When you think of iconic Halloween TV episodes, shows like The Simpsons or Buffy the Vampire Slayer might come to mind. But there's a hidden gem from the '90s that often gets overlooked: Boy Meets World's Season 5 episode, "And Then There Was Shawn." This 23-minute masterpiece is a love letter to slasher films, particularly Scream, and it's the perfect watch for October 31st.
The episode starts like any other: Cory, Shawn, Topanga, and the gang find themselves in detention under the stern watch of Mr. Feeny. But things take a dark turn when Feeny leaves, locking the doors behind him. The lights flicker, a creepy janitor appears, and soon the chalkboard reads "NO ONE GETS OUT ALIVE" in what appears to be blood. It's a setup straight out of a horror movie, and the episode doesn't let up from there.
What makes "And Then There Was Shawn" so brilliant is how it balances genuine scares with the show's signature humor. It's not a parody; it's a respectful homage that understands the rules of the genre. As Shawn points out, virgins never die, and the first to go is always the guest star. True to form, Kenny, a character introduced just for this episode, meets his demise via pencil, and the chaos begins.
The episode is packed with references to Scream and other '90s horror classics, but it never feels derivative. Instead, it plays with tropes in a way that's both clever and entertaining. The kills are TV-appropriate but still manage to be unsettling, and the carnivalesque voice over the loudspeakers singing "Death is on the menu tonight" is both catchy and creepy.
Written by Jeff Menell, a self-proclaimed horror enthusiast, the episode is a smart, faithful tribute to the slasher genre. Menell's passion shines through in every scene, from the clever dialogue to the well-executed scares. It's no wonder this episode is often cited as one of the best in the series.
While Boy Meets World had other Halloween-themed episodes, none come close to the impact of "And Then There Was Shawn." It's a must-watch for any fan of horror or sitcoms, and it proves that sometimes the scariest stories come in the most unexpected packages. So this Halloween, skip the usual horror movie marathon and give this classic episode a spin. You won't be disappointed.
For more spooky recommendations, check out our list of delightfully campy horror movies or dive into movies with multiple plot twists. And if you're in the mood for more '90s nostalgia, don't miss our take on a time-travel gem that's perfect for binge-watching.
