Top 10 Hilarious Golden Girls Running Gags

[@MsMojo]

If you want more running gag lists from your favorite shows, check out our playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PLoY8-2dOws2yKnTEvitS2Hv6BAEMQlJps to see all the ones we've done so far! And comment below to let us know which others we should do next :)

[@MsMojo]

@Caleb Mayfield We know, and we like your ideas! Because we want to make sure our lists are as accurate as possible, we like to have writers who know the show to write the script. So hopefully someone who knows the show will take them on soon!

[@taylorrogers4064]

Sophia roasting Dorothy everytime she wants to go out or asks Sophia for advice.

[@nikki9125]

Top 10 Hilarious The Nanny Running Gags

[@nikki9125]

@@taylorrogers4064 when she gave Dorothy’s number to a complete stranger to get her a date, or when she signed her up for a dating service 🤣🤣🤣

[@taylorrogers4064]

@@nikki9125 Oh my God. 😂😂😂😂😂 Yes, I remember that.

[@nikki9125]

I love how Betty White can remain so straight faced telling a St. Olaf story, while the girls are laughing, like the herring story.

[@Butterfly-yp5wd]

Oh I know

[@keirarees3179]

That herring story will be forever funny.

[@williethomas5116]

I will never forget the great herring war. The one between the Lindstrom's and Johansson's. The Lindstrom's wanted to pickle and the Johansson's to train them for the circus.

[@boyceps]

@@williethomas5116: Was it like a flea circus?

[@williethomas5116]

@@boyceps no they threw knives! Tiny little ginzu knives. One false move and they could filleted themselves.

[@jonathanfalkowsky672]

This is probably the best show of all time. But these girls were ahead of their time.

[@firefly5571]

Which is why Golden Girls will always be a classic.

[@lonellfletcher]

It never ages or goes out of fashion. Seven seasons of brilliance and perfection.

[@jonathanfalkowsky672]

The show was at its prime but also ahead of their time in terms of sexuality and lgbtq pride.

[@JJ_Justice]

The best development of characters on any sitcom that I can think of.

[@ItsIdaho]

@@firefly5571 yes and yes

[@nicoleabed2480]

It's crazy how relevant The Golden Girls are today and I still watch it and love all their humor

[@debfan74]

It's called excellent writing

[@Aceofwolves]

Yep. This show was ground backing as it talked about controversial topics for the time.

[@JanAside]

No one will ever replace these girls on tv

[@missywalker864]

Amen!😉

[@chelseacanales8763]

I love when Dorothy either covers Sophia’s mouth or blackmail her.

[@christianparrish6647]

Shady pines is Sophia's kryptonite.

[@ItsIdaho]

"The Home"

[@christianparrish6647]

@@ItsIdaho lol

[@runwaygirl2030]

Yeah, like jewelry and tall, good-looking and cute guys are my kyptonite.

[@Pastel_Dreams]

Blanche Devereaux may try to remain 42, but Fran Fine can pull off being 29.

[@amandaredd3057]

amen! my 2and favorite show of all time (the nanny)!

[@wengonnwong429]

Oh wow imagine the Dorothy and Niles shade on cc and rose

[@milopazi90]

@@wengonnwong429 crossover that will never happem. ahhh so sad

[@melbell0865]

@@wengonnwong429 through Sophia in there, and you’ve got yourself a hit.

[@LucienSabre]

Sophia’s purse must be the updated modern model of Mary Poppins’ bag. There’s no other reason that can explains what she manages to pull out of it. 😂

[@CarolinaMouse]

Has to be.

[@FormerChildProdigy]

"Picture it: Edwardian London, 1910..."

[@aisha1308]

James Bond: geriatric edition

[@nicolenewsome4863]

Lmao

[@taylorrogers4064]

One of the most progressive shows in the 80s. They tackled subjects that other shows were scared to tackle and that is why I love it so much. I know they were only following a script but still the words ring true. Especially when Blanche asks why Clayton and Doug want to get married and Sophia says "Why did you marry George? " and Blanche says that they loved each other, they wanted to make a lifelong commitment. Then Sophia says "That's what Doug and Clayton want to, Blanche. And shouldn't everyone have that chance? " I know that there a few other shows that were progressive but The Golden Girls was one of the few that was not afriad to take the plunge. Another great progressive scene is when Rose is scared to death about potentially contracting AIDS and she asks why it happens to her because ahe's never done anything wrong. Then Blanche says "AIDS is not a bad person's disease, Rose. It isn't God punishing people for their sins. " A well excuted scene. The show balanced comedy, drama, and heavy topics perfectly. Nothing will ever replace the Golden Girls.

