With September in full swing, it's only a matter of time before the Halloween costumes start hitting the shelves. TV show characters are a tried-and-true favorite for all ages when it comes to Halloween costumes. For starters, there's plenty to choose from. Whether you're into comedies like Ted Lasso and Schitt's Creek, or you prefer to go with the trendiest options like Inventing Anna and Bridgerton, you can't go wrong when acting as your favorite small-screen star. TV show characters also provide the perfect opportunity to dress on a theme, especially with your significant other, as a family, or even with your furry best friend.
And, as we can say from experience, it's always best to get a head start on your costume. Even if you're planning on DIY-ing your outfit this year, supplies sell out quickly and you can expect price hikes the closer you get to Halloween. But, even if you wait until the last minute, plenty of these costumes can be quickly pulled together with minimal effort (looking at you, Anna Delvey), and you'll still be the most popular at the party.
Psssttt—looking for some of your favorite big screen characters? We've got them all here!
Kate and Antony, Bridgerton
Season 2 of Bridgerton caused quite a stir this year, so it's no surprise that Antony and Kate star as one of the top Halloween costumes of the season. Looking to recreate Daphne and the Duke, instead? Check out more Bridgerton Halloween costume ideas. Bonus points if you have your very own little Newton to tag along.
Kate Sharma Costume
Antony Bridgerton Costume
Wanda Maximoff, WandaVision
This show offers what seems to be a never-ending stream of outfits that would all make cool WandaVision Halloween costumes. But we especially adore Wanda's Halloween episode iconic look, based on original Marvel Comics duds.
Wanda Maximoff Costume
David Rose, Schitt's Creek
All the characters on the hit tv show Schitt's Creek bring the style, and any Schitt's Creek Halloween costume would be a surefire win. Here, we've pulled together David Rose's look, because, well, we think it's simply the best!
David Rose Costume
Printed Sweatshirt
Thick Frame Sunglasses
Men's Kilt
Dwight Schrute, The Office
Everyone will get a kick out of this costume inspired by Dunder Mifflin's finest. Have your best bud dress up as Michael Scott, and you'll make the perfect pair. Or go ahead and outfit a handful of friends with all The Office Halloween costumes.
Dwight Costume
Aviator Eyeglasses
Mabel Mora, Only Murders in the Building
All of Mabel's outfits on Only Murders in the Building are iconic, but it's her debut ensemble from the first episode we'll always love the most.
Mabel Mora Costume
Red Headphones
Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler, Yellowstone
You knew we couldn't skip our favorite, Yellowstone! Beth and Rip would make the perfect couple's costume, but you can't go wrong with any of the characters from the show. We love so many of Beth's outfits that we created a Halloween costume guide just for her.
Beth Dutton Costume
Rip Wheeler Costume
James and Margaret Dutton, 1883
If you're more of a fan of Yellowstone's prequel, 1883 (and who isn't? cough, Tim McGraw, cough), then being James and Margaret Dutton would be a fun and extravagant costume.
James Dutton Costume
Margaret Dutton Costume
Elizabeth Holmes, The Dropout
Inspired by Steve Jobs's classic black button-down and jeans ensemble, Elizabeth Holmes's go-to power suit is sure to be a head turner this Halloween.
Elizabeth Holmes Costume
Anna Delvey, Inventing Anna
Let's be real, it's all about the glasses, red hair, and attitude here. Throw on your classiest clothes and speak overly confident affirmations to yourself before leaving to channel the true Anna Delvey.
Anna Delvey Costume
Eleven, Stranger Things
Let your teen get inspired by Millie Bobby Brown's creepy character on the Netflix hit. For the signature bloodied nose Eleven gets throughout the show, simply draw on "blood" using red face paint.
Eleven Costume
Tube Socks
Daenerys Targaryen, Game of Thrones
No, Daenerys didn't end up taking the throne, but the Mother of Dragons was still a force to be reckoned with.
