The 15 Best Community Episodes

Community, created by Dan Harmon, follows a misfit group of students at Greendale Community College who form an unlikely bond through their study group. Known for its daring concepts, quirky characters, and meta-commentary on pop culture, the series constantly pushed the boundaries of what a sitcom could be. Over its six seasons, Community delivered some of the most inventive and memorable episodes in TV history. In this list, we count down 15 of its very best episodes.

15. Emotional Consequences of Broadcast Television

Season 6, Episode 13 (2015)

Community ended with a strong final episode, which makes it onto our list at position #15. As their sixth year at Greendale draws to a close, Abed asks everyone to imagine pitching a TV show about what they would do in season seven. "Emotional Consequences of Broadcast Television" lives up to its name, delivering plenty of emotional moments as each character imagines alternate timelines for the future of Greendale. It’s a bittersweet ending that acknowledges the show's evolution and the bonds forged among the group.

14. Cooperative Polygraphy

Season 5, Episode 4 (2014)

After Pierce's unexpected passing, the study group gathers for a series of lie detector tests as part of his will's stipulations. Walton Goggins guest stars as the no-nonsense investigator Mr. Stone. Almost the entire episode takes place around the table, diving deep into the characters' dynamics as they learn uncomfortable truths and secrets about each other.

13. Paradigms of Human Memory

Season 2, Episode 21 (2011)

A "clip show," or flashback episode, is usually done to save money by minimizing the need for new filming. But this parody of the format cleverly reverses the trope by showing clips that have never been seen before. In "Paradigms of Human Memory," Chang discovers the cache of items stolen by Troy's pet monkey (including the pen from "Cooperative Calligraphy"). He brings them back out, prompting the group to reminisce on adventures from episodes that never happened. It's a wild, meta ride filled with the show's self-referential humor.

12. Digital Estate Planning

Season 3, Episode 20 (2012)

The group is thrust into an 8-bit video game designed by Pierce's father to determine the inheritance of his estate, but they face unexpected competition in the form of Pierce's half-brother Gilbert. Much of the episode takes place inside of the game world, recreating the look and feel of a retro video game. "Digital Estate Planning" stands out for its unique visual style and the way it pushes the boundaries of what a sitcom can be.

11. Cooperative Calligraphy

Season 2, Episode 8 (2010)

Set entirely in the study room, "Cooperative Calligraphy" is a classic "bottle episode," a fact which is acknowledged by Abed in typical meta fashion. As the study group searches for the pen, they uncover each other's secrets, and the mounting mistrust and paranoia threaten to tear them apart. It's a quintessential Community episode, with some defining moments for the characters and their relationships.

10. Geothermal Escapism

Season 5, Episode 5 (2014)

As Abed struggles to cope with Troy's impending departure, he announces that "the floor is lava," sweeping the school into a competitive frenzy. A concept episode along the same lines as the paintball episodes, "Geothermal Escapism" is a parody of post-apocalyptic movies like Mad Max and Waterworld. It's filled with action scenes, factions, alliances, and betrayal, but also heartfelt moments as the characters say goodbye to Troy and the audience says goodbye to Donald Glover.

9. Epidemiology

Season 2, Episode 6 (2010)

In "Epidemiology," the study group and other students are attending a Halloween party when a virus outbreak starts turning people into zombies. It's a hilarious and action-packed homage to horror films, featuring clever nods to the genre and an unforgettable soundtrack of ABBA hits. The episode encapsulates Community’s talent for turning a simple concept into an epic, genre-bending event.

8. Contemporary American Poultry

Season 1, Episode 21 (2010)

When the study group has trouble getting chicken fingers from the school cafeteria, Jeff comes up with a plan to secure their share. As the group takes over the school’s chicken finger supply, Abed transforms into a mafia boss. "Contemporary American Poultry" is an early example of Community’s brilliance in genre satire, exploring the group’s dynamics while cleverly parodying mafia movies like Goodfellas.