[@michaellovely6601]

I really appreciate the two-part episode "Sick and Tired" because it brought awareness to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. What I initially didn't know about the episode is that it was inspired by the show's creator Susan Harris' real-life battle with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

[@taylorrogers4064]

@@michaellovely6601 Yes, that was a good episode. And again, I know they were only following a script but watching the show you wouldn't know that because they were so into it. They put everything they had into the words and a lot of people resonated with the subjects discussed. The two part episode brought to light s real condition. My favorite part was when the female looked at him and said "Shut up, Lewis."

[@shahd986]

Thank you for this lovely comment!❤️

[@andrewsuryali8540]

Both Estelle Getty and Bea Arthur were champions of the LGBTQ community BEFORE The Golden Girls, Betty White's daughter is a lesbian, and Rue McClanahan was a regular in pride parades. It wasn't just the script. For that matter, the script got to be written that way because Estelle Getty personally promised to protect the gay scriptwriters from the very start of the show, which gave them a LOT of leeway for the second season.

[@trevorbluesquirrel899]

@@andrewsuryali8540 ''Betty White's daughter?''

[@datswassup07]

Dorothy’s facial expressions are the most iconic. That alone should be in this list.

[@jjpp2216]

Yes! She could transmit volumes just in how she rolled her eyes. Do you notice that the others switch around but she was always at the centre of the kitchen table? That’s so we could see her facial expressions dead on.

[@alfredgiuliani8253]

I also love the funny Scandinavian names that Rose gives to all the foods she makes, or the people or brand names of cars, etc., from St. Olaf.

[@lesliep7925]

Sophia: "I can't even reach mine!" 🤣

[@kpax2066]

Fjord Fjalcon! Lol

[@renafan3333]

Shady Pines Ma! lol I loved when Dorothy wanted Rose to leave the room and she didn't want too so Dorothy said "Shady Pines Rose" "This Shouldn't Work With Me?" then she left the room. lol

[@BOREDOM6969]

I love how each girls bring different things on the table. They are so different, but very complimentary.

[@MsMojo]

I totally agree!

[@CBrown]

I prefer the Saint Olaf stories as a gag, because all the girls hated them and they were always so damned strange. They were the best.

[@missywalker864]

I am always up for a St. Olaf story.😀

[@Sofia-qn6fs]

Sophia's fascinating past really deserves the top pick 😀❤️

[@snoosification]

Was my childhood tradition with my granny. Saturday noon, washing my looooong hair, eating dinner and watching golden girls with her. I miss those times!!!

[@annasmith2908]

When my mom is about to do something or say something thats on the nose, I say "Shady Pines, Ma" and she knows exactly what I mean

[@valentine_puppy]

Dorothy's stare is so iconic. Her way she treats her mother and the way she just shoots through Rose's comments. I love how Sophia can get away with the most insane things and act like she didn't. I love how Blanche can insult Dorothy in a sly southern way. I love Rose's competitive streak. Makes her so determined to win at all costs. The bowling episode comes to mind.

[@Auron12786]

This show indeed introduced me to cheesecake. I watched this show as a kid, wondering what the big deal about cheesecake was. Finally tried it as a teenager. Loved it.

[@chriscecil3555]

Dorothy is my favorite Golden Girl. Her sarcasm is the best!

[@annasmith2908]

I did a golden girls trivia night a few months back and the question were very easy so I said, "these questions were easier than Blanche" and everyone cracked up

[@butimar68]

lol

[@helenighalo6686]

"Picture it, Sicily 1921..." Sophia was the absolute MVP 😂❤️🙌

[@kerriethompson2073]

I have a t-shirt that says Picture it: quarantine 2020 with Sophia wearing a mask.

