Summary

• Two and a Half Men's best episodes shine with classic humor, character depth, and emotional moments.
• The show's aging inconsistencies are evident due to Charlie Sheen's problematic involvement.
• Two and a Half Men, despite controversies, boasts timeless classics with a mix of comedy and heart.

The best Two and a Half Men episodes showcase just what made the hilarious sitcom such a hit for 12 seasons. However, despite how firmly the show gripped weekly TV schedules, this offering from Chuck Lorre has aged inconsistently, with a huge gulf between the best Two and a Half Men episodes and the worst. Many of Two and a Half Men's problems stemmed from leading man Charlie Sheen.

If Sheen's involvement isn't indicator enough, Two and a Half Men isn't without its controversy, leading to some of the worst episodes of Two and a Half Men, and many episodes of the series (especially in earlier seasons) would never see the light of day if the show was conceived in the 2020s. That said, it's been almost a decade since Two and a Half Men concluded, and with 262 episodes, Two and a Half Men has no shortage of all-time classics.

20 "Merry Thanksgiving"

Season 1, Episode 10

"Merry Thanksgiving" sees Charlie trying to win back an ex-girlfriend after he finds out she's engaged. The episode stands out because it captures the essence of classic Two and a Half Men humor - unexpected twists, uncomfortable situations, and Charlie's complicated love life. It emphasizes the show's ability to take seemingly simple setups and turn them into hilariously intricate plots. Additionally, "Merry Thanksgiving" showcases the show's ability to intertwine emotions and humor, as amid the comedy, it includes one of the few instances of Charlie showing a more vulnerable side.

The episode's holiday setting amplifies the themes of family and connection, making the characters' interactions even more poignant.

The episode's holiday setting amplifies the themes of family and connection, making the characters' interactions even more poignant. The humor derived from the Harper family's unconventional Thanksgiving celebration not only provides laughs but also subtly reflects on the nature of modern family gatherings. Through its adept mix of comedy, slight drama, and character development, "Merry Thanksgiving" stands as a memorable episode that resonates with viewers for its ability to blend the ridiculous with the relatable, making it a standout moment in the series.

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19 "Fish In A Draw"

Season 5, Episode 17

"Fish in a Draw" is unique as it's a CSI crossover event. When a dead body is found at Charlie's house during Evelyn and Teddy's wedding preparations, a group of crime scene investigators steps in to solve the mystery. The episode stands out primarily because of its crossover element. Bringing in the CSI team was an unusual twist for the sitcom, straying outside the regular series formula. The mesh of dramatic crime-solving with the show's trademark humor, especially in scenes where the CSI team questions the eccentric habits of the Harper household, adds layers to the season 5 episode.

"Fish in a Draw" brilliantly showcases the show's ability to integrate external elements while maintaining its comedic core. The interaction between the Harper family and the CSI team provides a refreshing contrast, highlighting the absurdity of the Harpers' lives through the eyes of the serious, methodical crime scene investigators. The clash of two very different television worlds serves as a clever device to explore character dynamics in a new light, with each member of the Harper household reacting in their own distinctive way to the investigation.

18 "That Special Tug"

Season 4, Episode 4

In "That Special Tug," Alan feels overshadowed by Charlie's accomplishments and struggles with his self-worth. It ends on a heartwarming note as the brothers come together, highlighting the underlying bond they share despite their differences. The episode shines a light on the emotional depth of the characters, especially Alan. Scenes where Alan expresses his feelings of inadequacy are both touching and relatable. The episode, with its emotional core, reinforces the fact that beneath the humor and antics, there's genuine affection between the characters.

"That Special Tug" does an exceptional job of weaving significant themes of sibling rivalry and self-acceptance through its humor and wit. The episode provides a deeper understanding of Alan's character, making his struggles and victories feel personal to the audience. The resolution, where Charlie and Alan find common ground, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of family support and acceptance.

17 "I Can't Afford Hyenas"

Season 1, Episode 14

In "I Can't Afford Hyenas," Charlie faces a conundrum when he doesn't realize how much money he has been spending and actually finds himself in a ton of debt. This problem forces him to reconsider his usual cavalier approach to overspending, even if he is a successful jingle artist. The episode is remarkable for showcasing that it isn't just Alan but Charlie who has problems too. Watching him grapple with unexpected hardships and navigate the unfamiliarity of being on a budget adds depth to the character that was previously unseen.

