Warning: This article references topics of abuse, death, sexual matters, and mental health.
While there are many amazingsitcom episodes, only a small selection is considered the very best in TV history.The best sitcoms of all timeall vary in terms of format and sense of humor, so it’s worth noting that comparing how funny these episodes are can be complex. However, there are other factors to take into consideration, like cultural impact, level of emotion, and how the episodes impact their respective shows’ overall story.
Whilethe best sitcom performancesare worth considering, too, this doesn’t necessarily make a particular episode one of the best in the genre. In fact, there are severalgreat sitcoms that subvert genre expectationswith episodes that are remembered as being some of the best. Even though there are lots of qualities to consider, ultimately, these are the best sitcom episodes ever.
20"Coach’s Daughter"
Cheers: Season 1, Episode 5
“Coach’s Daughter” is one ofthe saddest episodes ofCheers, and it undoubtedly pulls on the heartstrings.This episode pushes Coach into an uncomfortable situation when his daughter, Lisa, comes to visitwith her fiancé, Roy. Lisa and Roy are polar opposites, and it’s apparent that he is no good for Coach’s daughter, but theCheersregular has no choice but to sit by and watch disaster pan out.
It’s heartbreaking to see Lisa break down when Coach finally discusses the relationship with her, butthis scene also serves as one of the most profound moments throughout the whole show.There are a few occasions in whichCheerstakes a break from the non-stop gags and laughter, but this is by far the most powerful in the series, let alone in sitcom history.
19"Slap Bet”
How I Met Your Mother: Season 2, Episode 9
How I Met Your Mother’s “Slap Bet”episode is a unique installment of a sitcom. It introduces the running gag of the slap bet, in which Barney agrees that Marshall can slap him an agreed number of times in exchange for losing a bet. The context of the bet, however, is equally hilarious and expands on Robin’s backstory.“Slap Bet” is the first time we discover Robin’s teenage years as pop star Robin Sparkles,and it also features the introduction of her iconic song “Let’s Go To The Mall”.
To nobody’s surprise, Cobie Smulders’ favorite episode ofHow I Met Your Motheris “Slap Bet,” like many viewers.
This episode results in several others that focus on this wild agreement between Barney and Marshall, and, naturally,Robin Sparkles also becomes a legendary figure whom audiences are reminded of several timesthroughoutHow I Met Your Mother. To nobody’s surprise,Cobie Smulders’ favorite episode ofHow I Met Your Motheris “Slap Bet,” like many viewers.
18"The Subject Was Noses"
The Brady Bunch: Season 4, Episode 18
There are plenty of amazing episodes ofThe Brady Bunch, but season 4’s “The Subject Was Noses” is widely considered the best by viewers and is the highest-rated episode of the show. The episode follows Marcia, who unexpectedly finds herself with two dates. Conflicted,Marcia struggles to decide between the cool hunk Doug and boy-next-door Joe.“The Subject Was Noses” features the iconic moment where Marcia breaks her nose, a staple image fromThe Brady Bunchand a legendary sitcom reference.
Top 10 The Brady Bunch Episodes According to IMDb (As Of June 2025)
8.3/10
8.2/10
8.0/10
“Pass the Tabu”
7.9/10
7.8/10
7.7/10
Season 3, Episode 13
“The Subject Was Noses” is a classic sitcom episode, and it demonstrates the format of the genre brilliantly. It sees a lot of miscommunication, notable sitcom tropes, trivial teenage drama, and plenty of comical moments throughout. On top of this,the subplot, which focuses on Mike and Carol trying to decide on a wallpaper pattern, is also fantastic.Overall, “The Subject Was Noses” is a perfect episode that encapsulates the characters and premise ofThe Brady Bunchaltogether.
17"The Fight”
Parks And Recreation: Season 3, Episode 13
Out ofParks and Recreation’s best episodes, “The Fight” is by far the funniest. This episode, which is written by Amy Poehler herself, seesthe main characters help Tom promote the infamous Snake Juice at the Snakehole Lounge,and it results in all kinds of hilarity. Everyone gets incredibly drunk, and the montage of each of them spewing their intoxicated nonsense is comedy gold. While that is easily the best part of the episode, there are loads more hilarious moments throughout.
The argument between Ann and Leslie is a classic,for example. It demonstrates not only how powerful their friendship is, but it also encapsulates just how much of a control freak Leslie can really be. The cold open, which sees Ron try to figure out who broke the coffee machine (only for it to be him), is nothing short of perfection, too.
16"Turkeys Away"
WKRP In Cincinnati: Season 1, Episode 7
WKRP in Cincinnati’s “Turkeys Away” is one ofthe best Thanksgiving sitcom episodes ever, and a classic in general.This episode is incredibly odd but very memorable,and it focuses on Mr. Carlson’s Thanksgiving publicity stunt. Strangely, he decides to keep everyone in the dark about it, except Herb. Carlson’s idea, which involves dropping several turkeys out of a helicopter and outside a bustling shopping center, is nothing short of madness.