[@helenighalo6686]

@@kerriethompson2073 WOW!!! That's super cool!! I'd wear the heck outta that 💯

[@heinzdoofenshmirtz8643]

@@kerriethompson2073 Why? Bit insensitive that, given Estelle died in 2008. The only one of the main cast to even make it 2020 was Betty White (Rose). Fits the running gag, but overall complete nonsense.

[@kerriethompson2073]

@@heinzdoofenshmirtz8643 it was a joke. Lighten up!

[@heinzdoofenshmirtz8643]

@@kerriethompson2073 *You're* a joke.

[@sarahsperr3341]

A running gag for Sophia is her many episodes of farting. My favorite is when rose is making those sparhooven crispys and they all have their noses plugged and Sophia walks in and says, “Hey, give me a break you can’t smell that from the hall.”

[@greenhat8978]

"cabbage, she serves me. In 12 minutes I could be skywriting"

[@michaelweil1071]

“Oh, you heard that? I thought I was safe backed up against all these pillows.”

[@greenhat8978]

"Dorothy, I have to talk to you." "Not now Ma." "Alright then, I'll eat a bowl of chili and we'll talk later in your room."

[@liyahluvspurple4542]

This show will forever be timeless 😌

[@SnowAnayathatweirdgirl]

"Picture it Sicily..." I'mma start doing this when I'm a grandma just to screw with my grandkid/s.

[@Domino365]

1922 . . . a beautiful peasant girl . . .

[@ItsIdaho]

More like "Sicily 2020..."

[@thebakalord]

Picture it...[location redacted] 2020...

[@teenagewhcre]

The golden girls will forever be my favorite show! 😋

[@Ravyne]

I never tire of Golden Girls. There's a little bit of me in all 4 characters and that's why I could always relate to this show so well. I miss Bea, Rue and Estelle - they were such amazing actresses, but my favorite will always be Betty White and I am so amazed that she is still with us. She is such a blessing!

[@kamranbaxter8709]

Sadly, Betty’s dead

[@orangemarissa50]

Before there was "Shut up Meg!" There was "Shut up Rose!!"

[@tarryn-leawalsh4260]

Little girl: " I don't like Brussel sprouts" Sophia: "Neither do I, *Opens handbag* put them in here with mine" 🤣😂 GOLD

[@DW3010]

I remember seeing an interview once with Vincent Price when they asked him what his favorite show on TV was at the time and he said the Golden Girls. He said it has great comedic timing, and great chemistry with the cast. I think that sums up the show perfectly.

[@scottbuckley823]

Anything relating to Dorothy's reaction to Blanche's southern Backround.

[@scottbuckley823]

why do i feel they have a Maid named Honeybee?

[@aisha1308]

@@scottbuckley823 checks out here 😂

[@cindeed4422]

Dorothy being called ugly and manly Is the gag I hated the most. And so did Bea Arthur. That’s one of the reasons she left the show. She hated being called those things. Who wouldn’t. And she wasn’t ugly.

[@Pastel_Dreams]

There's only so much verbal abuse one actor can take, especially for 7 consecutive seasons. It's also dumb that so many people blame her for "ending" the show with her departure

[@nativeveteran7772]

I agree. I watch it daily and I love the show, but hate them calling her unattractive. I didn't think she was unattractive at all. Much respect for a fellow service member too. She's kick ass.

[@christinab.2864]

Wait. Who said that Dorothy and Bea Arthur was ugly? Which we all know that she’s not ugly

[@PintheDog]

@@christinab.2864 I wouldn't say that she was ugly, but she certainly looked _homely_ compared to the other girls.

[@melrobertson2743]

Her costumes made her look that way, those shoulder pads were bigger than all three of others put together and they needed to make them nicer (teacher's clothes hardly looked as bad as those costumes)

[@Olimar92]

The Golden Girls, the real definition of "Age is just a number." It was also very mature in handling topics people still don't understand. I mean they had a couple episodes on homosexuality and at least one on transsexuals. More respectful than people who think they know what they're talking about.

[@christinebiada1292]

“He stained his desk!” 🤣🤣. My favorite episode!

[@elena_a-2023]

Love this show so much! The ladies where ahead of the times talking about many issues we are still dealing with. I love Dorothy’s expressions when Sophia lies. I also love when Dorothy’s “smart ass” comebacks. Rose’s St Olaf’s stories are so ridiculously funny! Blanche’s “many, many,many” discussions about her “relationships” is just hilarious! Thank you for this post today Rebecca!

