Bob’s Burgers‘ most recent season features some of the most poignant and hilarious stories in the series to date. Bob (H. Jon Benjamin), Linda (John Roberts), Tina (Dan Mintz), Gene (Eugene Mirman) and Louise (Kristen Schaal) are their most chaotic selves this season, while always remembering what they mean to each other. This season features many opportunities for the siblings, in particular, to bond and show their love for each other in unique ways.
Much of Bob’s Burgers Season 15 explores how far the Belchers have come as a family and how they continue to grow. Some of the best episodes of the season focus on how the relationship between the Belcher siblings continues to evolve. Other episodes put Bob and Linda in the spotlight as parents and explore how they’ve been able to overcome difficult circumstances of their own to be the best parents they can be.
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“The Place Beyond the Pinecones”
Episode 14
“The Place Beyond the Pinecones” follows Tina as she goes on an overnight retreat with the Thunder Girls, where the troops have to find a golden spray-painted pine cone. When Tina ends up finding this pinecone, she hides it before getting ambushed by the others. The episode turns into a comedic horror show when Tina and the girls stumble into a disturbingly strict “Etiquette Camp for Good Girls” where they meet creepy kids with forced smiles that give off the vibe that they’re in some kind of cult.
This episode is one of the best of the most recent season, because it focuses almost exclusively on Tina. Some of the best episodes of Bob’s Burgers are Tina-centric and show how committed she is to doing right by her friends. Tina’s decision to return and rescue Patty (Betsy Sodaro) and Rena (Sarah Baker), even though she could have escaped alone, is both heartwarming and emblematic of how much she continues to grow as a character.
9
“Dad-urday Kite Fever”
Episode 20
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“Dad-urday Kite Fever” sees the return of Bob’s father, Big Bob (Eric Bauza), as he brings the Belchers a kite from Bob’s childhood. The kite flies away, setting off an increasingly frantic and hilarious chase. Bob ultimately ends up on a train to Bog Harbor. He runs into Critter (Robert Ben Garant) and the two go on a side-quest of sorts, which results in Bob losing the kite for good. Critter reminds Bob that his presence is what his children want most, rather than a kite.
Bob’s relationship with his father has always been an important subplot of Bob’s Burgers since it informs how he parents his own children. Any episode where Big Bob returns and gets Bob to reflect on his relationship with his own children is an opportunity to appreciate how far Bob has come. This episode stands out this season because it highlights the fact that, while Bob may always be imperfect, all he ever wants is to be the best father he can be to his kids.
8
“Snackface”
Episode 13
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“Snackface” follows Louise as she launches an illegal snack-selling operation. She and Gene initially team up and develop extreme-tasting homemade snacks to sell at recess. Tina is initially reluctant to join the operation, but ultimately decides to do so because she needs a new pencil case. Louise almost gets trapped by Millie (Molly Shannon), who threatens to expose the Belchers’ illegal business and land Louise in detention.
Bob’s Burgers has always been a family-centric show that highlights how close the Belchers are despite their flaws. This episode is a chance to highlight the special bond that Louise, Gene, and Tina have as siblings and how much they love each other. “Snackface” is also a hilarious and poignant take on a mob story, and gives each of the Belcher siblings a chance to highlight their unique skills and how well they work together.
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“The Dead Bo-ats Society”
Episode 19
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“The Dead Bo-ats Society” follows the Belcher siblings as they explore a marine scrapyard to maintain their Saturday routine. Things take a dangerous turn when the yard’s guard dog is unleashed, trapping them inside an overturned boat. They find themselves racing against the clock, as they promised their parents they’d be back at the restaurant for work by 11 AM. Unbeknownst to them, Linda imagines several worst-case scenarios about where the kids could be, including being chased by a dog.
This is another example of a Bob’s Burgers episode that highlights how close the Belcher siblings are. The episode manages to make their hijinks funny, even though there are moments where they could be in real danger. The countdown to when they have to be back at the restaurant gives the episode an extra layer of drama. Ultimately, this episode stands out as one that could be a comfort episode since it showcases the Belchers at their best.
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“Dog Christmas Day After Afternoon”
Episode 9
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“Dog Christmas Day After Afternoon” opens with the Belcher siblings expressing their disappointment that they didn’t get the expensive Game Whiz system they asked their parents for Christmas. Bob and Linda feel guilty, and take the kids for a drive to see the Christmas lights in a rich neighborhood. The kids find a puppy, who Gene feeds chocolate to, not knowing it is poisonous to dogs. The Belchers reunite the dog with its owner after it gets lost.
