My yearly Oct. 31 tradition is watching “Bob’s Burgers” Halloween episodes. As a jumpy scaredy-cat, it is nice to get into the spirit of the spooky holiday without being terrified and anxious, all while having a good laugh at the Belcher family antics. 

Below is my ranking of least to most favorite Halloween themed episodes: 

8. Season 10, episode four, “Pig Trouble in Little Tina”

Honestly, I was disappointed by the latest addition to the Halloween lineup. Tina Belcher becomes haunted by a dead pig after a science class dissection. No trick-or-treating, no costumes, but the haunted hayride Tina and friends went on gave me serious fall vibes and yearning for a trip to Yates Cider Mill. 

7. Season four, episode two, “Fort Night”

“Fort Night” finds the Belcher children and friends trapped inside of a cardboard fort on the night of Oct. 31 and missing out on trick-or-treating. As Tina’s self-proclaimed “last Halloween before becoming a teen,” she says her childhood is “slipping through [her] candyless fingers.” The episode is good, but it talks more about the holiday than actually showing it. 

6. Season five, episode two, “Tina and the Real Ghost” 

The Belcher family play with a ouija board, never a good sign, resulting in a ghost boyfriend for Tina named Jeff. While I like Jeff more as a romantic interest for Tina than Jimmy Jr., I don’t like the paranormal aspect of the episode. And yes, I know it’s just a cartoon, but ghosts scare me, okay.  

5. Season eight, episode three, “The Wolf of Wharf Street” 

The show is known for its puns, and the title of this episode is no different. This particular episode makes it midway on the list due to the amazing costumes, particularly Linda as a Cher-iff, “Cher, but a sheriff.” The rest of the Belchers don’t appreciate her idea, but I see you, Linda. The mom and kids go out on the town on the spooky, foggy night, keeping their eyes peeled for an escaped wolf. 

4. Season three, episode two, “Full Bars” 

During their first time trick-or-treating on their own, the Belcher children become frustrated with the so-called “treats” they’ve been given by their neighbors. Instead, the kids go to nearby Kingshead Island for, as Louise said, a “sugar high they’ll never come down from.” Creative costumes, king-sized candy bars, and hijinks ensue throughout the night, producing an almost perfect blend of the holiday spirit. 

3. Season seven, episode three, “Teen-a Witch” 

Voiced by the hilarious and iconic Jenny Slate, frenemy Tammy steals Tina’s idea for the school’s costume contest. Determined to win, Tina borrows a book of spells from the library and becomes a witch, eventually becoming cursed herself. There’s a dark twist, a Tina makeover and a Bob driving himself mad over his repeatedly stolen pumpkins. 

2. Season nine, episode four, “Nightmare on Ocean Avenue” 

The Belcher kids and friends investigate stolen candy while trick-or-treating, ultimately falling victim to the trick and losing their own treats. All of the characters get dressed up in this episode, most importantly classmate Rudy as Paul Rudd’s character in “I Love You, Man.” There’s a haunted house, a who-dun-it mystery and an outdoor decoration war, making it number two on the list. 

1. Season six, episode three, “The Hauntening” 

My first choice pick may be a surprise, as this episode has practically no costumes, absolutely no trick-or-treating, and no candy. However, where it lacks in tradition, it makes up for in hair-raising spooks and a satisfying twist. Without giving too much away, Louise longs to be scared, jealous of how easily her siblings jump at the slightest thing. Bob and Linda create their own haunted house for their youngest daughter, but not everything is what it seems. 

Happy Halloween!