Drake & Josh, one of the most beloved Nickelodeon sitcoms of the 21st century, is known for its heartwarming family dynamics, zany schemes, and infectious laughter. The show, which aired from 2004 to 2007, follows the adventures of two stepbrothers, portrayed by Drake Bell and Josh Peck, as they navigate through hilarious situations and contend with Drake's mischievous little sister, Megan (Miranda Cosgrove). With four seasons under its belt, Drake & Josh has become iconic in its own right.
Before their breakout roles on Drake & Josh, teen comedians Drake Bell and Josh Peck gained recognition on The Amanda Show, where they first conceived the idea for their own show. The success of Drake & Josh led to the creation of two TV movies, Drake & Josh Go to Hollywood and Merry Christmas Drake & Josh. The popularity of the series also spawned two video games, seven books, and even a short web series. Although a revival was initially announced by Bell in 2019, Peck later revealed in 2022 that the project had been scrapped. Nevertheless, fans can still relish in the comedic brilliance of Drake and Josh with the best episodes from the show.
20 Who's Got Game — Season 4, Episode 5
In one of the most memorable episodes of Drake and Josh, the brothers find themselves in a fierce competition against each other. Similar to the popular episode "The Bet" from season 2, "Who's Got Game" follows Drake and Josh as they make a bet to see who can go on more dates in a week after a disagreement over a girl.
While Drake becomes infatuated with a girl named Carly and wants to focus all his attention on her, their relationship takes a hit when she discovers the bet and breaks up with him. On the other hand, Josh seeks dating advice from his mom and goes on a series of dates, showcasing his efforts through a montage. Eventually, Drake manages to win Carly back by being honest and making amends with those he had previously deceived, while Josh ultimately emerges as the winner of the bet.
One of the refreshing aspects of Drake and Josh is that it often highlights Drake's flawed behavior, particularly when he is portrayed as more successful with women compared to Josh. This episode further emphasizes this dynamic, while also delivering an abundance of comedic moments as the brothers engage in their friendly rivalry.
19 Megan's First Kiss — Season 4, Episode 15
Drake and Josh, the main characters, were often overshadowed by their younger sister Megan (played by Miranda Cosgrove from iCarly) who always managed to steal the spotlight. One of the standout episodes of Drake and Josh delves into the brothers' relationship with Megan, moving beyond her mischievous pranks. When Drake and Josh become suspicious of Megan's secretive behavior, they stumble upon her rendezvous at the Premiere. This leads to a hilarious scene where they hilariously disguise themselves as Irish Jews to spy on her.
Soon, Drake and Josh unravel Megan's secret boyfriend, Corey, and decide to interfere with his attempts to kiss her. Although they manage to reconcile the couple, their happiness is short-lived as they discover Corey's infidelity. Determined to protect Megan, Drake and Josh convince her to break up with him, not realizing the consequences that await them. In an emotional and comedic finale, Corey ends up physically confronting Drake and Josh, only for Megan to surprise them both by kissing them and expressing her love. This episode left fans in stitches, exclaiming, "Pip pip da doodly doo!"
18 Believe Me, Brother — Season 1, Episode 3
In the season 1 episode "Believe Me, Brother," Drake and Josh deliver a prime example of their trademark comedy of errors mixed with a classic misunderstanding. This standout installment showcases the duo's knack for crafting entertaining and humorous situations right from the start.
The episode centers around Drake's new girlfriend, Susan, who develops a liking for Josh and begins to flirt with him whenever Drake is absent. Initially, Josh comically fails to grasp her intentions, until she takes it a step further and kisses him. The twist, however, lies in Susan's exceptional talent for deceit, as she consistently makes Drake believe that Josh is the one pursuing her, rather than the other way around. In his quest to prove his innocence, Josh goes to great lengths, resulting in uproarious and side-splitting outcomes.
17 Megan's Revenge — Season 4, Episode 13
In this particular episode of Drake and Josh, Megan plays a crucial role in the storyline. The episode revolves around Drake and Josh's attempt to capture a picture of Megan's adorable hamster, which unfortunately leads to the hamster's untimely demise. As both boys are genuinely afraid of their younger sister, the entire episode is filled with fear and paranoia about Megan's inevitable discovery of the truth. This results in some comedic and memorable quotes from Drake and Josh. "Megan's Revenge" is an essential episode for fans of Megan, as it showcases the step-brothers' constant analysis of her actions and their own insecurities, leading to moments where they even turn against each other. This episode perfectly highlights the dynamic between the characters and demonstrates how Megan adds depth to the overall plot and family dynamic.
