Every Episode of “30 Rock” Ranked
“30 Rock” is my favorite show of all time. I think Tina Fey is an absolute genius, and this is a near-perfect show.
I have seen this show in full seven times so I thought it would be appropriate to finally rank every episode of the show from my least favorite to favorite. This is all based on my personal opinion, and what episodes I tend to rewatch.
138. “Cougars” (Season 2 Episode 7)
This is such a cringe episode that I try to skip every time I rewatch the show.
137. “College” (Season 5 Episode 8)
Filler episode that does not have enough funny moments.
136. “The Break-Up” (Season 1 Episode 8)
This episode should’ve been a lot better given the title.
135. “Jack the Writer” (Season1 Episode 4)
One of the earlier episodes of the show misses the mark.
134. “Hard Ball” (Season 1 Episode 15)
Not a fan of the A storyline of this episode.
133. “The Bubble” (Season 3 Episode 15)
Why did they do that to Jon Hamm!?
132. “Somebody To Love” (Season 2 Episode 6)
Although this episode has some funny moments, I really dislike Jack and Cece’s romance.
131. “Jack Meets Dennis” (Season 1 Episode 6)
A necessary episode that builds the plot, but has zero substance.
130. “Grandmentor” (Season 6 Episode 13)
Although I love Hazel Wassername, played brilliantly by Kristen Schaal, this episode is not particularly funny or interesting.
129. “Dealbreakers Talk Show #0001” (Season 4 Episode 7)
An amazing side plot with Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan) saves this from being the worst episode.
128. “The Aftermath” (Season 1 Episode 2)
This episode isn’t bad, but the writers hadn’t quite yet found their groove yet.
127. “Subway Hero” (Season 2 Episode 12)
Not a huge fan of this episode, but there is nothing inherently bad about it.
126. “Stone Mountain” (Season 4 Episode 3)
Tracy Jordan saves yet another cringe episode from being at the bottom of this list.
125. “Black Light Attack” (Season 4 Episode 10)
A filler episode that is pretty forgettable, but harmless.
124. “Secrets & Lies” (Season 2 Episode 8)
A fine episode, but I just do not like Jack and Cece together.
123. “Plan B” (Season 5 Episode 18)
This episode is the definition of a filler episode.
122. “Brooklyn Without Limits” (Season 5 Episode 7)
Not a fan of Jack’s storyline in this episode, but enjoy the rest of it.
121. “Winter Madness” (Season 4 Episode 11)
I have nothing negative to say about this episode, it just isn’t one of my favorites.
120. “The Collection” (Season 2 Episode 3)
Who knew cookie jars could be so scandalous?
119. “Into a Crevasse” (Season 4 Episode 2)
A very mid-episode.
118. “Pilot” (Season 1 Episode 1)
A solid pilot episode.
117. “St. Patrick's Day” (Season 6 Episode 12)
A questionably awkward chaotic episode saved by Hazel Wassername and Criss Cross (James Marsden).
116. “Mrs. Donaghy” (Season 5 Episode 11)
I do not love when Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) and Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) fight, but this episode does have a cute ending.
115. “Fireworks” (Season 1 Episode 18)
Will Arnett does an incredible job playing Devon Banks, but this episode is a bit too bland to put any higher.
114. “Season 4” (Season 4 Episode 1)
Liz and Pete (Scott Adist) save this episode from its mediocre A storyline.
113. “Alexis Good-Looking and the Case of the Missing Whiskey” (Season 6 Episode 10)
I love Jenna Maroney (Jane Krakowski), but she can’t save this episode from being kind of forgettable.
112. “Apollo, Apollo” (Season 3 Episode 16)
I find myself enjoying this episode solely for Tracy Jordan, the rest of this episode is just mediocre.
111. “Goodbye, My Friend” (Season 3 Episode 13)
I’m not that big of a fan of Frank Rossitano, played by Judah Friedlander, but the casting of Patti LuPone to play his mother was genius.
110. “The Rural Juror” (Season 1 Episode 10)
I will never forget you rural juror, but I do tend to forget this episode.
109. “Operation Righteous Cowboy Lightning” (Season 5 Episode 12)
I am a huge fan of Liz and Tracy’s story in this episode, but I do not love the other storylines in this episode.
108. “The Source Awards” (Season 1 Episode 16)
LL Cool J does a great job in this otherwise forgettable episode.
107. “Do-Over” (Season 3 Episode 1)
I think this is a really solid episode, it just isn’t one of my personal favorites.