"I Can't Afford Hyenas" also excels in its ability to humanize Charlie, a character often seen as the carefree, irresponsible playboy. By presenting him with financial challenges, the episode reveals vulnerabilities and insecurities that add layers to his persona, making him more relatable to the audience. This narrative shift offers a rare glimpse into the consequences of Charlie's lifestyle choices, encouraging viewers to empathize with him as he faces the repercussions of his actions.

16 "Go Get Mommy's Bra"

Season 2, Episode 4

In one of the best Two and a Half Men season 2 episodes, there's some insight into the way Charlie and Alan are the way they are, as Evelyn is revealed to be as much of a pleasure seeker as Charlie. Evelyn has sex in Charlie's car, but she leaves behind her expensive bra, which leads to an awkward confrontation between the two. Revelatory moments, like finding their mother's old bra, provide context for their absurd present-day dynamics. "Go Get Mommy's Bra" essentially gives audiences a deeper understanding of why the Harper brothers are the way they are.

The discovery of Evelyn's bra in Charlie's car becomes a symbolic moment, peeling back layers of the characters' histories and providing insights into their relationships and behaviors. This episode cleverly uses humor to address deeper issues of family influence and the cyclical nature of behavior passed down through generations. It highlights how Evelyn's actions and attitudes towards relationships have significantly shaped Charlie and Alan's views on love and life.

15 "Nice To Meet You, Walden Schmidt"

Season 9, Episode 1

Marking a significant transition in the show, "Nice to Meet You, Walden Schmidt" introduces Ashton Kutcher's character, Walden Schmidt, after Charlie is killed off at the very start of the episode. Heartbroken and suicidal, Walden buys Charlie's house in Malibu, forging a bond with Alan in the process. "Nice to Meet You, Walden Schmidt" signified a new era for the show. The challenge of introducing a new main character was significant, and Walden's introduction was actually handled with a mix of comedy, sensitivity, and finesse. His endearing vulnerability makes him a character worth rooting for, something that Charlie wasn't.

"Nice to Meet You, Walden Schmidt" stands as a pivotal episode not just for its narrative shift but also for how it manages to blend the legacy of Charlie Harper with the introduction of Walden Schmidt,

"Nice to Meet You, Walden Schmidt" stands as a pivotal episode not just for its narrative shift but also for how it manages to blend the legacy of Charlie Harper with the introduction of Walden Schmidt, creating a seamless transition that respects the show's history while paving the way for new stories. Walden's contrasting personality to Charlie's offers fresh dynamics and comedic possibilities, and the bond that forms between Walden and Alan is particularly noteworthy; it redefines the show's central relationship in a way that is both heartfelt and humorous.

14 "Just Like Buffalo"

Season 1, Episode 23

"Just Like Buffalo" is one of the first episodes to deal with Charlie's negative influence on his nephew, Jake. Charlie has never really been a great role model, and this appears to be the case when he comments on "getting action" regularly and not needing a wife unless one has a sick desire to give away half of their possessions. Jake hears this and says it at his mother's house in front of her support group. It's one of the rare episodes where Charlie gets himself both in and out of a jam at the same time, showing that he may actually care for his brother.

"Just Like Buffalo" not only provides comedic moments through Charlie's usual antics and Jake's innocent repetition of his uncle's cavalier views on relationships but also delves into the consequences of Charlie's influence on Jake. This episode uniquely highlights the complexities of familial relationships within the Harper household, demonstrating how Charlie's offhand remarks can have a wider impact beyond his immediate circle. It's a pivotal moment that showcases Charlie's ability to navigate the messes he creates, not just for the laughs but also revealing a layer of responsibility and care for his family, especially his brother Alan.

13 "Does This Smell Funny To You"

Season 2, Episode 24

Charlie's propensity for womanizing gets him in trouble again, leading to some of the worst things Charlie did in Two and a Half Men. He has a fling with a much older woman, and this lands him in hot water with the woman's husband, who comes to the house in search of her. As always, the consequences for Charlie are minimal, which (again, as always) doesn't sit well with the uptight and moralistic Alan. It marries the series' typical raunchy humor with a more complex narrative design, making for a standout episode.

