Among numerous outstanding sitcom episodes, only a handful stand out as the absolute finest in television history. Each of the top-tier sitcoms boasts a unique style and comedic approach, making direct comparisons challenging due to their diversity. Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that humor isn’t the sole factor when determining the greatness of these episodes. Factors like cultural influence, emotional depth, and impact on their respective series’ overall narrative are equally significant.
Although exceptional performances in sitcoms deserve recognition, they don’t automatically make an episode a standout within the genre. In fact, many remarkable sitcoms have crafted episodes that defy genre norms and are considered among the very best. Despite numerous factors to consider when evaluating sitcom greatness, it is these exceptional episodes that truly shine as the best in the genre.
20. “Coach’s Daughter”
Cheers: Season 1, Episode 5
In one of the most poignant episodes of “Cheers,” titled “Coach’s Daughter,” we see Coach finding himself in an emotionally challenging scenario. His daughter, Lisa, makes a visit with her fiancé, Roy. It quickly becomes evident that Roy is not suitable for Lisa, but Coach, a regular at the bar, is powerless to intervene as he witnesses the impending catastrophe unfold before his eyes.
It’s truly heart-wrenching to witness Lisa falling apart as Coach finally brings up their relationship, yet at the same time, it stands out as one of the most impactful scenes in the entire show. There aren’t many instances where Cheers pauses its constant humor and laughter, but this scene undoubtedly holds the title for the most potent moment not just within the series, but even among sitcoms in general.
19. “Slap Bet”
How I Met Your Mother: Season 2, Episode 9
The “Slap Bet” episode from How I Met Your Mother stands out in the sitcom genre. It’s where the recurring joke about the slap bet originates, with Barney agreeing to let Marshall slap him a predetermined number of times if he loses a wager. The bet itself is amusing, but the context, particularly the revelation of Robin’s past as teenage pop star Robin Sparkles and the debut of her famous song “Let’s Go To The Mall,” adds an extra layer of humor to it.
In this installment of the series, we delve deeper into the outrageous pact between Barney and Marshall, a saga that unfolds in subsequent episodes. And let’s face it, Robin Sparkles, with her iconic performances, is a character audiences can’t forget, frequently resurfacing throughout the run of How I Met Your Mother. It comes as no shock to anyone that “Slap Bet,” Cobie Smulders’ favorite episode of How I Met Your Mother, is a fan favorite too.
18. “The Subject Was Noses”
The Brady Bunch: Season 4, Episode 18
Among many fantastic episodes of “The Brady Bunch,” the widely acclaimed favorite among viewers is “The Subject Was Noses” from season 4, which holds the highest rating for the series. This episode revolves around Marcia, who finds herself in an unexpected predicament: having two suitors. Caught between her feelings for the charming Doug and the neighborly Joe, Marcia grapples with making a tough decision. The memorable “The Subject Was Noses” is also known for an iconic scene where Marcia injures her nose, a classic Brady Bunch image and a legendary reference in sitcom history.
| Top 10 The Brady Bunch Episodes According to IMDb (As Of June 2025) | Season & Episode Title | IMDB Rating |
|---|---|---|
| “The Subject Was Noses” | Season 4, Episode 18 | 8.3/10 |
| “Hawaii Bound” | Season 4, Episode 1 | 8.2/10 |
| “Getting Davy Jones” | Season 3, Episode 12 | 8.0/10 |
| “Pass the Tabu” | Season 4, Episode 2 | 7.9/10 |
| “Fright Night” | Season 4, Episode 6 | 7.9/10 |
| “Amateur Nite” | Season 4, Episode 16 | 7.9/10 |
| “The Tiki Caves” | Season 4, Episode 3 | 7.8/10 |
| “Her Sister’s Shadow” | Season 3, Episode 10 | 7.8/10 |
| “The Cincinnati Kids” | Season 5, Episode 11 | 7.7/10 |
| “The Not-So-Rose-Colored Glasses” | Season 3, Episode 13 | 7.7/10 |
In the classic sitcom episode “The Subject Was Noses,” the format of the genre is beautifully exemplified. Misunderstandings, typical sitcom situations, minor adolescent conflicts, and a multitude of humorous instances are prevalent throughout. Additionally, the secondary plot, revolving around Mike and Carol’s dilemma in choosing a wallpaper pattern, is equally engaging. Ultimately, “The Subject Was Noses” is an exceptional episode that perfectly captures the characters and premise of The Brady Bunch.
17. “The Fight”
Parks And Recreation: Season 3, Episode 13
Among the most humorous episodes from the series “Parks and Recreation”, it’s undeniably “The Fight” that takes the cake. This episode, penned by Amy Poehler herself, involves the main characters aiding Tom in promoting his infamous drink, Snake Juice, at the Snakehole Lounge. The ensuing chaos is nothing short of hilarious. Characters get excessively drunk, and the sequence showing each character spouting their intoxicated ramblings is pure comedic gold. Although that scene is undoubtedly the episode’s highlight, there are numerous other laugh-out-loud moments scattered throughout.
In my humble opinion as a movie critic, the heated exchange between Ann and Leslie serves as a compelling example of their deep bond. Yet, it also underscores Leslie’s tendency towards control-freakishness, showcasing this aspect in an intriguing light. The opening scene, where Ron struggles to uncover the culprit behind the broken coffee machine (revealed to be none other than himself), is nothing short of brilliantly executed.