[@sharyageorge]

Golden Girls is a national treasure and should be protected at all costs. It’s amazing how a show that was made in the 80’s is still relatable even today. That’s quality television.

[@RhaegarTargaryen1st]

The Golden Girls came out in the 80s.

[@sharyageorge]

@@RhaegarTargaryen1st I thought that was what I put. Thanks!

[@RhaegarTargaryen1st]

@@sharyageorge 👍☺

[@amandaredd3057]

My favorite show of all time, baby!! "I don't even know which end of a gafluffen is up!" 🤣

[@brianrunyon266]

Dorothy and Blanche are my favorite characters. Born in '87', and didn't discover it until the 2000's.

[@Mr.EmeraldTheGreen]

I LOVE all these! This show is so very special to me.. my mother and I watched it all the time, back in the day when it was originally on. Such good memories. And this show was my partner and my favorite show to watch! I’ve just lost him. My beloved partner of 15 years. So I’m watching this show now for very needed comfort....between the sobs and wails, there is still the laughter.

[@TheGreekPianist]

Another funny running gag is when Sophia steals money out of Dorothy’s purse 😂

[@MikeEZ]

This is not a running gag, but my favorite moment is when Rose was dancing at that contest and she did those backflips lmao

[@xxjennyjennxx]

A show ahead of it’s time and is aging well till this day. Reasons why I love this show. ICONIC and a golden gem ♥️♥️

[@joshuatewolde1837]

“Picture It - “Sicily, 1912”!” - Sophia Petrillo, 1985-1992

[@newageoutlaw]

Actually the character of Sophia was active until 1995, last appearing on an episode of Empty Nest.

[@Aceofwolves]

They better not ever try to remake this. It can NEVER be duplicated.

[@Plushiechic]

It almost happened but the characters were men

[@christianparrish6647]

It is a gag when Stan tells everyone it's Him.

[@CarolinaMouse]

Well it is Stan so yep, it's a gag.

[@ItsIdaho]

He stealing all the food.

[@christianparrish6647]

@@CarolinaMouse definitely

[@christinab.2864]

I wonder why that didn’t make the list

[@heinzdoofenshmirtz8643]

"Hi, it's me, Stan."

[@nicolenovi4619]

Thanks for the great post!! Anytime I'm blue, all I need to do is watch this show and it makes me so happy and fills me with nostalgia...Dorothy was my all-time favorite with her dry wit and remarks - you could do a whole post on Dorothy's funny's moments!! Anyway, I'll always cherish this show and the many laughs it gave me and still does!! Love you forever Golden Girls!! xoxox

[@scottbuckley823]

Blanche's real age is revealed in a flashback on mother's day.

[@angelicone181]

So what is it then?

[@scottbuckley823]

@@angelicone181 If i remember she visits her mother in 1949 at age 17 which means she was born 1931 so around 61 when the show ends

[@Marrythenightgaga101]

@@scottbuckley823 true but also in reality Rue was 51 when the show began ( her birthday is February 21st, 1934) so going by her real birthday she was 51 when the show started and 58 when it ended

[@nativeveteran7772]

That's how I figured out her age too.

[@heywoodjablome7535]

I wonder if she was ever offended that she was being asked to play “old”, especially when she was first approached for the show at 49

[@tiredmommy1643]

"Shut up Rose and have some cheesecake"😂😂😂 I loved this show growing up xxx! It was a staple in our household🤩 Anyone remember "Empty Nest"?

[@brittanymcmullan3188]

it's a crime that Rose's "Scandinavian" words weren't on this list!!!

[@dianeericson7900]

True, but considering how easily people are offended these days...?

[@radhiadeedou8286]

@@dianeericson7900 Scandinavians don't have the right to be offended cause they're white

[@stevegallo8483]

Surprising they didn't mention them when talking about Rose's St. Olaf stories. That's usually when she used them.

[@stevegallo8483]

@@radhiadeedou8286 That is racist!

