Halloween Episodes & SpecialsNo. 2819 · The 2026 edition
Halloween
On Halloween night, the dead rise from their graves at the Murder House.
Our own summary of the original — the full post and photos live at en.wikipedia.org.
In this iconic episode of American Horror Story, the Harmons learn that on Halloween, the ghosts of those who died on the property can walk among the living. A terrifying encounter with a burned man and a visit from Tate's mother uncover deeper horrors.
About this
A Wikipedia article covering "Halloween," the two-part fourth and fifth episode of the first season (Murder House) of the FX horror anthology series American Horror Story. It summarizes the plot of both parts, the production background with commentary from co-creator Ryan Murphy, critical reception, broadcast ratings, and full episode credits. It also lists guest cast and external links to IMDb, TV Guide, and Wikiquote.
The list
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01
Halloween (Part 1) 2011
Season 1, episode 4. Written by James Wong, directed by David Semel, aired October 26, 2011, 39 minutes, production code 1ATS03, rated TV-MA (LSV).
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02
Halloween (Part 2) 2011
Season 1, episode 5. Written by Tim Minear, directed by David Semel, aired November 2, 2011, 41 minutes, production code 1ATS04, rated TV-MA (LV).
Facts from the original
- "Halloween" is a two-part episode consisting of the fourth and fifth episodes of the first season of the television series American Horror Story.
- Part 1 originally aired on October 26, 2011, and Part 2 on November 2, 2011.
- Part 1 was written by James Wong and Part 2 was written by Tim Minear; both parts were directed by David Semel.
- Part 1 is rated TV-MA (LSV) and Part 2 is rated TV-MA (LV).
- Part 1 was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Costumes for a Miniseries, Movie or Special.
- Part 1 has a production code of 1ATS03 and Part 2 has 1ATS04.
- Part 1 runs 39 minutes and Part 2 runs 41 minutes.
- Kate Mara and Zachary Quinto are credited as special guest stars for their roles as Hayden McClaine, the student Ben had an affair with, and Chad Warwick, one of the former owners of the house.
- The episode's preceding episode is "Murder House" and the following episode is "Piggy Piggy."
- Ryan Murphy describes the Harmon house as though it is alive, saying the house has a prescient intelligence, knows the right moment to send the undead to torment its residents, knows what they fear, and knows what they need to hear.
- Murphy praised Zachary Quinto's take on Chad, citing the sadness and rage of someone who gave everything to a house or a relationship.
- "Halloween (Part 1)" received an 86% approval rating from Rotten Tomatoes based on 7 reviews.
- "Halloween (Part 2)" received an 88% approval rating based on 8 reviews.
- IGN's Matt Fowler gave the first part an overall score of 8, calling it a "fairly unsettling romp" and highlighting Adelaide's death and Constance's wrenching reaction.
- Emily VanDerWerff of The A.V. Club gave the first part a C+ grade and the second part a B grade.
- "Halloween (Part 1)" was seen by an estimated 2.96 million household viewers and gained a 1.7 ratings share among adults aged 18–49, a then series high.
- The second part received a 1.6 ratings share among adults 18–49, down a tenth of a point from the first part.
From the original
The article documents "Halloween," a two-part episode made up of the fourth and fifth installments of American Horror Story's first season, Murder House. Part 1, written by James Wong, debuted October 26, 2011; Part 2, written by Tim Minear, followed November 2, 2011, with David Semel directing both. In Part 1, a 2010 flashback shows former owners Chad and Patrick; after Chad accuses Patrick of infidelity, the Rubber Man attacks Chad. Larry demands payment for killing Hayden, Adelaide is struck by a car and dies before reaching the Harmons' lawn, and the origins of the Infantata are explained to Violet by Tate. On Halloween night, when ghosts can roam free, Moira visits and kills her hospitalized mother, while the Harmons return home to find the house broken into and Hayden at the door. In Part 2, Tate and Violet's date is disrupted by five mutilated teenage ghosts who reveal Tate murdered them; Hayden tells Ben she is dead and confronts Vivien, revealing both women are pregnant, which leads Vivien to expel Ben and file for divorce. Constance discloses that Tate is her son, shocking Violet. The article also recounts Ryan Murphy's comments on the living, prescient house and on Zachary Quinto's portrayal of Chad, plus critical ratings and viewership numbers.
