The essential episodes of The Goldbergs
Watch these 15 in order and you've got The Goldbergs — each pick states its reason.
- 01
In the premiere episode, "The Circle of Driving," Barry wakes on his birthday expecting to get a car, but is disappointed at the kitchen table when Beverly says that he's not ready for that responsibility and gives him something else that shocks him. Pops complicates matters by giving Barry the car he wants, but Beverly instantly makes her father take the car back. Meanwhile, Adam seeks Pop's advice on his crush at the local diner.
- 02
Adam is obsessed with the movie "The Goonies" and when Beverly's mother's jewelry goes missing, he bands together Erica, Barry and his friends Emmy Mirksy, Dana Caldwell and Chad Kremp to look for the missing treasure, just like the film.
- 03
Adam breaks his arm and exaggerates at school that he fell off of a hover board just like in the "Back to the Future" movie. But the lie threatens his friendship with Emmy Mirsky. Meanwhile, the family falls in love with the new Chinese restaurant in town and Beverly fears she's being replaced in the kitchen.
- 04
Upset by Barry's insecurity in their relationship, Lainey sets out to teach him a lesson with Erica's help. However, the situation turns into something totally different and Barry goes to school dressed like Boy George hoping it will change. Meanwhile, Beverly doesn't approve Murray's new mustache so she shaves it off but it backfires.
- 05
When Murray is honored as one of Jenkintown's top businessmen, his plaque is hung on a wall with all of the other honorees. Beverly is dismayed to learn he has no discernable hobbies, and her attempts to help him find some backfire. Meanwhile, Barry creates a scheme stealing golf carts, but the situation goes awry and Erica comes to save the day.
- 06
Barry gets the chance to throw the first pitch at a Philadelphia Phillies game and believes this is his chance to play professionally, but it's anything but. Meanwhile, Erica makes an important decision about her future in college.
- 07
Adam is thrilled when he has to design his own video game for school, so he turns to his family for inspiration. Meanwhile, Beverly is worried about Pops' gambling and ropes Bill Lewis into her latest scheme.
- 08
Even though Beverly's patience with Pop Pop is put to the test due to his endless Thanksgiving demands, she is able to put aside her own feelings to help heal the long-standing rift between Murray and Pop Pop. Meanwhile, Barry and Erica are ready to return home for the holiday, but Uncle Marvin accidentally drives them to Pittsburgh. Marvin attempts to make it right not knowing if they will make it to Jenkintown in time to celebrate the holiday.
- 09
Geoff and Erica come to a point in the relationship where they realize they are in different places in college; and Geoff makes an important decision while Beverly tries to find a new purpose in her life as she seeks political office as the city comptroller.
- 10
Beverly's meddling in Adam's relationship with Brea leads to a confrontation with her divorced mother, Vicki. Meanwhile, Barry struggles to reunite the JTP following his breakup with Ren.
- 11
Beverly enlists the help of Barry and Erica to teach Adam to be more assertive, but Adam feels guilty after taking it too far. Meanwhile, Murray resolves to be a better friend after learning that Vic doesn't think he can confide in him.
- 12
Geoff shares with the JTP that he is planning on asking Erica to marry him and gives them the engagement ring for safekeeping. Like any good romantic comedy, several miscommunications and misunderstandings between Geoff and Erica's friends and family result in a potential derailing of the proposal, forcing Adam to step in to keep the couple's special moment alive.
- 13
The Hunt for the Great Albino Pumpkin
Missing his Pops, Adam finds himself disenchanted with his once favorite time of year, Halloween. Beverly tirelessly tries to resurrect Adam's Halloween spirit from the dead, encouraging Pop Pop to spend some quality time with his grandson. A night of mishaps and chaos turns out to be just the adventure Adam needs. Meanwhile, with the push and support from Joanne, Barry decides to bring his former alter ego, rapper "Big Tasty," back to life; and a chance encounter with the legendary Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, brings Barry and Joanne closer together.
- 14
Adam, excited to introduce Carmen to his family, is shocked by a former incident between her and one of his siblings. Meanwhile, Geoff helps Pop-Pop improve his roommate status.
- 15
When Adam takes Beverly to her high school reunion, a la "Back to the Future," he tries to end a reality where she winds up with the wrong man. Meanwhile, Barry and Joanne make a surprising decision to prove the seriousness of their relationship.
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