10 underrated Bob's Burgers episodes
When it comes to animated shows, it still feels like Bob's Burgers is underrated. No matter the legions of fans, It never seems to get the love it deserves.
That same feeling is proven when it comes to episodes. With the show now entering its 15th season season, there are plenty of episodes that fall through the cracks. Let's be honest and say that there are one or two episodes we skip while doing a rewatch.
Even so, that's what we're here to discuss which is underrated Bob's Burgers episodes. With almost 300 episodes to choose from, there are certainly some that don't get as much love as the others and we're here to talk about them.
Let me just give a blanket statement before starting and say that seasons 1 and 2 of Bob's Burgers are vastly underrated. The show didn't quite have its footing yet but going back to rewatch those episodes is a treat so we're going to start with some picks from the show's first two seasons.
1. "Crawl Space"
"Crawl Space" is the second episode of Bob's Burgers and honestly, what a way to start. The episode follows Bob who goes into the crawl space to hide from his mother-in-law. Linda sends up Teddy to get him out but he has Teddy pretend that Bob's stuck. Eventually, Bob actually gets stuck and ends up going crazy while he's stuck in the wall.
If this episode sounds unhinged, it's because it is. Either way, "Crawl Space" was a huge undertaking for the new series. With some dark humor, some moments inspired by The Shining, and the intro of some long-lasting characters, "Crawl Space" is easily one of those episodes fans will skip over yet are just as good as the show's Halloween offerings.
2. "Lobsterfest"
Staying with season 1, the other underrated episode no one talks about is "Lobsterfest." Once again, maybe it's due to people not loving the humor. However, the entire episode revolves around Bob disliking Lobsterfest as he's allergic. Once it's canceled, Bob is able to cash in as people swarm to the restaurant and have a Bobsterfest. Unfortunately, once things are better, no one wants to help Bob.
As you can see, I have a thing for loving unhinged Bob episodes, and "Lobsterfest" fits the bill. Bob does some weird stuff and even almost ends up killed (possibly?!) before Hugo steps in to save the day. For once, there's a redeeming quality to Hugo and we get to see Bob survive another day so what's not to love?
3. "Mutiny on the Windbreaker"
Season 3 is truly where Bob's Burgers hit its stride. With a full-season order and more plotlines to explore, the series gave us some utter gems. One of the season 3 episodes I never hear being discussed is "Mutiny on the Windbreaker." The episode follows a ship captain coming into the restaurant, trying a burger, and then inviting the family onboard to cook a meal for the captain's table.
While things seem great at first, the ship sets sail and the Belchers are out to sea. With no one to watch the restaurant and plenty of shenanigans happening on the ship, the episode is jam-packed but that's not a bad thing. The kids each have a fun storyline while Linda is being extra and Bob is just trying to get home. It's a classic yet underrated Bob's Burgers episode for that reason.
4. "The Gayle Tales"
When it comes to disliked Bob's characters, Gayle is near the top yet in "The Gayle Tales," it feels like she gets redeemed. Upon getting stood up, Gayle agrees to take one of the kids with her to "Yarnival" and the kids will tell a story about her as a way to help her choose and get back at their mom for grounding them.
While all of the stories feature Linda as the villain, they're absolutely hilarious and borderline unhinged with Scott Bakula appearing in each story. Tina goes for a more historical theme while Gene leans into the country music angle. The best one is easily Louise with hers being a Game of Thrones-themed. In the end, we find out why the kids are grounded and they end up spending time with Linda so it's oddly heartwarming.
5. "Pro Tiki/Con Tiki"
If there's one Bob's Burgers I don't see enough for, it's season 6's "Pro Tiki/Con Tiki." Not only do we get to meet Bob's childhood friend: Warren Fitzgerald but it ends up being a great moment for Bob's character. After agreeing to invest in the restaurant, Warren decides on a tiki theme, and at first, Bob is okay with it but quickly, he doesn't want anything to do with it.
Rather than sacrifice his integrity and the restaurant, Bob decides to give Warren back his money and keep things as they are. It's another surprisingly heartfelt episode and one that never seems to get as much love as other episodes from season 6.
6. "Eggs for Days"
Some might disagree with this pick, but I stand by it. As the show's only Easter-themed episode, "Eggs for Days" is such an underrated story. The episode follows Bob and Linda hiding Easter eggs for the kids to find the next morning. The only issue is that the two get too drunk and forget where they hid all the eggs.
Eventually, once the kids wake up, they can't find them and it ends up being an epic Easter egg hunt to find the rotten egg. This episode is so great and one that I don't feel gets talked about enough when it comes to holiday episodes. If anything, I hope this isn't the one and only Easter-themed episode we get.
7. "Yes Without My Zeke"
Skipping ahead to season 9, we're talking about the season finale which is "Yes Without My Zeke." If you've watched the show's recent episodes, this feels like a taste of what was to come. The episode follows the kids as they try to help out Zeke even though this episode sees Tina trying to get her chance at finally being with Jimmy Junior.
While the Belchers aren't the main focus of this episode, it was a nice change of pace for the series and allowed Zeke to be in the spotlight. Ultimately, the episode proved just how much growth the show has gone through and sometimes, there's something so beautiful about that.
8. "Land of the Loft"
Season 10 is full of some awesome episodes but one I never hear being discussed is "Land of the Loft," which is honestly so fun. This episode has two storylines with the first focusing on Bob and Linda getting invited to a loft party while the kids go out with their babysitter Jen in an ice cream truck.
It feels like any episode featuring Jen is hilarious. Somehow, that poor girl gets roped into everything and the kids don't feel bad about it at all. Either way, this episode is doubly funny as Bob and Linda have no idea how to act or what to do at this party. Ultimately, the episode is absurd yet hilarious which is the best combo when it comes to Bob's Burgers.
9. "Copa-Bob-bana"
As we're wrapping up, we're talking about more recent episodes and one of those is season 11's "Copa-Bob-bana." Of all the episodes featured in season 11, this one never gets talked about and I don't understand why. The episode follows the Fischoeder brothers trying to open a nightclub and enlisting Bob to do the cooking.
While the episode doesn't end in the best way for Felix and Bob, it's a fun one. Plus the kids try to make use of something that most people would even think twice about throwing away. The episode also has some references to the movie which hadn't come out at that point so I give it extra points for that.
10. "Oh Row You Didn't"
Wrapping things up, we're talking about Season 13's "Oh Row You Didn't." Once again, season 13 has some great episodes, and "Oh Row You Didn't" is such a fun one. The episode features Rhys Darby as a guest star and it follows him as he tastes one of Bob's burgers and it makes him want to quit rowing.
As unhinged as that plot might sound, it ends up being a true test from the Belchers as they have to talk Quincy off the ledge while saving his boat. It's not an easy feat but somehow, the family is able to pull it off. All in all, this episode is one I know I'll be revisiting even if it's not a favorite which is a testament to just how good it is.
Whether you're a casual Bob's Burgers fan or have been watching from the beginning, you are sure to have thoughts on our picks and picks of your very own.
All of these episodes of Bob's Burgers are currently streaming on Hulu.