16 Theater Thug — Season 3, Episode 14
In the episode "Theater Thug," Josh lands a major opportunity but finds himself caught in a case of mistaken identity, creating a compelling storyline in Drake and Josh. As part of a TV crime show in season 3, Josh portrays the notorious "theater thug." However, this leads to a series of troubles as the public consistently confuses him with the actual criminal.
Meanwhile, Drake takes advantage of Josh's newfound fame to impress women. Ultimately, the boys succeed in apprehending the real theater thug, but Josh ends up getting wrongly arrested. This episode effectively portrays mistaken identity, highlighting Drake's selfish nature as he continuously exploits his step-brother's success without offering much assistance in clearing Josh's name.
15 Girl Power — Season 3, Episode 10
Drake and Josh's difficulties in understanding and connecting with girls are prominently highlighted in the highly acclaimed episode "Girl Power" of Drake and Josh. The narrative revolves around Josh's earnest attempts to impress Mindy's parents, which unfortunately results in a series of comical failures. In a desperate bid to salvage the situation, Josh decides to host a dinner for Mindy's family at his own house, only to encounter further disastrous consequences.
Simultaneously, Drake grapples with his own insecurities regarding his masculinity. Challenged by his girlfriend Lucy to an arm-wrestling match, Drake suffers a resounding defeat, thereby affirming Lucy's assertion that girls are tougher than boys. This revelation deeply unsettles Drake, leading him to reflect on this newfound perspective throughout the episode. Ultimately, the installment showcases personal growth for both Drake and Josh, imparting valuable lessons about understanding and appreciating women.
14 Guitar — Season 2, Episode 2
In the episode titled "Guitar," Megan surprisingly shows kindness towards her brother and it stands out as one of the finest episodes in the series of Drake and Josh. Megan emerges as the winner of a radio contest, earning tickets to a Zero Gravity concert along with a signed guitar from Devan Malone. Unexpectedly, Megan selflessly relinquishes her prize to Drake, who is ecstatic beyond measure. However, things take a chaotic turn when Josh accidentally sets fire to Drake's signed guitar.
The remainder of the episode follows Josh's frantic efforts to find a replacement guitar for Drake, resulting in hilariously astonishing outcomes. Additionally, a secondary storyline involving Josh's father and Drake's step-father Walter unfolds. Walter, a character who is often overlooked and disrespected, attempts to bond with Drake. However, Drake conveniently finds himself occupied every time they are supposed to spend time together. This storyline grants Walter the significance he deserves and showcases unexpected character moments.
13 The Battle Of Panthatar — Season 4, Episode 16
"The Battle of Panthatar" is a remarkable Drake and Josh episode that seamlessly weaves together multiple storylines, showcasing the show's exceptional writing. The episode kicks off with Drake receiving an autographed copy of "Abbey Road" from his neighbor, Mr. Pompette. Soon after, the brothers are invited to their classmate Thorton's highly anticipated 16th birthday party, set to be televised on MTV. However, things take a turn when Thorton catches Drake kissing his girlfriend, resulting in their exclusion from the event.
Determined to be part of the festivities and make an appearance on TV, Josh convinces Drake to offer Thorton the coveted signed album as a peace offering. Despite their efforts, Thorton remains adamant and denies them entry to the party. This sets the stage for one of the most exhilarating and elaborate schemes ever devised by Drake and Josh, as they strategize to both infiltrate the party and regain possession of the precious Beatles album. Miraculously, their plan succeeds, ultimately allowing Drake to reclaim his beloved album.
12 Dance Contest — Season 4, Episode 19
In the last episode of Drake & Josh, titled "Dance Contest," the series delivers an exceptional and memorable installment. The storyline follows Josh as he enters a dance contest in order to earn enough school credit to surpass his rival, Mindy Crenshaw, and become the top student in his class. Meanwhile, Drake, who has been skipping gym class for months, takes advantage of the situation by stealing Josh's dance partner, hoping to gain the necessary credits to graduate.
Amidst a clash between Drake and Josh's dance partners, the brothers decide to join forces and perform a remarkable dance routine. Their synchronized performance not only secures their victory in the contest but also allows them to share the school credit. This conclusion serves as a fitting end to the immensely popular Nickelodeon series, showcasing the brothers' unity and their ability to showcase their individual strengths. Ultimately, the episode conveys a heartwarming and family-friendly message, resonating with the show's overall essence.
11 Steered Straight — Season 4, Episode 14
In one of the most memorable episodes of Drake and Josh, the mischievous duo finds themselves facing the consequences of their actions when they attempt to enter a club using fake IDs. As a result, their concerned parents enroll them in the Steered Straight program, hoping to teach them a valuable lesson about the realities of jail life. However, their already tumultuous situation takes an unexpected turn when a genuine criminal hijacks their police car.