"Does This Smell Funny To You" not only encapsulates Charlie's often controversial lifestyle choices but also serves as a canvas to explore the dynamic and occasionally contentious relationship between him and Alan. The episode deftly uses its comedic premise to delve into deeper issues such as the consequences of actions and the varying moral compasses between the brothers. It's particularly noteworthy for illustrating the constant tension and conflict that Alan feels towards Charlie's escapades, juxtaposed with Charlie's seemingly Teflon nature when it comes to repercussions.

12 Baseball Was Better With Steroids

Season 6, Episode 24

In one of the best episodes of Two and a Half Men, Alan and Charlie's fiancée Chelsea are upset when Charlie's ex-fiancé returns, and matters are made worse when Alan's ex-wife goes into labor while her husband Herb is incapacitated with a broken arm. It's an excellent example of Charlie's blasé attitude contrasting with Alan's high-strung, nervous nature, and it's made all the more memorable thanks to Herb, who makes ridiculous remarks while high on painkillers.

Ryan Stiles as Herb is hilarious as always, proving once more that he's one of the best recurring Two and a Half Men characters. The contrast between Charlie's carefree demeanor and Alan's anxious disposition is at its peak, providing a fertile ground for both humor and character development. This episode exemplifies the show's strength in balancing humor with the complexities of familial and romantic relationships, making it a highlight of the series.

11 "Hi, Mr. Horned One"

Season 3, Episode 6

"Hi, Mr. Horned One" takes Two and a Half Men into uncharted comedic territory, exploring the themes of superstition, influence, and the absurd through the lens of a devil-worshipping storyline. This episode showcases the series' willingness to delve into wildly unconventional plots, bringing a fresh and eccentric twist to the sitcom format. Charlie starts dating a comedically heavy-handed devil-worshipping "Satanist."

In one of the best episodes of Two and a Half Men​​​​​​, Alan finds Isabella's darkness and intense spirituality rather odd, and he encourages Charlie not to see her anymore, especially because Alan fears that she is a bad influence on Jake. Isabella puts a curse on Alan, and she and her friends drug Charlie and try to make him sell his soul to the devil. It's an out-of-left-field episode, and a weird storyline that Two and a Half Men dropped. Nonetheless, Alan's paranoia regarding the "curse" is hysterical.

10 "Three Girls & A Guy Named Bud"

Season 8, Episode 1

"Three Girls & A Guy Named Bud" stands out as a hallmark of Two and a Half Men's comedic prowess, particularly in handling themes of teenage rebellion, parental mishaps, and the intricacies of unconventional family dynamics. This episode masterfully showcases the series' ability to intertwine multiple comedic situations, leading to a crescendo of awkward and hilarious encounters that reflect the show's signature humor. Here, Jake gets caught when two girls come sneaking out of his room at Charlie's.

Alan gets caught in his own sticky situation when he comes sneaking out of Jake's friend's mom's room, and Jake sees him.

Alan gets caught in his own sticky situation when he comes sneaking out of Jake's friend's mom's room, and Jake sees him. Angered and upset that Alan is dating his friend's mother, Jake decides to move in permanently with his own mother. However, at his mom's, Jake gets caught once more when the same two girls appear out of his room. This premiere episode is the best episode of Two and a Half Men season 8, and one of the best of the series.

9 "Alan Shot A Little Girl"

Season 12, Episode 6

Not all the episodes after Charlie Sheen left are a letdown, as "Alan Shot a Little Girl" is one of the best episodes of Two and a Half Men. Mrs. McMartin agrees to let Alan foster Louis for six months in preparation for adoption. However, Louis is a master manipulator, and Alan finds himself happy to give the kid whatever he wants, even if it means breaking one of Walden's rules. Alan refuses to see the situation for what it is because he finally gets to be a cool dad. Alan's constant attempts to gain his favor are over-the-top hysterical.

