Each outing of BoJack Horseman was met with immense praise, but some seasons are still better than others. Netflix’s hit animated series detailed the bleak exploits of the eponymous washed-up actor, BoJack Horseman. BoJack Horseman released six seasons in total, some of which were arguably more effective than others.
Over the course of its run, BoJack Horseman became a beloved and respected show. It built a reputation through its complex humor and tragic storylines. In fact, BoJack Horseman produced several very sad quotes alongside its highly esteemed jokes. The series was at its best when it blended humor with tragedy, making viewers feel for its intriguing cast of characters. And while all of its seasons were well-crafted, some BoJack Horseman outings were undeniably stronger than others.
6 BoJack Horseman Season 1
BoJack Horseman season 1, while still very entertaining, was far less polished and fully formed than subsequent seasons. The first outing did a sterling job of establishing the show’s central characters and themes, but it took a few episodes to find its footing. BoJack Horseman season 1, episode 7, “Say Anything,” is often cited as the moment the series developed into the tragic yet layered show audiences grew to love.
Indeed, the second half of BoJack Horseman season 1 was substantially more effective than the first. Episode 8, “The Telescope,” was a particular standout for its depiction of BoJack’s reunion with Herb Kazzaz. Todd’s infamous rock opera was also a season highlight, culminating in the climactic BoJack Horseman episode 9, “Horse Majeure.”
5 BoJack Horseman Season 2
BoJack Horseman season 2 marked a notable evolution of the show’s tone. It demonstrated glimpses of the ambitious storytelling that characterized later seasons, but in several respects, remained too cautious. Regardless, the season was still stronger than its predecessor, and it elaborated on many of the other main characters from BoJack Horseman. This was especially true when it came to Diane and Princess Caroline, both of whom saw extensive character development and more involved story arcs.
BoJack Horseman season 2 was also notable for depicting one of BoJack’s most depraved moments: when he kisses the teenage Penny in episode 11, “Escape from L.A.” While BoJack Horseman season 2 was undoubtedly brilliant, it lacked an overall central focus. It offered the beginning of BoJack Horseman‘s daring storytelling and genuine tragedy, but it felt too disjointed, especially compared to subsequent seasons.
4 BoJack Horseman Season 4
BoJack Horseman really hit its stride by season 4, proffering several lauded episodes. However, the fourth outing ranks slightly lower than other seasons, largely because it deployed slightly directionless and haphazard storylines that didn’t work as well as the overarching narratives depicted in other seasons. Still the Hollycock and Beatrice Horseman storylines offered storylines with a brutally emotional and stark conclusion.
Several episodes in BoJack Horseman season 4 were especially well-done. Episode 6, “Stupid Piece of Sh*t,” offered a stark portrayal of depression, one of several real-life issues Bojack Horseman depicts. Episode 11, “Times Arrow,” was praised for its expansion of Beatrice’s backstory and deft character development. Ultimately though, the season fell short due to its lack of narrative foundation, with the ancillary characters featuring in storylines that were far too meandering.
3 BoJack Horseman Season 6
The final season of BoJack Horseman was one of the show’s finest outings. It featured a tragic and enigmatic ending to BoJack Horseman, delivered with the artistry and emotional gravity audiences had come to expect by season 6. Of course, BoJack Horseman couldn’t have a happy ending, but the finale still offered enough closure and resolution to satisfy longtime fans. In fact, episode 16, “Nice While It Lasted,” neatly concluded several storylines successfully.
There were many outstanding episodes during BoJack Horseman season 6, the outing that gave BoJack the greatest sense of closure and character development. Episode 6, “The Face of Depression” was one of the best episodes of BoJack Horseman, with the show’s lead reconciling much of his behavior with the other main characters. The extremely bleak penultimate episode, “The View From Halfway Down,” is widely considered the best episode of BoJack Horseman ever made due to its artistic storytelling methods and powerful emotional conclusion.
2 BoJack Horseman Season 5
BoJack Horseman season 5 was perhaps the most upsetting outing, but it delivered a highly effective season littered with brilliant episodes. The most memorable storyline was a response to the #MeToo movement, examining BoJack’s culpability as a metaphor for male Hollywood’s history with sexual discrimination. Season 5 also featured the most startling climax, with the majority of the season’s episodes building the dramatic conclusion. The blurring of boundaries between BoJack’s work and his real life was chillingly effective and deftly woven throughout the season.
Episode 11, “Showstopper” was another highlight from the season, demonstrating the show’s artistic capabilities. BoJack Horseman season 5 featured several more of the show’s highest-rated episodes, and like every other outing, was highly praised. In particular, episode 6, “Free Churro,” stood out for its impressively stark and heart-wrenching monologue from Will Arnett’s BoJack that lasted the majority of the episode, with a remarkably touching performance and delightfully satisfying ending.
1 BoJack Horseman Season 3
BoJack Horseman‘s best season was undoubtedly season 3. It featured several beloved installments, including the almost entirely silent episode 4, “Fish Out of Water.” The season 3 episode’s impressive animation managed to convey an incredibly dynamic and emotionally charged story, even without any dialogue from the BoJack Horseman cast. Other episodes were similarly well-crafted. For instance, BoJack Horseman season 3’s “That’s Too Much Man!” delivered a devastating character arc for both BoJack and Sarah Lynn, which had lasting effects on subsequent seasons.
BoJack Horseman season 3 perfectly balanced humor with stark, depressing character portrayals, creating the strongest season as a whole. Additionally, season 3 provided many of the ancillary characters — specifically Princess Caroline, Todd, and Diane — with much deeper characterizations, beginning their own respective descents into bleaker narratives. Season 3 marked the moment BoJack Horseman became a tragedy littered with humor rather than a comedy filled with sadness — and the show was better for it. While it is certainly a close call, season 3 is the best overall season of BoJack Horseman.
