Top 10 Funniest Between Two Ferns Episodes
#10: Jerry Seinfeld & Cardi B
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Zach comes swinging right out the gate in this episode, chastising someone off camera for getting Jerry Seinfeld, who Zach thinks is no longer relevant. This is mirrored by Jerry’s introductory name card, which states “Funny 1993-1997.” The rest of the episode follows a similar trajectory, as Zach calls “Comedian in Cars Getting Coffee” “lazy non-comedy” and lambasts the quality of “The Bee Movie.” The theme of the episode is made even clearer when Cardi B arrives and Jerry is forced to sit outside the ferns on a milk crate. Galifianakis then caps it off with his OWN Seinfeld-style stand-up ...
#9: Jon Hamm
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There isn’t really an overall theme to the Jon Hamm episode, but it’s still gut-bustingly funny. Of course, Zach isn’t above making Hamm jokes, but the episode is smart enough to acknowledge how lazy those jokes are. He also insults Jon for starring in “The Day the Earth Stood Still” (which honestly he’s really not wrong about) and asks a seriously inappropriate question about his “Mad Men” co-stars. It all ends with Zach sneezing all over Jon’s legs for some reason, and really, that about sums this episode up – totally random, ridiculously nonsensical, but endearingly hilarious.
#8: Natalie Portman
And here we have what is arguably the most awkward and uncomfortable episode of “Between Two Ferns.” We know it’s fake, but jeez, this is some painful stuff. It mostly stems from Zach constantly hitting on Natalie and her pained and uncomfortable reactions. First, he asks for her phone number. Then he gives her a stupid line for a potential nude scene and asks if she wears bikinis. And to really bring it home, he asks her a question so problematic and inappropriate you’ll just have to watch the interview to hear it. Don’t get us wrong, this episode is hilarious, but geez does it make you squirm sitting through it.
#7: Michael Cera
Most shows need an episode or five to get their bearings and come into their own, but “Between Two Ferns” hit the ground running. Michael Cera was the very first guest on the shoddy internet talk show, and we quickly got a sense of how it worked. Zach acts bored and makes snoring noises while Michael tells him about his past, imitates him like a child, and tells him that he hates “Superbad.” And then things get super uncomfortable when Zach wants Michael to tickle him. Oh . . . dear Lord, we’re just going to stop here.
#6: Hillary Clinton
It’s always perilous hosting politicians, because you risk alienating a portion of your audience. Luckily, “Between Two Ferns” managed to walk the tightrope, mainly by making fun of both parties. For one thing, Clinton’s name card is misspelled and reads “had pneumonia” rather than, you know, “Presidential candidate.” He also asks incredibly sexist questions, like mistaking the role Secretary of State for a secretary’s, and asking how Obama likes his coffee. When Clinton ridicules his suggestion that she should be more racist to compete with Trump, he tells her that she’s going to lose, in an eerie bit of prophecy. But the funniest part of the show is arguably his point about the “first white President”. It’s worth it for that one line alone!
#5: Charlize Theron
The Charlize Theron episode takes a wildly unpredictable approach, and we both respect and adore it. While you’d expect Zach to be the flirtatious one here, the episode flips it and has Charlize seemingly crushing on Zach. She fidgets, she’s nice to him despite his mistakes, and she laughs at all of the jokes meant to make her uncomfortable. It’s not until the end that she calls him “a fat garden gnome,” resulting in one of Zach’s harshest lines, and perhaps the greatest ending in the show’s history. The episode is also a masterclass in acting, as Charlize sells every last bit of her character, including tearing up over her sick dog. Which Zach interrupts with a video game plug…
#4: Will Ferrell
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The episode with Will Ferrell is an emotional roller coaster of epic proportions. First it starts with Zach and Will acting like total bros, complete with constant high fives and fist bumps. And then things get…weird when they feed each other fruit and Zach quite literally sucks chewed strawberry out of Will Ferrell’s mouth. Oh, and Jon Hamm shows up to get his car keys, which have been sitting under the fern for two and a half years. It then ends in a shouting match because Will flies off the handle. It’s totally wild, and we love every single second of it. Points docked though for re-using the “Zach says he’s not that fat then breaks his chair” joke.
#3: Bradley Cooper
Each time Bradley Cooper shows up on “Between Two Ferns”, it’s a cause for celebration. For those who might be unaware, there’s a running joke that Zach absolutely despises Bradley Cooper. The two are implied to have an incredibly toxic working relationship, despite having worked together numerous times in real life. This relationship is reflected in the episode’s production, as the ferns are dying, and Carrot Top can inexplicably be seen texting behind Bradley. After an unbearably awkward and one-sided interview which sees Zach insulting Bradley’s work and attacking his insecurities, the episode culminates in a slapping fight. There’s just something about Zach’s total and unreasonable animosity towards Bradley that makes this episode a joy to watch.
#2: Barack Obama
This is the most popular episode of “Between Two Ferns,” and for good reason. Of course, the sitting President appearing on your show is bound to generate a lot of views. But it’s also just really, really funny, and a lot of that stems from Obama’s willingness to play along. While Hillary Clinton sort of just sat there, laughed, and acted offended, Barack dishes it back to Zach, insulting his weight, the quality of the show, and the crappy “Hangover” sequels. Granted, there’s a bit of an awkward plug in the middle that Zach doesn’t seem to know what to do with, but aside from that, this is an absolute masterpiece of an episode. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Ben Stiller Bruce Willis Oscar Buzz Edition Conan O’Brien & Andy Richter Brad Pitt
#1: Steve Carell
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The Barack Obama episode may be more popular, but nothing compares to Steve Carell. The great thing about this episode is that it entirely subverts our expectations, since we assume that Steve will be his incredibly nice self. However, HE’S the one that comes out swinging at Zach, anticipating Galifianakis’ insults. Zach in turns acts innocent and professional but slyly sneaks in various jabs about Steve’s nose and the failure that was “Evan Almighty.” That’s before things go off the rails and the two simply trade vicious barbs. This episode perfectly encapsulates what makes the series so good – unbelievable awkwardness, fun celebrities, and a generous helping of hilarious personal attacks!
