Top 100 Best TV Episodes of All Time

#100: The Box

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-21)

Brooklyn Nine-Nine usually leans on its ensemble cast and rapid-fire gags. "The Box" proves it can do a slow-burn blend of tension and laughs just as well. This episode locks Jake and Holt in a room with a murder suspect for one long, brutal night of interrogation. They have a ticking clock as he must be released in the morning. Theres no chase, no big reveal. Its just one, long psychological chess match built on razor-sharp dialogue and simmering performances. Sterling K. Brown chews the scenery as a killer dentist who just might be smarter than them. Its a brilliant bottle episode that trades antics for intensity. Sitcoms dont usually make you sweat, but "The Box" did just that.

#99: The Leap Home

Quantum Leap (1989-93)

"Quantum Leap" was an Emmy-winning sci-fi drama that ushered in the 1990s in style. It follows Dr. Sam Beckett, a physicist who jumps through time to fix the past by leaping into other peoples lives. In this fan-favorite two-parter, Sam leaps into someone shockingly familiar: his 16-year-old self. Its 1969, and hes suddenly surrounded by the family he lost. Sam sees a chance to rewrite everything: save his sisters future, his fathers life, and his brother from dying in Vietnam. But time doesnt bend so easily. He's there on a specific mission, one that proves to be just as important. It's an emotional, nostalgic, and deeply human two-part episode of television.

#98: One + One = Ed

Ed, Edd n Eddy (1999-2009)

Just when you think "Ed, Edd n Eddy" couldnt get weirder, it literally rips its own cartoon universe apart. In this mind-bending episode, the Eds decide to figure stuff out. Somehow, this quest leads to the dismantling of reality itself. Objects fall apart with nothing inside, sound effects break, and the fourth wall gets obliterated. Characters peel the sky off like wallpaper and wander through a surreal, unfinished void. Its not just chaos for chaos sake, but a bizarre, brilliant send-up of animation logic. One + One = Ed isnt just one of the shows wildest episodes. Its one of the boldest experiments in kids TV.

#97: The Oner

The Studio (2025-)

"The Studio" is a satirical comedy series that delves into the chaotic world of Hollywood filmmaking. It follows Seth Rogen as Matt Remick, the newly appointed head of Continental Studios. In this standout episode, Matt visits the set of a film directed by Sarah Polley. This bold director is desperate to capture a complex sunset shot in a single take, known in Hollywood as a "oner." The episode itself is presented as a continuous shot, mirroring the on-screen action. As Matt's well-intentioned interference leads to a series of mishaps, the production spirals into chaos. The episode masterfully blends technical innovation with sharp satire, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of filmmaking.

#96: Vergangenheit

The Crown (2016-23)

"The Crown" is a sweeping historical drama chronicling the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. In this standout episode, the Queen confronts a chilling revelation about her uncle, the Duke of Windsor. As he seeks to re-enter public life, secret World War II documents - known as the Marburg Files - surface. The Duke is exposed as a Nazi sympathizer and friend to Nazi Germany. The episode masterfully intertwines political intrigue with personal betrayal. It is a deep dive into Elizabeth's internal struggle between loyalty to the family and her duty to the nation. Full of nuanced performances, it's a poignant exploration of the burdens of leadership and the shadows of the past.

#95: Mrs. George Devereaux

The Golden Girls (1985-92)

Leave it to "The Golden Girls" to turn faked deaths and celebrity love triangles into comedy gold. After years of living with her senior friends, Blanche - our resident southern belle - is thrown for a loop. Her supposedly dead husband, George, shows up on her doorstep, alive and well. Meanwhile, Dorothy gets the worlds weirdest romantic dilemma: picking between two celebrity beaus. In the end, the whole episode was just a dream, but the emotional whiplash - and the hilarious chaos it causes - still hits like a train. Few shows could pull off absurdity and heart in equal measure. Golden Girls did it in under 25 minutes, heels and all.

