Sitcoms have grown and evolved over the years, but the classic formula remains: a group of featured characters seen throughout the show have good times, bad times, love, and heartbreak. Fans watch as each episode brings with it a new conflict and a new resolution.
However, even the best shows go through struggles and can become repetitive and never-ending. The best thing a sitcom can do is know when to end, and many of the best-ever sitcom episodes come from the final season, where all of the troubles can be resolved, and everybody can finally have their happy ending.
10 The Big Bang Theory's Beautiful Finale
Season 12, Episode 24 – "The Stockholm Syndrome"
The Big Bang Theory spanned twelve seasons, culminating in a beautiful final episode where every character achieved their happily ever after. Sheldon, however, could’ve never predicted where his life ended up. He relies on other people, like his wife, Amy, and their friends, and wholeheartedly thanks them as he and Amy win a Nobel Prize. It's a far cry from where Sheldon began the series, and the sort of acknowledgment that fans wanted for a long time.
The finale was a perfect end to the series, and will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the best sitcom episodes due to how it tied everything together beautifully.
9 The Friendship In Parks and Recreation
Season 3, Episode 13 – "The Fight"
Parks and Recreation had a fantastic seven-season run, and many plotlines stand out to fans. Central to the narrative, however, is Leslie and Ann’s story and friendship. The two usually agree, using one another for support. They rarely argue, except in the aptly named episode "The Fight."
The episode is one of the best because it is both funny and meaningful. The drunken fight between Leslie and Ann, in front of Ann's then-current boyfriend, is their first. And between these two incredibly nice people, genuine anger stems from genuine love.
8 Human Nature And Love In It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Season 2, Episode 4 – "Mac Bangs Dennis' Mom"
The comedic writing in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia has stuck with fans ever since the series began in 2005. Its fresh take on sitcoms and a very offbeat string of characters allowed fans to fully immerse themselves in a new world of funny. In short, the series is a sitcom, but it also provides a remedy to those who are used to too much of the same.
"Mac Bangs Dennis's Mom" is an episode filled with sex and sadness, and there is a continuous stream of people getting their hearts shattered. The first heartbreak leads to the next, and the next, and so on, until the whole chain reaction comes back to Charlie.
7 Everybody Loves Raymond's Display Of Marriage
Season 7, Episode 22 – "Baggage"
Everybody Loves Raymond, at its core, is about romantic and familial relationships and how they endure. The show's primary focus is Raymond, but there is no Ray without Debra. And in the season seven episode "Baggage," fans get an insight into married life with a sharp comedic twist.
The pair somehow find themselves in a three-week fight over luggage, as they both staunchly refuse to put it away. Even Ray’s parents get involved and try to resolve things, to no avail. But, of course, Ray and Debra’s argument is ridiculous, and that’s what makes it great. And even when Debra volunteers to move the suitcase, the conflict continues, spinning around and becoming about who can put it away first.
6 Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Unlikely Friendship
Season 4, Episode12 – "The Fugitive, Part 2"
The best ongoing joke and friendship in Brooklyn Nine-Nine is between Jake Peralta and Doug Judy. They’re unlikely friends, as Jake is a detective and Judy is a criminal, and it is an unusual dynamic that allows for surprise in the story and original plot lines.
In The Fugitive Pt. 2, Doug takes Jake and Holt for a ride as he seemingly betrays their trust and sides with his criminal brother, George. However, he comes through at the last second. The episode is full of laughs, friendship, and a building of trust, which continues to blossom throughout the show, and this story is just the beginning.
5 Ross Misspoke In Friends
Season 4, Episodes 23-24 – "The One with Ross's Wedding"
One of Friends' most well-known and remembered episodes is "The One with Ross’s Wedding." The gang of friends has traveled to England, except Rachel and a heavily pregnant Phoebe, to attend Ross and Emily’s wedding. But Rachel shows up, after all, confusing Ross and leading to him saying Rachel’s name at the altar instead of Emily’s.
The camera pans to each main character as their faces drop in shock, including Phoebe on the phone listening. The episode reaffirms many fans’ faith in Ross and Rachel being one another’s lobster, as Emily and Ross’ marriage falls apart before it has even begun.
4 The Two Versions Of Reality In Malcolm in the Middle
Season 2, Episode 20 – "Bowling"
The "Bowling" episode of Malcolm in the Middle takes a new and different approach to the usual storytelling style. The screen splits, giving viewers two different realities. In one, Hal drives the kids to the bowling alley; in the other, Lois takes them.
There is a very obvious and clear divide between Lois and Hal’s parenting styles, but neither of the realities goes particularly well. It is Hal’s that ends the worst, however, as Reese accidentally throws a bowling ball at someone, and Malcolm ruins Hal’s perfect game after being caught in the pinsetter.
3 Niles Saves The Day In Frasier
Season 4, Episode 18 – "Ham Radio"
Frasier first aired in 1993, and has since become a sitcom staple and is watched to this day. The episode "Ham Radio" perfectly encapsulates the show's humor and the ever-peculiar dynamic between Frasier and his brother, Niles.
Fraiser is directing a radio drama, but Frasier being Frasier, completely botches it with his critical nature and over-the-top directing style. Ultimately, Niles has to step in and take over, portraying numerous characters with differing accents. But even Niles cannot stand Frasier’s direction, so he kills off the characters with popping balloon sound effects, hilariously ending the performance.
2 Michael Meets Holly In The Office
Season 4, Episodes 18-19 – "Goodbye, Toby"
The Office has many classic episodes with iconic scenes and quotes, but fans especially love "Goodbye, Toby." To Michael’s delight, Toby is leaving the office, so they throw a goodbye party. This episode welcomes Holly, Michael’s future wife, to the show, and sees him acting cordial around Toby to appear nice for Holly’s sake.
Jim plans to propose to Pam but is thwarted by Andy proposing to Angela. The episode ends with Phylis walking in on a newly engaged Angela and Dwight in a compromising position.
1 Jess' Secret In New Girl
Season 4, Episode 6 – "Background Check"
New Girl always delivered hilarious scenes episode after episode, but one that particularly stood out to audiences was Background Check. Winston wants to become a cop, and, to do that, his residence needs to be visited and checked. Thankfully, Winston has his friends to help him pass. Or so he thought.
The worst possible thing happens when a Sergeant visits their loft, as Jess has what she believes to be a giant bag of illegal drugs in her possession. This, of course, leads to a ridiculous and hysterical turn of events where the gang all try and cover for Jess.