The 15 Most Iconic ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians’ Episodes That Defined Reality TV History

The legacy of Keeping Up with the Kardashians (KUWTK) is undeniable, a 20-season cultural phenomenon that transformed reality television and launched a billion-dollar empire. Even as the family transitions to their new Hulu series, The Kardashians, fans constantly look back at the original E! series for its raw, hilarious, and often shocking moments that became instant pop culture fodder. As of late 2025, a new generation of viewers is discovering the show on streaming platforms, making the quest for the "best of" episodes more popular than ever, proving the show’s staying power.

This definitive list compiles the most essential, highly-rated, and meme-worthy episodes of KUWTK, going beyond simple drama to explore the pivotal moments that defined the careers of Kim Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, and the entire Jenner-Kardashian clan. From early-season chaos involving Rob Kardashian and Scott Disick to the intense emotional finales, these episodes are required viewing for anyone seeking to understand the family's journey from Calabasas socialites to global moguls.

The Essential Biography: The Core Cast of Keeping Up with the Kardashians

The success of KUWTK rests on the dynamic and complex relationships of its core cast, who shared their lives from 2007 to 2021:

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• Kris Jenner (The Momager): Born Kris Houghton, she is the matriarch and the business mind behind the family's success. She was previously married to Robert Kardashian and then Caitlyn Jenner (formerly Bruce Jenner).
• Kourtney Kardashian: The eldest sister, known for her dry wit and focus on health and wellness. Her long-term, turbulent relationship with Scott Disick was a central storyline for many seasons.
• Kim Kardashian: The central figure whose initial fame catapulted the family into the spotlight. Her storylines often revolved around her career, high-profile relationships, and motherhood.
• Khloé Kardashian: Known for her outspoken, "tell-it-like-it-is" personality and comedic timing. Her personal journey, including her marriage to Lamar Odom and her relationship with Tristan Thompson, provided some of the show's most dramatic arcs.
• Rob Kardashian: The only brother, who appeared less frequently in later seasons but was a significant part of the early years, often involved in pranks and family squabbles.
• Kendall Jenner: Daughter of Kris and Caitlyn, she developed a career as a supermodel, with her personal life often taking a backseat to her professional pursuits on the show.
• Kylie Jenner: The youngest sister, who grew up on the show and later became a successful makeup mogul. Her storylines tracked her transition from a child to a young adult entrepreneur.
• Scott Disick: The father of Kourtney's children, known as "Lord Disick," whose antics, humor, and struggles with Kourtney and the family were a constant source of entertainment.

The Most Iconic, High-Rated, and Unforgettable KUWTK Episodes

These episodes are consistently cited by fans and critics as the best of the best, often achieving the highest IMDb ratings and generating the most buzz on social media. They represent the show's peak drama and most quotable moments.

1. Episode: "Kardashian Civil War" (Season 2, Episode 7)

This is perhaps the most quoted episode in the show’s history. The title refers to the epic blowout between Kim, Kourtney, and Khloé after Kim buys a new Bentley. The fight resulted in the legendary, meme-generating line from Khloé: "Don't be f*cking rude!". The episode perfectly encapsulates the sisters' early-season dynamic of petty squabbles and intense loyalty, defining their sibling rivalry for years to come.

2. Episode: "The Wedding" (Season 1, Episode 4)

While not high drama, this episode is essential for understanding the show's foundation. It features the aftermath of Kris Jenner convincing Kim to pose for Playboy. The episode showcases the early "momager" dynamic and the family's initial discomfort with the level of exposure, which is ironic given their future fame.

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3. Episode: "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen" (Season 20, Episode 12)

As the series finale, this episode was a massive ratings hit and a deeply emotional conclusion to the 14-year run. Titled "Winners Take All," the final season saw the family reflect on their journey and decide to end the show. This episode is a must-watch for its heartfelt goodbyes and the retrospective on how much the family and their lives had changed since Season 1.