#94: "Losing My Religion"

Grey's Anatomy (2005-)

If you were a millennial woman with a working heart and a DVD box set, this episode probably wrecked you. "Greys Anatomys" Season 2 finale delivers one of the most devastating gut punches in the show's twisted history. Izzie, in her pink prom dress, curled up beside Dennys lifeless body. After all the drama to get him a new heart, he dies alone from a stroke. The interns are left reeling, and Izzie quits medicine on the spot. Meanwhile, Meredith and Derek sneak off for a forbidden hookup, and the prom turns into a funeral. Its the episode that made Chasing Cars a cry trigger and cemented Greys as the queen of emotional devastation.

#93: Reckoning

Smallville (2001-11)

"Smallville" was an early 2000s teen drama that reimagined Supermans origin story. It follows a teenage Clark Kent as he navigates high school and the discovery of his powers. In its 100th episode, Reckoning, the series delivered a hit that fans still talk about. Clark finally reveals his secret to Lana and proposes. For one, bright and shining moment, everything seems perfect. But tragedy strikes when Lana dies in a car accident. Desperate, Clark turns to his birth father, Jor-El, who offers a chance to reset the day. There is a sad cost. Clark saves Lana, but fate claims someone else: his human father, Jonathan. The episode is a masterful exploration of the idea that even a superhero can't escape the consequences of his choices.

#92: Sleepytime

Bluey (2018-)

"Bluey" might be a kids show, but this episode had grown adults sobbing into their cereal. In Sleepytime, Bingo drifts off, dreaming of floating through the solar system with her stuffed bunny, Floppy. Meanwhile, back in the real world, shes sleepwalking into her parents bed, stealing blankets, and kicking her dad in the face. The episode blends stunning animation with Gustav Holsts The Planets suite. It's a cosmic journey mirroring Bingos quest for independence. It feels like a children's show directed by Christopher Nolan. The emotional climax comes when Bingo, feeling alone, is comforted by the warmth of the sun, a.k.a. her mothers ever-present love. Its a seven-minute masterpiece that captures the bittersweet beauty of growing up.

#91: The Man from Space

The Honeymooners (1955-56)

"The Honeymooners" was one of the earliest sitcoms on television. It followed the lives of New York City bus driver Ralph Kramden, his wife Alice, and their neighbors Ed and Trixie Norton. One day, Ralph gets it in his head that he is going to win a $50 prize at the Raccoon Lodge's costume contest. Unable to afford a rented costume, he embarks on a DIY costume crafting journey. He dubs himself "The Man from Space." His creation is met with confusion, with some mistaking him for a pinball machine. It is the quintessential example of Ralph's trademark arrogance getting the better of him. When Ed accidentally steals the spotlight, hilarity ensues.

#90: Goodbyeee

Blackadder Goes Forth (1989)

"Blackadder" made a name for itself in the 1980s UK, renowned for its sarcasm and wit. It brilliantly blended irreverent comedy with a sober take on war. Still, no one was ready for how it ended. In this final episode, Captain Blackadder and his trench-bound crew face the grim reality of going over the top in World War I. The cheeky banter slowly fades out as the squad's grim fate creeps ever closer. What follows is one of the most jarring tonal shifts in TV history. The scene slows, the battle fades away, and were left staring at a quiet field of poppies. In one stroke, Blackadder delivered one of the most powerful anti-war statements ever aired on British television.

#89: "Hitting the Fan"

The Good Wife (2009-16)

#88: "Homo for the Holidays"

Will & Grace (1998-2006; 2017-20)

#87: "A House Divided"

Dallas (1978-91)

#86: Never Bathe on Saturday

The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-66)

#85: Episode XCIII

Samurai Jack (2001-04; 2017)

Fans begged for years - more than a decade, in fact - for "Samurai Jack" to get the ending it deserved. It was a cult classic adult animation from a visionary creator. When Genndy Tartakovsky did bring it back in 2017, he didnt just pick up where he left off. He leveled up. Episode XCIII sets the tone for this final season: Jack is older, more broken, and outnumbered by the Daughters of Aku. His greatest enemy has a coterie of deadly assassins bred to kill him. The visuals are brutal; the stakes feel real. For the first time in the series, Jacks sword stays sheathed while he faces a truly impossible choice. Its action, art, and emotional weight, all in 22 minutes.

