Top 20 Star Wars Themed TV Episodes

#20: “When Aliens Attack”

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

“Star Wars” takes place a long time ago… yet for some reason, everything looks futuristic. As such, it was inevitable that “Futurama” would parody the franchise more than once. While this alien invasion episode also works in references to “Independence Day” and “Star Trek,” “Star Wars” inspires the episode’s highlight. Just as Luke Skywalker’s journey begins on Tatooine, our heroes go from a day at the beach to joining a rebellion. An alien mothership is the Death Star in an action set piece that recreates the Battle of Scarif. Unlike Luke, the Force isn’t strong with the Planet Express crew, but this invasion is settled in court. Hey, any episode that combines “Star Wars” and “Ally McBeal” is doing something right in our book.

#19: “Deathcon 2001”

“Celebrity Deathmatch” (1998-2002; 2006-07)

Airing between “The Phantom Menace” and “Attack of the Clones,” “Celebrity Deathmatch” took the fight to a convention center for a sci-fi-themed episode. The main event pits Harrison Ford against Samuel L. Jackson for Star Wars Supremacy. George Lucas is enlisted as a guest referee, but the “Star Wars” creator doesn’t make it to the showdown, getting caught in a trash compactor. Spoiler: the trash compactor wins. The central brawl is full of brutal moments, although nothing is more painful than hearing Ford call Jackson “Lando.” Talk about awkward… at least that’s one word for it. Ford might be a few years Jackson’s senior. Jackson has a reputation for dying onscreen, however. “Deathmatch” is no exception, as Ford emerges victorious with his carpentry skills.

#18: “Star Koopa”

“The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!” (1989)

The “Super Mario Galaxy” games are great, but why wasn’t there a “Star Koopa” level? Well, this episode will have to do. Since “A New Hope” centers on saving a princess, it wasn’t hard to connect the dots here. Now a Sith lord, Koopa is again after Princess Toadstool and determined to destroy her homeworld. The “Star Wars” parallels pave the way for the show’s signature pasta puns like “pasta power” and “May the pasta be with you!” Because Mario’s Italian, get it?! Being a plumber, Mario thankfully knows his way around a garbage disposal and he’s a surprisingly good pilot too. Plus, the episode’s live-action segments revolve around Christmas. So, if you’re looking for something else to pair with the “Star Wars Holiday Special,” this is the marinara to your spaghetti.

#17: “Falling Stars”

“Rugrats” (1991-2004)

It’s called “Star Wars,” but the stars themselves don’t really factor into the plot. They do in this episode of “Rugrats,” however. Wishing upon a star, the babies fear one will literally fall and crush them. Letting their imaginations run wild, the playground provides a “Star Wars”-esque backdrop with Angelica turning to the dark slide. Angelica naturally fills the Darth Vader role, although nothing happens to the younglings in this version. We know, too soon. The episode builds to a duel between good and evil, which are sometimes more closely related than you think. After all, Angelica is Tommy’s cousin. Angelica may fight with a flashlight, but she’s seduced by the dark side, falling to her doom like the Emperor… kind of.

#16: “Han Ukkah Solo”

“The Goldbergs” (2013-23)

There comes a time in every fan’s life when they realize not everything “Star Wars”-related is perfect… or even good. For some, this awakening came with the prequels. For others, it was the sequels. For Adam Goldberg, it was a bootleg of “The Star Wars Holiday Special.” Hoping to recapture his grandson’s childhood wonder, Pops takes him to see George Lucas’ latest project, “Howard the Duck.” This just sends Adam into a deeper depression, but there is a light at the end of this dark tunnel. For all of its faults, “The Star Wars Holiday Special” was technically Boba Fett’s debut and he was easily the best part. No offense to Bea Arthur. With this revelation comes a new hope for Adam’s inner child.

#15: “Adam Driver/Chris Stapleton”

“Saturday Night Live” (1975-)

A month after “The Force Awakens” premiered, Adam Driver hosted “SNL.” While Driver showcased his comedic range with a variety of characters, “Star Wars” was the Ortolan in the room that couldn’t go ignored. Right off the bat, Driver finds himself bombarded with fan inquiries from Taran Killam and Bobby Moynihan. Driver actually spoils the fact that Kylo Ren dies, although we guess “Rise of Skywalker” dropped the “Weekend at Bernies” twist. Kylo Ren takes center stage in “Star Wars Undercover Boss: Starkiller Base.” It’s Driver’s chance to show his goofy side… and yet, he still plays Kylo Ren (or Matt) with committed intensity. Weirdly enough, this sketch also foreshadows Kylo Ren going shirtless in “The Last Jedi.” Was Disney just stealing ideas from “SNL?”

