never go their way. The ghosts are the farthest thing from “scary” and are friendly to the trick or treaters. How will the Russo family save their haunted house from falling apart? How will they uphold their family’s reputation? If you are interested in watching a more light hearted, comedic episode, this is for you.
- Jessie – “The Whining” (Season 2, Episode 1)
Arguably Disney Channel’s most iconic show of the early 2010s, Jessie has seen its fair share of Halloween episodes. One that stands out, however, is “The Whining”, which is the first episode of season 2. A spin on the classic horror movie “The Shining”, the episode features the Ross kids caught in a scary situation on Halloween night. Luke decides to ignore the warnings of an eccentric doorman, who tells them not to trick or treat on the 13th floor of their building. Bringing Ravi’s large pet lizard Ms. Kipling along for protection, the kids gain a slight edge over the so-called “evil forces” they are about to encounter. Giving a slightly different vibe from other Jessie episodes, “The Whining” is very ominous and will keep you at the edge of your seat, while also giving you a good laugh. This comedic Halloween episode is filled with funny coincidences that culminate in a plot twist.
- Phineas and Ferb – “That’s the Spirit” (Season 3, Episode 22)
If you’re interested in watching something a little more 2D, here’s a great recommendation for an animated Disney Halloween episode. Phineas and Ferb is about two brothers who build crazy contraptions with their free time in summer. In this episode, Phineas, Ferb, and their usual gang are trick or treating when they meet a boy who claims his house is haunted. As the boys and their friends explore, the house comes alive, leading to an eventful and frightening night. Meanwhile, Dr. Doofenshmirtz, a recurring villain in the show who always fails with his devious plans, is up to his usual evil antics, releasing a “were-cow” into this haunted home. If you’re looking for more playful entertainment for the whole family this Halloween, make sure to check this episode out!
- Shake It Up – “Haunt It Up” (Season 3, Episode 25)
With Zendaya and Bella Thorne as the main cast, Shake It Up is a Disney Channel show that began airing in 2010. The show is about best friends Rocky and Cece, who become backup dancers on a local weekly dance show called “Shake It Up! Chicago”. This episode is a little more casual, and doesn’t feature only supernatural elements like some of the other options on this list. Rocky and Cece decide that they are too old to participate in Halloween activities, like trick or treating. They decide to have a “Mature-o’ween”, where they opt for more “adult” activities, such as watching movies and knitting. When they realize they are not having fun, they try to make up for wasting their Halloween in the few hours they have remaining. The iconic due then goes trick-or-treating and ends up helping a little boy who got lost. A great option for older audiences too, this episode is sure to give viewers a good laugh while also being relatable.
- Good Luck Charlie – “Le Halloween” (Season 3, Episode 15)
The final pick on this list is from one of Disney’s best families. Good Luck Charlie is another Disney show from 2010 which features the large Duncan family and their day to day escapades. “Le Halloween” is another great option for episodes to watch as a family. Although it lacks some spooky elements visible in other episodes on this list, this episode is a great one to calm you down if you are terrified after an all night horror movie marathon. In this episode, the Duncan parents argue over Halloween costumes. Amy, the mother of the family, calls Bob’s (the father) exterminator costume “lame”, until a bug appears in the house and only Bob can get rid of it. The kids all enjoy their separate Halloween events, with older sister Teddy having a romantic anniversary and jokester Gabe tricking the neighbors. For a comedic and cozy episode, this is a great option.