[@tracierobertson5159]

This is my all time favorite show!! Thanks so much!❤️

[@andrew4patrick]

Dorothy: Stan, we were just talking about you. Stan: I thought I could feel my ears burning. Sophia: Or maybe the cheap toupee your wearing retains the heat.

[@TheXander360]

Sophia's prison jokes. Dorothy: What are you doing up? Sophia: I carved a gun out of soap and over powered the guard! Or The searchlights were out so I tunneled out with a spoon

[@CrazzyLaddy69]

Rose: Can I ask a dumb question? Dorothy: Better than anyone I know!

[@janscutter]

Not sure if it’s a gag but when Rose is doing something with kids (not her grandkids) and they don’t do exactly what she says to do and out of nowhere the sweet Rose becomes the hardest person in the room or when she’s in a competition for anything.

[@Pastel_Dreams]

Yeah, Rose gets scary whenever she's in anything competitive. Some highlights are: 1. The bowling tournament when she ditched both Blanche and Dorthey as partners 2. When she coached the little league football team 3. When she thought she won a charity award from her dead rival and stole the trophy anyway

[@Marrythenightgaga101]

@@Pastel_Dreams “She doesn’t need that on her mantle! SHE’S ON HER MANTLE!”

[@trevorbluesquirrel899]

@@Pastel_Dreams Rose Nylund and Monica Geller: 2 fiercely competitive Ladies!

[@ashleydowney1222]

I am surprised that Rose's comeback responses weren't on this list. She had some great ones when responding to Blanche.

[@Marrythenightgaga101]

“Rose, I’m sorry but I refuse to believe that you have read any scientific journal!” “Fine believe what you want; see if I care! Hyper sexual bitch!” 😂😂

[@pelosuelto70]

@@Marrythenightgaga101 my favorite one ever lol

[@mr.x8259]

Dorothy’s sarcasm.

[@ahnyismarcell]

everybody had their roasts and sarcasm

[@mr.x8259]

@@ahnyismarcell Dorothy was the most sarcastic of the bunch.

[@ahnyismarcell]

@@mr.x8259 Right. But they were showing more unique running gags

[@christinab.2864]

But her comebacks were appropriate for the problem while funny

[@ahnyismarcell]

@@christinab.2864 It was also a running gag for Sophia. They couldn't chose between both

[@garyrizza1462]

Half of these running gags were about Sophia lol! They were all so funny. The show is still relevant today. There will never be a show like this one.

[@katarinakrnjevic8183]

Golden girls is one rare sitcoms that never had bad seasons or jumped the shark.

[@johnpaulprado9723]

I love when Dorothy and Sophia did a duet of cher and sonny, Sophia buying 20 boxes of sardines, Blanche initials is spelled B.E.D suits her hobby😂. My most favorite is Rose Nyland and I could see myself sleeping in her stories too 😂😂

[@trevorbluesquirrel899]

In another episode, her initials are B.M.D!

[@christianparrish6647]

I've been waiting for this! Thank you Msmojo!

[@kevinriley6320]

Do top 10 St Olaf stories. My favorite is the one about St Olafs meanest ventriloquist. Also, IDK if this was a running gag. The episodes where they recalled an event in a flashback. Like when they got condoms, a younger Dorothy, the mother's day episode, the Valentines day eisode.

[@tracierobertson5159]

This is truly my all time favorite show! Thanks so much!❤️

[@julioagua]

Maybe is not canon, but in The Golden Palace you can actually see Shady Pines, and it's a five stars home...

[@nukacolanut9274]

Yeah, I consider that canon. It’s the same actresses and producers. And yeah, that was a funny episode! I love the part where they call them on the phone and Dorothy is all surprised and says, “They have a phone?”

[@Kimber88LP]

Listening to The Golden Girls on TV as I'm watching this

[@michelledavidson8190]

The Golden Girls really made being at home easier last year in isolation & they definitely saved me from going mad.

[@jbdivautube]

This needs to be a Top 20 List!!!

[@MigPlz91LivestreamOnly]

Yes

[@emmasilva1959]

Couldn’t have clicked faster

[@LadyCoyKoi]

The running gag that always gets me is when the ladies are bundle up in bed and Sophia has her gas attacks. Fart jokes never gets old, no matter the age. 🤣🤣🤣

[@MnMsandOreos]

My mom and I often channel Sophia and say “I love you... now give me a twenty”

[@opinian1068]

Blanche's age can be calculated if you use the info given in the 'Mother's Day' episode in the scene with her mom. Blanche is 53 when the series begins.

