A perfect sitcom episode is a work of art and while it has to make viewers laugh, it should definitely also make them think. There are several TV comedies that fans will always pick over others when discussing their favorites and these tend to have the most creative plotlines as well as the funniest jokes that people will always remember and quote on a regular basis.
From a few solid, iconic episodes of Seinfeld that still make people smile to some more recent episodes featuring beloved characters in wild and chaotic situations, there are many sitcom episodes that Reddit users consider to be the very best.
"Dinner Party" (The Office, S4 E13)
When fans think about the funniest episodes of this popular sitcom, The Office episode "Dinner Party" stands out the most.
Reddit user nabbit loves this episode of The Office and wrote that they like how Jim sees the evening: "Michael and Jan seem to be playing their own seperate game. And it's called, 'Let's see how uncomfortable we can make our guests.'" Viewers know that if these characters are going to get together for a meal, it isn't going to be easy or fun.
"Modern Warfare" (Community, S1 E23)
Reddit user KyWy75 mentioned the Community episode "Modern Warfare" in a thread about "10/10 perfect sitcom episodes."
There are two main storylines in this episode: the students fighting each other and Britta and Jeff having romantic feelings for each other. The characters each want to be able to choose their classes before everyone else so they feel determined to win the game of "Paintball Assassin." While the episode is definitely funny, it has a sweet ending when Jeff lets Shirley pick her classes instead of him, which shows a softer side of his character.
"The Marine Biologist" (Seinfeld, S5 E14)
Seinfeld has so many episodes that have become iconic parts of sitcom history, but when fans think about the best episodes, they tend to pick ones involving George's plans, unique quotes and way of looking at the world, and mistakes. For most viewers, "The Marine Biologist" is one of the most exciting sitcom episodes because of George's lie about his career and his ego-filled speech.
Reddit user PawneeRaccoon called this episode "one of my favourite episodes of anything, ever" and quoted George saying "The sea was angry that day, my friends." George loves seeing himself as a person who could save a whale and fans love the whole ride.
"Background Check" (New Girl, S4 E6)
Fans love New Girl's friendship moments and when viewers talk about favorite episodes, they're always going to include some times when Jess and her roommates are there for each other.
Reddit user jmoneysteck88 mentioned the New Girl episode "Background Check" as one that sticks out. Winston is trying to become a police officer and when there's a home visit to make sure that everything is okay for him to move forward, Jess believes that she has drugs. The episode is chaotic and full of endless emotional, hilarious moments as the characters hope that they can help Winston.
"The Comeback Kid" (Parks And Recreation, S4 E11)
In a Reddit thread about the most hilarious sitcom episode, Reddit user rocketsauce2112 mentioned "The Comeback" episode of Parks And Recreation, writing "The scene where Leslie tries to give a speech on the ice skating rink is amazing, but the whole episode is great."
While the friendships and romances on the sitcom are why fans love it so much, it's also fun and exciting watching Leslie move up the ranks, and she faces many ups and downs during her campaign in this episode.
"Pier Pressure" (Arrested Development, S1 E10)
Reddit user jamespesto loves the episode "pier pressure" of Arrested Development, which sees Buster trying to find medical marijuana for Lucille who suffers from vertigo.
Fans love seeing these characters in this situation, and the episode also features a sweet plotline where Lindsay is upset that Lucille and Maeby are connecting.
"My Coffee With Niles (Frasier, S1, E24)
When fans look back on the best parts of season 1 of Frasier, they particularly love when Niles and Frasier get together at Cafe Nervosa.
One Redditor wrote that this is "the best bottle episode ever" and that Frasier is "a remarkably consistent series that picking a single episode is tough." In the season 1 finale "My Coffee With Niles," Niles and Frasier have a serious discussion while they enjoy some coffee, and they reflect on their lives and whether they like what's going on. Frasier thinks about his move to Seattle and Niles realizes that he likes Daphne. It's a fascinating episode full of big and small moments.
"The Parking Garage" (Seinfeld, S3, E6)
Several Reddit users shared their love for Seinfeld and one Redditor mentioned "The Parking Garage," which came up a few times.
Beloved for its simplicity, "The Parking Garage" sees the main characters becoming more and more agitated as they can't find their car. This works well since sometimes parking garages can be confusing and everyone has been in this situation before. But since this is Seinfeld, it feels much more interesting.
"Remedial Chaos Theory" (Community, S3 E4)
Community's best episodes are often a great mix of creative storylines and funny scenes, with the main characters being put in incredibly silly situations that have something smart to say about college life and self-confidence.
Reddit user CySU considers "Remedial Chaos Theory" to be one of the most hilarious Community episodes, writing, "I don't think I'd ever laughed so hard during Troy's turn to get the pizza." Viewers get to see the same event from all six characters, and something changes in each one. It's like watching a mini movie.
"The Gang Tries Desperately to Win an Award" (It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, S9 E3)
One Redditor loves this episode from season 9 of It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia because "Charlie's song at the end is just too good."
This episode stands out in the middle of a short season, and when the main characters want to win the Philly Best Bar Award, it's a nod to how the series was ignored by the Emmy Awards. It's a creative idea for a sitcom episode.