Top 5 Episodes: Big Time Rush, iCarly, and Victorious Edition
photo courtesy of @nickelodeon Instagram
The people have spoken. Netflix has blessed us with Teen Nick favorites, from iCarly to Big Time Rush to Victorious. After being cooped up for a year, we college students are more nostalgic than ever, and reliving times when BTR posters were all the rage and Victorious’ Jade and Beck were everyone’s favorite ship (they still are tbh) gives us more serotonin than any new show possibly could. If you’re like us and don’t have the time to watch every single episode, here are Jerk’s ultimate picks from each show.
Big Time Rush:
1. Big Time Break Up (Season 2, Episode 16)
As fans of Kendall and Jo’s relationship, this episode absolutely broke us. This is our fave because of Katelyn Tarver and Kendall Schmidt’s acting, all of the sad moments, and of course, Carlos's comedic relief. It also introduces viewers to the band’s hit song “Worldwide,” which is an absolute banger.
2. Big Time Pranks (Season 2, Episode 7)
Of all the childish shenanigans that the boys commit at the Palm Woods, this has to be the best. The friendly (and at times, not-so-friendly!) prank war has so many hilarious moments that set the stage for another prank war in season 4.
3. Big Time Audition (Season 1, Episode 1)
The pilot episode shows the everyday life of the four guys as hockey players in Minnesota and when they first meet their producer Gustavo, beginning their road to stardom. This origin story does a great job showing the personalities of the four boys and the funny dynamic between them and Gustavo.
4. Big Time Crush (Season 2, Episode 11)
We love this episode because of all of its interesting storylines. In an episode that’s focused on the boys finding dates, it has the perfect comedic ending of all of them alone...which demonstrates how dumb the four are when it comes to dating. We also were obsessed with seeing James act as an older brother figure to Katie when he becomes protective during her date with a boy.
5. Welcome Back Big Time (Season 2, Episode 1)
This episode is a great way to kick off season two since it has the same quality of humor as season one. The storyline of Kendall stressing about Jo having to kiss her co-star on-screen for her TV show is iconic, and there’s also the debut of the song ”‘Til I Forget About You.”
Honorable mentions: Big Time Beach Party, Big Time Mansion, Big Time Strike
iCarly:
(*side note: Netflix has only the first two seasons, so some of these episodes are unavailable (ugh). Until they get Netflix and get shit together, DailyMotion will be your friend)
1. iGo To Japan (Season 2, Episode 6)
Everything about this episode, from the setting to the characters, makes it unforgettable. They went HARD with the storylines, like having them skydive into Tokyo after taking a possum-filled plane or wrapping Spencer in seaweed. The two webstars trying to sabotage the team’s chances of winning the competition have us on the edge of our seats.
2. iGo One Direction (Season 6, Episode 2)
This one was a cultural reset. Not to mention where Harry Styles began his acting career.
3. iKiss (Season 2, Episode 10)
Sam takes things WAAAY too far and reveals on an iCarly webcast that he has never kissed anyone, which results in Freddie getting teased horribly. Sam tries to make up for it by revealing that she hasn't been kissed either, and she and Freddie become each other’s first kisses at the end of the episode, in one of the most shocking scenes in television history. It was so beautifully written, the tension was palpable. This show gets so juicy it’s overwhelming sometimes. Also, Sam awkwardly offering Freddy a meatball to break the ice is me in every romantic setting. TEAM. SEDDIE.
4. iGet Pranky (Season 4, Episode 3)
This is one of our favorites because we get to see Spencer in his element. It’s also a roller coaster of emotions where it’s extremely happy during the montage when he pranks everyone but very dramatic when he tells us about a traumatic prank. Jerry Trainor is truly an underrated actor.
5. iPsycho (Season 3, Episode 18)
The fight scene between Gibby and psycho fan Nora is EVERYTHING. The choreography is better than any fight scene in Avengers, and Gibby once again proves that he is a god amongst men. When he took off his shirt and finally defeated Nora was the moment that he transitioned from a side character to the main character. Man really said “hold my shirt.” This is also when his brother Guppy makes his first appearance.
Honorable mentions: iTwins, iMake Sam Girlier, iCook, iDream A Dance, iParty With Victorious (the ultimate crossover)
Victorious:
1. Freak the Freak Out, Parts 1 & 2 (Season 1, Episodes 19 & 20)
Cat and Jade’s performance of “Give it Up” in this episode is my favorite duet of the entire show. For a show that likes to keep Tori in the center, they finally show us who the real stars are (tea). They ate that. We also appreciate the storyline of the karaoke competition and Jade using her bad bitch energy to put the bar owner’s arrogant daughter in her place after she makes a move on Beck.
2. Sleepover at Sikowitz (Season 1, Episode 13)
The premise of this episode is so original, and the cast members prove they’re what make Victorious special with their 10/10 acting. Beck’s British accent is immaculate as well as Andre’s pregnant marathon runner. They’re all amazing actors and the characters bring out the best in them. Tori is often overhyped, but this episode is truly one of her best. RAISIN BRAN FTW.
3. Tori and Jade’s Playdate (Season 3, Episode 6)
While “Give it up” is my favorite duet, Tori and Jade’s “Take a Hint” comes in a close second as it is the most iconic rejection song. The episode focuses on Tori and Jade’s friendship, which is adorable and I honestly ship them. That along with Robbie and Cat’s cute bit where they sing bad news to people makes this one of our favorites.
4. Jade Dumps Beck (Season 1, Episode 6)
Trina’s legendary one-woman show “Chicago” has to make the top five. Her one-woman show absolutely steals the episode. To this day, we frequently quote “I’m a woman..in Chicago..who’s scared.” We also like that we get to see a glimpse of Jade’s soft side and love the dynamic between her and Tori.
5. The Breakfast Bunch (Season 3, Episode 2)
As a big fan of “The Breakfast Club,” the jokes in this episode sent me. The writers were smart to write a bit about the cast pretending to be high. They do a good job of imitating the cast of The Breakfast Club while highlighting the Victorious characters’ best traits. Cat and Robbie’s adorable yet hilarious moment was the perfect wrap-up in the end.
HM: Beggin On Your Knees, Tori the Zombie, The Wood
At this point, who even cares about new releases? Gen Z’s childhood favs are taking Netflix by storm; from musical numbers that we still listen to now to the best first kisses maybe ever, we’re addicted to Nickelodeon reruns. And once again, TEAM SEDDIE.