"Alan Shot a Little Girl" cleverly showcases a different facet of Alan's character, exploring the lengths to which he will go to fulfill his desire to be seen as a cool dad, especially in the wake of Charlie's absence and the introduction of new dynamics with Walden and Louis. This episode stands out for its humorous take on parenting, adoption, and the challenges that come with attempting to discipline a child who knows how to work the system to his advantage.

8 "Can You Eat Human Flesh With Wooden Teeth?"

Season 2, Episode 16

One of the best episodes of Two and a Half Men has to do with one of the series' main topics — parenting. Judith goes to Hawaii for a week, leaving Jake with Charlie and Alan. After Alan forgets to pick Jake up from school, he finds out that his work is being audited, and he needs Charlie on Jake duty instead. Charlie turns out to be a less-than-ideal parent, combing Jake's hair with spit, giving him frozen pizza, and dressing him in ridiculous outfits.

The running gag is that Jake keeps getting forgotten at school, and then it happens to Judith at the airport when she comes back from Hawaii. "Can You Eat Human Flesh With Wooden Teeth?" brilliantly encapsulates the chaotic yet endearing essence of the Harper family dynamics, particularly spotlighting the challenges and humorous mishaps of unconventional parenting. This episode provides a delightful exploration of Charlie and Alan's attempts to manage their responsibilities towards Jake, with each brother bringing his own unique - and often hilariously inadequate - approach to childcare.

7 "The 9:04 From Pemberton"

Season 10, Episode 18

"The 9:04 From Pemberton" adeptly zeroes in on the minutiae of daily life - the humble toaster - to explore and expand upon the dynamics between Alan and Walden, showcasing how a simple domestic incident can escalate into an amusing saga that tests their friendship. Alan accidentally starts a kitchen fire while making toast, cutting the power and embarrassing Walden in front of his date. To make amends, Alan buys a new toaster, but Walden is utterly insulted by its low quality. This episode features some of the best moments in Alan and Walden's relationship while highlighting all of Alan's idiosyncrasies.

It's a perfect example of one of the best episodes after Charlie Sheen left. The episode shines in its portrayal of Alan's well-meaning yet often misguided efforts to rectify his mistakes, set against Walden's expectations and the reality of their living situation. The conflict over the toaster not only brings out the best comedic moments between the two but also serves as a metaphor for their relationship's complexities and Alan's struggle to find his place in a post-Charlie world.

6 "Is There A Mrs. Waffles?"

Season 5, Episode 8

"Is There A Mrs. Waffles?" showcases a unique facet of Charlie's character, merging his typical womanizing ways with an unexpected venture into children's entertainment as Charlie Waffles. Charlie had recently released a CD of original children's songs under the lovable name Charlie Waffles, and he's excited to learn that the new fame comes with hot single moms and lots of money, making Charlie, for a time, one of the wealthiest characters on Two and a Half Men.

After signing some CDs and producing a commercial, Charlie's manager sets up a concert for him. Charlie is hesitant, remembering how much stage fright he tends to get. Some songs, such as "Bye Bye Boobies" are hilarious in their own right. This episode cleverly utilizes Charlie's newfound fame to explore themes of celebrity, the unexpected consequences of success, and the complexities of personal growth under public scrutiny.

5 "The Mooch At The Boo"

Season 6, Episode 8

"The Mooch At The Boo" offers a refreshing look at Charlie's character, showcasing his more protective and responsible side as he navigates the challenges of being an uncle to Jake, who is venturing into the complexities of teenage romance. While Jake's funniest moments are mostly when he's a young child, the character still more than stands out as a teenager. In "The Mooch At The Boo." Charlie's new neighbor Jerome has a daughter named Celeste, and Jake is interested in her.

Jake takes her out on a date, but he doesn't take his cell phone.

Jake takes her out on a date, but he doesn't take his cell phone. Charlie has to cover for him when Jerome comes over, demanding to know where the kids are. It's one of the rare episodes where Charlie is inherently likable, which is why it's one of the best episodes of Two and a Half Men. This episode not only highlights Jake's growth from a young child into a more complex teenage character but also enriches the dynamic between Charlie and his neighbor Jerome.