#84: The Judgment

The Fugitive (1963-67)

#83: Pier Pressure

Arrested Development (2003-06; 2013-19)

#82: Arrivederci

The White Lotus (2021-)

#81: My Screw Up

Scrubs (2001-10)

#80: Vichnaya Pamyat

Chernobyl (2019)

HBOs "Chernobyl" didnt just dramatize a disaster: it exposed the cost of systemic lies. In the finale, Valery Legasov testifies in a bleak, brutalist Soviet courtroom. Played by Jared Harris, he details every fatal flaw and the chain of cover-ups that led to the explosion. His decision to speak the full truth, defying the states narrative, comes at a personal cost: his career, reputation, and ultimately, his life. The episode closes with a haunting montage of real victims, set to the Ukrainian Orthodox chant Vichnaya Pamyat, meaning Memory Eternal. The episode wasn't just a farewell, but a solemn vow to remember the human toll of deception.

#79: On the Beach

ER (1994-2009)

#78: The Luck of the Fryrish

Futurama (1999-2003; 2008-13; 2023-)

#77: House's Head

House (2004-12)

#76: Password

The Odd Couple (1970-75)

#75: "The Puppy Episode"

Ellen (1994-98)

As it would turn out, Ellen DeGeneres was a horrible boss. These allegations led to the end of her talk show. Her place in TV history, though, will never be taken away. In 1997, DeGeneres made headlines when both she and her sitcom character, Ellen Morgan, came out as gay. The show was cleverly titled "The Puppy Episode" to maintain secrecy. Ellen accidentally broadcasts her coming out over an airport PA system in classic sitcom fashion: Im gay! It was Funny, yes, but also monumental. Nearly 42 million people tuned in. While the backlash was fierce, the impact was too big to contain. The episode won Emmys, a Peabody, and opened the door for LGBTQIA+ representation on network TV.

#74: ronny/lily

Barry (2018-23)

#73: The Quarterback

Glee (2009-15)

#72: The Name Game

American Horror Story (2011-)

#71: Testimony

Veep (2012-19)

#70: The We We Are

Severance (2022-)

Severance asks: what if you could split your work self from your real self, and then trap them both? In this explosive finale, the innies finally wake up in the outside world. It's only then that they realize just how deep the rabbit hole goes. Mark learns his wife is alive. Helly finds out shes not only a corporate prisoner; shes royalty. Irving uncovers a massive secret, hidden away. The episode juggles tension, horror, and heartbreak flawlessly. Later, in Chikhai Bardo, we learn more about Gemmas time as Ms. Casey and the cost of her severed identity. These episodes are prestige sci-fi at its best and most haunting.

#69: "One Way Out"

Andor (2022-25)

#68: Glued, Where's My Bob?

Bobs Burgers (2011-)

#67: Chapter Four: Dear Billy

Stranger Things (2016-)

#66: Subway

Homicide: Life on the Street (1993-99)

#65: Two Storms

The Haunting of Hill House (2018)

The Crain family gathers at a funeral home to mourn Nell. Unfortunately for them, the storm outside is nothing compared to the one brewing within. As old wounds reopen, director Mike Flanagan orchestrates the chaos through long, uninterrupted takes. He seamlessly shifts between both timelines and settings. The camera glides from the present-day wake to memories of a childhood storm at Hill House. These blurred lines between past and present escalate the tension until a chilling revelation: Nell's ghost has been silently present among them. This moment gains deeper resonance when paired with The Bent-Neck Lady. There, we are shocked to learn that Nell has spent her whole life haunted by... herself. Together, these episodes intertwine to deliver a haunting exploration of grief and memory.