106. “Respawn” (Season 5 Episode 23)
This season finale feels more like an epilogue than a conclusion to the story.
105. “The Fighting Irish” (Season 1 Episode 17)
The one and only episode that features the Donaghy family as a whole, but I don’t think Nathan Lane was not the right choice to play Jack’s brother.
104. “Cutbacks” (Season 3 Episode 17)
Sometimes you remember Liz Lemon is kind of the worst, this episode is a perfect example of that.
103. “Mamma Mia” (Season 3 Episode 21)
I wish this episode was more committed to the “Mamma Mia” bit.
102. “Rosemary’s Baby” (Season 2 Episode 4)
Carrie Fisher delivers an iconic performance as Rosemary Howard, but I do not like this episode as much as many “30 Rock” fans.
101. “Cooter” (Season 2 Episode 15)
I really like everything about this episode other than Matthew Broderick, which bumps this episode out of the top 100.
100. “St. Valentine's Day” (Season 3 Episode 11)
“30 Rock” has incredible holiday episodes, this is the worst of the best. It is a very solid episode, I just do not love it as much as the others.
99. “Señor Macho Solo” (Season 3 Episode 7)
Salma Hayek and Peter Dinklage are amazing guest stars, but this episode is not very memorable.
98. “Florida” (Season 7 Episode 10)
I have a love-hate relationship with this episode. I love Hazel Wassername and I hate Florida.
97. “Idiots are People Too” (Season 6 Episode 2)
Although this is a two-part story, part one sets up the magnificent episode that is “Idiots are People Three”.
96. “Corporate Crush” (Season 1 Episode 19)
Another episode is saved by the brilliant Tracy Morgan who masterfully plays Tracy Jordan.
95. “Greenzo” (Season 2 Episode 5)
I just don’t think I’m a fan of David Schwimmer, but this is an objectively good episode.
94. “Dance Like Nobody’s Watching” (Season 6 Episode 1)
Good episode, but nothing special.
93. “The Natural Order” (Season 3 Episode 20)
Liz Lemon attempting to put a water jug in the water cooler dispenser lives in my head rent-free.
92. “Future Husband” (Season 4 Episode 14)
I may not love Wesley Snipes (Michael Sheen), but I do love Avery Jessup (Elizabeth Banks).
91. “Christmas Special” (Season 3 Episode 6)
“30 Rock” Christmas episodes are iconic, but this is the least iconic of them all.
90. “Verna” (Season 4 Episode 12)
This Frank-centric episode brings it down a notch, but I do love the addition of Jenna Maroney’s mother played by Jan Hooks.
89. “Gentleman’s Intermission” (Season 5 Episode 6)
Jenna Maroney single-handedly makes this episode enjoyable. Get the woman her obituary!
88. “The Shower Principle” (Season 6 Episode 15)
This episode isn’t very memorable, but I enjoy it every time I watch it.
87/86. “Hey Baby What’s Wrong Part 1+2” (Season 6 Episodes 6+7)
The episode that made me fear Ikea. A solid story that doesn’t need to be two parts.
85. “Audition Day” (Season 4 Episode 4)
Kenneth Parcell (Jack McBrayer) saying, “Vampyr” lives in my head rent-free.
84. “Succession” (Season 2 Episode 13)
A good episode with an infuriating ending, thanks a lot, Executive Liz.
83. “Live from studio 6H” (Season 6 Episode 19)
The second live show isn’t as strong as the first, but still an enjoyable episode with very funny cameos.
82. “Let’s Stay Together” (Season 5 Episode 3)
The Jenna and Kenneth (Jack McBrayer) duo is very slept on. Plus this episode has a great Queen Latifah guest appearance.
81. “The Problem Solvers” (Season 4 Episode 5)
Jenna Maroney and Tracy Jordan are THE iconic problem solvers.
80. “The Funcooker” (Season 3 Episode 14)
A chaotic episode that really works.
79. “Chain Reaction of Mental Anguish” (Season 5 Episode 9)
Another very enjoyable, humorous episode of “30 Rock”.
78. I Heart Connecticut (Season 5 episode 19)
I never expected Pete to be an arm wrestling champion, but I did expect Jenna to star in a crappy horror movie.
77. “Secret Santa” (Season 4 Episode 8)
An enjoyable Christmas episode that features the amazing Julianne Moore, just not the best of the best.