4 "Camel Filters & Pheromones"

Season 1, Episode 12

"Camel Filters & Pheromones" adeptly navigates potentially precarious comedic terrain by focusing on the discomfort and unexpected restraint shown by Charlie and Alan upon meeting Berta's granddaughter, Prudence. Berta has to bring Prudence to her housekeeping job at Charlie's. Charlie and Alan are quite surprised to find out that, instead of a little girl, Berta brings a 16-year-old to the house. Megan Fox does a great job as Prudence in one of Two and a Half Men's funniest celebrity appearances, and the episode easily could've veered into territory which made it un-airable pretty quickly.

Thankfully, the episode leaned into Alan and Charlie's discomfort for jokes, and in the process showed that even Charlie Harper has limits when it comes to despicable behavior in the pursuit of lust. The episode cleverly uses the situation to explore themes of temptation, boundaries, and the often-overlooked depth of Charlie's character, highlighting that even he recognizes the importance of moral limits in certain situations.

3 "Lotta Delis In Little Armenia"

Season 11, Episode 20

"Lotta Delis in Little Armenia" effectively showcases Two and a Half Men's knack for creating humor out of everyday misunderstandings, this time enveloping Alan's entrepreneurial aspirations and Walden's romantic misadventures into a singular comedic scenario. The episode brilliantly captures the chaos that ensues when Alan's attempt to start a new business coincides with Walden's therapy-induced quest for a casual relationship, leading to an uproarious mix-up that lands them both in an awkward yet hilarious situation. Alan decides to start a new business out of his house in "Lotta Delis in Little Armenia," which has hilarious consequences.

Walden seeks out therapy because of his last breakup, only to have his therapist tell him he has co-dependency issues and should have a casual fling. Alan's client shows up while he's not there, and she ends up meeting Walden instead. The two have a tryst, and Alan's client pays him on her way out, believing the world's oldest profession is actually what Alan's business is. It's a classic misunderstanding with hysterical consequences.

2 "Bazinga! That's From A TV Show"

Season 10, Episode 20

"Bazinga! That's From A TV Show" stands out for its layered exploration of the repercussions of womanizing, a theme frequently touched upon in Two and a Half Men but rarely with such direct consequences for the characters. One of the best episodes of Two and a Half Men proves that Uncle Charlie rubbed off on Jake. In the episode, Jake claims that he broke up with his girlfriend Tammy (Jamie Pressley).

This, in fact, isn't true, which is revealed when Tammy shows up at the house angry with Jake for dating her daughter Ashley. Things are only made worse when Ashley's ex-boyfriend Jerry shows up and punches Alan in the face for being Jake's dad. It's one of the few episodes of Two and a Half Men that shows that being a womanizer actually has consequences, even in light of Ashley's questionable motives revealed in the end.

1 "Squab, Squab, Squab, Squab, Squab"

Season 2, Episode 23

"Squab, Squab, Squab, Squab, Squab" brilliantly captures the essence of Two and a Half Men's humor and charm by thrusting the stoic, often disconnected Evelyn into the role of a caregiver for Jake, a scenario ripe with comedic potential. In the best episode of Two and a Half Men, Jake had recently spent the evening with his mother's parents. Upon hearing this, Evelyn insists that he comes to have a sleepover at her house.

The two couldn't be more different, and Evelyn isn't too good at relating to kids. Of all the Two and a Half Men episodes from the earlier seasons, "Squab, Squab, Squab, Squab, Squab" is the archetypal example of why the show became so successful. It's an episode full of slapstick hijinks, and the build-up to Jake doing what Charlie and Alan never could — mentally breaking Evelyn — remains truly priceless.

• 

  Two and a Half Men

  Release Date:

  2003-09-22

  Cast:

  Charlie Sheen, Jon Cryer, Angus T. Jones, Marin Hinkle, Melanie Lynskey, Holland Taylor, Conchata Ferrell, Ashton Kutcher, Amber Tamblyn

  Genres:

  Comedy

  Rating:

  TV-14

  Seasons:

  12

  Writers:

  Chuck Lorre, Jim Patterson, Eddie Gorodetsky, Lee Aronsohn

  Network:

  CBS

  Streaming Service(s):

  Peacock

  Directors:

  James Widdoes

  Showrunner:

  Chuck Lorre

  Creator(s):

  Chuck Lorre, Lee Aronsohn