#64: The Reichenbach Fall

Sherlock (2010-17)

#63: "The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis"

The Big Bang Theory (2007-19)

#62: Open Mic

Schitt's Creek (2015-20)

#61: Showdown

Cheers (1982-93)

#60: The Ricklantis Mixup

Rick and Morty (2013-)

What starts as a throwaway gag about visiting Atlantis turns into one of Rick and Mortys most ambitious episodes. We set aside our eponymous duo to dive into the Citadel - a society of infinite Ricks and Mortys. There, four intertwining tales unfold. In one, a Morty runs for president. In another - a "Training Day" spoof - a rookie Cop Rick partners with a jaded Cop Morty. We also see a group of Morty students seeking meaning, and a factory worker Rick rebelling. Each storyline satirizes real-world issues like systemic inequality and authoritarianism. The episode culminates in a chilling twist: the newly elected President Morty is revealed to be the long-lost Evil Morty from Close Rick-Counters of the Rick Kind.

#59: Slap Bet

How I Met Your Mother (2005-14)

#58: Family Meeting

The Shield (2002-08)

#57: Toast Can't Never Be Bread Again

Orange Is the New Black (2013-19)

#56: Opie the Birdman

The Andy Griffith Show (1960-68)

#55: Sweet Dee Has a Heart Attack

Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005-)

Only Its Always Sunny could turn a heart attack into a springboard into a chaotic spiral. When Dee drops mid-rant, the gang panicsnot about her health, but about the nightmare of American healthcare. Dennis and Dee go full "influencer thanks to a newfound obsession with narcissistic gym selfies. Charlie and Mac get corporate jobs to get insurance, unraveling in record time. Charlies wild-eyed descent into mailroom conspiracy spawned one of the best memes in internet history. And that unhinged energy? Its the same fuel that powers The Nightman Cometh. There, Charlie writes a musical about trauma, trolls, and the pursuit of love through song. You dont get that stage production without a breakdown like this first.

#54: Scott Tenorman Must Die

South Park (1997-)

#53: One Last Ride

Parks and Recreation (2009-15)

#52: 33

Battlestar Galactica (2004-09)

#51: Maudes Dilemma

Maude (1972-78)

#50: Farewell, Mr. Hooper

Sesame Street (1969-)

In 1983, "Sesame Street" did something no children's show had dared before: it taught preschoolers about death. When actor Will Lee passed away, the show chose honesty over avoidance. Big Bird learns that his beloved friend, Mr. Hooper, has died and won't be coming back. The adults gently explain the permanence of death, Gordon offering the simple, heartfelt reason: "It has to be this way... just because." The decision to air this on Thanksgiving Day ensured families could watch it together and talk it over. The episode's emotional authenticity, fueled by the cast's real grief, made it a landmark moment in television. "Sesame Street" helped an entire generation of children understand and cope with loss.

#49: The Draft Dodger

All in the Family (1971-79)

#48: Blindsided

Daredevil (2015-18)

#47: Traces to Nowhere

Twin Peaks (1990-91; 2017)

#46: Bloody Harlan

Justified (2010-15)

#45: Almost Got 'Im

Batman: The Animated Series (1992-95)

"Batman: The Animated Series" was a touchstone for many '80s and '90s kids. The episode Almost Got 'Im was the pinnacle of its brilliance. Half of Batman's rogues gallery plays poker together, regaling each other with Dark Knight stories, like kids around a campfire. They one-up each other with stories of their various near-victories. It's a fabulous little anthology with an amazing twist: Killer Croc is actually Batman in disguise. He's used this little gathering to locate a kidnapped Catwoman. Its a clever, self-contained showcase of the rogues gallery, balancing humor, suspense, and a surprise ending that still lands. For a deeper emotional punch, pair it with Heart of Ice, which reimagines Mr. Freeze as a tragic villain driven by love and loss.

#44: Clyde Bruckmans Final Repose

The X-Files (1993-2002; 2016-2018)

#43: Long, Long Time

The Last of Us (2023-)

#42: Blink

Doctor Who (1963-89, 2005-)

#41: Episode 2.6

Fleabag (2016-19)

#40: Chuckles Bites the Dust

The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970-77)

Leave it to Mary Tyler Moore to find the humor in a funeral. Beloved childrens entertainer Chuckles the Clown dies in a bizarre parade accident dressed as a peanut. The WJM newsroom springs into action... sort of. The fact is they can't stop cracking jokes. Mary, ever the moral compass, is appalled by their irreverence. But at the funeral, Mary finds herself in the same boat. As the minister recounts Chuckles whimsical characters, she loses her composure, bursting into uncontrollable laughter. The episode masterfully balances humor and pathos. Its a poignant commentary on grief and the human tendency to mask sorrow with laughter. Scribed by David Lloyd, it won an Emmy for Outstanding Writing. It's generally considered one of the greatest sitcom episodes ever made.

