The Goldbergs: Best Episode Of Each Season, According To IMDb

There is no doubt that The Goldbergs is a great sitcom, as it is rated on the whole as an 8.0 out of 10 on the website IMDb. Since premiering in 2013, the show has earned a devoted following of fans, many of whom can name their favourite season and their favourite episode from each season.

Since there are so many episodes — the show, now in its ninth season, is closing in on episode 200 — and because art is hard to judge objectively, fans of the show may debate on which episodes are the best. One possible argument settler is IMDb’s star-rating system, which allows a kind of consensus to form about which episodes stand out the most each season.

Season 1: “Livin’ On A Prayer” (8.6)

The finale of the first season proved to new audiences that this show was going to last. The episode centers around Barry trying to throw a house party for the ages. The event gets even better when partygoers all start wearing Beverley’s sweaters, as her attire happens to be one of The Goldbergs‘ funniest running gags.

It also includes the beginnings of a romance between Lainey and Barry, which would last into the show’s spinoff, Schooled. Clearly, this episode left an impact on viewers.

Season 2: “Barry Goldberg’s Day Off” (8.9)

Basing episodes around iconic ’80s properties is something The Goldbergs often does, but the show seems to have done it best here. Referencing John Hughes’ hit movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, the episode recreates what happens after anyone watches the film for the first time: They too want to take an epic, adventure-packed day off. That’s exactly what Barry, Pops, and Adam do — to disastrous and hilarious results.

Each Goldberg reflects the film’s characters, be it consciously (Barry demanding to be Ferris) or unwillingly (Erica unknowingly taking Jeanie’s role), and this creates an episode that is just as beloved by fans as the actual movie.

Season 3: “Have A Summer” (8.3)

Sitcom season finales often get the highest ratings on IMDb, and this episode is no exception. With Adam about to start high school, he and Barry have one of their feuds during Freshman Fear Week, resulting in a jaw-dropping moment when Adam manages to bodyslam his older brother.

Beverly of course is her classic “smother” self, mourning over her kids growing up. But what IMDb raters probably remember most about this episode is the moment when Erica realises that she loves Geoff, only to see him with another girl after being rejected by Erica so many times. It’s a heartbreaking moment, and it leaves the season on an impactful note.

Season 4: “The Kara-te Kid” (8.2)

Giving audiences what they want to see, this episode references another ’80s classic, The Karate Kid, and even includes a cameo from Martin Kove, the villain from the original movie. Adam is challenged to a fight with another Adam Goldberg for the sole rights to their name, and fan-favourite character Uncle Marvin is brought back to be his Mr. Miyagi.

The episode hilariously parodies the film, showing that doing household chores might not be such a great training method as one would think. It also attempts to teach a lesson about dealing with bullies, and it does so in the show’s classic tone: cynical, yet heartfelt at the same time.

Season 5: “Dinner With The Goldbergs” (8.7)

The episodes where one of the most lovable sitcom families are all packed in together are often the greatest episodes in the show. This episode has Erica’s poor boyfriend Geoff having dinner out with the Goldbergs, and the family wastes no opportunity to embarrass themselves and each other.

Each member of The Goldbergs‘ cast has a chance to shine, with all of the actors bringing their A-game. Geoff gets a moment too, yelling at them all in the episode’s climax. Viewers most likely love this episode because of how painfully it reminds them of their own family dinners, especially when romantic partners get involved.

Season 6: “Eight-Bit Goldbergs” (8.0)

This episode involves Adam creating a video game about his family, which manages to get everyone around him angry. The things they get mad about provides hilarious meta-commentary on the whole show, such as Erica being called Eric in the game, which reflects how, according to Looper, her gender was changed from the real person she was based on.

Murray is the only one not upset about the game and therefore gets some nice fatherly moments with Adam. The B-plot also involves Pops’ obsession with gambling and Beverly’s attempts to help him, giving audiences a much-loved George Segal episode of The Goldbergs.

Season 7: “Pretty In Pink” (7.6)

High-school prom episodes are exciting and full of relationship drama, and The Goldbergs does not disappoint. Adam and Brea almost break up since Adam expects that Brea will be prom queen and desert him for whoever ends up as prom king. This leads him to ask Beverly for help, which she of course takes too far and gets the entire prom cancelled.

Everything thankfully ends up okay, and Adam gets his “Movie Moment” with Brea, giving the show another great couple to root for. And of course, Beverly’s antics are at their crowd-pleasing best in this episode. It’s a lovely way to end the season.

Season 8: “The Proposal” (8.2)

In one of the most emotional episodes of the entire show, Geoff proposes to Erica and she happily accepts, though of course not before the shenanigans from the rest of the family almost stop the proposal from even happening. Erica and Geoff’s relationship is generally adored by viewers, and seeing them decide to take the next step is a great way to end season 8.

Also, this was one of the first episodes filmed after Pops actor George Segal died in early 2021, so it’s easy to imagine how difficult it was for the other actors with real emotions running high. Despite that or perhaps because of it, the ensemble crafted a great episode of television.

Season 9: “The Goldberg’s Excellent Adventure” (8.5)

The most recent season opens on a tribute to the late George Segal who played Pops on The Goldbergs before he died in March 2021. The episode provides heartfelt memories of the character and the actor, as both were such an integral part of this beloved sitcom.

The Goldbergs race around town to honor Pops in a recreation of the 1989 film Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, and each of the main characters are able to grieve their beloved family member. Fans no doubt rate this episode highly because of their respect and adoration for Segal, and while the rest of season 9 will likely be great, it certainly won’t be the same without him.

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