10 Funniest ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ TV Episodes Ranked

90’s TV: Buffy

When Giles (Anthony Stewart Head) famously declared, “The Earth is doomed” in the first episode, Buffy the Vampire Slayer revealed itself as a show that effortlessly balanced humor with horror. Throughout its run, the series became known for its witty banter and comedic moments, providing audiences with a delightful mix of laughter and chills. While the show primarily centered around vampires and evil forces, the premise of a teenage girl defending the world against darkness also led to plenty of absurd and hilarious situations. In this blog post, we’ll explore ten of the funniest episodes that showcased the show’s comedic genius.

10. “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” (Season 2, Episode 16)

The episode focused on Xander (Nicholas Brendon), who was the master of witty one-liners and situational comedy. After a breakup with Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter), Xander decides to cast a love spell to humiliate her. However, the spell backfires, and suddenly, every woman in Sunnydale becomes infatuated with him.

The humorous aspect of this episode lies in the absurdity of the situation and the classic romantic comedy vibe between Xander and Cordelia. Moreover, the fact that Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) gets transformed into a rat, giving the real-life Sarah Michelle Gellar some time off to host Saturday Night Live, adds an extra layer of hilarity.

H9. “Intervention” (Season 5, Episode 18)

Following the emotional rollercoaster of episodes like “The Body” and “Forever,” “Intervention” serves as a much-needed comedic respite. Feeling rejected by Buffy, Spike (James Marsters) decides to create a robot duplicate of her. The Robo-Buffy confuses both her friends and the evil Glory (Clare Kramer), leading to some uproarious situations.

Sarah Michelle Gellar’s comedic prowess shines in this episode, both as the Robo-Buffy with her mispronunciations and as the real Buffy, questioning her friends incredulously, “You couldn’t tell me apart from a robot?” The combination of humor and drama in this episode showcases the show’s versatility.

8. “Life Serial” (Season 6, Episode 5)

In the sixth season, Buffy’s writers declared that “Life is the Big Bad.” This sentiment is hilariously depicted in “Life Serial” when Buffy attempts various mundane jobs but is constantly thwarted by the antics of three nerds: Warren (Adam Busch), Jonathan (Danny Strong), and Andrew (Tom Lenk).

The dark humor arises from the idea of a powerful hero like Buffy struggling with regular jobs while being hampered by seemingly insignificant foes. Her relatability in such situations, such as wanting to drown her work sorrows in a poker game, adds a human touch to the comedy.

7. “The Replacement” (Season 5, Episode 3)

Xander is a treasure trove of humor, and having two versions of him leads to twice the laughs. When a spell creates a second Xander who seems to have a better life, the original Xander is determined to defeat his double.

The highlight of this episode is undoubtedly Xander’s performance of the Snoopy Dance to prove his identity to Willow (Alyson Hannigan). Additionally, the use of Nicholas Brendon’s twin to portray both Xanders side-by-side while they quote Star Trek creates a delightful comic moment.

6. “Doomed” (Season 4, Episode 11)

In a testament to the show’s ability to find humor in the direst situations, the gang manages to turn the looming Apocalypse into a comedy. As they discover the world is about to end yet again, their collective response is a bemused, “AGAIN?”

The juxtaposition of the usually stoic Spike being forced to wear a Hawaiian shirt and khakis while facing the end of the world is a hilarious visual gag. The characters’ nonchalant attitude towards the impending doom, after facing numerous apocalyptic events, adds a touch of absurdity that the fans love.

5. “A New Man” (Season 4, Episode 12)

Giles, the stern mentor, rarely gets to showcase his comedic side. However, in “A New Man,” he wakes up one morning transformed into a demon. With the help of Spike, the only one who understands his demonic language, Giles must reverse the spell.

Anthony Stewart Head’s comedic talent shines through as he engages in physical slapstick as the hulking demon version of Giles. The dynamic between Giles and Spike, adjusting to their newfound alliance, adds a humorous odd-couple element to the episode.

4. “Tabula Rasa” (Season 6, Episode 8)

“Tabula Rasa” is an ensemble masterpiece, allowing the entire cast to display their comedic chops. Following the emotional aftermath of the musical episode “Once More with Feeling,” Willow attempts to erase Tara’s memory of Willow erasing her memory. However, the spell goes awry, causing everyone to forget their identities while dealing with a literal Loan Shark threatening Spike.

The episode cleverly scrutinizes the characters’ identities, with Spike hilariously believing he’s a vampire with a soul who helps the helpless, mimicking Angel’s tagline. Buffy’s dismissive response adds to the hilarity.

3. “Something Blue” (Season 4, Episode 8)

Long before Buffy and Spike’s romantic relationship, their chemistry was evident. In “Something Blue,” after Willow casts a spell to have her every desire fulfilled, hilarity ensues when everything she says becomes reality, including the decree that Buffy and Spike should get married.

The comedic gold lies in seeing the two enemies falling madly in love with each other but struggling to get along. The on-and-off fighting, interspersed with moments of affection, disgusts the rest of the cast. The scene where Xander, upon witnessing their affection, asks if he can be blind too after Giles has already been blinded by the spell is pure comedic brilliance.

2. “Storyteller” (Season 7, Episode 16)

Andrew Wells, one of the “Nerds of Doom” Buffy faced in Season Six, lends himself naturally to humor. In “Storyteller,” he keeps himself occupied by making a movie about Buffy while she prepares to battle the First Evil. His fantasy sequences portray Buffy and her friends as exaggerated romance novel heroes.

The humor in this episode stems from the contrast between Andrew’s quirky fantasies and the grim reality of the impending apocalypse. It also offers insight into Andrew’s sad character, unable to face the truth of the danger he faces and the terrible deeds he’s committed.

1. “Band Candy” (Season 3, Episode 6)

As a show centered around high school characters, it’s no surprise that the mentors’ disapproval of Buffy and her friends is played for laughs. When cursed chocolate turns Giles, Buffy’s mother, and other adults into their teenage selves, Buffy has to act as the mature one, wrangling her now-immature guardians.

The comedic genius in this episode comes from seeing the normally composed Giles as a rock and roller and Buffy’s Mom as his groupie. Additionally, the inclusion of Principal Snyder (Armin Shimerman), a man who typically despises teenagers, turning into an excitable, tagalong nerd desperate for Buffy’s approval, adds an extra layer of humor.

Bonus – The Legacy of Buffy’s Humor

Buffy the Vampire Slayer remains an iconic show not only for its horror elements but also for its clever humor. The combination of witty dialogue, situational comedy, and endearing characters has contributed to its lasting popularity.

Beyond its entertainment value, the show’s humor also served to highlight the characters’ resilience in the face of adversity. By finding humor in the darkest moments, the show’s creators demonstrated the power of laughter as a coping mechanism and a way to maintain hope in challenging times.

In conclusion, Buffy the Vampire Slayer was a masterclass in blending horror and humor. The ten episodes mentioned above are just a few examples of how the show’s wit and comedy enriched the overall experience. The legacy of the show’s humor lives on, resonating with fans who continue to appreciate its unique blend of laughter and darkness.