While most episodes of ER are as fascinating as the field of medicine itself, there are a select few that are truly iconic television. The ’90s series is widely considered the best medical drama and no matter how much time passes, its smart characters and life-or-death scenarios remain as meaningful as they did when the show first aired.
Every fan has their own personal favorite episodes that they like revisiting when in need of a comfort watch or because they want to see an intense plotline unfold all over again.
However, these ER episodes are so beloved because they’re a solid season finale, introduce an important new Cook County General Hospital employee, or feature a devastating medical case that still resonates.
“Everything Old Is New Again”
Season 1, Episode 22
Following in the drama and sitcom tradition of featuring a wedding in a season finale, the last episode of ER season 1 takes place during Dr. Carol Hathaway’s (Julianna Margulies) wedding to Tag (Rick Rossovich). It’s a solid outing with some good twists, but since you’re not convinced that they’re meant to be, you don’t expect them to actually tie the knot, which takes away some fun suspense.
“Blood Relations”
Season 10, Episode 15
The dark and impactful plotline featuring a baby sets “Blood Relations” apart from other episodes of the show. To say it’s an intense storyline would be a big understatement.
When Dr. Neela Rasgotra (Parminder Nagra) spends time in a hyperbaric chamber because she can’t get out and suffers from claustraphobia, she’s also dealing with a baby who is in a scary condition. Either one of these plot points would be enough to up the stakes on another show, but ER goes for it here.
“Blizzard”
Season 1, Episode 10
The memorable setting of this season 1 episode sets it apart from several others. Bad weather often causes car accidents and mishaps, and the winter storm is the perfectly dramatic and unsettling backdrop for a busy ER.
The episode also features a key plot point in Doug and Carol’s romance, as Carol and Tag are engaged. It doesn’t have the emotional weight of later episodes, but it’s a good reminder that while Carol and Doug belong together, Tag was an important part of her story.
“The Book of Abby”
Season 15, Episode 3
Many shows run out of steam by season 5, so it’s amazing that season 15 is still a great watch and further proof that ER is a masterpiece. “The Book of Abby” is a solid farewell to Dr. Abby Lockhart (Maura Tierney), who moves to Boston.
Although Abby can be a divisive character, she’s still a major part of the series, and the show does a great job of showing what a big impact she has made on the others at the hospital. Overall, it speaks to the love and compassion the doctors have for each other.
“Union Station”
Season 3, Episode 8
Like another popular long-running hospital show, Grey’s Anatomy, ER has some episodes that dive into the serious topics of health insurance or the realities of working at a hospital. This one spotlights Carol’s caring nature as she’s upset when a nurse could be moved to a different team.
Although it doesn’t feature an attention-grabbing storyline, it’s still a crucial episode that allows you to see Carol in action and appreciate how strong she is.
“Freefall”
Season 10, Episode 8
Holiday episodes are always fun, but they don’t necessarily move the story forward. “Freefall” doesn’t leave as lasting an impression on some other ER episodes, but still deserves some love.
“Freefall” moves between a cozy, charming Thanksgiving dinner and a scary helicopter accident, which strikes the right tone for this kind of episode. Like with other adventure-packed episodes of the series, you’re left in awe of the horrifying situations the doctors and nurses find themselves in day in and day out.
“A Hopeless Wound”
Season 9, Episode 5
Whether Halloween is your favorite day of the year or not, episodes set on October 31 are typically entertaining, and this one firmly fits into that category. It’s fun to see the ER’s patients in costumes as they all live in the same apartment building that caught fire.
Without any huge moments to look back on, this episode isn’t the most fantastic, but a particular patient’s unsettling case of flesh-eating bacteria makes it one to remember.
“Midnight”
Season 10, Episode 21
Noah Wyle’s Dr. John Carter is the focal point of many great storylines, but this one is particularly sad, which makes it more unforgettable. Carter and his girlfriend Kem (Thandiwe Newton) experience a tragedy when her pregnancy ends.
It’s not an easy task to tell a story about something as heartbreaking as a stillborn delivery, but the writers handled this carefully, and you feel the pain Carter and Kem are in. The show may cover most medical cases over its long run, but this episode stands out since it raises awareness of an important experience too many people have.
“Ambush”
Season 4, Episode 1
Arguably the best season premiere of ER, “Ambush” has a slightly different narrative structure as the doctors are being filmed for a documentary on PBS.
“Ambush” doesn’t have the most thrilling medical cases as a patient was bitten by a dog, which doesn’t feel as attention-grabbing as some other episodes. But it’s still worth revisiting, especially to see Nick Offerman as Roger, one of the greatest guest stars on ER.
“Exodus”
Season 4, Episode 15
With perhaps the most unique premise of any ER episode, this one sees staff and patients leaving the hospital because of a chemical disaster.
Not everyone has worked at a hospital, but many have a fear of being caught in an elevator that has broken down, which happens to Carol and Doug Ross (George Clooney). It’s a relatable plotline that feels grounding and also a reminder of their seasons-spanning love story.
