The Golden Girls: Ranking all 7 Seasons from Bottom to Top

Summary

The Golden Girls

The TV show is a groundbreaking series that shattered barriers by depicting the lives and experiences of older women, a demographic often sidelined in television. Although seasons 3 and 4 of the show faced challenges in terms of inconsistent storytelling and character development, season 5 showcased improvement by addressing significant social issues while still delivering captivating entertainment.

The Golden Girls is celebrated for its portrayal of significant topics for women over 50 in Season 1, with standout episodes such as "A Little Romance." Season 7 is also highly regarded for its memorable episodes and touching conclusion.

The enduring popularity of The Golden Girls can be attributed to the compelling portrayal of its well-developed characters, clever humor, and strong bonds of friendship. Additionally, its unforgettable TV theme song has contributed to its status as a cultural milestone and a source of inspiration for future generations of television creators. Although the series has had many exceptional moments, not every season consistently delivers outstanding episodes, resulting in varying levels of excellence. Like any TV series, certain seasons of The Golden Girls are more memorable than others, yet they all contribute to its status as a timeless classic.

7. Season 3

The third season of The Golden Girls is widely considered to be the weakest among the show's seven installments. Although it does have its moments of fun, the main problem lies in the storytelling and the overall quality of the scripts. The writers strive to push boundaries, leading to storylines that appear excessive, as seen in episode 4 where the women believe their maid has placed a curse on them. The plots often rely on premises that are fundamentally absurd or unrelated to the central characters, such as concerns about nuclear warfare or television superheroes. Consequently, the storylines in season 3 of The Golden Girls feel disjointed.

6. Season 4

Despite the commendable performances from the entire cast, especially Bea Arthur, who delivers an exceptional performance, season 3 falls short due to its inconsistent storytelling and the struggle to find a balance between character-driven humor and extravagant, unconventional ideas. Despite being a disappointment in the context of the overall series, there are moments of brilliance in this season, such as in episode 14, "Blanche’s Little Girl," and episode 15, "Dorothy’s New Friend."

Despite being an improvement from the disappointing season 3, season 4 of The Golden Girls still falls short compared to the series' first two seasons. The inconsistency in storytelling and character development is the primary drawback, as Rose and Blanche are given very few substantial storylines. The show struggles to find the right balance between comedy and drama, which affects the chemistry among the cast. While season 4 does manage to deliver laughs, it fails to consistently achieve the depth that characterized the stronger seasons of the show.

5. Season 5

The fifth season of The Golden Girls surpasses seasons 3 and 4 by striving to achieve a delicate harmony between social relevance and comedic entertainment. This season tackles a wide array of pressing issues, including infidelity, age discrimination, assisted suicide, and HIV. While some storylines may become overly preachy at times, the season admirably incorporates moments of levity within subplots and exchanges. Although the tonal balance may not consistently hit the mark, the season genuinely endeavors to address important social themes while maintaining the show's commitment to being entertaining.

4. Season 6

The storytelling in The Golden Girls season 6 takes on a more burlesque and over-the-top tone, resulting in a highly successful shift. Episode 14 stands out as Blanche's brother plans a commitment ceremony with his boyfriend. Rue McClanahan's portrayal remains a highlight, with her character undergoing consistent and satisfying development, even amidst the increasingly extreme plots. Season 6 skillfully combines the show's signature humor with broader and more exaggerated storytelling, making it one of the series' most captivating seasons.

3. Season 1

2. Season 2

Season 1 of The Golden Girls is undeniably exceptional, surpassing seasons 3 to 5 with remarkable distinction. This inaugural season breaks new ground, addressing pertinent topics for women over 50 such as remarriage, job loss, and widowhood. The true standout of The Golden Girls season 1 is the timeless episode "A Little Romance," a comedic masterpiece widely regarded as one of the series' finest. Season 1 is a bona fide classic, showcasing the enduring relevance and comedic brilliance of the show. It is therefore unsurprising that The Golden Girls went on to enjoy a lengthy and impressive run following such a strong opening.

2. Season 2

The second season of The Golden Girls stands out in multiple ways, distinguishing itself from the rest of the series. One major factor is the abundance of classic episodes within this season, potentially the largest quantity throughout the entire show. This achievement is particularly remarkable considering the comedic brilliance of the series. Furthermore, season 2 boasts the fewest misfires, showcasing the consistent high quality that permeates every episode. The baseline of excellence in this season is markedly superior to that of other seasons, raising the overall standard. Even the weakest episodes offer value, with the sole exception being the season finale, which serves as a backdoor pilot for the spin-off show Empty Nest.

1. Season 7

Season 7 of The Golden Girls takes the coveted title as the show's best season, a true testament to its enduring comedic brilliance and the deep development of its characters. While previous seasons had their fair share of memorable episodes, season 7 delivers an abundance of unforgettable moments, including "The Case of the Libertine Bell," "Goodbye, Mr. Gordon," and "Dateline: Miami." These episodes perfectly capture the essence of the season, showcasing the qualities that have made the series remarkable from the very beginning.

Moreover, this season presents one of the most iconic moments in the series, as Dorothy serenades the audience with a heartfelt rendition of "What'll I Do" at the Rusty Anchor. This poignant scene leaves a lasting impression on viewers. Despite facing a decline in ratings during its final year, particularly after Bea Arthur's departure from The Golden Girls, the ensemble's seasoned performances and the show's meaningful storytelling make season 7 the pinnacle of the entire series.