Taking on the identities listed on their counterfeit IDs (Jefferson Steelflex and Alvin Yakitori), Drake and Josh unknowingly become unwitting accomplices in a nefarious scheme to abduct the governor. Unbeknownst to them, the duo inadvertently leads a group of criminals straight to their own home. In a desperate attempt to protect themselves and their loved ones, the brothers devise a comical plan that involves Drake playfully beating Josh with a banana and humorously ripping out his own hand. This hilarious sequence serves as one of the most comedic highlights of the entire show.
10 Really Big Shrimp — Season 4, Episode 17
In the anticipated series finale and one of the standout episodes of Drake and Josh titled "Really Big Shrimp," Drake's encounter with Alan Krim, a music producer, takes center stage. Unfortunately, Krim sabotages Drake's successful song, "Makes Me Happy." Unbeknownst to Josh, who was distracted by a large shrimp while signing the contract, he unknowingly relinquishes creative control over the song. Consequently, Drake dismisses Josh from his role as manager.
To rectify his mistake, Josh takes the initiative of having Drake's original song featured in a Super Bowl commercial, resulting in Krim losing his job and Drake reclaiming his position on the charts as a #1 hit. Simultaneously, Crazy Steve's sanity is tested when Josh accidentally consumes his enchilada, Josh and Mindy reconcile their relationship, and Helen ties the knot. The episode concludes with a humorous shrimp-related altercation between Drake and Josh, followed by a flashback to the actors reenacting the same scenario in an episode of The Amanda Show.
9 Tree House — Season 4, Episode 10
The infamous "where's the door hole?!" meme from Drake and Josh gained immense popularity through this particular episode in season 4, and it's not hard to see why — it is undeniably one of the funniest moments ever witnessed on the Nickelodeon sitcom. "Tree House" undoubtedly stands out as one of the finest Drake and Josh episodes, consistently delivering humor as the two protagonists find themselves trapped, bored, and famished in a tree house they unintentionally locked themselves in.
Adding to their misery, Megan takes pleasure in taunting them by grilling cheeseburgers right next to the tree house, while Craig and Eric enjoy a double date with the twins who were originally meant to go out with Drake and Josh. Their predicament escalates when Josh becomes the target of an attacking squirrel, ultimately resulting in the entire tree house crashing to the ground. This episode lives up to its promise of hilarity, showcasing Drake and Josh at their absolute best as the brothers engage in a heated argument while Megan only exacerbates the situation.
8 The Storm — Season 4, Episode 8
In this particular episode, Josh only makes an appearance in one scene. However, this does not take away from the overall enjoyment of the episode, as it is considered to be one of the best in the entire series of Drake and Josh. The main plot revolves around Drake's band, who had been preparing for a significant performance. Unfortunately, their plans are ruined due to rain, resulting in a large gathering of people taking shelter in the house.
This situation leads to a series of humorous moments, with Drake attempting to uncover the discussions his girlfriend and ex-girlfriends are having behind his back. Simultaneously, Crazy Steve's anger is depicted in a comical manner as he watches episodes of Dora the Explorer. The climax of the episode occurs when Helen, a character in the show, leads everyone in a rendition of Queen's popular song, "We Will Rock You." Although it may seem peculiar, this episode undeniably stands out as one of the funniest in the series.
7 Honor Council — Season 2, Episode 14
"Honor Council" is not only considered one of the finest episodes of Drake and Josh, but it also boasts an impressive lineup of celebrity appearances and introduces a renowned actress who was yet to achieve her breakthrough. In this installment, Drake finds himself in hot water when his strict teacher, Mrs. Hafer, wrongly accuses him of parking a car in her classroom. Desperate to avoid suspension, Drake turns to Josh for assistance.
To prove Drake's innocence and have all charges dropped, Josh and Drake must present their case before the formidable "Honor Council" of their high school. The episode cleverly pays homage to The Breakfast Club by featuring the esteemed Paul Gleason (known for his role as Richard Vernon) as the judge. Additionally, Julia Duffy from the sitcom Newhart takes on the role of Mrs. Hafer, while Emma Roberts (known for her role in Scream Queens) portrays a character named Addie Singer. This star-studded installment guarantees both entertainment and excitement.
6 Paging Dr. Drake — Season 3, Episode 8
In "Paging Dr. Drake," Drake finds himself in a series of absurd and potentially life-threatening circumstances, making it one of the most thrilling episodes of Drake and Josh. The plot revolves around Josh's need for foot surgery, which leads him and his family, including stepbrother Drake, to the hospital. However, Drake's attention is captivated by a group of attractive nurses passing by.
In an attempt to impress them, Drake decides to dress up and pretend to be a doctor. Initially, everything goes smoothly until another doctor enters the scene and mistakes Drake for a renowned physician. Suddenly, Drake is unexpectedly asked to perform a crucial and complex foot surgery, forcing him to find a way to extricate himself from the predicament. Typically, cases of mistaken identity befall Josh, so it is a refreshing change to witness Drake in the spotlight for once.
