Top 10 Best That '70s Show Episodes
#10: “Eric’s Panties”
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Each storyline in this season 3 episode has some stellar comedy! While the main plot of Donna being jealous of Eric and his new lab partner is great on its own, Red’s new diet and Kelso’s degrading new nickname are both incredibly solid too. Nearly every scene has a hilarious and incredibly quotable line in it, and it all culminates in a legendary misunderstanding that sees Kelso, sorry, Tater Nuts, and Fez worshiping at the altar of Eric Forman. With a little more novelty or dramatic weight, “Eric’s Panties” might have sat a little higher on the waistline of our list.
#9: “Halloween”
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Sitcom episodes where we get to learn more about the characters’ histories tend to be among a series’ best, and “That ‘70s’s” “Halloween” is no exception. A trip to the gang’s old grammar school sees them find their permanent records, unearthing secrets and creating conflict between them. This ranges from serious, potentially friendship-wrecking stuff, to more light-hearted embarrassing middle names. The B story sees a flashback to Kitty and Red’s Halloween past, and the discovery of Kitty’s first pregnancy and the crowning of Red’s favorite word. Plus, any episode where Fez is dressed as Batman is bound to be a great time!
#8: “Misty Mountain Hop”
When Jackie needs help cleaning out her parents’ cabin, a comedy of errors ensues after Hyde, Kelso, and Fez show up there first, hoping to engage in their favorite illegal activity. While Hyde and Jackie sort through their personal issues, Kelso steals the show by getting his hand stuck in a vase. Meanwhile, Eric and Donna get lost thanks to Jackie’s bad directions and return home, much to the dismay of Red and Kitty. One part farce and the other part relationship drama, “Misty Mountain Hop” isn’t quite at the show’s peak, but it’s certainly on the mountain.
#7: “Water Tower”
The gang’s attempts to graffiti the local water tower results in the first instance of the “falling off the water tower” running gag. Appropriately, it’s Kelso. This leads to a falling out between him and Hyde after the former blames his friend for his tumble. While Kelso faces physical trauma, Eric struggles with every teenager’s worst nightmare – walking in on his parents. Eric’s various reactions to the event are as funny as they are relatable, and his confrontation with his parents gives us horrible secondhand embarrassment. This first season episode is an early example of the show firing on all cylinders.
#6: “That Disco Episode”
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Season 1, overall, is fantastic, though early on, it was definitely still finding its footing. Despite this, “That Disco Episode” really sees the show hit its stride. The gang all go to a disco and everyone gets a chance to shine. Hyde learns to dance from Kitty, leading to a hilarious misunderstanding of the situation by Bob. Fez and Jackie steal the show at the disco, which results in an awkward and funny confrontation between Fez and Kelso. Donna and Eric also have perhaps their cutest moment together while dancing to “Fernando” after a kiss. Plus, it’s all tied together by a ‘70s staple: disco.
#5: “It’s a Wonderful Life”
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After breaking up with Donna, Eric is visited by an angel, who reveals what his life would have been like if he and Donna never dated, paying tribute to the beloved Christmas movie that shares the episode’s name. Seeing how this one change arguably made things worse for everyone, particularly Eric, is surprisingly moving even though there’s still plenty of laughs to be had. The glimpse into an alternate future in the ‘80s is also a fun time and it’s super cool to see where these new versions of the characters end up. In the end, Eric realizes that it’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. And Fez teaches us all an important lesson on running away from your problems.
#4: “Garage Sale”
The opener of the show’s sophomore season started strong. While Fez making a move on Jackie after receiving some admittedly subtle signals is all kinds of amusing, the real highlight of this episode comes as a result of the titular garage sale. Hyde’s contribution is to make brownies, some of which are “special,” leading to Eric and Donna’s parents getting into the wrong batch. Red also sells Eric’s car, forcing the teens to track the buyer down with only a loopy Red for guidance. With its major focus on the ‘70s recreation scene, some funny personal drama, and the unprecedented circle sequence with the parents, “Garage Sale” is one of the show’s best.
#3: “Canadian Road Trip”
Trips to another country usually lead to great moments in sitcoms, and “That ‘70s Show” does it even better than most. In order to buy beer, the guys and Leo decide to go to Canada. However, they’re pulled over when they discover a Fez, who couldn’t find his green card, smuggled in the trunk. On the homefront, Donna tries to dissuade Jackie from a “modeling” scam, while Red and Kitty struggle with cutting edge technology: Betamax. While the side plots are great, the gang getting interrogated by Mounties has some of the show’s funniest bits. Plus, that rendition of “O Canada” is nothing short of inspired. (And, for the record, WatchMojo being based in Canada has nothing to do with how highly we rate it – everybody loves this one!)
#2: “Prank Day”
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When Donna feels lonely after her mom leaves, she, Jackie, and…Leo, decide to have a slumber party. It’s a great side dish to the main course – which includes oatmeal, lasagna, and Oreos filled with toothpaste, by the way. Those are just some of the ingredients involved in the prank war the guys become embroiled in after Kelso, of all people, manages to get one up on his friends. Even Red and Kitty get dragged into it and manage to outdo everyone. They may be pranking each other, but we’re the real victors, since the amount of humor delivered here is greater than the classic whoopie cushion. Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: “That ‘70s Finale” The Final Season Was a Step Down, but the Show Went Out on a High Note “Too Old to Trick or Treat, Too Young to Die” How Many Alfred Hitchcock References Can You Fit in One Episode? “Till the Next Goodbye” Eric’s Departure Is Bittersweet, but Perfect “Reefer Madness” The Risks Associated with Mary Jane Have Never Been More Hilarious “Moon Over Point Place” Eric & Donna Drop Their Pants, While Hyde Gets Busted
#1: “Dine and Dash”
When Kelso invites the gang to go out to dinner at a nice restaurant, he reveals that they’re doing a dine and dash instead of paying. The episode plays out like an extended prison break sequence, as each finds a way to ditch; eventually leaving Eric and Donna alone. The B plot with Bob nagging Red into offering him a job is also entertaining, but, let’s be real – the teens steal the show on this one. It all culminates in Donna and Eric taking revenge in spectacular and hilarious fashion with some laxative brownies. Talk about taking the expression “revenge is sweet” to a whole ‘nother level!