76. “The Ballad of Kenneth Parcell” (Season 6 Episode 4)
I truly love Jenna and Liz’s relationship, so I enjoy this episode showcasing their turbulent but amazing friendship.
75. “Meet the Woggles” (Season 6 Episode 17)
Jenna Maroney is one of the most iconic characters ever to be on television, and this episode is a great example of why.
74. “¡Qué sorpresa!” (Season 5 Episode 13)
Liz Lemon may be the worst, but she is a truly loyal friend. Also, who would’ve thought Vanessa Lachey would be an unforgettable guest star?
73. “Don Geiss, America and Hope” (Season 4 Episode 15)
As I said earlier, I’m not a fan of Micheal Sheen’s character, Wesley Snipes, however, I am a fan of Wesley and Liz’s story in this episode.
72. “Blind Date” (Season 1 Episode 3)
The first great episode of “30 Rock”, but the show only got better from there.
71. “Cleveland” (Season 1 Episode 20)
I never knew I needed a song about Cleveland in my life, but I couldn’t be happier about it. Not a fan of Jack’s girlfriend which bumped this episode down from being top-tier.
70. “The Baby Show” (Season 1 Episode 9)
Season one is very good, just not the best season. The same can be said for this episode.
69. “Jack-Tor” (Season 1 Episode 5)
Jenna Maroney is a tor-de-force.
68. “There’s no I in America” (Season 7 Episode 5)
A very good episode, just not as good as the rest of these episodes.
67. “Floyd” (Season 4 Episode 16)
Another episode showcases how Liz Lemon is kind of the worst. But I love it and the prank war within this episode.
66. “The Beginning of the End” (Season 7 Episode 1)
Hazel’s British accent is iconic and you can’t tell me otherwise. I love the whole dinner scene with Hazel, Tracy and Kenneth.
65. “Today You are a Man” (Season 6 Episode 5)
Never knew how much I needed Tracy and Jenna to perform as transformers at a Bar Mitzvah, but I am certainly not complaining.
64. “The Return of Avery Jessup” (Season 6 Episode 21)
I really love Liz and Criss as a couple, and I'm so happy they end up together.
63. Unwindulax (Season 7 Episode 4)
Another episode features how Floridians kind of suck.
62. “The Fabian Strategy” (Season 5 Episode 1)
So many iconic moments and lines from the first episode of my favorite “30 Rock” season.
61. “Sun Tea” (Season 4 Episode 6)
Yet another perfect example of why Liz Lemon is the worst, and I truly love her for that.
60. “The One with the Cast of Night Court” (Season 3 Episode 3)
Jennifer Aniston steals the show as Liz and Jenna’s crazy old roommate, with a newfound obsession with Jack.
59. “Argus” (Season 4 Episode 19)
This episode introduces us to Paul (Will Forte), a Jenna Maroney impersonator who begins to date Jenna Maroney. Yes, they do make the perfect couple.
58. “Live Show” (Season 5 Episode 4)
A very unique and successful episode where Tina Fey is able to go back to her roots being on “Saturday Night Live” to deliver an amazing live show with great cameos and many humorous moments.
57. “Aunt Phatso Vs. Jack Donaghy” (Season 7 Episode 6)
This episode should be called Hazel Wassername versus Liz Lemon’s bunion surgery.
56. “Retreat to Move Forward” (Season 3 Episode 9)
This is just a very strong episode of “30 Rock”. It may not be one of my absolute favorites, but I understand why some consider this a top-tier episode.
55. “Jackie Jormp-Jomp” (Season 3 Episode 18)
Liz Lemon accidentally joins a fight club. That is all I need to say to justify this episode's high placement.
54. Kidney Now (Season 3 Episode 22)
So. Many. Cameos. Done. So. Well.
53. “What will Happen to the Gang Next Season” (Season 6 Episode 22)
I’m so sad that Jack and Avery’s relationship comes to an end, but at least it ends with a bang.
52. “Stride of Pride” (Season 7 Episode 3)
Liz tries to prove to her staff that women are funnier than monkeys. Why? Because this show never makes sense, and I love it for that reason.
51. “Flu Shot” (Season 3 Episode 8)
Just missing my top 50 episodes is this very memorable episode that features yet another example of how Liz Lemon is kind of the worst.
50. “Kidnapped by Danger” (Season 6 Episode 14)
An amazing episode that pokes fun at TV movies and brilliantly incorporates Weird Al Yankovic parodies.
49. “Episode 210” (Season 2 Episode 10)
A very strong episode of “30 Rock” that gives every character a chance to shine.
