Freeform Expands Halloween Programming to 31 Nights; NBC Launching New Law & Order Spin-off

Wednesday, September 05, 2018

Freeform Expands Halloween Programming to 31 Nights; NBC Launching New Law & Order Spin-off

Why celebrate the spookiest time of the year for only 13 nights when you can celebrate for 31!? Freeform has expanded their annual Halloween programming event to "31 Nights of Halloween" bringing more thrills and chills to the entire month. From Oct. 1, the network will be invaded by everyone's favorite witches, a murderous barber, out of control dinosaurs and everything else that goes bump in the night. This year's event will also be the exclusive television home for the film Hocus Pocus, which is celebrating its 25 anniversary, and will end with an all-day marathon featuring the hauntingly beautiful Sanderson Sisters. Also marking a huge milestone, Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas will celebrate its 25 anniversary on Oct. 29!

Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic, premiering Oct. 14, will give audiences a spooky behind the scenes tour on how Halloween "spirits" spread throughout the Disney parks. From the executive producers of the Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings series and last year's special Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic, viewers will learn how the dedicated team of Disney cast members bring Halloween to life with pumpkins, ghosts and ghoulish delights around every corner of these magical destinations.

See the full 31 Nights of Halloween line-up on Freeform!

Law & Order

Emmy Award-winning producer Dick Wolf brings Law & Order: Hate Crimes to audiences beginning with a 13-episode order from NBC. Co-created with former Law & Order: Special Victims Unit showrunner Warren Leight, the latest installment of the enduring and wildly popular Law & Order franchise is based on New York's actual Hate Crimes Task Force, the second oldest bias-based task force in the U.S. The unit, which pledges to uphold a zero tolerance policy against discrimination of any kind, works under the NYPD's real Special Victims Unit and often borrows SVU's detectives to assist in their investigations. The first incarnation of this new unit will be introduced in the latter part of the upcoming 20th season of SVU.

Law & Order: Hate Crimes is set in New York City, where crimes motivated by discrimination are vigorously investigated by an elite, specially trained team of investigators. Going behind the headlines and viral videos, these diverse, dedicated and passionate detectives will stop at nothing to bring these criminals to justice.

Sitcoms Airing Tonight

Wednesday, October 5

The Conners - "Driving, Dating and Deceit" (ABC, 8:00PM ET/PT)
Mark is anxious to get his driver’s license when a job opportunity presents itself across town. Darlene attempts to teach him to drive, but her frantic energy sends him running to Ben for help. Meanwhile, Harris meets a new guy online, whom Becky recognizes from her past.

The Golbergs - "Jenkintown After Dark" (ABC, 8:30PM ET/PT)
Despite promising to keep distance from Brea so they can each establish themselves at college, Adam calls her, sending Beverly into a tailspin. Meanwhile, Joanne lands a coveted job at a posh Philly law firm and Barry takes full advantage of the perks of her new gig, blinding him from the reality of the situation.

Abbott Elementary - "Story Samurai" (ABC, 9:00PM ET/PT)
A traveling storytelling troupe Jacob used to be in visits Abbott Elementary for a day of education and entertainment. Jacob can’t wait to share this part of his past with his colleagues; but when he realizes they think the performers are corny, Janine does her best to help him embrace his nerdy side. Meanwhile, Melissa struggles with the new normal of her combined second and third grade class.

Home Economics - "Sushi for Twelve, $482 Plus Delivery" (ABC, 9:30PM ET/PT)
With a house full of Hayworths, nothing is off limits for discussion – including Tom and Marina’s lives in, and out, of the bedroom. Connor’s patience as host is running thin so as a thank you, Sarah and Denise strategize a creative way to show their appreciation.

Complete TV Listings

Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of October 3)

Wednesday, October 5

Kevin Nealon (Man with a Plan/Weeds/Hiller and Diller/Champs) - Watch Kevin on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
Kelly Ripa (Hope & Faith) - Kelly appears on Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
Fred Armisen (Los Espookys/Forever/Final Space), Ana Fabrega (Los Espookys) and Julio Torres (Los Espookys) - Fred, Ana and Julio are guests on Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
Cedric the Entertainer (The Neighborhood/The Last O.G./The Soul Man/The Steve Harvey Show) - Cedric appears on The Late Late Show with James Corden at 12:37am on CBS.
Lena Dunham (Girls) - Lena is a guest on The Late Late Show with James Corden at 12:37am on CBS.
Jennifer Tilly (Out of Practice) - Jennifer appears on Watch What Happens: Live at 3:30am on Bravo.
Lea Thompson (Caroline in the City) - Lea is a guest on LIVE! with Kelly and Ryan, so check your listings.
Kal Penn (Sunnyside/Deadbeat/We Are Men/How I Met Your Mother) - Kal discusses his impressive journey from former White House staffer and actor to author, and why he chose to share details about his engagement to his fiancé, Josh, in his book, You Can't Be Serious, on Tamron Hall, so check your local istings.
Utkarsh Ambudkar (Ghosts/White Famous) - Utkarsh talks about Ghosts on CBS Mornings sometime between 7-9am.
Wendell Pierce (The Odd Couple/The Michael J. Fox Show/The Weber/The Brian Benben Show/The Gregory Hines Show) - Wendell talks about Death of a Salesman on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am.
Tamera Mowry-Housley (Sister, Sister/Roommates) - Tamera talks about You Should Sit Down For This on NBC's Today in the 10am hour.