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- Among all the Halloween television specials that fans like to watch this time of the year, The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror specials remains a favorite for many. These episodes mark some of the funniest in the show's history and fans can look back on them years later, still laughing at the same jokes. Of course, with over 30 years worth of Treehouse of Horror episodes, there are plenty more hilarious jokes to add.
For almost three decades, an annual tradition has taken place involving everyone's favorite four-fingered family. The Simpsons Treehouse Of Horror special episodes ditch a traditional half-hour storyline premise and lets the entire roster of Springfield loose in a three-story anthology of spooky comedy. Over the years, the parodies have veered from classic horror to just straight-up science fiction and fantasy, but that hasn't stopped fans
The writers have had a blast incorporating their brand of humor into timeless horror spoofs, and some quotes have worked their way into all-time classic Simpsons references. Others are smaller side jokes that the show has been so well known for, though they're no less memorable in the minds of some.
Updated on October 21, 2022 by Colin McCormick:
Among all the Halloween television specials that fans like to watch this time of the year, The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror specials remains a favorite for many. These episodes mark some of the funniest in the show's history and fans can look back on them years later, still laughing at the same jokes. Of course, with over 30 years worth of Treehouse of Horror episodes, there are plenty more hilarious jokes to add.
"Whoa, Whoa Slow Down Egg Head."
Wiggum - Treehouse Of Horror VI (1995)
These Halloween specials can often veer into sci-fi territory, such as the segment in which Homer is trapped in another dimension where he appears in 3D. While the graphics aren't too impressive now, it was fun seeing Homer presented in this way back then.
As various characters gather to determine how to save Homer, Professor Frink tries to explain the complex situation to everyone. He draws a simple square and points out that it is in fact a square, but that already proves too much for Chief Wiggum to grasp.
"The Frogurt Is Also Cursed."
Vendor - Treehouse Of Horror II (1991)
Several of the most memorable Treehouse of Horror episodes take inspiration from the best episodes of The Twilight Zone. One such episode drew on the classic tale of the "monkey's paw" in which Homer buys the object from a mysterious vendor.
As with most stories like this, the vendor tries to warn Homer that the paw is cursed. When Homer shows reluctance, the vendor tells him it comes with a free frogurt. But as Homer becomes enthused again, the vendor points out the frogurt is cursed too.
"You Know I’ve Never Liked That Little Wiener Millhouse."
Homer Simpson - Treehouse Of Horror X (1999)
Part of the fun of the Treehouse of Horror episodes is that they all the show to explore the darkest sides of the Simpsons. This includes their murderous sides, as one standout segment has them accidentally killing Ned Flanders.
After covering up their crime, Homer drives home commenting on how easy it was to get away with murder. He then spots Millhouse and starts veering the car towards him before Marge stops him. The fact that Millhouse is harmlessly playing with a kite when he is randomly targeted makes it even funnier.
"I Have A Wife And Kids. Eat Them."
Homer Simpson - Treehouse Of Horror VII (1996)
The aliens Kang and Kodos make several appearances in the Treehouse of Horror specials, often tangling with the Simpson family. One of their appearances finds them abducting Homer, who begs for mercy from the fearsome creatures.
He tells the extraterrestrials not to eat him because he has a family and they should eat them instead. It is a hilariously cowardly moment from Homer that is yet another joke that would only work in these types of episodes.
"Look At The Size Of That Platform!"
Homer Simpson - Treehouse Of Horror III (1992)
The King Kong parody remains one of the best Treehouse of Horror segments ever with Homer naturally stepping into the role of the giant ape. The segment follows the story of the 1933 movie quite closely, including Homer being taken to America and presented as a stage show.
Mr. Burns has the monster brought to Broadway where he is wheeled out in chains. As the crowd gasps, Barney calls out from the audience in amazement, but he is more impressed with the giant platform the ape is being held on.
"The Doll's Trying To Kill Me...
...And The Toaster's Been Laughing At Me"
Homer Simpson - Treehouse Of Horror III (1992)
The third installment of Treehouse pays homage to Chucky of Child's Play with an evil Krusty doll threatening to kill Homer in various ways, including stabbing him in the bathtub and drowning him in the dog's water dish.
Homer yells this line as Marge calls the Krusty Co. helpline, which results in a repairman finding the issue; the doll's switch was simply set to 'Evil.' Unfortunately, that doesn't solve Homer's mocking toaster issue.
"I Wish We Were Going To Candy Apple Island"
Lenny - Treehouse Of Horror III (1992)
Poor Lenny, all he wanted to do was go to Candy Apple Island. Instead, in "King Homer," the ship is on an expedition to Ape Island headed by Montgomery Burns, an island containing King Homer, the giant ape.
While en route, Charlie asks what's on Candy Apple Island. "Apes, but they're not so big," Carl replies, yet another example of The Simpsons performing a bait-and-switch joke so effortlessly.
"Relax, I'm Fine.
But When I Do Die, I Don't Want Any Autopsies."
Homer Simpson - Treehouse Of Horror X (1999)
In "I Know What You Diddily-Iddily Did," Flanders is run over by the Simpson family during one of his late-night fog walks, and they try to his death off as an accident to get all suspicions off them. Homer props Ned's body up as he pretends to talk to Maude next door, claiming Ned is helping him clean the chimney, "Hi Maude... diddily. I've been having fun with my pal Homer... diddily."
The way Homer so poorly hides Ned's obviously limp corpse without barely disguising his voice shows how blissfully and comically unassuming the Flanders family are always portrayed as being.
"Bottlenose Bruises, Blowhole Burns, Flipper Prints...
...This Looks Like The Work Of Rowdy Teens. Lou, Cancel The Prom."
Chief Wiggum - Treehouse Of Horror XI (2000)
Lisa frees a dolphin in captivity in "Night Of The Dolphin," which ends up being dolphin royalty and commands their followers to attack humans in retaliation for years of performing tricks. Their first victim is Lenny, who hilariously remarks, "alcohol and night swimming, it's a winning combination!" is found washed up on the beach, and Springfield's keen-eyed police chief calls the cause of death.
Yet another great bait-and-switch line, yet longtime fans of The Simpsons can probably guess halfway through the quote that the famously-dimwitted Wiggum is not going to make an accurate guess.
"Every Moment I Live Is Agony."
Frog Man - Treehouse Of Horror XII (2001)
As the seasons went on, many Treehouse episodes became very topical and parodied a current or recent pop culture phenomenon. The twelfth installment containing "Wiz Kids," aired November 2001, the same month the first Harry Potter film was released, and it was a hilarious spoof of the series that was taking the world by storm.
Bart and Lisa are attending 'Springwart's School of Magicry,' and, as per usual, Bart is underperforming in his studies and produces a deformed, constantly-vomiting frog-man hybrid when asked to turn his frog into a prince. The sad little guy starts begging to be killed, and the joke is morbidly funny in a way only The Simpsons can pull off without being too dark.
