TV showsare judged as a whole, with even the most minor of fluctuations causing a 10/10 to become a 9/10. However, every great show is composed of one or more flawless seasons, and each season ranges from as few as eight episodes to hundreds. While the entire show is the focus,fans can’t help but adore the twenty minutes or an hour of storytelling perfection that these episodes present.
Episodes are arguably more memorable than entire seasons, which is why this list is taking the daunting task of ranking the twenty greatest of all time. From classiccomedieslikeI Love Lucytodramatic serieslikeLost, this list features some of the most iconic and well-written episodes on TV. Ranking the episodes based onwriting, acting, directing, story, memorability, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and how iconic and defining they are,only one episode per series is eligible, so as not to bloat this list with the same shows.
20"Over the River and Through the Woods" (Season 4, Episode 11)
‘The Bob Newhart Show’ (1972–1978)
As with all old sitcoms, they seem to die decades after they finish, but some episodes prove too timeless to forget, including “Over the River and Through the Woods” fromThe Bob Newhart Show. Thanksgiving, football, friends, and booze are a dangerous combination that presents the ever-present chaos that Bob (Bob Newhart) and his friends have grown accustomed to.
Some of the comedy may be outdated, but that shouldn’t stop fans from enjoying one of the funniest episodes put on television.The Bob Newhart Showexcels when it can focus on small groups, which is what this episode does so well.The contained cast allows the writing and dialogue to flow freely with hilarity, creatinga staple Thanksgiving episode.
The Bob Newhart Show
19"Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose" (Season 3, Episode 4)
‘The X-Files’ (1993–2018)
Whether fans do or don’t believe in aliens is pointless when faced withThe X-Files, one of the longest-running sci-fi series that they will all fall in love with. “Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose” follows the protagonists asthey investigate a string of murders connected to psychics. When they get the help of a psychic who can predict deaths, their own fates must not distract them from the case.
If fans aren’t the type to rewatch episodes, this one might change their minds.While very dialogue-focused, this episode is a masterclass in actingthat isn’t short of thrills, suspense, and drama.The X-Filesis a nostalgic show, and this episode is a significant reason why fans look back on the show with such fondness.
The X-Files
Two F.B.I. Agents, Fox Mulder the believer and Dana Scully the skeptic, investigate the strange and unexplained, while hidden forces work to impede their efforts.
18"Hero" (Season 3, Episode 17)
‘Attack on Titan’ (2013–2023)
Animeis television too, and if some fans would get over their bias, they would discover a world with some of the greatest episodes ever, including “Hero” fromAttack on Titan. Serving as the climax of the season,Erwin makes one final heroic charge as Levi showcases his skills against the Beast Titan.
Attack on Titanis darkand hype-inducing, but this episode presents more of the latter with some tragic afternotes. The animation was flawless, and whether fans enjoyed the captivating action, dramatic moments, or thrilling drama, they all enjoyed it the same.Attack on Titanhas many episodes deserving of this list, but"Hero" is arguably the most well-rounded and essential in the way it changed the course of the series.
Attack On Titan
After his hometown is destroyed and his mother is killed, young Eren Jaeger vows to cleanse the earth of the giant humanoid Titans that have brought humanity to the brink of extinction.
17"The Last Show" (Season 7, Episode 24)
‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ (1970–1977)
Saying goodbye to a TV show is never a fun thing, especially when it is as prestigious asThe Mary Tyler Moore Show. However,when done as well as “The Last Show,” a finale could be the best part of the series. After a shocking development leaves almost everyone at WJM without jobs, they have a tearful goodbye that leaves questions about the future.
This episode wouldn’t have worked as well as it did if the fans hadn’t become intimately familiar with the characters, making the ending even more heartfelt. The shocking twist set upthis tearjerker of an episode full of love, emotion, humor, and good times, highlighting one of the best TV finales a fan could hope for.
The Mary Tyler Moore Show
16"Stress Relief" (Season 5, Episodes 14 and 15)
‘The Office’ (2005–2013)
While fans can hope thatThe Paperwill be as good asThe Office, there is no way it can live up to the episode “Stress Relief.” When Michael (Steve Carell) accidentally gives Stanley (Leslie David Baker) a heart attack,everyone bands together to be healthier and help Stanley back on his feet.
Episodes like “Dinner Party” and “Goodbye, Michael” are just as deserving to be on this list, but “Stress Relief” is simply too funny and a fan-favorite. This episode ofThe Officehas the best cold open, and it doesn’t stop there, delivering two episodes of iconic scenes with non-stop laughs,from the chaotic opening to the roast.