#39: Road to the Multiverse

Family Guy (1999-2003; 2005-)

#38: Michaels Gambit

The Good Place (2016-20)

#37: This Extraordinary Being

Watchmen (2019)

#36: Middle Ground

The Wire (2002-08)

#35: Teddy Perkins

Atlanta (2016-22)

Atlanta has always blurred the line between comedy and surrealism. "Teddy Perkins" takes this formula into the realm of psychological horror. Darius - played by LaKeith Stanfield - sets out to pick up a free piano with rainbow-colored keys. He finds himself in a decaying mansion owned by the eerie Teddy Perkins. The character, a Michael Jackson-esque figure, is a pale, soft-spoken recluse with a sinister aura. What begins as an offbeat errand spirals into a tense, unsettling encounter. While weird and funny, the episode is also a poignant exploration of abuse, identity, and sacrifice. Donald Glover is unrecognizable in whiteface. His performance as Teddy is incredible. Directed by Hiro Murai, the episode aired without commercial interruption, amplifying its claustrophobic atmosphere.

#34: Part II

Roots (1977)

#33: In the Pale Moonlight

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993-99)

#32: The Ski Lodge

Frasier (1993-2004)

#31: Band Geeks

SpongeBob SquarePants (1999-)

#30: Papas Got a Brand New Excuse

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-96)

This very special episode of "Fresh Prince" delivers one of the most shockingly poignant moments in sitcom history. When Will's estranged father, Lou, reappears after 14 years, Will is thrilled. His dad promises to make amends and take him on a cross-country trip. But Lou is who hes always been: unreliable. He bails, again, leaving Will devastated. The moment triggers a raw, emotional breakdown as Will questions why he was never wanted. His tearful cry caught audiences off guard with its honesty. ("How come he don't want me, man?) Will Smiths performance shattered expectations. James Averys quiet, steady presence as Uncle Phil made it all the more heart-wrenching. For many viewers, it was the first time a sitcom punched them in the chest.

#29: The Car Pool Lane

Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000-24)

#28: 407 Proxy Authentication Required

Mr. Robot (2015-19)

#27: Sold Under Sin

Deadwood (2004-06)

#26: Why We Fight

Band of Brothers (2001)

#25: Plan and Execution

Better Call Saul (2015-22)

Jimmy and Kims scam against Howard Hamlin goes off without a hitch. And then, everything goes completely off the rails. Using fake photos and a carefully timed prank, they ruin Howards reputation right before the Sandpiper settlement. He crashes their apartment, furious. Then Lalo shows up. In a split second, Howard is dead, the Rubicon is crossed, and "Better Call Saul" becomes an entirely different animal. Its one of the most shocking moments in the "Breaking Bad" universe, which is saying something. It all felt so tragically avoidable. Much like Chicanery, where Jimmy destroys Chuck on the witness stand, this episode shows how clever plans can leave lasting scars. That one cost a career. This one costs a life.

#24: 11:00 p.m. 12:00 a.m.

24 (2001-10; 2014)

#23: The Getaway

Dexter (2006-13)

#22: Two Cathedrals

The West Wing (1999-2006)

#21: Forks

The Bear (2022-)

#20: The One Where Everyone Finds Out

Friends (1994-2004)

As one of the most beloved sitcoms out there, Friends has a lot of spectacular episodes. For instance, The One with the Embryos, where most of the gang have a trivia contest, is fantastic. But our pick goes to this outrageously funny episode. In The One Where Everybody Finds Out, Chandler and Monicas relationship is at last made fully public, with the final remaining friends finding out about it. This leads to some obscenely hilarious and iconic scenes. The various ways in which Chandler and Monica and the other friends (sans Ross) mess with each other are especially unbeatable. And theres even some patented heartwarming moments too. Its Friends firing on all cylinders!