4. Episode: "Khloé’s Arrest" (Season 1, Episode 3)

This early episode is famous for one of the most iconic one-liners. Khloé is arrested for driving under the influence, and as she’s being taken away, Kim famously takes selfies in the car. The scene gave rise to the phrase, "Kim, would you stop taking pictures of yourself? Your sister is going to jail!" It's a perfect snapshot of the family's blend of serious life events and their inherent self-obsession.

5. Episode: "Winners Take All" (Season 20, Episode 1)

The premiere of the final season, which is one of the highest-ranking episodes on IMDb. It set the stage for the show's conclusion, dealing with the emotional weight of their decision to stop filming. It features intense, raw conversations about their future, their privacy, and their commitment to the family unit.

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The Drama and Heartbreak: Defining Moments of the Later Seasons

As the show matured, the storylines became more focused on major life events, often involving betrayal, divorce, and the challenges of public life. These episodes are crucial for understanding the family's transformation.

6. Episode: "Soul(mate) Searching" (Season 17, Episode 12)

This episode is highly rated by fans for its focus on Khloé's emotional journey following her split from Tristan Thompson. It deals with her struggle to find closure and her decision to move forward, showcasing a more vulnerable and mature side of the star.

7. Episode: "Aftershocks" (Season 18, Episode 1)

A pivotal episode that deals with the emotional fallout of the Jordyn Woods and Tristan Thompson scandal. It’s an intense look at the family navigating a public betrayal, with Khloé and Kylie Jenner having difficult conversations about loyalty and family boundaries. The raw emotion made it one of the highest-rated episodes of its season.

8. Episode: "The Fight" (Season 18, Episode 1)

The infamous physical fight between Kim and Kourtney takes place in this season premiere. It was a shocking moment for viewers, demonstrating the breakdown in the sisters' relationship and leading to one of the most serious rifts in the show's history. This episode is crucial for understanding the tension that eventually led to Kourtney stepping back from the show.

9. Episode: "Chicago Loyalty" (Season 17, Episode 10)

Another high-ranking episode that focuses on Khloé's relationship struggles and her attempt to balance co-parenting with Tristan Thompson while navigating the complexities of his past infidelities. It highlights the difficult reality of maintaining a family unit under intense media scrutiny.

The Comedy and Chaos: Fan-Favorite Cult Classics

Beyond the major life events, some episodes are beloved for their sheer absurdity, humor, and the moments that led to the most enduring memes and quotes. These episodes are pure reality TV gold.

10. Episode: "Dash Dolls" (Season 3, Episode 1)

The premiere of the season that introduced the concept of the Dash boutique and the spin-off show. It features the sisters trying to manage the store and their employees, often resulting in hilarious, chaotic situations, including pranks involving Rob and Scott Disick.

11. Episode: "The Lord & His Lady" (Season 4, Episode 9)

This episode is a fan favorite for showcasing Scott Disick at his most outrageous, solidifying his role as the family's resident anti-hero. His attempts to fit in with the family often led to cringe-worthy but unforgettable comedy.

12. Episode: "Miami Heat" (Season 3, Episode 12)

An episode that features the family's antics during their time in Miami while opening the second Dash store. It’s full of classic Kourtney and Khloé banter, cementing their duo as the comedic heart of the show before their own spin-off, Kourtney and Khloé Take Miami.

13. Episode: "All That Jazz" (Season 6, Episode 1)

This season premiere is remembered for Kris Jenner's ill-fated attempt to become a jazz singer, a storyline that was both embarrassing for her and endlessly entertaining for viewers. It’s a classic example of the "momager" trying to reclaim her youth.

14. Episode: "The Proposal" (Season 6, Episode 2)

The episode where Kris Humphries proposes to Kim Kardashian. While the marriage was short-lived, the proposal itself was a grand, emotional affair that dominated pop culture news at the time and set a new standard for reality TV spectacle.

15. Episode: "The Great Rosebush Debate" (Season 16, Episode 12)

A later-season gem that focuses on the family's attempts to navigate their fame and personal issues, but is perhaps best known for a minor, hilarious squabble over a rosebush. It’s a great example of how the show could find humor in the mundane, even amid major life changes, providing much-needed comic relief.