5 Megan's New Teacher — Season 3, Episode 12
In one of the most memorable episodes of Drake and Josh, Megan's frustration with her stepbrother Josh reaches a peak. Despite being technically his stepsister, Megan holds a grudge against Josh just as strongly as she does against her biological brother Drake. To make matters worse, Josh is given the opportunity to be a student teacher in Megan's class, resulting in chaos and boredom for the students. As a consequence, Megan becomes an outcast among her peers.
Determined not to let Josh get away with his terrible teaching, Megan devises a plan to publicly embarrass him in the science classroom, in hopes of getting him removed from his position for good. While this episode may not heavily feature Drake, it beautifully showcases Megan's cunning intelligence and provides plenty of comedic moments that will leave viewers laughing out loud.
4 Josh Is Done — Season 4, Episode 11
"Josh Is Done" is an extraordinary episode of Drake & Josh that packs a powerful emotional punch, making it one of the show's finest moments. When Drake carelessly damages Josh's bike and abandons him on a crucial test day, Josh is devastated and decides to cut ties with Drake, refusing to hang out with him anymore.
This decision sets off a chain of events that sends Drake's life into a tailspin, with misfortune plaguing him at every turn, while Josh's life takes a turn for the better. Eventually, Drake comes to a profound realization and offers a heartfelt apology to Josh, recognizing just how much he relies on his brother's presence in his life. The episode concludes with a side-splitting scene of Josh joining Drake in their bedroom for a game of ping pong. While "Josh Is Done" is filled with comedic moments, it also delves into the complexities of their relationship in a truly touching manner. In fact, the episode's storyline even served as the inspiration for the book "Josh is Done" in the world of Drake and Josh.
3 Blues Brothers — Season 2, Episode 9
In one of the most memorable episodes of Drake and Josh, Walter convinces Josh to try his hand at doing the weather broadcast on TV. However, Megan, being her mischievous self, manages to frighten Josh about the possibility of making a mistake, causing him to have a sudden and uncontrollable twitching outbreak while live on air. The scene becomes even more hilariously uncomfortable when Josh removes his jacket, revealing the visibly soaked underarms of his shirt.
Meanwhile, Drake and his band are diligently rehearsing for an upcoming talent show. Unfortunately, their hopes are dashed when a rival music group steals one of Drake's original songs. Determined to reclaim his confidence, Drake calls upon Josh to join him on stage for a remarkable performance of "Soul Man" from the iconic movie, Blues Brothers. This homage to the beloved SNL "siblings" film proves to be the perfect move, and the episode receives such overwhelmingly positive feedback that it serves as the inspiration for the narrative in the popular Drake and Josh book, Blues Brothers.
2 The Demonator — Season 3, Episode 15
In one of the standout episodes of Drake and Josh, season 3's "The Demonator", the brothers stumble upon the news of a thrilling new roller coaster called the Demonator opening at Mystic Mountain. Eager to experience the exhilaration of riding it on its inaugural night, Drake and Josh's plans are thwarted when their parents assign them the responsibility of looking after their great-grandfather, Papa Nichols, a war veteran.
Reluctantly leaving their friends Craig and Eric with the task of caring for Papa Nichols, Drake, Josh, and their mischievous sister Megan find themselves in a lengthy queue at Mystic Mountain, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to ride what is touted as the world's greatest roller coaster. Meanwhile, the comedic chaos ensues as Papa Nichols awakens, mistaking Craig and Eric for German captors, leading to a series of amusing mishaps and misunderstandings.
"The Demonator" episode garnered immense laughter and resonated with viewers, ultimately serving as the inspiration for the Drake and Josh book, Alien Invasion.
1 Josh Runs Into Oprah — Season 4, Episode 1
In one of the most memorable episodes of Drake and Josh, titled "Josh Runs into Oprah," the running gag of Josh idolizing Oprah reaches its peak. Throughout the series, it is evident that Josh sees Oprah as a deity-like figure. When Drake forgets Josh's birthday, he feels immense guilt and attempts to make it up to him by securing two tickets to a live taping of Oprah's show.
However, chaos ensues as the boys struggle to find a parking spot and accidentally collide with Oprah herself. This unexpected encounter in a hospital room is far from what Josh had envisioned for his first meeting with his hero. Eventually, Josh manages to fulfill his lifelong wish of obtaining Oprah's autograph, albeit at the bottom of a restraining order. "Josh Runs Into Oprah" served as the perfect kickoff for the final season of Drake and Josh, as it showcased the protagonist accomplishing an seemingly impossible dream in a hilariously unexpected manner.