#19: Connors Wedding

Succession (2018-23)

This episode may have aired relatively recently, but it has already made waves as one of the most acclaimed ever. While the eponymous wedding does indeed take place, the major focus is not on the start of a new life together, but the ending of the Roy patriarchs. Indeed, whats been called the promise in the [shows] title comes to fruition, as Logan Roy dies. The Roys are arguably all terrible people in their own ways. But even the greedy arent immune to grief, as they each contend with Logans passing in heartbreaking and realistic ways. The incredible performances and subject matter at hand are sure to only increase the amount of praise this episode receives as time goes on.

#18: Who Goes There

True Detective (2014-)

True Detective in general has raised the bar for TV, but this episode is something special! Detectives Rust Cohle and Marty Harts investigations and personal lives reach a new level of intensity. Martys marriage falls apart after his infidelity is uncovered. But lets not kid ourselves - the highlight here is the episodes finale! After Cohle goes undercover in a gang and participates in a raid, hes forced to capture one of its members and flee once violence erupts. This is executed in a roughly 6 minute long take thats one of the most thrilling sequences in TV, period!

#17: The Inner Light

Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-94)

The Star Trek franchise has delivered some of TVs best science fiction. If we have to pick just one episode though, well go with The Inner Light. Captain Jean-Luc Picard loses consciousness after the Enterprise finds an alien probe. In his mind, he experiences the existence of Kamin, a man from the world the probe came from. Picard/Kamin fosters a romantic relationship, has children, and ages as the worlds star dies, killing the planet around him. The probe itself is a memory - left behind so the inhabitants could be remembered. Patrick Stewarts performance is spectacular as always, demonstrating how Picard is transformed - we are too. The memory of love is real, even if the people loved are long gone.

#16: Everyone's WaitingSix Feet Under (2001-05)

One of the most satisfying series finales ever made, Everyones Waiting delivers on what every show should - closure. Most of the episode concerns the Fisher family figuring out what comes next for them in the wake of Nates death, with moves, business ventures, and relationships blooming. However, the closing montage is what gets us every time. We see highlights of the rest of the characters lifetimes, witnessing how they grow old and die. Even as were sobbing over their loss, seeing them live out their lives is tremendously fulfilling. It feels like the perfect ending, which is deeply valuable.

#15: The Crossroads of Destiny

Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-08)

Choosing just one episode from this acclaimed animated series is tough, but the season 2 finale is arguably the crux on which much of it hinges. The Crossroads of Destiny sees Zukos sister Azula take over the Earth Kingdom capital of Ba Sing Se. After so much character development from Zuko, his siding with Azula and betraying Uncle Iroh hits hard. Still, maybe not as hard as Aangs literal death (dont worry, he ultimately survives). This might just be one of the most dramatic episodes of the series. And while the ending may be a downer, the high stakes, impressive action, and timely humor represent a level of peak excellence for any show, animated or otherwise.

#14: Remedial Chaos Theory

Community (2009-15)

As all D&D players already know, a simple dice roll can spiral into pure mayhem. At Troy and Abeds housewarming party, Jeff suggests rolling a die to decide who gets the pizza. Abed warns that this will create multiple timelines. He was right. Each roll spins the group into a different reality, showing how the absence of just one person can unravel everything. From Pierce getting shot to the birth of the 'Darkest Timeline,' its "Community" at its smartest and weirdest. The show was already known for genre-bending, thanks to Modern Warfare. Using a "28 Days Later" setup, Jeff awakens from a nap to find Greendale a paintball-soaked battleground. Together, these episodes prove "Community" was both funny and fearless.