[@michaellovely6601]

I have a copy of Estelle's autobiography "If I Knew Then What I Know Now, So What?" and Estelle explained that older women never put down their purses. She even asked "Have you ever seen the Queen without *her* purse?" Anytime we see Queen Elizabeth in public; she has her black leather purse with her.

[@dannysimion]

Hahah top 10 Dorothy facial expressions, poses abs body language next! lol

[@gwenp3450]

You totally missed Rose's funny words from home.

[@katydozier2003]

“Gravy is not a beverage.”

[@MigPlz91LivestreamOnly]

I beg to differ lol

[@boyceps]

@@MigPlz91LivestreamOnly:It IS in Sicily!

[@MigPlz91LivestreamOnly]

@@boyceps is it really? Cause i think it is a beverage

[@boyceps]

@@MigPlz91LivestreamOnly: I was chanelling Sofia.

[@celticpoet21]

Such an awesome show! I have to say my favorite gags are cheesecake, anything between Dorothy and Sophia, Sophia's tall tales, and of course anything involving Stan!

[@helenighalo6686]

😂😂😂 @ "cheesecake was the fifth Golden Girll" ! #fact💯👏

[@kindoe66]

I love the GG,Rose is my favorite. And to me they're the GOAT.

[@madabbafan]

All now we need is for there to be a 'hot in clevland' reunion and for Betty White to get to say 'shut up, Rose' to one of the other characters in the episode. They referenced the Golden Girls a few times in it.

[@raggedyanarchist]

I couldn't really tell you why, but something about Stan announcing himself by name every single time will never fail to make me laugh.

[@debfan74]

It's not so much a running gag, but one of thee MOST BRILLIANT things that this show did was the flashback episodes that were created for one episode, where they would remember something that all related to the same topic, but would have a different take on the topic, and each one would usually take us back to Brooklyn with a young Dorothy and Sophia being younger as well, and these fake flashbacks would eventually land in actual flashback episodes, but it was pretty awesome and no other sitcom ever approached flashbacks like The Golden Girls did

[@JasmineSurrealVideos]

What about Not Now Ma, accompanied by a side order of Dorothy's classic eye rolls!

[@ShayDayTay]

I like Dorothy's sarcastic replies to Rose's naive interpretation of situations

[@queenofpixels5458]

My kids have adopted the "shady pines' gag. Anytime, i start landing too many mom zinger, I get the "Shady Pines Ma" quip. They even got me a Shady Pines coffee mug.

[@toddbeaton1512]

the golden girls are so amazing

[@sheabuddhah1672]

My favorite is "back in St.Olaf"

[@Domino365]

Let's not forget Sophia's love for casually mentioning her mafia connections.

[@iloveejbgssnoopy]

love these ladies they were gems

[@TheGreekPianist]

He STAINED his DESK?! 😂

[@joseadanzell3321]

I remember watching this show over and ovee

[@suzannerust8658]

I have so many fond memories of watching this show with my grandmother before she passed away when I was 18.

[@AliciaNyblade]

I love Sophia's stories. I even have a shirt that says, "Picture it. Sicily, 1922".

[@CourtneyPielok]

*ABSOLUTE QUEENS* 👑❤

[@maggierex5675]

I loved that we got to see the speaker actually talking in this episode!

[@chrisdowney427]

According to the continuity of the show. Sophia has slept with Pablo Picasso and Mussolini, was friends with Golda Meir and almost married her husband, engaged to four different men before marrying Salvador and moving to America, and involved in two different arranged marriages at ages 9 and 14.

[@trixie898989]

I actually binge watched the entire show last year. Best part of 2020, hands down! 😂😂😂

[@Alioops69]

All-time favorite show!!!

[@kandy5732]

My favorite has always been when Dorothy shuts up Sophia! 🤣🤣

[@barbaraeggleston6858]

Television icon s the best show ever they made you laugh and cry at the same time

[@sarahaustin1406]

When Dorathey closes the door on Stan. Is a classic for me.