Seven TV Characters That Make Awesome Halloween Costumes

By Scott Tunstall (@scotttunstall) on October 25th, 2011

Tired of cutting eyeholes in a white sheet? Too fat for that Darth Vader getup? Looking for something a little different in the way of a costume this Halloween? Why not turn to the small screen for inspiration? Here’s a pack of current TV characters that would make excellent costume alternatives.

Sterling Archer

Archer

Costume requirements: Dark gray suit, tie clip, silenced handgun, massive ego, mommy issues

Those unfamiliar with the world’s most dangerous spy might confuse you for James Bond. Don’t fret. Just botch a couple of witty one-liners, act like a complete ass and drop some Burt Reynolds references. People will eventually catch on.

Annie

Community

Costume requirements: Patterned dress, solid-colored sweater, schoolgirl innocence, huge rack

Perfect for the ladies, or the fellas out there who enjoy exploring their feminine side. You know who you are. Ditch the sexy nurse duds and roll with the sexy community college co-ed outfit. You’ll earn major points with those who recognize smart comedy.

The Sons of Anarchy

Sons of Anarchy

Costume requirements: Leather kutte, body ink, facial hair, criminal record, murderous intent

Pick your favorite “Son.” Jax, Clay, Opie, Tig, Bobby, Chibs, and Juice are all suitable choices. Or you could shave your head and go as Happy, although you’ll be required to kill and/or torture someone before the night is over.

Nucky Thompson

Boardwalk Empire

Costume requirements: Prohibition era wool suit, homburg hat, red carnation, stack of cash, corrupt disposition

Crime bosses of yesteryear sure did have style and panache. So, if you’re looking to class things up a bit this Halloween, you could do a lot worse than the Atlantic City kingpin. To inject a dose of realism, be sure to get arrested for election fraud.

Dexter Morgan

Dexter

Costume requirements: Cargo pants, skin-tight brown shirt, black gloves, bladed weapon, dark passenger

Obvious choice here. Serial killers are a staple on October 31st. This is especially appropriate for anyone going to a party attended by an unpunished murderer. An evening of drinking spiked punch and disembowelment sounds lovely.

Walter and Jesse

Breaking Bad

Costume requirements: Yellow or orange hazmat suits, gas masks, bag of blue meth, love-hate relationship

Dressing as a meth addict is so 2005. Meth chemists are totally in vogue thanks to Breaking Bad. Don’t forget to act paranoid at all times and engage in at least one loud disagreement.

Rick Grimes

The Walking Dead

Costume requirements: Deputy sheriff’s uniform, trooper hat, Colt Python .357 Magnum, leadership skills, hero complex

You’ll be the envy of many a partygoer when you arrive sporting the attire of America’s favorite TV undead hunter. After saving Annie from Archer’s drunken clutches, find a zombie and shoot it in the brain. It will be a Halloween to remember.