#13: The View From Halfway Down

BoJack Horseman (2014-20)

This tragi-comic animated show always pushes boundaries with its storytelling and it all comes together in the penultimate episode of the series, "The View from Halfway Down." The eponymous BoJack finds himself at a soirée with many of the deceased characters from throughout the series. BoJack eventually understands that he too is dying, and the horseman must confront his own mortality and its inevitability. Its a dark, strange, surreal work that perfectly captures not only the reality of dream-style experiences, but also the tragedy and hope that life and death can inspire. In other words, its a masterpiece.

#12: Mizumono

Hannibal (2013-15)

There are a lot of brutal, surprising TV episodes out there, and Mizumono is one of the most shocking! Things tighten around Hannibal Lecter, as Will Graham works to win his trust. However, the wily cannibal psychiatrist not only discovers Wills deception, he also seemingly kills most of the main cast in the final confrontation! But the episode is more than just its twists and turns. The dialogue is fantastic, the acting is superb, and the cinematography and direction are some of the best in all of TV. Like the Japanese dessert course its named for, Mizumono is tremendously satisfying - even if its way more traumatic!

#11: The Body

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

Buffy had some incredible episodes, and it was tempting to choose Hush, which largely forces the characters to go non-verbal. But The Body is too good to pass up. Many of the best TV episodes deal with death, but few address it in as viscerally real a way as this. Buffy discovers her mother Joyce has passed suddenly from an aneurysm. She, her sister, and her friends all struggle to grapple with whats occurred. The performances are heartrendingly authentic, and so much of the dialogue touches on the human inability to comprehend death. The direction and sound design are phenomenal too, emphasizing certain noises, while music is absent. When someone you love is gone, the world feelswrong. The Body represents that with gut-wrenching honesty.

#10: The Contest

Seinfeld (1989-98)

When it first debuted, "Seinfeld" was unlike any sitcom on the air. Whereas most network sitcoms focused on a workplace or home life, Larry David's laugh riot adamantly rejected such focus. Though the classic "show about nothing" concept commonly referred to is kind of a misnomer, it was never better when it was pushing taboos - and thats exactly what this episode did. The Contest saw the gang competing with one another to see who could avoid pleasuring themselves the longest. As you can imagine, this led to some unbearable tension for all involved, and gave viewers something theyd never seen on television before - a conversation about being "master of your domain". The biggest laugh? Local weirdo Cosmo Kramer's near instant failure.

#9: The Suitcase

Mad Men (2007-15)

Mathew Weiner's Mad Men offered a brutally honest look at the sexism, racism, political tension and male machismo that characterized the business world in the 60s - a decade thats far too easy to romanticize. The show was arguably never better, however, than when it was diving deep into character analysis as it does with Don Draper and ambitious secretary Peggy Olson in this episode. "The Suitcase" spends most of its runtime with the two sharing drinks, dinner and unusually honest conversation. It all comes to a head in one of Don's few truly genuine moments. Its frequently cited as being among the best episodes of the entire series - and considering the overall high quality of the show, thats saying a whole lot.

#8: Lucy Does a TV Commercial

I Love Lucy (1951-57)

In the golden age of television, Lucille Ball's family comedy reigned supreme. Across six seasons, the talented actor and comedian created too many timeless moments to count, but "Lucy Does a TV Commercial" is without a doubt the shows greatest gift to comedy. In the episode, Lucy does an ad for a new health tonic with the unpronounceable name Vitameatavegimin, which is 23 percent alcohol. Take after take sees Lucy beginning to feel the effects of the product and shes soon struggling with the already ridiculously unpronounceable name. Physical comedy, over-the-top facial expressions and that impossibly chipper delivery of her lines - this is Lucille Ball firing on all cylinders. Over 50 years later, the episode remains as funny and quotable as ever.

#7: The Constant

Lost (2004-10)

"The Constant" focuses on Desmond Hume, whose consciousness begins traveling back and forth between 1996 and 2004. Though revisiting his past brings insight, it could also prove fatal, so it's a race to steady his place in the world, by finding the titular constant someone he knew in both time periods. Apparently the writers took twice as long as usual to develop the script for this episode and it shows - this is an extremely tightly constructed 43 minutes of television. Not only is it well-crafted, but it also manages to pack an emotional punch. The popularity of Lost would ultimately pave the way for other puzzle box sci-fi shows like "The Leftovers", which deserves a nod for its season 2 episode, "International Assassin".