#14: “Gonzo’s Video Show”

“Muppet Babies” (1984-91)

We’ve all fantasized about being in the “Star Wars” universe. If you grew up with a video camera, chances are you even tried making a shot-for-shot remake of “A New Hope.” “Muppet Babies” captured that sense of imagination and movie magic with this episode. What makes this “Star Wars”-themed episode stand out is that it incorporates footage and sound effects from the actual film. It certainly didn’t hurt that Jim Henson was friends with George Lucas. At the same time, the episode has a handmade feel with the babies using notebook paper for the opening crawl. It maintains the “Muppet” spirit, complete with meta moments and in-jokes. We can’t be the only ones who thought R2-D2 looked like a trash can.

#13: “A Quack in the Quarks”

“Tiny Toon Adventures” (1990-92)

Only two episodes in, the “Tiny Toons” writers established their knack for parody with a “Star Wars” send-up. It opens with Plucky befriending two alien ducks named Frank and Ollie, a reference that’ll certainly appeal to Disney fans. This was over two decades before the acquisition, by the way. Mistaking Plucky for Earth’s greatest hero, Frank and Ollie recruit him to stop the evil Duck Vader. We suppose you could call this “Galaxy Quest” before “Galaxy Quest,” even if that movie satarized “Star Trek.” Of course, “Star Wars” is the main target here with Plucky as Luke, Buster as Han, Babs as Leia, and Hamton as R2-D2. Thus ensues an adventure involving spaceships, lasers, and stormtroopers, who live up to their names.

#12: “The Convention Conundrum”

“The Big Bang Theory” (2007-19)

“Star Wars” was regularly discussed on “The Big Bang Theory,” but only one episode brought two of its stars together. Looking to start his own convention, Sheldon seeks out Darth Vader himself, James Earl Jones. So, we all know the drill. Sheldon fanboys out and Jones gets annoyed, right? In a refreshing change of pace, Jones is somehow more eccentric and exhausting than Sheldon, dragging him along for an unpredictable night on the town. After ice cream and karaoke, the evening takes them to the house of Carrie Fisher, who Jones supposedly had never met before this episode’s taping. It’s bittersweet knowing that Fisher and Jones wouldn’t be with us much longer, but we’re grateful the stars aligned with this episode.

#11: “Obama Wins!”

“South Park” (1997-)

Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm was such headline-making news at the tail end of 2012 that it arguably overshadowed Barack Obama’s re-election. “South Park” combined these two zeitgeist events as the boys uncover a conspiracy that also ropes in China and Morgan Freeman. The episode has aged quite well, foreshadowing how Disney would produce “Star Wars” sequels and integrate the brand into their theme parks. Furthermore, the episode questioned whether Disney would really be the best choice to take control of this beloved franchise. This question was still top of people’s mind four years later when another election was underway and many were wrestling with the notion that “The Force Awakens” might’ve been overhyped. Strange how “Star Wars” always reflects the state of the nation.

#10: “My Two Dads”

“Scrubs” (2001-10)

Two key themes throughout “Star Wars” are the struggle between good and evil and the bonds between fathers and sons, mentors and mentees. The same thing can be said about “Scrubs,” with Dr. Cox acting as a rebel soldier and Dr. Kelso taking the place of an imperial officer. Stuck in the middle of their conflict in this season one episode is young J.D., who must choose between the light side and the dark side. The young doctor finally makes his choice in one of his many over-the-top fantasies, although Dr. Cox does show him that doing the right thing also means making sacrifices.

#9: “Star Warners”

“Pinky and the Brain” (1995-98)


A spinoff of “Animaniacs,” this series spent four seasons parodying movies and pop culture just like its parent series. And, in the show’s final episode, they brought out the big guns – or blasters, as the case may be. In just 22 minutes, “Star Warners” satirizes the entire “Star Wars” trilogy. Along the way, the Warners, Goodfeathers, Slappy Squirrel, and other familiar faces lampoon all the characters we know and love. Of course, Pinky and the Brain are also there as 3-PinkEO and Brain2-Me2 in a plot to take over not only the world, but the whole galaxy.

#8: “Please Homer, Don’t Hammer ‘Em”

“The Simpsons” (1989-)


At some point, every schoolboy has likely pictured himself as Luke Skywalker and his principal as Darth Vader. In one storyline of this “Simpsons” episode, it appears that Bart has finally – in season 18 – gained control over Principal Skinner when he learns of his enemy’s peanut allergy. Skinner strikes back, however, upon learning Bart has an equally deadly aversion to shrimp. Set to John Williams’ epic musical score, the student and teacher clash in a lightsaber-styled duel. And the result for both is every bit as tragic as Anakin Skywalker’s fate – well, maybe not quite. If only Mark Hamill had been in this episode to show them how to use the forks.

