Over its 14 seasons and counting, Bob’s Burgers has served up a perfect blend of offbeat humor, heartfelt family moments, and toe-tapping musical numbers. Created by Loren Bouchard, the show follows the Belcher family—Bob, Linda, Tina, Gene, and Louise—as they navigate the ups and downs of running a burger joint while embracing each other’s wonderfully weird personalities.
Since its debut in 2011, Bob’s Burgers has grown from a quirky underdog to a beloved animated staple, even earning an Emmy and a full-length feature film. But with over 260 episodes, picking where to start (or which to rewatch) can be tough. Whether you’re a new viewer or a longtime fan, this list highlights the top episodes that capture everything that makes Bob’s Burgers so irresistibly fun—the musical mayhem, the sibling shenanigans, and of course, the endless burger puns.
1. “Easy Com-mercial, Easy Go-mercial” (Season 4, Episode 11)
This episode is Bob’s Burgers at its most meta and hilarious. Bob decides to make a commercial to compete with a flashy local burger chain, and what follows is a whirlwind of artistic delusion, over-the-top acting, and the unforgettable “Burger Boss” jingle sung by Gene.
Why it stands out:
- Guest appearance by Jordan Peele
- Parody of overproduced fast-food ads
- Showcases Bob’s stubborn creative streak and his rivalry with Jimmy Pesto
2. “Tina-Rannosaurus Wrecks” (Season 3, Episode 7)
After Tina crashes the car, Bob takes the blame to protect her. But when insurance fraud enters the picture, things get wild.
Why it stands out:
- Tina’s growth arc is both awkward and sweet
- Bob’s reluctant criminality is classic Belcher family dysfunction
- “Am I a bad dad… or a rad dad?” is an iconic Bob moment
3. “The Hauntening” (Season 6, Episode 3)
The Belchers go full haunted house in this Halloween gem. Louise, the skeptic of the group, insists she can’t be scared. Her family sets out to prove her wrong in the best possible way.
Why it stands out:
- Genuinely spooky setup
- A rare look at Louise’s vulnerability
- Perfect Halloween vibes and great payoff
4. “O.T.: The Outside Toilet” (Season 3, Episode 15)
This hilarious spoof of E.T. features Gene befriending a high-tech talking toilet voiced by Jon Hamm.
Why it stands out:
- Wildly imaginative premise
- Emotional payoff you didn’t know a toilet episode could have
- Proof that Gene can carry an episode with heart and humor
5. “Boyz 4 Now” (Season 3, Episode 21)
When Tina takes Louise to a boy band concert, Louise falls in love for the first time—much to her horror.
Why it stands out:
- Louise’s internal crisis about having a crush is side-splitting and sweet
- Tina fangirling is relatable content
- Great original song: “I Love You So Much (It’s Scary)”
6. “Work Hard or Die Trying, Girl” (Season 5, Episode 1)
Gene and Courtney engage in a school musical war: Die Hard: The Musical vs. Working Girl: The Musical. What follows is a hilarious battle of artistic vision.
Why it stands out:
- Explores themes of collaboration and rivalry
- Killer musical numbers
- Great use of the supporting cast of kids
7. “Glued, Where’s My Bob?” (Season 6, Episode 19)
This episode was the show’s 100th and rightfully goes all out. Bob gets glued to the toilet on the day a magazine plans to write a feature on his restaurant.
Why it stands out:
- Symbolizes everything the show stands for—chaos, heart, and humor
- Strong Linda moments as she manages the situation
- The town rallies around Bob in a surprisingly touching way
8. “Broadcast Wagstaff School News” (Season 3, Episode 12)
Tina uncovers a major underwear-thief scandal at Wagstaff, but her sensationalist co-anchor steals the spotlight.
Why it stands out:
- Satirical take on media and sensationalism
- “The Mad Pooper” becomes Wagstaff legend
- Tina’s journalistic arc feels oddly real and inspiring
9. “Bob Actually” (Season 7, Episode 9)
A Valentine’s Day episode packed with romantic subplots—Tina wants to kiss Jimmy Jr., Louise helps Regular-Sized Rudy plan a sweet gesture, and Bob learns a new dance move to woo Linda.
Why it stands out:
- Multiple storylines that each land emotionally
- Louise’s surprising emotional depth
- A truly great Tina moment at the school dance
10. “Turkey in a Can” (Season 4, Episode 5)
A Thanksgiving favorite, Bob obsessively tries to perfect his turkey—only to find it in the toilet every morning.
Why it stands out:
- Slow-build mystery with hilarious payoff
- Emotional subplot about Tina growing up
- A perfect balance of absurdity and warmth
Honorable Mentions
- “Sea Me Now” (S7E2) – Teddy finally gets to show off his boat. Bob just wants to go home.
- “Eat, Spray, Linda” (S5E18) – Linda’s solo adventure through town is unexpectedly empowering.
- “Just One of the Boyz 4 Now for Now” (S9E1) – Tina tries to join a boy band. Chaos and comedy ensue.
- “Best Burger” (S5E5) – Bob enters a burger contest and gets hilariously competitive.
- “Roller? I Hardly Know Her!” (S11E1) – Tina joins a roller-skating musical with a lot of flair.
Why Bob’s Burgers Works
The magic of Bob’s Burgers isn’t just the clever puns or quirky stories—it’s the genuine love the Belchers have for one another, even in the face of ridiculous disasters. Episodes consistently mix slapstick with sentiment, giving fans characters who feel like real, albeit exaggerated, people.
Unlike many adult animated sitcoms, the Belcher parents are loving and supportive, and the kids aren’t just punchline machines—they each have their own distinct voice and depth. Tina’s romantic musings, Louise’s chaotic brilliance, and Gene’s joyful weirdness combine into a unique family dynamic that feels both familiar and fresh.
The show also continues to push its musical boundaries with original songs that are not only funny but surprisingly catchy. From Gene’s improvised tunes to full-blown musical numbers, Bob’s Burgers has built a musical identity rivaling that of The Simpsons and South Park.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re here for Tina’s butt-obsessed poetry, Louise’s schemes, or Bob’s deadpan stress spirals, Bob’s Burgersalways delivers the goods—medium rare, with a side of heart.
As someone who’s watched the show since it premiered and introduced my own kids to the Belchers, I can say these episodes represent the absolute best of what Bob’s Burgers has to offer: chaotic joy, musical genius, and a celebration of being your weird, wonderful self.
