Updated October 24, 2023 1.0K votes 271 voters 21.2K views
Over 200 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of 14 Awkward Sitcom Moments That Are Still Hard To Watch
Voting Rules
Vote up the sitcom scenes that really make you squirm.
From The Office to Friends, sitcoms bring the laughs - and if they don't, they'll get canceled faster than anyone can say, "That's what she said." Despite the chuckles and belly aches on offer, there are episodes that contain genuinely awkward and painful moments to watch. This isn't because the scene aged poorly or anything nefarious about the people involved, but simply within the context of the show and the specific moment.
Scenes like these can deliver secondhand embarrassment on par with your own most regrettable moments, yet they still manage to bring some humor along with a lot of social discomfort. Take a look at some of the most awkward sitcom moments that make us cringe every single time.
What Happens: Michael (Steve Carell) revisits an underprivileged school to break the promise he made a decade earlier that he would pay for the kids' college fees if they graduate from high school. In typical Michael people-pleasing fashion, though, he tries to worm his way out of doing the difficult thing.
Why It's Awkward: Michael may have been well-meaning with his promise, but it came out of his inherent desire to be liked by others - not because he actually meant it. The children perform a song for him, and there's an overall jubilant mood when he arrives, while they have no clue that he's about to let them down. It's so uncomfortable that some fans consider the episode impossible to rewatch.
Episode: Season 7, episode 19 ("The One with Ross and Monica's Cousin")
What Happens: After Ross and Monica's attractive cousin, Cassie (Denise Richards), comes to visit and stays with Ross (David Schwimmer), he gets the impression that Cassie is coming on to him one evening, and he makes a move to kiss her.
Why It's Awkward: One, she's his cousin, and it's crazy that Ross can ignore that, even if she's incredibly beautiful. Two, watching Ross try to explain his actions to a mortified Cassie is even more cringe-worthy than his attempt to kiss her in the first place as he digs an even bigger hole for himself here. Just ew!
What Happens: After George's (Jason Alexander) new girlfriend tries to get him to join her book club and read Breakfast at Tiffany's, George decides to rent the movie instead to find out what happens. When he goes to the video store, he discovers the movie is rented out to another customer. George spots the customer's address and shows up at the random family's apartment. He tells them his plight and they let him watch the movie with them, until he spills juice all over their couch and gets the boot from their home.
Why It's Awkward: George doesn't let the fact that he's a stranger to this family bother him in the slightest. He makes himself more than comfortable in their home, eating popcorn and suggesting they dim the lights, while anyone else can see how uncomfortable the family is around him. His complete lack of regard for social cues is both hilarious and unbelievable.
Episode: Season 4, episode 22 ("M is for the Many Things She Gave Me")
What Happens: Uncle Phil's (James Avery) former college girlfriend, Janice (Pam Grier), visits, which already creates consternation in the house since Phil sees her as the one that got away. While Will is getting to know Janice's daughter, Wendy (Elise Neal), Janice seduces the young Fresh Prince one evening. Eventually, Will comes clean to Uncle Phil about what happened and Phil blurts it out in front of everyone at the house.
Why It's Awkward: It's clear Will is uncomfortable telling Uncle Phil about the events that transpired, and he tap dances around the topic. However, the moment that makes everyone wince is when Phil realizes what Will is saying and shouts it out loud, ensuring everyone outside in the courtyard hears about Will and Janice's seedy rendezvous. Ouch!
Episode: Season 2, episode 6 ("Afternoon Delight")
What Happens: At the Bluth company Christmas party, Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman) and his niece, Maeby (Alia Shawkat), decide to do karaoke together, choosing the song "Afternoon Delight" by Starland Vocal Band. Those familiar with the song will know that while it sounds sweet, it's not quite as wholesome as it appears. When Michael finally clicks that the song has a sexual undertone, he pulls the plug on it.
Why It's Awkward: Naturally, it's awkward since Michael and Maeby are related, and neither of them picks up on the song's saucy lyrics in the beginning. As the words tumble out, it becomes obvious this isn't the type of song for an uncle and niece to duet. Although, the situation is made worse as Michael cancels the song and tries to divert the audience's attention elsewhere.
Episode: Season 2, episode 13 ("Caught in the Act")
What Happens: Haley (Sarah Hyland), Alex (Ariel Winter), and Luke (Nolan Gould) decide to prepare a surprise anniversary breakfast for their parents. However, when they walk into their parents' room in the morning, they catch Phil (Ty Burrell) and Claire (Julie Bowen) doing the horizontal tango.
Why It's Awkward: While sex is entirely natural, no one wants to think about their parents doing it, let alone get a front row seat. It's also made worse because the parents and kids continue to talk about the moment throughout the episode and give each other looks that say a thousand words about the embarrassment on both sides.
