Flash back to 1984. Freddy Krueger, a serial killer with a gloved hand crowned with long, lethal razors, made his first appearance in Wes Craven’s “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” launching one of the most successful horror franchises in film history. And then remember your worst nightmares. Did Freddy star in them?

He did for Adam F. Goldberg, creator of the ABC series based on his childhood in the 1980s, now in its sixth season.

That’s why it was such a casting coup for Goldberg to reel in Freddy, portrayed by Robert Englund, for “The Goldbergs” Halloween episode, appropriately titled “Mister Knifey-Hands.”

The episode airs tonight, Oct. 24, but Goldberg, Englund and other cast members discussed the impact of Freddy on the show and on themselves this week at a special screening. For TVWeek Open Mic writer Hillary Atkin’s full report, please click here.