Ranking All 6 Seasons of Bojack Horseman from Worst to Best

Summary

Each season of

BoJack Horseman

had its strengths and weaknesses, with some seasons feeling more polished and fully formed than others.

Season 3 of

BoJack Horseman

was the best overall, with beloved episodes like "Fish Out of Water" and "That's Too Much Man!" delivering powerful storytelling.

The final season of

BoJack Horseman

was also great, offering a tragic and enigmatic conclusion that gave longtime fans closure.

BoJack Horseman, the popular animated series on Netflix, received immense praise with each release. However, it is worth noting that certain seasons stood out as superior to others. The show followed the troubled life of its titular character, a washed-up actor. Throughout its run, BoJack Horseman earned a devoted fanbase and gained respect by combining intricate humor with compelling and often heartbreaking storylines. The series also left a lasting impact with its poignant quotes and esteemed comedic moments. Ultimately, while all seasons were well-executed, there were undeniably standout outings that showcased the show's true brilliance.

6. BoJack Horseman Season 1

The first season of BoJack Horseman, although still entertaining, lacked the polish and cohesiveness seen in later seasons. While it effectively introduced the central characters and themes, it took a few episodes to hit its stride. Episode 7, titled "Say Anything," is often credited as the turning point where the series transformed into the tragic and multi-layered show that viewers came to adore.

In fact, the latter half of BoJack Horseman season 1 was significantly more impactful than the initial episodes. Episode 8, "The Telescope," stood out for its portrayal of BoJack's reunion with Herb Kazzaz. Additionally, Todd's infamous rock opera became a highlight of the season, reaching its climactic moment in episode 9, "Horse Majeure."

5. BoJack Horseman Season 2

The second season of BoJack Horseman showcased a distinct shift in tone, hinting at the ambitious storytelling that would define future seasons. However, in some ways, it still played it safe. Nevertheless, it surpassed its predecessor and delved deeper into the development of key characters like Diane and Princess Caroline, who both experienced significant growth and compelling storylines.

Notably, BoJack Horseman season 2 featured one of the most morally reprehensible moments for BoJack: his inappropriate kiss with Penny, a teenager, in episode 11, "Escape from L.A." While undeniably brilliant, season 2 lacked a clear central focus. It introduced the daring narrative and true moments of tragedy that would come to define BoJack Horseman, but it ultimately felt disjointed, particularly when compared to later seasons.

4. BoJack Horseman Season 4

BoJack Horseman reached its peak in season 4 with a number of highly praised episodes. However, this season falls slightly behind the others due to its scattered and directionless storylines that didn't live up to the overarching narratives of previous seasons. Nevertheless, the Hollycock and Beatrice Horseman storylines delivered a brutally emotional and impactful conclusion.

Season 4 of BoJack Horseman showcased several exceptionally well-crafted episodes. "Stupid Piece of Sh*t" in episode 6 portrayed depression in a raw and realistic way, reflecting the show's exploration of real-life issues. Episode 11, titled "Times Arrow," received acclaim for expanding on Beatrice's background and skillful character development. However, the season ultimately fell short due to its lack of a solid narrative foundation, as the peripheral characters were given stories that often derailed from the main plot.

3. BoJack Horseman Season 6

The final season of BoJack Horseman was a pinnacle of the show's excellence, stunning viewers with its tragic and mysterious conclusion. Season 6 delivered the artistry and emotional weight that fans had grown accustomed to. While a happy ending was not in the cards for BoJack Horseman, the finale provided enough closure and resolution to satisfy loyal followers. Notably, episode 16, titled "Nice While It Lasted," effectively tied up various storylines.

Boasting numerous standout episodes, season 6 of BoJack Horseman showcased profound character development and a heightened sense of closure. Episode 6, known as "The Face of Depression," stands as one of the series' finest moments, as BoJack confronted his past behavior and reconciled with the main characters. However, it was the exceptionally bleak penultimate episode, "The View From Halfway Down," that is widely regarded as the pinnacle of BoJack Horseman. This masterfully crafted installment employed artistic storytelling techniques and left viewers emotionally shaken with its powerful conclusion.

2. BoJack Horseman Season 5

BoJack Horseman season 5 proved to be a deeply unsettling yet impactful journey, showcasing a collection of brilliant episodes. The standout storyline revolved around the #MeToo movement, skillfully exploring BoJack's role as a representation of the history of sexual discrimination in male-dominated Hollywood. The season reached a shocking climax, cleverly building tension throughout the episodes by blurring the lines between BoJack's fictional work and his real life.

Among the season's highlights, episode 11, titled "Showstopper," showcased the show's exceptional artistry. Season 5 also saw the inclusion of several highly-rated episodes that received widespread acclaim, with episode 6, "Free Churro," standing out for Will Arnett's outstanding performance. This episode featured a poignant and gut-wrenching monologue that carried the majority of the episode, culminating in a satisfying and heartfelt conclusion.

1. BoJack Horseman Season 3

The best season of BoJack Horseman is undoubtedly season 3, featuring beloved episodes such as the mostly silent "Fish Out of Water." The impressive animation in this episode effectively conveys a dynamic and emotionally charged story, even without dialogue from the show's cast. Other well-crafted episodes in this season include "That's Too Much Man!" which delivers a devastating character arc for BoJack and Sarah Lynn with lasting effects on subsequent seasons.

Season 3 of BoJack Horseman strikes a perfect balance between humor and bleak character portrayals, making it the strongest season as a whole. It also provides deeper characterizations for ancillary characters like Princess Caroline, Todd, and Diane, as they begin their own descents into darker narratives. This season marks the turning point for BoJack Horseman, transforming it from a comedy filled with sadness to a tragedy sprinkled with humor — and the show is better for it. Though it's a close call, season 3 stands as the best overall season of BoJack Horseman.