All right! The Belchers are back on-screen after a month-long hiatus. But the returning episode of “Bob’s Burgers” is anything but ordinary. It marks the 250th episode of “Bob’s Burgers.”
From the release of the very first episode, the series has become a hit. This is because the show embraces the quirkiness of the Belcher family and makes it endearingly relatable to viewers. But what makes this show truly different is the special family dynamics that exist between each character. Parents Bob (H. Jon Benjamin) and Linda (John Roberts) often struggle to make ends meet, yet they try their best to create perfect memories for their family. Siblings Tina (Dan Mintz), Gene (Eugene Mirman) and Louise (Kristen Schaal) are also a consistent highlight of the series. They often poke fun at each other, but at day’s end, they are always supportive and stand up for one another.
In honor of 250 episodes of “Bob’s Burgers,” here are the best episodes from the series:
“Bob Day Afternoon” (Season 2, Episode 2)
The first episode that comes to mind as one of the best episodes would be “Bob Day Afternoon.” This episode is about a bank robber named Mickey (Bill Hader) who holds up the bank across the street from the Belcher’s restaurant. Unexpectedly, Bob ends up in the middle of the hostage situation. This episode is such a treat because of its hilarious commentary and unique moments. For instance, the phone call between Louise and Mickey alone puts this episode at the top of the list.
“Bad Tina” (Season 2, Episode 8)
Tina Belcher is not like most 13-year-olds. She is a rule follower who loves horses and writing erotic fan fiction. But in this episode, viewers see Tina in a different limelight where she becomes rebellious after meeting new student Tammy (Jenny Slate). Rebel Tina is what makes this episode so iconic. From her new phrases like “crap attack” and a new look, “Bad Tina” captures the essence of what it is like being 13, a feeling that viewers can easily relate to.
“Tina-rannasourous Wreck” (Season 3, Episode 7)
Many “Bob’s Burgers” fans know the famous line of Tina Belcher saying “uh” every time a situation overwhelms her. But the “Tina-rannasourous Wreck” episode has the absolute best scene of Tina saying her iconic phrase when Bob lets her drive his car. Tina gets overwhelmed and ends up crashing his car into another vehicle, resulting in Bob getting involved with a slimy insurance agent.
Like most “Bob’s Burgers” episodes, it is hilarious to watch. But with the driving scene and the unexpected twist of the slimy insurance agent, the show leaves viewers remembering this episode as one of the greatest.
“Turkey in a Can” (Season 4, Episode 5)
Most animated sitcoms create holiday episodes for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. But no TV series has topped “Bob’s Burgers” Thanksgiving episodes. So, choosing the best is difficult. But after much deliberation, the “Turkey in a Can” episode lands on top.
In this episode, someone sabotages Bob’s perfectly prepared turkey and puts it in the toilet.
Although this incident is a nightmare for Bob, as a viewer, it is entertaining to observe Bob trying to solve the turkey mystery while slowly losing his mind. Also, watching Bob interact with the same butcher each time he buys a new turkey makes the episode even better. But, as most “Bob’s Burgers” episodes finish, “Turkey in a Can” will leave viewers feeling both warm-hearted and moved.
“Legends of the Mall” (Season 10, Episode 5)
The Belchers are most often seen in places like their apartment, restaurant, school or Wonder Wharf, but in this episode, the Belchers head to the mall.
“Legends of the Mall” follows each Belcher during their trip. Viewers first follow Tina, who is mistakenly seen as a sleeping boy’s girlfriend. Meanwhile, Bob goes shopping for new pants but struggles to find the perfect pair. Gene and Louise purchase motorized animals to ride around the mall and Linda attends a book reading.
Viewers don’t normally see a simultaneous plotline like this episode where there are four storylines to follow. But that’s what makes this episode stand out. We get to see each character branch out into their adventure and observe them in a new setting.
“Some Like It Bot” Part 1 and 2 (Season 12, Episodes 21 and 22)
This two-part episode is the most underrated to appear on the list. The episode follows Tina, who turns to her fantasy world of fan fiction after Tammy and Jocelyn (John Roberts) ridicule her for wearing a horse shirt in a Wagstaff News segment called “Wow or Weird.”
This episode highlights the struggle of getting hateful comments and how it is sometimes difficult to cope with them. But this episode did well at showcasing how to handle those comments while also adding funny elements throughout the show. For instance, the almost too relatable scenes of Louise and Gene continuously bugging Tina for boba and Linda asking Tina what she wants for her birthday. Overall, these underrated episodes are a must-watch.
“The Plight Before Christmas” (Season 13, Episode 10)
“The Plight Before Christmas” follows Bob and Linda trying to attend all three of their children’s recitals after discovering they all are performing at the same time. This episode captured the essence of why viewers fell in love with the show. For instance, Bob and Linda’s dedication to support all of their children at their recitals by dividing up their time to attend each event. Also, Tina leaves her performance to go to Louise’s poetry reading after she realizes nobody was there to support Louise. These moments will leave viewers teary-eyed. Without a doubt, this episode is one of the greatest episodes this season and possibly one of the greatest episodes out of the entire series because it shows how much the Belcher family has grown and how they continue to love one another.
“Bob’s Burgers” is available to watch on Hulu.