Halloween is coming! Sure, we can’t really celebrate with our friends in person this year, but this doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate at all. We can always rely on our favorite movies and TV shows to get a taste of Halloween from the comfort (and safety!) of our homes. Like Psych.
With the recent release of a new movie and always the possibility for more (showrunner Steve Franks said in the past he has a plan for 6 movies in total), now would be a great time to get back into the show. Or simply get into it, for those who haven’t seen it yet. Especially since during its run, Psych aired quite a few “special” episodes — several of which could be seen as the perfect episodes to (re)watch on Halloween.
Indeed, what’s better than some stories about ghosts, haunted houses or even mummies to get into a spooky mood? All the while having a good laugh, since Psych is a fun family-friendly TV show above anything else. Some strange things may happen, but in the end you can always count on Shawn and Gus to lighten the mood with their antics.
Here are 6 of those Psych episodes that are great to (re)watch on Halloween:
Scary Sherry: Bianca’s Toast (Season 1 Episode 15):
If the last episode of Psych season 1 doesn’t look much like your typical season finale, it does make for the perfect episode to watch on Halloween.
Indeed, it not only starts on the evening of the 31st of October 1987 with the (apparent) suicide of a patient at an asylum, but it also includes Santa Barbara’s own urban legend, a haunting ghost, and Shawn and Gus running for their lives after some scary things frighten them. (Which, really, never gets old.)
What’s more Halloween-y than that?!
The best part of the episode, though, must be Juliet’s undercover mission as a sorority girl. We love to see her getting too invested in the persona she’s supposed to play!
Heeeeere’s Lassie (Season 6 Episode 11):
Lassie is a very rational character. He never believed Shawn is a real psychic. Still, when he moves into a new apartment and strange things start happening to him there, he has no other choice but to ask for Shawn and Gus’ help… who are sure someone is haunting him.
This whole episode is inspired by The Shining, with a creepy condo and the story of a possible “curse” leading the previous tenants of Lassie’s apartment to suicide. He himself seems to go crazier and crazier as the episode goes on, to the point that he goes after Gus and almost kills him. In true Psych fashion, though, this episode is more of a fun parody than something really scary to watch.
Which makes it the perfect alternative for those who, like me, can’t handle real scary movies.
In Plain Fright (Season 5 Episode 11):
This episode literally takes place during an event called “Scare Fest”. Between that and its title, it’s easy to tell we’re in for a scary episode.
Well, scary and funny, of course, as it is Psych we’re talking about.
The show sure does seem to like ghost stories, since the person murdered appears to have been killed by the ghost of someone who died in the theme park years ago. Also, the murder happens in a Haunted House ride. Of course.
Tuesday the 17th (Season 3 Episode 15):
Shawn and Gus going back to their old summer camp to help out a friend can sound like an innocent premise for an episode. It is not.
Indeed, the camp is a lot more gloomy than it used to be. There’s a scary hooded man chasing the staff with a machete and trying to kill them. Or at least… it looks like he is. Because, plot twist!, all of this is fake. Shawn and Gus’ friend actually turned their old camp into a Murder Camp.
All is well, then, you might think? Not really. Because then a real body is found, and the fake murders turn into real ones. That’s scary.
There’s also a storm that prevents everyone from reaching the outside world and asking for help. Obviously. It wouldn’t be a parody of a horror movie otherwise!
A Nightmare on State Street (Season 8 Episode 9):
Psych went on with its special, horror-like episodes up until the penultimate episode of its very last season. After dealing with ghosts, werewolves, vampires or mummies… Shawn and Gus now have to face zombies. Or at least, Gus does.
Indeed, he’s having trouble sleeping and having nightmares (hence the title). The whole episode is taking us through Gus’ mind as he’s having his nightmares, which are all creepier and scarier than the previous one. And feature all sorts of creepy creatures, including zombies. No worries, though: you will probably not have nightmares after watching this episode.
Fun fact about this episode: you can spot Steve Franks and other members of the crew among the zombies who are attacking Gus.
Shawn (and Gus) of the Dead (Season 2 Episode 16):
Just like its season 1 finale, the Psych season 2 finale revolves around strange phenomenons. This time, it involves a mummy who appears to have escaped from her sarcophagus.
Tired of ghost stories? This episode is perfect for you, then. It also includes a (scary) night at the museum and two murders eventually linked to one another. Plus, this episode ends on a pretty interesting cliffhanger, since it features the arrival of Shawn’s mom… who we’d never seen before.
And you, what are your favorite Psych episodes to (re)watch on Halloween? Leave a comment and let us know! And if you haven’t seen them already, all seasons of Psych and the two movies are available for free on Peacock.