Carlson’s final line, “As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly” is possibly one of the greatest sitcom quotes ever
However, the idea versus the execution is very different.It’s absolutely hilarious to see the passerby’s screeching reactions as the birds fall to their deathsaround them, and what starts as a light-hearted gimmick quickly turns into an utter disaster — “The turkeys are hitting the ground like wet cement!”. Carlson’s final line, “As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly,” is possibly one of the greatest sitcom quotes ever, and it’s a stellar way forWKRP in Cincinnatito wrap the episode up.
15"Up In The Air”
Three’s Company: Season 6, Episode 25
Even thoughThree’s Companyis a1970s TV show that wouldn’t hold up today, the season 6 episode “Up in the Air” is still one of the best sitcom stories of all time. “Up in the Air” focuses on Janet, who is invited to a party at the private island home of her crush, David. Janet learns that she has to bring a date, and takes Jack to make David jealous. However,Jack’s fear of flying crops up, and Larry gives him some tranquilizersto calm his nerves.
The dancing scene is often ingrained in viewers’ memories long after watching it, and it makes “Up in the Air” a standout episode
This results in one of the most astoundingly funny scenes inThree’s Company.Jack mixing the medication with alcohol creates all manner of chaos: he becomes the life of the party, but embarrasses Janet in the process, and while it’s easy to feel sorry for her, Jack’s reaction to the concoction is much more distracting. The dancing scene is often ingrained in viewers’ memories long after watching it, and it makes “Up in the Air” a standout episode of the show.
14"Connection Lost"
Modern Family: Season 6, Episode 16
Modern Family’s “Connection Lost”brilliantly plays around with the sitcom format and creates something unique.The entire episode is told via Claire’s computer screen,and every character appears over FaceTime at various points throughout. It’s fascinating to see things from this perspective, even during moments when there isn’t any dialogue and audiences have to piece everything together from Claire’s frantic messages to Haley, who has seemingly disappeared.
It’s hilarious to see theModern Familycharacters try to communicate with one another in such a hectic situation.A panicked Claire attempts to locate Haley, believing she has gone to Vegas to marry Andy,while also trying to keep up with Mitchell’s birthday, Alex’s college essay, and remembering to buy Cam’s popcorn.Every season ofModern Familyhas its strengths, but this episode is one of the most notable across the whole show.
13"The Box"
Brooklyn Nine-Nine: Season 5, Episode 14
“The Box” is one ofBrooklyn Nine-Nine’s most powerful episodes, which is rather impressive, considering it is also a bottle episode. It follows Holt and Jake attempt to weed out a confession from Philip, a dentist they believe has murdered his business partner. This episode sees stellar performances from everyone involved, and “The Box” is equally dramatic as it is hilarious.
It’s unnerving to watchSterling K. Brown asBrooklyn Nine-Ninekiller Philipfail to succumb to Holt and Jake’s tricks, but it’s also incredibly funny to watch their attempts. However,this episode is also a great example of why Jake and Holt’s relationship works so well.Without a doubt, viewers never forget Andy Samberg’s Jake playing the guitar and screaming into his suspect’s face.
12"Papa’s Got A Brand New Excuse"
The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air: Season 4, Episode 24
Even those who don’t watch sitcoms are familiar with “Papa’s Got a Brand New Excuse,” which is one ofthe saddest episodes ofThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. While there are some comical moments, this episode is generally remembered because of how deeply profound it is.“Papa’s Got a Brand New Excuse” sees the return of Will’s father, Lou,who has been absent from his son’s life for over 14 years. When Will realizes Lou hasn’t changed, after he lets him down yet again, he breaks down.
The scene between Will and Uncle Phil is a legendary moment in TV history. The way Will rants and raves about his father’s failings, and his own plans to be better than him, is beautiful yet heart-wrenching.“How come he don’t want me, man…” is a gripping line of dialogue,and it represents just how powerful the episode is overall, let alone how strong the bond between uncle and nephew has become.
11"The Nightman Cometh"
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia: Season 4, Episode 13
One of the funniest episodes of a sitcom to ever air isIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s “The Nightman Cometh.”This episode focuses on Charlie writing and putting on the titular musical,which has one of the wildest premises of all time. With the help of Frank, Dee, Dennis, Mac, and Artemis, the performance is nothing short of hilarious. The musical’s story, and the various unhinged songs that accompany it, all heavily imply something the show often references: Charlie was abused by his uncle as a child.
While this is a rather dark premise, viewers can’t help but find this episode unbelievably funny. From a confused Gladys playing the piano to Charlie’s proposal to The Waitress,there isn’t a single dull second in “The Nightman Cometh.”This episode is by far the most famous episode ofIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and it’s also the reason a lot of people check out the show in the first place. Hopefully,It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiaseason 17will reference this iconic episode.