The Office
A mockumentary on a group of typical office workers, where the workday consists of ego clashes, inappropriate behavior, and tedium.
15"Through the Looking Glass" (Season 3, Episodes 22 and 23)
‘Lost’ (2004–2010)
While this list ranks individual episodes,fans should consider this entry as encompassing each part of the two-episode arc, as each one is too good not to include to tell the whole story.Losthas many outstanding and horrible episodes, but “Through the Looking Glass” is the best, as it follows the cast waiting for Charlie (Dominic Monaghan) to deactivate the signal-jamming device.
It may be unfair to include both episodes of “Through the Looking Glass,” but one episode would have made it onto this list regardless.Lostis a trippy series from start to finish, and, better or worse, this episode proved it was for the better.From the unexpected flashforwards to two iconic plot twists,this double episode is a classicthat no one will forget because ofthe impact it had on the show and the community.
Lost follows the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815, which crashes on a mysterious island in the South Pacific. The diverse group must work together to survive while uncovering the island’s many secrets, including a hidden hatch, a smoke monster, and other supernatural elements. Known for its complex narrative structure, the series includes flashbacks and flashforwards that provide deeper insights into the characters' backstories and their lives off the island. As they navigate the island’s dangers and mysteries, the survivors form bonds and face challenges that test their limits and reveal hidden truths.
14"The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street" (Season 1, Episode 22)
‘The Twilight Zone’ (1959–1964)
The Twilight Zonehas too many good episodes to count, but this list settles on “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street.” Paranoia gets to everyone, and for the characters in this episode, it does.When a power outage sweeps over a typical suburb, the residents go stir-crazyand accuse each other of being monsters.
This episode is more than just an entertaining thriller mystery, buta poignant look at the nature of humanity and how little it has changed. Paranoia consumes everyone, whether during the Salem Witch Trials or in this situation inThe Twilight Zone. It may not be thescariest episode ofThe Twilight Zone, but it certainly evokes an intriguing emotion that helps the audience reflect on its message.
The Twilight Zone
13"Straw Hat Luffy! The Man Who Will Become King of the Pirates!" (Episode 1015)
‘One Piece’ (1999–)
With over a thousand episodes,One Piecehas no shortage of outstanding episodes to choose from, but Episode 1015 encapsulates the essence, themes, emotions, and narrative of the entire series. After the Minks and samurai hold Kaido and Big Mom off long enough,Luffy and the others in the worst generation finally make it to the top of the roof to start the legendary battlethat will shape the course of history.
Megumi Ishitaniis one of the bestOne Piecedirectors, and she brought her A-game to this episode.The animation is flawless, from its striking colors to its fluid motion; it was a feast for the eyes.One Pieceis one of the best mangaof all time, but this chapter doesn’t compare to the gorgeous episode, its visual storytelling, riveting action, and stellar animation.
Monkey D. Luffy sets off on an adventure with his pirate crew in hopes of finding the greatest treasure ever, known as the “One Piece.”
12"Marge vs. the Monorail" (Season 4, Episode 12)
‘The Simpsons’ (1989–)
Following one of the longest anime series is one of the longest-running animated series,The Simpsons, also with too many fantastic episodes to count. While there are a handful that would fit, “Marge vs. the Monorail” is one of the best, which seesthe town of Springfield use their recently earned money to build a monorail.
From an iconic musical number to the best guest appearance on the show,“Marge vs. the Monorail” is one of the most well-rounded episodes ofThe Simpsons. The visual gags are on point, and the writing is splendid, making it one of thefunniest episodes of The Simpsons.Conan O’Brienmay have only written a handful of episodes, but this one proves he should have stayed on for a lot longer.
The Simpsons
The satiric adventures of a working-class family in the misfit city of Springfield.
11"The Doll" (Season 2, Episode 7)
‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ (2000–2024)
After nearly a quarter of a century,Curb Your Enthusiasmfinally came to an end. Still,it didn’t leave without providing some of the most memorable comedy episodes on television, such as “The Doll.” Attending the afterparty of a premiere,Larry Davidcuts off the hair of the exec’s daughter, incurring the wrath of the exec’s wife.
The situations David gets into are almost unbelievable, but the story constructs it in a way that makes sense and is logically possible. “The Doll” is another one of those episodes that somehow crafts a bizarre and hilarious episode through a thin line of realism and absurdism.Curb Your Enthusiasmnever got better than this episode, but then again, manysitcoms dream of having an episode as good as “The Doll.”
Curb Your Enthusiasm
The life and times of Larry David and the predicaments he gets himself into with his friends and complete strangers.
