Revisiting Martin: “The Night He Came Home” – A Halloween Sitcom Classic

With Halloween right around the corner, there’s no better time to revisit one of the greatest sitcom Halloween episodes ever: Martin’s “The Night He Came Home” (Season 1, Episode 10). In this fan-favorite episode, Martin teases his friends for being scared of Halloween stories and spooky legends—until they decide to get revenge with a classic prank. The audience isn’t in on the joke until the very end, which makes the entire ride filled with belly-aching laughter. Here are the top five reasons this Martin Halloween episode deserves a rewatch:

1. The physical comedy is unmatched. Who could forget Tommy (Thomas Mikal Ford) pretending to be possessed? His bulging eyes and wild tongue were downright hilarious—and a little unsettling. Then there’s Cole (Carl Anthony Payne II), fighting off imaginary ghosts and flipping over the couch, while Martin (Martin Lawrence) punches and kicks at the air in pure panic. The entire sequence is comedy gold. Physical humor at this level is rare in modern sitcoms, which makes this episode feel even more special.

2. Gina and Pam were FINE! Gina (Tisha Campbell) and Pam (Tichina Arnold) absolutely stole the show. Their style and confidence were unmatched—slim waists, curves for days, and charisma that radiated off the screen. Gina’s fiery red devil costume was a total scene-stealer, while Pam’s all-black vampire look was sultry perfection. Let’s be honest—no one would have minded her taking a bite!

3. The surprisingly strong special effects. Shout-out to the special effects crew on this episode. From flying objects and flickering lights to ghostly holograms and thick fog, they pulled out all the stops to create a perfectly spooky (and hilarious) atmosphere. For a ‘90s sitcom, the effects were impressive and added just the right amount of eerie fun.

4. The jokes and pop culture references. Martin Lawrence was never afraid to push boundaries. His sharp humor and fearless references made Martin one of the funniest and most culturally aware sitcoms of its time. This episode features nods to the “Just Say No” campaign of the ‘80s and ‘90s, Whoopi Goldberg, Chaka Khan’s iconic intro to “I Feel for You,” and even jokes about George Bush Sr.’s 1992 re-election. It’s a perfect time capsule of ‘90s comedy.

5. The iconic one-liner: “Can’t we all just get along?” The phrase became famous after Rodney King’s 1992 plea, “Can we all get along?” Martin’s hilarious remix—“Can’t we all just get along?”—fits the final scene perfectly and became one of the most memorable catchphrases of the decade.

So grab your favorite Halloween treat, sit back, and relive one of the best sitcom Halloween episodes ever. Martin’s “The Night He Came Home” isn’t just funny—it’s a nostalgic trip back to when sitcoms were bold, physical, and downright unforgettable.