Bob’s Burgers Christmas episodes are some of the best of the series, and this episode is no exception. This episode stands out within this season because it highlights everything that makes the Belchers so lovable. From Bob and Linda trying their best to make do with what they have, to the kids immediately bonding with a puppy, this story gives the Belchers a chance to be their most charming selves over the holiday season.
5
“Insomnibob”
Episode 22
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Bob’s Burgers has always highlighted Bob’s talent and work ethic, and the Season 15 finale gives him a chance to take stock of where he is in life. He reads Skip Marooch’s (Kumail Nanjiani) latest autobiography and begins feeling unfulfilled with his craft. When he starts struggling with sleep, he decides to start experimenting in the kitchen to build what he hopes will be “Burger of the Year”. As he becomes more obsessive, he hallucinates that Skip can speak to him.
“Insomnibob” stands out within this season because it’s a creative way to explore how Bob, and, by extension, the entire Belcher family, define success. This episode is a chance for Bob to explore what he really wants for himself and his family. It’s ultimately a reminder that the Belchers are more than whatever success they might achieve. Instead, they are defined by their perseverance and the love they have for each other.
4
“For Whom the Doll Toes”
Episode 4
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“For Whom the Doll Toes” follows Gene as he gets depressed after being excluded from a party attended by other boys in his grade. Louise creates an elaborate dollhouse murder mystery inside a creepy store being cared for by their substitute teacher, Miss Bisselbender (Tina Fey). This murder mystery is an elaborate ruse for Louise to reveal that she always knew the truth about why Gene was excluded from the party, and wants to find her own way to support him.
This is one of the most emotionally rich episodes of the season, and, arguably, one of the sweetest episodes of Bob’s Burgers ever. The episode highlights how, even though Louise might struggle to voice how much she loves her siblings, she always finds a way to show up for them when they need her most. “For Whom the Doll Toes” stands out because it highlights how complex Louise and Gene are, and how, despite their flaws, they always try their best to do the right thing.
3
“The Lost City of Atlantic”
Episode 15
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“The Lost City of Atlantic” follows the Belchers as they visit the casino to cash in the old chips Linda received from her grandfather, Max. Linda discovers that, while the casino staff remember her grandfather fondly, Max had an affair with a waitress and had a daughter out of wedlock. Shirley (Maggie Wheeler), Max’s former girlfriend, reveals that the staff have organized a heist to steal the money that was promised to them by the casino’s original owner.
This episode is an example of Bob’s Burgers doing what it does best, which is blending quirky humor with a deeply human story. Rather than devolving into melodrama, Linda handles the revelation that her beloved grandfather had an affair with surprising composure and unexpected grace. This wild story never stops, and is one of the best episodes of the season because it’s a fun casino caper while being a poignant reflection on what family means.
2
“Hope N’ Mic Night”
Episode 6
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“Hope N’ Mic Night” sees Tina, Gene, and Louise organize an open mic night at the restaurant when their school’s talent show is canceled. The night of the event, the fire marshal threatens to shut the event down for being over capacity, but Marshmallow (Jari Jones) ends up saving the day. When the show’s allowed to go on, Marshmellow’s stunning performance of “Seabird” steals the show, and she dedicates it to her parents.
This is one of the best episodes of Bob’s Burgers Season 15 because it elevates a character who had previously been in the background. So many characters in this series have undergone a similar transformation and have gone from side characters to those who get their own arcs. It’s so emotional to watch Marshmallow come into her own and get a chance to show off her talents. This episode reflects on why Marshmallow has always been so beloved and how she could continue to be part of the Belcher’s story moving forward.
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“They Slug Horses, Don’t They?”
Episode 8
“They Slug Horses, Don’t They?” is the highlight of Bob’s Burgers Season 15. The episode begins with Louise borrowing Tina’s cherished toy horse, Helen Oats, without permission, only to accidentally break it when she tries to return it. Linda tries to make Louise write an apology to Tina, but instead, she draws a comic that shows Tina being launched into space. Their aunt Gayle (Megan Mullally) babysits, validates both of their feelings and tells them that although sisters can be complicated, there’s no other bond like it.
This episode is the best of the season because it’s a chance to explore Tina and Louise’s relationship. Anyone who has sisters will appreciate how authentic this story is. It’s heartwarming to be reminded of the fact that, as much as Tina and Louise can bother each other, they still love each other deeply. The strength of “They Slug Horses, Don’t They?” is the fact that the Belcher sisters are able to acknowledge their own emotions and realize that their connection is more important than any hurt feelings.