#6: Homer's Enemy

The Simpsons (1989-)

For over 30 seasons, Matt Groening's idiosyncratic family has been broadcast into the homes of millions. Though later seasons have been criticized for a dip in quality, in its prime, it was an unstoppable force, one willing to venture into then-uncharted dark territory for an animated series. Homers Enemy introduces Frank Grimes, who is aghast at the oafish Homer's incredible luck. It's a great, self-aware takedown of the show's tendency to put Homer in unlikely situations places he has no right to be. All of this converges in Grimes having a mental breakdown that ultimately results in his death. The episode polarized critics at the time, but its gone down as a landmark moment in television history.

#5: The Rains of Castamere

Game of Thrones (2011-19)

HBOs adaptation of George R.R. Martins fantasy series was arguably THE watercooler show. The series made it clear in season 1 that no character was safe, but even so, nothing could have prepared us for the events of what would come to be known as The Red Wedding. At the time, many fans and critics were upset by what was described as abusive or manipulative writing. In hindsight however, weve come to really appreciate this episode and its sickening twist. Yes, it was awful to experience, but the character motivations made sense. Game of Thrones, as a series, redefined television and viewer expectations, and rarely did it do so quite as effectively as in "The Rains of Castamere".

#4: Nightmare at 20,000 Feet

The Twilight Zone (1959-64)

Rod Serling's sci-fi anthology show is known for groundbreaking storytelling, using science fiction the best way it can as a mask for deeper social commentary. From "To Serve Man"'s double meaning to The Monsters are Due on Maple Street's obvious communist allegory, it was often the smartest show on television. But the most memorable episode was even remade in the film anthology with John Lithgow in the title role. "Nightmare" deals with a gremlin destroying an airplane piece-by-piece mid-flight, with an aviophobic William Shatner the only helpless witness. The episode has been spoofed countless times, but nothing tops the original - be it in terms of style or substance. The practical effects might age, but not the universality of fear.

#3: Pine Barrens

The Sopranos (1999-2007)

With the dawn of the new millennium came the age of the antihero, and The Sopranos was a game-changer the first HBO show to really shake up how television narrative works. Rather than episodes-of-the-week, this David Chase mob drama told a complete story over several seasons and episodes. There were times, however, when the show took a break to focus on the smaller moments. In "Pine Barrens", gangsters Paulie and Christopher find themselves lost in the woods after a confrontation with a Russian mobster goes awry. There's something almost lyrical about Paulie and Christopher's trek, particularly because their victim is hardly mentioned - as if they didn't matter as much as the journey. What can we say? Its just incredible television.

#2: Abyssinia, Henry

"M*A*S*H" (1972-83)

There's an urban legend that after the final episode of "M*A*S*H", "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen", New York City suffered a water shortage from most of the city flushing their toilets at the same time. It's not true, but that people believe it speaks to the show's popularity. The prolific show had countless moments of humor, heart and tragedy, but none more shocking than Henry's sudden death in "Abyssinia, Henry". The commanding officer receives his orders to go home and leaves after a bittersweet farewell. Then Corporal Radar O'Reilly enters with the news. It's a heartbreaking turn, but one that felt true to a show that was never afraid to remind us of the horrors of war.

#1: Ozymandias

Breaking Bad (2008-13)

Walter White may start "Breaking Bad" as a milquetoast chemistry teacher, but by the end he's a full-on drug lord - complete with bad guy hat and a series of corpses in his wake. It's only in the series second-to-last episode that he really returns to his root motive: ensuring the well-being of his family at his own expense. In the episode's climax, White calls his wife and unloads on her, knowing the authorities are listening in. But his tirade has an ulterior motive: he wants to exonerate his wife of any wrongdoing by placing all the blame at his feet. It's a powerful scene and incredibly fitting. Walter made a lot of bad choices, but he always was the smartest man in the room.

Are there other TV episodes that formed a core memory for you? Let us know in the comments below!