Tribute to The King of Queens: My top 5 favorite episodes.
We talk a lot about classic and legendary sitcoms from the old days but one classic sitcom, one specifically that happened to have been the very last remaining television show from the 1990’s by the time it ended was CBS’ 1998–2007 sitcom King of Queens. The show that never got the proper attention or acclaim it deserved yet is still watched and cherished by fans to this very day. You can find it on almost a billion channels and it’s currently streaming on Peacock. I grew up loving this series and consider it one of the funniest sitcoms ever made. King of Queens had it all: A perfect cast, wildly funny and memorable storylines and characters that are as relatable as they are funny. This was brutal trying to nail it down to five but I decided to just pick five random favorites. Here’s my top 5 favorite King of Queens episodes that managed to rise above the rest, which is quite a feat since KOQ never had a single bad episode.
5. Name Dropper, season 7, episode 5.
When Carrie chastises Doug for forgetting the names of her co-workers, he completely denies it, but later at an office party when he forgets the name of a female co worker of Carrie’s his only way out of it is by faking a heart attack. This proves effective but Doug and Carrie face the unfortunate consequences of Carrie’s boss getting involved in Doug’s heart health and now Doug is forced into a fitness regimen and meetings with cardiologists. Once again an awkward lie backfires on our Dougie. Meanwhile Spence and Danny try to woo the other’s mother to get on the nerves of the other one. A truly unique and comically genius premise and Doug’s fake heart attack moments have me dying every time from laughter!
4. Dougie Nights, season 4, episode 15.
After trying to help cheer Deacon up after his separation from Kelly by getting him out to the club to party, Doug ends up becoming addicted to the night life and club hops every night instead of just sitting on the couch with Carrie. Hilarious episode that also has one of my all time favorite Doug\Carrie moments at the end.
3. Strike Out, season 3, episode 7.
One of the all time fan favorite episodes including one of mine is the conclusion of the three episode arc where IPS goes on strike and Doug and Deacon are out of work. This episode was pure magic. The idea of Carrie and Kelly putting Doug, Deacon and Arthur together for a day may have been the dumbest idea but also one of comic genius. The three guys grow a bond as they go around town causing mischief with a classic montage blasting Public Enemy’s Fight The Power. The iconic shot of Doug, Arthur and Deacon with baby Kirby strapped to his chest is stuff of legend
2. Vocal Discord, season 8, episode 2.
Doug and Carrie’s fights have been more frequent and harsher lately so they decide to seek marriage counseling, but don’t want have to pay any money so they decide to slyly ask their new neighbor who just so happens to be a marriage counselor for advice. Truly one of my very favorites and includes some of the best of Arthur Spooner as well!
- Black List, season 7, episode 16.
A classic episode that centers on Doug being jealous of Deacon’s new buddy whose basically a black Doug. Fearing he might be replaced in Deacon’s heart Doug has nightmares of him being white outcast in Deacon’s circle:
It boasts one of the greatest end credits of the entire series as Doug sings The Jeffersons’ theme song “Movin’ On Up” along with the choir:
Bonus:
Pole Lox, season 8, episode 1.
Doug convinces Carrie to try pole dancing to spice up their marriage but she sucks at it and he doesn’t know how to tell her. Meanwhile Arthur is horrified when he discovers Carrie’s pole dancing and fears he has failed her as a father and tries to make up for years of bad parenting by spending extra time with her taking her for ice-cream, the circus etc.
The episode is most famous for the final scene where Doug demonstrates to Carrie how to properly pole dance:
I’d remiss to do a special tribute to The King of Queens and not take a minute to give love and admiration for the late great Jerry Stiller who played the immeasurably iconic character Arthur Spooner. He was the show’s secret weapon and gave the show that extra piece of the puzzle that they wouldn’t have had without him. R.I.P Jerry, we miss ya, ya deranged circus monkey!