A "bottle episode" typically refers to an episode of a TV show that features a limited amount of cast in one or two locations. Often, despite these technical limitations, these episodes end up being critically acclaimed for their focus on character relationships. Other times, however, bottle episodes can feel more like filler between episodes.
When done just right, a bottle episode does both: it furthers the story and audience's understandings of the featured characters, while also telling a succinct story. Many shows use them for budgeting purposes, others because they're just plain fun. These ten episodes are probably the best bottle episodes that have ever aired on TV.
10 "American B***h," Girls
Season 6, Episode 3 of HBO's critically-acclaimed comedy Girls is a true bottle episode. It features only one main cast member in Lena Dunham's Hannah, who has a meeting with a famous author played by guest star Matthew Rhys. However, she's not there as a fan, she's there to confront him on allegations of sexual misconduct.
The episode is mostly a conversation, or rather a debate, between Hannah and Rhys's Chuck Palmer over the politics of sexual misconduct. It's a testament to Dunham's writing and ownership of the Hannah character, with a brilliant performance by Rhys. Many critics even declared it one of the show's most mesmerizing episodes.
9 "The Chinese Restaurant," Seinfeld
The second season of Seinfeld is really where the show grew from a typical NBC sitcom to a game-changer of the genre. Alongside the episode "The Contest," many critics claim that "The Chinese Restaurant" served as a turning point in Seinfeld's longevity. It's impressive that kind of acclaim came from a bottle episode.
"The Chinese Restaurant" takes place in real-time, finding Jerry, George, and Elaine plainly waiting for a table at the titular eating establishment. While NBC executives protested its production, co-writer Larry David put his career on the line to make it happen. As a result, this bottle episode truly made Seinfeld a "show about nothing."
8 "Pine Barrens," The Sopranos
The Sopranos, to put it simply, changed television drama for years to come. By the time "Pine Barrens" aired during the show's third season, it was a marvel of television. However, this episode would see the show reach its highest highs as it mostly follows Chris and Paulie as they attempt to hide a dead body.
What ensues in Chris and Paulie's ideally monotonous task is nothing short of slapstick comedy. They discover that the dead body is still alive when he runs away, forcing them to chase him through New Jersey's infamous Pine Barrens. It's what you'd expect from a Sopranos episode directed by comedy legend Steve Buscemi.
7 "The Box," Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Brooklyn Nine-Nine, at its best, was a marvelous showcase of both Andy Samberg and Andre Braugher as comedic actors. When placed together in a story, the two are an unstoppable force of laughter. That's probably why they were chosen to helm their own bottle episode in "The Box," finding Jake Peralta struggling to interrogate a suspect.
This Is Us star Sterling K. Brown plays Jake's arch-nemesis, whose rock-hard alibi places pressure on the detective and Captain Holt. The comedy duo's teamwork is truly put to the test against Brown's genius criminal. It's not only a satisfying episode of crime television, but it's a heartwarming moment for Jake and Holt's relationship.
6 "Reynolds Vs Reynolds: The Cereal Defense," It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia
The season 8 finale of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia features some of the long-running comedy series' best writing. In it, the gang performs a mock trial after Frank accidentally rear-ends Dennis' car. However, Frank argues the damage to Dennis' car was caused by spilled milk from a bowl of cereal Dennis was eating while driving.
In true Always Sunny fashion, the gang's opportunity to play Law & Order goes haywire. Mac's role as judge is a comedic high point here, as he changes the subject to the validity of science and evolution rather than a mild fender bender. It's a good example of Always Sunny taking a wild premise to perfect levels of absurdity.
5 "The Suitcase," Mad Men
There's a lot to love in the hit drama series Mad Men, especially by the time it got to Season 4. There's even more to love when it comes to the relationship between Don Draper (played by Jon Hamm) and Peggy Olson (played by Elisabeth Moss). This episode features the two of them working overtime at the Sterling Cooper office.
While Jon Hamm was no stranger to critical acclaim for Mad Men, this episode is all the proof needed of Elisabeth Moss's brilliance in the show. It's also a rare showcase of vulnerability between Don and Peggy. Many critics praised it as one of the show's best episodes, calling for Hamm and Moss to receive Emmys for their performances.
4 "Cooperative Calligraphy," Community
Season 1 of Community did a fine job establishing this misfit group of community college students, but Season 2 took the show to newer (and weirder) levels. Taking place inside Greendale's study room, the cast is roped into staying after hours to help Alison Brie's Annie find her missing pen. However, the pen is the least of their worries.
As the search progresses, the group's relationships are tested as secrets are revealed. For instance, the women of the study group discover Abed's tracking of their menstrual cycles, while Troy makes a discovery about the paternity of Shirley's future baby. It's a fun exploration of this wildly talented cast, thanks to the writing of Megan Ganz.
3 "Season 2, Episode 1," Fleabag
Phoebe Waller-Bridge is the master of surprise, especially when it comes to the BBC comedy-drama Fleabag. While a second season was never planned when Fleabag began as a one-woman show, the first episode certainly hits the ground running. The episode follows Fleabag as she reunites with her family for dinner.
While this episode also introduces audiences to Andrew Scott's charismatic Hot Priest character, it's also a brilliant tennis match of passive-aggressiveness. Fleabag tries to navigate her difficult family dynamics following the events of Season 1. Overall, it perfectly sets the stage for Season 2 to be, as Fleabag describes, a "love story."
2 "Teddy Perkins," Atlanta
Donald Glover inherited a lot of Community's absurdism when he began developing his own show for FX, Atlanta. Season 2 takes that absurdity to new levels, particularly midway through in the episode "Teddy Perkins." This bottle episode takes place all inside a creepy mansion belonging to the titular character.
Following Lakeith Stanfield's Darius as he tries to obtain a piano from the mysterious Teddy Perkins, the episode is a commentary on the abuse of musical prodigies. Teddy's backstory, and his appearance, even resemble that of Michael Jackson. Director Hiro Murai also gets to flex his horror movie talents in this wild episode.
1 "Fly," Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad is not a show that wastes its time, and that's even true for its bottle episode. Occurring in Season 3, this episode follows Walter White and Jesse Pinkman as they meticulously try to kill a fly that infiltrates their secret meth lab. Like "Pine Barrens," this episode is filled with a lot of physical comedy and character dynamics.
However, where "Fly" stands out among these other bottle episodes is its resonance. During the episode, Walt and Jesse's bonding informs much of their conflict in the seasons to come. Walt even comes close to admitting his role in the overdose of Jesse's girlfriend Jane, which becomes a major plot point in the show's last episodes.