16. “Turkeys Away”
WKRP In Cincinnati: Season 1, Episode 7
One of the most unforgettable Thanksgiving sitcom episodes ever, “Turkeys Away” from WKRP in Cincinnati, stands as a classic in its own right. This episode is undeniably peculiar yet indelibly etched in our memories, and it revolves around Mr. Carlson’s unconventional Thanksgiving publicity scheme. Remarkably, he maintains secrecy about the plan, sharing it only with Herb. The plan, which involves releasing a flock of turkeys from a helicopter above a crowded shopping mall, is nothing if not absurd.
In stark contrast, the concept versus the reality was vastly dissimilar. Watching onlookers’ terrified responses as birds plummeted to their demise was almost comical, but what initially seemed like a harmless joke soon spiraled into chaos — “Turkeys were hitting the ground as hard as concrete!” Carlson’s final line, “As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly,” ranks among the most memorable sitcom quotes, and it provided an excellent conclusion to WKRP in Cincinnati for that episode.
15. “Up In The Air”
Three’s Company: Season 6, Episode 25
Despite the fact that “Three’s Company” is a 1970s TV show that may not stand the test of time, the season 6 episode “Up in the Air” remains one of the greatest sitcom stories ever told. In this episode, Janet gets invited to a party at her crush David’s private island home and must bring a date. She asks Jack to go, hoping to make David jealous. However, Jack’s fear of flying resurfaces, prompting Larry to give him some tranquilizers to help him cope.
In the sitcom “Three’s Company,” one of the most hilariously chaotic situations unfolds when Jack decides to mix his medication with alcohol. This leads to a whirlwind of disorder, making him the center of attention at the party, but unfortunately, it also results in an embarrassing moment for Janet. Although it’s hard not to feel sympathy for her, Jack’s antics after consuming the concoction are so amusing that they overshadow the incident. The dancing scene from this episode, titled “Up in the Air,” is particularly memorable and helps make this installment a notable one in the series.
14. “Connection Lost”
Modern Family: Season 6, Episode 16
Modern Family’s “Connection Lost” cleverly redefines the sitcom genre by presenting an unusual narrative style. The entire episode unfolds on Claire’s computer screen, with each character appearing via video call at different stages. The experience is intriguing as it offers a fresh perspective, even during silent scenes where viewers must interpret events based on Claire’s anxious messages to Haley, who seems to have gone missing.
It’s quite amusing to watch the characters from Modern Family struggle to communicate effectively in a chaotic scenario. In particular, Claire is frantically searching for Haley, who she thinks has eloped with Andy in Las Vegas, all while managing Mitchell’s birthday, helping Alex with her college application, and not forgetting to buy Cam his popcorn. Each season of Modern Family offers its own unique charm, but this specific episode stands out as one of the best in the entire series.
13. “The Box”
Brooklyn Nine-Nine: Season 5, Episode 14
Among the standout episodes of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, “The Box” certainly makes an impactful impression. Remarkably, this is achieved despite it being classified as a bottle episode. The story revolves around Captain Holt and Detective Jake attempting to extract a confession from Philip, a dentist they suspect of murdering his business partner. This installment showcases exceptional acting from the entire cast, and “The Box” manages to be both dramatically intense and uproariously funny.
It’s quite intriguing to see Sterling K. Brown portray Philip, the Brooklyn Nine-Nine killer, not falling for Holt and Jake’s tactics. Yet, their attempts at outsmarting him are undeniably hilarious. Moreover, this episode serves as a testament to why the partnership between Jake and Holt is so effective. There’s no denying that viewers will always remember Andy Samberg’s Jake playing the guitar and shouting at his suspects.
12. “Papa’s Got A Brand New Excuse”
The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air: Season 4, Episode 24
I may not be a regular viewer of sitcoms, but even I’m familiar with the heart-wrenching episode “Papa’s Got a Brand New Excuse” from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Despite some comic relief, this particular episode is often recalled for its profound impact. In this episode, Will’s father, Lou, reappears in his life after an absence of over 14 years. When Will discovers that Lou hasn’t changed and experiences another letdown, he can no longer hold back his emotions and breaks down.
The conversation between Will and Uncle Phil stands as a memorable milestone in television lore. As Will passionately voices his frustrations towards his father’s shortcomings and expresses his aspirations to surpass him, it’s both captivating and emotionally poignant. The line “How come he don’t want me, man…” is a potent piece of dialogue that encapsulates the episode’s gripping nature, while also underscoring the profound bond that has developed between uncle and nephew.
11. “The Nightman Cometh”
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia: Season 4, Episode 13
Among the most side-splitting sitcom episodes ever broadcast is “The Nightman Cometh” from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. This episode revolves around Charlie creating and staging the title musical, which boasts one of the most outlandish storylines imaginable. With the support of Frank, Dee, Dennis, Mac, and Artemis, the performance is nothing less than uproarious. The musical’s narrative, along with the off-kilter songs that accompany it, subtly suggest a theme frequently touched upon by the show: Charlie was subjected to abuse by his uncle during his childhood.
Despite its grim undertone, viewers find themselves roaring with laughter throughout this installment. From Gladys’ puzzled piano playing to Charlie’s proposal to The Waitress, “The Nightman Cometh” is an exhilarating rollercoaster ride without a moment of boredom. Known as one of the most popular episodes of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, it has drawn many viewers to the series initially. Here’s hoping that season 17 of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia will pay homage to this legendary episode.
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2025-06-07 03:07