#7: “Love-Bheits”

“The Venture Bros.” (2003-)

Team Venture comes close to winning best group costume with Dean in Princess Leia’s gold bikini, Dr. Venture in a Jedi cloak, and Brock in a hairy Chewbacca getup, but Hank has to go and screw it up by dressing as the Batman. This becomes the least of their problems, however, when Baron Ünderbheit kidnaps Dean and plans to make him his bride. Thus, the Ventures partner up with a group of underground rebels to save the princess while cleverly - and dementedly - making fun of “Star Wars.”

#6: “The Stars of Star Wars”

“The Muppet Show” (1976-81)

The same year Frank Oz voiced Yoda in “The Empire Strikes Back,” Luke Skywalker, R2-D2, and C-3PO hosted this episode of “The Muppet Show.” Completely dazed by the strange planet they’ve landed on, the stars of “Star Wars” commandeer the Swinetrek to rescue Chewbacca. The episode also features Gonzo the Great as Dearth Nadir, Miss Piggy as Princess Leia, C-3P0 tap-dancing, and Luke performing alongside his cousin, Mark Hamill. Even over 30 years after it aired, this bizarre crossover is still awesome and hilarious to watch – and not nearly as uncomfortable as the “Star Wars Holiday Special.”

#5: “A New Hope”

“That ‘70s Show” (1998-2006)


Kids today can only imagine what it was like to see “Star Wars” when it first came out. In this season one episode of “That ‘70s Show,” Eric and his band of rebels experience the phenomenon in the theater. All the guys are immediately obsessed, even if the film doesn’t have any space jugs. The “Star Wars” theme further ties into the story as Eric worries Donna will turn to the dark side and dump him for a guy with scoliosis he beat up in elementary school. Costumed dreams ensue.

#4: “Phineas and Ferb: Star Wars”

“Phineas and Ferb” (2007-15; 2025-)


When Disney acquired the rights to “Star Wars,” the creators of “Phineas and Ferb” jumped at the opportunity to parody “A New Hope.” And, they delivered one of the most unique “Star Wars” sendups ever, making Phineas and Ferb Luke Skywalker’s neighbors and telling the classic story from their perspective. It’s one great laugh after another with Perry the Platypus as a rebel spy, Candace as a stormtrooper trying to bust rebels, and Dr. Doofenshmirtz as the Sith Lord who gave the Death Star a fatal design flaw. Ah, if only this were canon.

#3: “For a Few Paintballs More”

“Community” (2009-15)


No show satirizes movies, television, and pretty much anything better than “Community.” In “For a Few Paintballs More,” Dan Harmon finally paid tribute to “Star Wars,” as well as the Spaghetti Westerns that inspired the epic space opera. With Abed channeling Han Solo and an ice cream mascot assuming the Darth Vader role, it’s an all-out paintball war to save Greendale from the wrath of the rival City College. Brilliantly directed by Joe Russo, ingeniously written by Hilary Winston, and wonderfully acted by the whole cast, this cinematic episode is the very definition of epic comedy.

#2: “Robot Chicken: Star Wars”

“Robot Chicken” (2005-)


The early seasons of “Robot Chicken” referenced “Star Wars” so many times that a whole episode dedicated to the franchise was inevitable. Seth Green and crew explore many scenarios one would never think of, like, “How did the Emperor react when Darth Vader told him the Death Star exploded?” Both compiling previous “Star Wars” shorts and offering several new ones, this Emmy-nominated special is “Robot Chicken” at its best, with just the right blend of smart and lowbrow humor. And, in true “Star Wars” fashion, the episode even inspired a trilogy.

#1: “Blue Harvest”

“Family Guy” (1999-2003; 2005-)


Not since “Spaceballs” has there been a more detailed, well thought-out, and loving take on “Star Wars” than this masterful episode of “Family Guy.” Packed wall-to-wall – or galaxy-to-galaxy – with jokes, the season six premiere “Blue Harvest” couldn’t be more perfectly cast, with Stewie as Darth Vader, Herbert as Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Meg as the garbage monster. Sure, “Robot Chicken” might have done this first, but “Family Guy” did it even better. Throw in the equally hilarious follow-up episodes “Something, Something, Something, Dark Side” and “It’s a Trap!,” and you have a trilogy that will have any fuzzball laughing it up.


What show would you like to see dedicate an episode to “Star Wars?” Let us know in the comments.