diff --git a/Lib/idlelib/run.py b/Lib/idlelib/run.py
index 5283a93b808..15f44720dd7 100644
--- a/Lib/idlelib/run.py
+++ b/Lib/idlelib/run.py
@@ -339,6 +339,10 @@ class Executive(object):
                 exec(code, self.locals)
             finally:
                 interruptable = False
+        except SystemExit:
+            # Scripts that raise SystemExit should just
+            # return to the interactive prompt
+            pass
         except:
             self.usr_exc_info = sys.exc_info()
             if quitting:
diff --git a/Misc/NEWS b/Misc/NEWS
index 8f1ab7fdca5..3fc61838d45 100644
--- a/Misc/NEWS
+++ b/Misc/NEWS
@@ -455,6 +455,8 @@ C-API
 IDLE
 ----
 
+- Issue #18196: Avoid displaying spurious SystemExit tracebacks.
+
 - Issue #5492: Avoid traceback when exiting IDLE caused by a race condition.
 
 - Issue #17511: Keep IDLE find dialog open after clicking "Find Next".