Love it or hate it, regardless of age, Halloween is a fixture in American culture. Whether you’re avoiding the holiday bar scene or just want to get in the Halloween spirit, this week’s TV picks celebrate (and poke fun at) Oct. 31 and all the laughs and frights that come with the season.  

If Sunday’s Emmy Awards were any indication, Homeland (10 p.m. Sunday, Showtime) should be at the top of any savvy channel surfer’s watchlist. The political thriller nabbed awards in the drama category for outstanding series, writing, lead actor (Damian Lewis) and lead actress (Claire Danes) — just in time for this week’s second season premiere.