If you’re already in full pumpkin spice mode, you’re not alone. As 2025 unfolds, Halloween isn’t just creeping onto streaming platforms — it’s starring. From sitcoms to action dramas, several shows are leaning into spooky season, and yes, some of them are very unexpected. In this article, we’re breaking down every major TV show with a Halloween episode in 2025, including Tim Allen’s Shifting Gears, Justin Hartley’s Tracker, and even CBS’s supernatural comedy Ghosts.
1. What Makes Halloween Episodes So Addictive
-
Nostalgia + novelty: Halloween episodes tap into childhood memories while giving writers room to go wild.
-
Strong ratings draw: Networks know viewers love thematic episodes — they’re Instagram-worthy and often binge-worthy.
-
Character layers revealed: When the costumes come out, so do the secrets.
2. Shifting Gears (Starring Tim Allen) – A Classic Sitcom’s Spooky Turn
2.1 Season 2, Episode 5: “Scary”
Tim Allen returns as Matt Parker in Shifting Gears, and his sitcom world gets a Halloween makeover in Season 2, Episode 5 – “Scary.”
-
In this episode, Matt plans to spend Halloween with his friend Eve — but things get awkward when she wants to sleep over.
-
Meanwhile, Riley (Kat Dennings) throws a big Halloween party with Gabe and Stitch, aiming to recreate the wild celebrations of her past.
-
The comedic tension really lands: two generations, two different takes on what “scary” means.
2.2 Why This Episode Matters
-
It highlights family dynamics: widowed Matt, his daughter Riley, and her kids.
-
There’s emotional vulnerability under the fun — nostalgia, regret, and hope.
-
Fans of Tim Allen’s Home Improvement get bonus feels: they’ll spot cameos and callbacks.
3. Tracker (Justin Hartley) – Action & Suspense Get a Halloween Twist
Justin Hartley’s Tracker isn’t exactly a horror show — it’s a survivalist drama about Colter Shaw helping find missing people. But in 2025, the series leans into the spooky.
3.1 Season 3 (2025)
-
Tracker was renewed for a third season, which premiered on October 19, 2025, aligning closely with Halloween vibes.
-
While the official episode list hasn’t confirmed a designated “Halloween” title, media outlets report that Tracker is part of the 2025 Halloween episode wave.
-
Expect the usual Tracker mix: high stakes, survival tension, and moral conflict — but with a Halloween-flavored twist.
3.2 Why It’s Intriguing
-
Because it’s not a horror show, the Halloween episode could stand out as dramatic and grounded, not relying on ghosts or monsters.
-
It’s a chance for Shaw’s character to face psychological challenges — not just physical ones.
-
Fans of Hartley will appreciate a different tone: eerie, suspenseful, and emotionally rich.
4. Ghosts (CBS) – The Mummy Returns in Halloween 5
CBS’s Ghosts is back with season 5 — and yes, it has a Halloween episode titled “Halloween 5: The Mummy.”
4.1 The Episode Details
-
Airdate: October 30, 2025.
-
Plot: Sam and Jay — our living B&B owners — inadvertently unleash a mummy ghost. Cue chaos.
-
According to co-showrunners, the episode dives into past mysteries, bringing back old ghosts ties to Hetty and Elias.
4.2 Why Fans Are Excited
-
The mummy storyline connects to Ghosts lore: it’s not just a gag, but a meaningful callback.
-
It’s the first major Halloween event in season 5, and judging by fan response, it delivers both laughs and chills.
-
The writers promise a showdown and some emotional payoffs — perfect for a Ghosts Halloween special.
5. Abbott Elementary – Classroom + Costumes Coming Up
The beloved mockumentary sitcom Abbott Elementary is also joining the Halloween party in 2025.
5.1 Seasonal Episodes Return
-
Season 5 of Abbott Elementary is confirmed to return with holiday episodes, including a Halloween installment.
-
This promises the show’s typical heartwarming humor, but with spooky-school flair — think bulletin boards, candy, and teacher pranks.
