Treehouse of Horror
Annual Halloween anthology episodes of The Simpsons.
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Treehouse of Horror is a series of annual Halloween-themed anthology episodes of the American animated sitcom The Simpsons, also known as The Simpsons Halloween Specials. Each episode typically consists of three separate, self-contained segments involving the Simpson family in comical horror, science fiction, or supernatural settings, operating beyond the show's normal continuity with exaggerated morbidity and violence. As of 2025, there have been 36 episodes, each numbered in Roman numerals one less than the respective season, a tradition that began with the second season.
- First aired
- October 25, 1990
- Number of episodes
- 36
- Field
- Television anthology series
- Nationality
- American
- Known for
- Halloween-themed anthology episodes of The Simpsons, featuring parodies of horror and science fiction, recurring aliens Kang and Kodos, and non-canonical segments
Lore & Background
Recurring traditions include the alien characters Kang and Kodos, who have appeared in every Treehouse of Horror episode, often in cameos; unique opening sequences; and 'scary' pseudonyms in the credits, beginning with 'Treehouse of Horror II'. Early episodes featured Marge warning parents about content, tombstones with humorous epitaphs, and wraparounds tying segments together, but these were gradually dropped due to time constraints or difficulty. The episodes are considered non-canon, taking place outside the normal continuity of the show.
Reader's Guide
Treehouse of Horror episodes have earned high ratings and broad popularity, spawning a steady stream of merchandise, including a comic book series that ran from 1995 to 2017. The series is notable for showcasing special animation, such as the 'Treehouse of Horror VI' segment 'Homer3', which featured a computer-animated Homer in a non-animated setting, unusual for television at the time (1995). 'Treehouse of Horror XX' included the first musically themed segment, 'There's No Business Like Moe Business'. The episodes' non-canonical nature allows for exaggerated violence and parody, contributing to their lasting appeal and cultural impact as a Halloween tradition within The Simpsons franchise.
Did You Know?
- The first episode aired on October 25, 1990, during the second season.
- From season 15's 'Treehouse of Horror XIV' to season 33's 'Treehouse of Horror XXXII', only one writer was credited per episode.
- The segment 'Homer3' from 'Treehouse of Horror VI' featured computer animation, unusual for television in 1995.
More in Characters & Voices
Elsewhere in The Simpsons
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