7. Basic Lupine Urology

Season 3, Episode 17 (2012)

A parody of Law & Order, this episode has the study group investigating the murder of their biology class's yam. It’s a perfect example of Community’s love for genre pastiche, capturing the procedural drama’s signature style down to the smallest detail. From the opening credits to the twist ending, it’s a meticulously crafted homage that never loses sight of its comedic core.

6. Pillows and Blankets

Season 3, Episode 14 (2012)

"Pillows and Blankets" is a mockumentary chronicling the epic war between the factions of Pillowtown, led by Abed, and Blanketsburg, led by Troy. As the rivalry between Troy and Abed that began in the previous episode becomes a full-blown civil war at Greendale, the episode explores themes of friendship, conflict, and reconciliation. Inspired by Ken Burns’ documentary style, the episode features dramatic narration as well as black-and-white "war photography." It stands out as one of Community’s most ambitious and memorable episodes.

5. Conspiracy Theories and Interior Design

Season 2, Episode 9 (2010)

When Dean Pelton discovers that Jeff has invented a fake night school class, an increasingly complex web of conspiracies and deception begins to unfold. The plot twists and turns in unexpected ways, taking the viewer on a wild ride and keeping them guessing. It's a tightly written episode that thrives on the absurdity of its premise and the sharp wit of its dialogue.

4. Advanced Dungeons & Dragons

Season 2, Episode 14 (2011)

When the group becomes concerned about a depressed student named Neil, they invite him to a game of Dungeons & Dragons in an attempt to lift his spirits. Abed serves as dungeon master, while Pierce is excluded due to his insensitivity. But when Pierce learns that he was left out, his jealousy threatens to make their good intentions backfire. The episode skillfully handles sensitive topics like bullying and depression, while also delivering an imaginative and hilarious role-playing adventure. It’s a perfect blend of fantasy, comedy, and heartfelt storytelling.

3. A Fistful of Paintballs + For a Few Paintballs More

Season 2, Episodes 23-24 (2011)

Following up on the concept from "Modern Warfare" in season one, these back-to-back episodes turn Greendale into a paintball battleground once again. "A Fistful of Paintballs" kicks off the two-part season finale with a Western-themed showdown at Greendale, imitating the gritty style of classic Westerns while injecting it with Community's signature brand of humor. The next episode, "For a Few Paintballs More," shifts the genre from Westerns to Star Wars as the study group bands together to take down the sinister "Stormtroopers" from City College. The episodes exemplify Community’s ability to blend action, comedy, and genre homage, creating an epic season finale that plays like a blockbuster movie.

2. Remedial Chaos Theory

Season 3, Episode 4 (2011)

At Troy and Abed's housewarming party, Jeff rolls a die to determine who should go get the pizza. Abed claims that by doing so, Jeff is creating six different "timelines." The episode explores what happens in the multiple alternate timelines, each of which leads to vastly different outcomes for the group. "Remedial Chaos Theory" is Community at its most experimental, featuring some of the series' most memorable moments, such as the infamous "darkest timeline."

1. Modern Warfare

Season 1, Episode 23 (2010)

The first of Community's paintball-themed episodes, "Modern Warfare" is the episode that cemented the show's reputation for bold concepts and genre-bending storytelling. It transforms Greendale Community College into a chaotic battleground when a campus-wide paintball game spirals out of control, turning into an all-out war. The episode is a masterful parody of and homage to classic action films, complete with dramatic betrayals, intense standoffs, slow-motion shootouts, and explosive set pieces. "Modern Warfare" is a perfect showcase of Community’s humor, creativity, and storytelling at its best.

Many of the episodes on this list are among the best television ever created. Even so, Community still has many other great episodes. If you can’t decide which one to watch, try letting our Community random episode generator pick one for you. And if you enjoyed our list of the best Community episodes, check out our lists of the best Friends episodes and the best Family Guy episodes as well. Or find out why Abed likes Cougar Town so much.