48. “Jack Gets in the Game” (Season 2 Episode 2)
Jack Donaghy and Devon Banks’ rivalry is at its best in this very funny episode.
47. “The Head and the Hair” (Season 1 Episode 11)
An episode with a very unexpected twist, that I absolutely love.
46. “Game Over” (Season 7 Episode 9)
The end to Jack and Devon’s epic rivalry ends with a bang as Devon teams up with Jack’s other nemesis Kaylie Hooper (Chloe Grace Moretz) a top-tier “30 Rock” villain.
45/44. “The 100” Part 1 and 2 (Season 5 Episodes 20+21)
A fantastic two-part episode with a spectacular Michael Keaton guest appearance.
43. “The One” (Season 3 Episode 19)
Tangiers for the win! I love the way Jack’s romance with Elisa (Salma Hayek) ends.
42. “The Moms” (Season 4 Episode 20)
A Mother’s Day special featuring all the incredible mothers from the series.
41. “Nothing Left to Lose” (Season 6 Episode 16)
Three amazing plots create a top-tier episode. Also, poor Pete Hornberger.
40. “Murphy Brown Lied to Us” (Season 6 Episode 18)
Murphy Brown did in fact lie to us.
39. “Double-Edged Sword” (Season 5 Episode 14)
The end to the iconic relationship between Liz and Carol (Matt Damon) ends with a sensational scene where Carol holds Liz at gunpoint. Also, Jack and Avery’s baby is born!
38. “Idiots are People Three” (Season 6 Episode 3)
This episode is so much better than the first part. It is incredibly funny and has amazing cameos from Denise Richards and Kelsey Grammer.
37. “Hiatus” (Season 1 Episode 21)
A great finale for an incredible first season of television.
36. “Everything Sunny All the Time Always” (Season 5 Episode 22)
Smooth move Ferguson! Liz’s true arch nemesis is the plastic bag in front of her apartment.
35. “Leap Day” Season 6 Episode 9)
I want “Leap Dave Williams” starring Jim Carrey to be turned into a full-length movie. I love this show's ability to turn a mundane holiday and idea into something incredibly memorable.
34. “My Whole Life is Thunder” (Season 7 Episode 8)
This episode is perfectly sad, comedic and joyful at the same time. Featuring both a beloved character’s death and the marriage of two other fan-favorite characters, this episode is truly unforgettable.
33. “Lee Marvin Vs. Derek Jeter” (Season 4 Episode 17)
Jack had to make an impossible decision since both Avery Jessup (Elizabeth Banks) and Nancy Donovan (Julianne Moore) would be a perfect match for Jack. I honestly don’t know what decision I would’ve made.
32. “A Goon's Deed in a Weary World” (Season 7 Episode 11)
An amazingly heartfelt episode that concludes the saga of Liz Lemon trying to adopt a baby.
31. “Larry King” (Season 3 Episode 12)
A surprisingly dramatic episode that is so funny, but also pretty intense.
30. “Emmanuel Goes to Dinosaur Land” (Season 4 Episode 21)
This episode is amazing, but I want to see a feature-length movie of Tracy Jordan playing Garfield instead.
29. “Believe in the Stars” (Season 3 Episode 2)
A truly hysterical episode featuring the one and only Ivy from “Good Luck Charlie” (Raven Goodwin) oh and Oprah Winfrey is in it too.
28. “Seinfeld Vision” (Season 2 Episode 1)
Liz and Jack’s situations get crazier throughout this episode while simultaneously interacting with the always-funny Jerry Seinfeld. It truly is a spectacle.
27. “The C Word” (Season 1 Episode 14)
Liz tries to be the best, but she is still in fact, the worst.
26. “Gavin Volure” (Season 3 Episode 4)
This episode has everything one can love about a sitcom episode: an amazing guest appearance from Steve Martin, interesting romantic escapades and a Tracy Jordan Japanese sex doll.
25. “Khonani” (Season 4 Episode 18)
Yet again, Liz tries to be the best and is proven to be the worst, but I truly love her for it.
24. “When it Rains, it Pours” (Season 5 Episode 2)
Tracy’s journey to be there for the birth of his daughter is the definition of the hero’s journey.
23. “The Tuxedo Begins” (Season 6 Episode 8)
Nothing is new, but everything is amazing. Liz is still the worst, and Jack is Batman.