5.2 What This Could Look Like
-
Teachers vs kids: costumes, misunderstandings, and hilarious chaos.
-
Emotional undercurrent: holiday-themed episodes are a chance for deeper character moments.
-
Why it matters: Abbott is known for balancing comedy with meaningful stories — Halloween could bring out both sides.
6. Why These Shows Matter for Halloween 2025
6.1 A Refreshing Mix of Genres
-
It’s not just horror or supernatural: we see sitcoms, drama, action, and even slice-of-life comedy embracing Halloween.
-
This variety means all kinds of viewers get to enjoy seasonal episodes, from those who love scares to those who just want a good laugh.
6.2 Strong Network Confidence
-
ABC extended Shifting Gears in season 2, showing they believe in the show’s staying power.
-
CBS is clearly leaning into Halloween too, backing both Ghosts and Tracker for its 2025 schedule.
6.3 Social Media + Streaming Boom
-
These episodes are Instagram-ready: costumes, pranks, and set pieces make for viral moments.
-
Fans are already hyped on Reddit and social platforms for Ghosts.
-
For streamers, holiday episodes often boost viewership — a win for both creators and platforms.
7. Predictions & Fan Theories
7.1 Shifting Gears
-
Will Matt and Eve’s sleepover spark a deeper relationship or comedic disaster?
-
Might Riley’s party trigger a reveal about her past Halloween traumas?
7.2 Tracker
-
Colter Shaw could find himself tracking a missing person with a Halloween twist — maybe a costumed lead or spooky disappearance.
-
There’s also room for character development: what happens when Shaw’s comfort zone meets a creepy holiday?
7.3 Ghosts
-
The mummy ghost might not be the only supernatural surprise — could other historic spirits return?
-
Will the episode resolve or further complicate Hetty’s connection to Elias?
7.4 Abbott Elementary
-
We may see teachers dressed as horror icons — but expect the trademark Abbott heart: misunderstandings, caring lessons, and a feel-good payoff.
8. How to Watch These Halloween Episodes
-
Shifting Gears: airs on ABC, and you can stream via Hulu.
-
Tracker: airs on CBS; check your local listings or CBS’s streaming platforms.
-
Ghosts: CBS broadcast + available on Paramount+.
-
Abbott Elementary: also on ABC, with episodes likely available on Hulu or other ABC streaming partners.
Conclusion
2025 is shaping up to be a spooktacular year for TV fans. Whether you’re into classic sitcom laughs, high-stakes survival drama, or ghostly hijinks, there’s a Halloween-themed episode for you. With Shifting Gears, Tracker, Ghosts, and Abbott Elementary all leaning into the spooky season, viewers have plenty to look forward to. These episodes are more than gimmicks — they’re moments of character growth, emotional reveal, and holiday joy wrapped in costume. So, mark your calendars — turn on the lights (or don’t), and get ready to binge the most haunted lineup of 2025.
FAQs
1. Is Shifting Gears Season 2 episode “Scary” confirmed to be Halloween-themed?
Yes — Rotten Tomatoes and other sources list the title and synopsis of Shifting Gears S2 E5 as a Halloween episode airing on October 29, 2025.
2. Does Tracker have a specifically labeled “Halloween” episode?
Not officially titled as “Halloween,” but Tracker’s third season premieres in October 2025, and media listings include it among shows with Halloween-themed content.
3. When does the Ghosts Halloween episode air?
Ghosts Season 5 Episode 3, titled “Halloween 5: The Mummy,” airs on October 30, 2025.
4. Will Abbott Elementary really do a Halloween episode in season 5?
Yes — according to coverage of Season 5, the show will return with holiday episodes, including Halloween.
5. Where can I stream or watch all these Halloween episodes?
-
Shifting Gears: ABC broadcast + Hulu.
-
Tracker: CBS & CBS’s streaming platforms.
-
Ghosts: CBS and Paramount+.
-
Abbott Elementary: ABC and likely available via Hulu or ABC’s streaming partners.