Daenerys Targaryen Costume
Dragon Necklace
Dragon Prop
Khal Drogo, Game of Thrones
Of course, Khaleesi needs her king. Although the Dothraki king succumbs pretty early on in Game of Thrones, he's arguably one of the most popular characters. (Especially thanks to the portrayal by Jason Momoa.)
Khal Drogo Costume
Arm Band Set
Frank Reagan, Blue Bloods
Play the NYPD Police Commissioner for a day with this ensemble inspired by Tom Selleck's character on Blue Bloods. To really feel like you're on the police procedural, make sure you eat a hearty Reagan family dinner before heading out to your Halloween party.
Frank Reagan Costume
Striped Necktie
Police Props
Rachel Green and Ross Geller, Friends
Grab your lobster and dress up as one of the most beloved couples to ever appear on prime time television. Bonus points if you actually get the "Rachel" haircut (or a Rachel Green wig will do just fine) and have your partner carry around a toy dinosaur as a nod to Ross's job as a paleontologist. Get the whole Central Perk gang together with these fun Friends TV show Halloween costumes.
Rachel Green Costume
Black Cami
Ross Geller Costume
Blue Jeans
Brown Belt
Olivia Benson, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit
Although some actors come and go on any given TV show, Mariska Hargitay has portrayed Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU for 20+ years.
Olivia Benson Costume
Long Sleeve Shirt
Black Pants
Ankle Boots
Mike Baxter, Last Man Standing
If you're a dad to all daughters, Tim Allen's character, Mike Baxter, is the perfect costume for you. You definitely won't have to do much to get into character.
Mike Baxter Costume
Madeline Mackenzie, Big Little Lies
The best thing about playing Reese Witherspoon's role on Big Little Lies? Her outfits are so stylish, you can practically rewear them any day of the year. Dress the part of Madeline, or check out these other Big Little Lies Halloween costumes to recreate the entire Monterey 5.
Madeline Mackenzie Costume
Randall and Beth Pearson, This Is Us
The relationships on This Is Us are a major part of the plot line, and Randall and Beth's marriage is one of the most relatable. They're there for each other through thick and thin, and always come out stronger because of that.
Beth Pearson Costume
Gold Earrings
Skinny Jeans
Randall Pearson Costume
Blue Jeans
Leroy Jethro Gibbs, NCIS
You'll be ready to lead the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) in this official-looking getup. Even Mark Harmon himself would be impressed with the realistic badge.
Leroy Jethro Gibbs Costume
Black Jacket
Penelope Garcia, Criminal Minds
Get all dolled up as one of the show's quirkiest (and most beloved) characters, Penelope Garcia. Her outfits are always bright and bold, so you can really have fun with it.
Penelope Garcia Costume
Turquoise Eyeglasses
Blue Earrings
Meredith Grey, Grey's Anatomy
Paging Dr. Grey! You could even turn this idea into a couples costume by having your partner dress up as McDreamy, with his very own hospital credentials.
Meredith Grey Costume
Lab Coat
Lily Tucker-Pritchett, Modern Family
Not only is this Modern Family-inspired outfit super cute, but it's also really comfortable. Plus, your little girl can wear it way beyond a single night of trick-or-treating.
Lily Tucker-Pritchett Costume
Floral Pants
Keds Keds girls Kickstart Core Jr. Sneaker, White Leather, 4 Little Kid US
Dr. Shaun Murphy, The Good Doctor
You'll look like you walked straight out of St. Bonaventure Hospital in this outfit that pays homage to The Good Doctor. Hopefully you're not on call during the Halloween party!
Dr. Shaun Murphy Costume
Black Pants
Black Stethoscope
George Costanza and Jerry Seinfeld, Seinfeld
It's been 20+ years since Seinfeld aired its final episode, but these two will always be an iconic TV show character duo. If you have two more pals that need a costume, they can go as Elaine Benes and Cosmo Kramer.
Jerry Seinfeld Costume
Black Pants
George Costanza Costume
Aviator Eyeglasses
Sheldon Cooper, Young Sheldon
How dapper is this outfit? Your son will look absolutely adorable!