22. “Queen of Jordan 2: The Mystery of the Phantom Pooper” (Season 6 Episode 20)
This episode is really really stupid. And I absolutely love it. However, it doesn’t compare to the perfection that is the first “Queen of Jordan".
21. Tracy Does Conan (Season 1 Episode 7)
Tracy does Conan, kind of.
20. “Governor Dunston” (Season 7 Episode 2)
A top-tier episode with some of my favorite lines in “30 Rock” history as well as the iconic song, created by Jenna Maroney, “Balls”. It also features incredible appearances by Catherine O'Hara and Bryan Cranston, playing Kenneth’s hillbilly parents.
19/18. “Hogcock/Last Lunch” (Season 7 Episodes 12+13)
An incredible finale for my favorite show ever. I love the way these characters’ stories end and adore “The Rural Juror”, maybe the best song ever made in the history of music. Also, I definitely didn't cry….
17. “Standards and Practices” (Season 6 Episode 11)
A sensational episode of television with an amazing Chloe Grace Moretz performance.
16. “Mazes Tov Dummies” (Season 7 Episode 7)
Liz Lemon got married!!! Again, I definitely did not cry…
15. “Christmas Attack Zone” (Season 5 Episode 10)
An amazing holiday special that combines Jack’s family, and of course Liz Lemon.
14. “Generalissimo” (Season 3 Episode 10)
THE episode that proves Liz Lemon is the worst. But I love her for it and understand that she truly is the Generalissimo.
13. “Sandwich Day” (Season 2 Episode 14)
I wish I could participate in Sandwich Day!
12. “TGS Hates Women” (Season 5 Episode 16)
Cristin Millioti and Chloe Grace Moretz shine in this spectacular episode that yet again showcases how questionable Liz Lemon can be.
11. “Klaus & Greta” (Season 4 Episode 9)
This is an incredible episode featuring Jack and Nancy’s true love for each other. And of course, the insanely unexpected one-night stand between Liz Lemon and James Franco.
10. “Up All Night” (Season 1 Episode 13)
The first of two Valentine’s Day episodes featured in my top 10. This episode is a laugh riot that also highlights all the original beloved characters.
9. “Ludachristmas” (Season 2 Episode 9)
My favorite Christmas episode of all time. This episode also made me fall in love with Jack’s mom Colleen (Elaine Stritch).
8. “I Do I Do” (Season 4 Episode 22)
An amazing conclusion to all the season 4 drama, including a great guest appearance from Matt Damon.
7. “Reunion” (Season 3 Episode 5)
I absolutely adore this episode. The setting of a high school reunion gives Liz and Jack the ability to shine in an unknown environment. Oh yea, we also discovered Liz Lemon was also the worst in high school. I know, shocker.
6. “Anna Howard Shaw Day” (Season 4 Episode 13)
The best holiday episode in television history. Valentine’s day will never be the same in my mind. This episode introduces a beloved character in Avery Jessup (Elizabeth Banks) and features all of Liz Lemon’s iconic exes and of course the one and only Jon Bon Jovi.
5. “Queen of Jordan” (Season 5 Episode 17)
A unique episode of television that works in every single way. I have never laughed this much in an episode of television. I may not like watching reality TV but I certainly enjoy watching this.
4. “Reaganing” (Season 5 Episode 5)
This is the episode I show for people new to the show. I think this is a perfect episode that gives every character the ability to shine. You don’t need to know much about the show to have an amazing time watching this masterfully chaotic 30 minutes of television.
3. “Black Tie” (Season 1 Episode 12)
When I watched this episode, I knew this show was something special. The first episode where the gang leaves 30 Rockefeller Plaza, lets chaos ensue outside of the office. This is also the first episode where Jack and Liz’s relationship truly begins. It is a fantastic episode of television which I absolutely adore.
2. “MILF Island” (Season 2 Episode 11)
As a “Survivor” fan, I knew I would love this episode but it truly exceeded all expectations. This is a tense episode with a ton of humorous twists and turns and one of the most random, yet excellent side stories involving Pete being stuck in a vending machine. Definitely check this episode out!
1. “It’s Never Too Late for Now” (Season 5 Episode 15)
This is my favorite episode of television. It is incredibly funny and very joyful, without relying on special guests. This episode is essential to “30 Rock”. It is also incredibly wholesome, revealing to the audience how much every character loves Liz Lemon, just like the viewers who have been so enthralled by her journey. I love this episode with my whole heart.
Jack Freiser is a third-year telecommunications student. To contact him email him at jef5614@psu.edu.
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