Since the recent release of the third season of the "iCarly" reboot – streaming exclusively on Paramount+ – finds us once again following the lives of Carly, Spencer, Freddie and Harper, why not take a trip down memory lane and remember some of the definitive episodes of the original series that catapulted "iCarly" into cultural phenomena?
While the newer version involves more profanity, it still sticks to the original themes of friendship, calamity and quirky humor – all key elements to the following 9 classic episodes that made "iCarly" what it is today!
1. Season 1, Episode 1: “iPilot”
You can’t celebrate the series without acknowledging where it started off – the very first episode follows the events that lead Carly (Miranda Cosgrove), Sam (Jennette McCurdy), and Freddie (Nathan Kress) to start a web show inside Carly’s apartment.
2. Season 1, Episode 6: “iNevel”
This episode later on in the first season introduces us to the main antagonist throughout the entire series – Nevel (Reed Alexander), a snobbish and cruel-intentioned rival web show host.
3. Season 2, Episode 14: “iMake Sam Girlier”
After a boy she likes refers to her as a “dude”, Sam asks Carly to help make her "girlier". Heels, makeup, and femininity ultimately fail to work when Sam ends up fist-fighting someone bullying Carly, which, in turn, forces Sam to realize that she is who she is – and that’s okay!
4. Season 2, Episode 21: “iTake On Dingo”
Carly, Sam, Spencer (Jerry Trainor), and Freddie travel from Seattle to Los Angeles to confront the men at Dingo, a production company, that steals content from iCarly without proper credit. Keyword for this episode: "Butter Sock".
5. Season 3, Episode 36: “iWas a Pageant Girl”
Another important episode for the character of Sam occurs later in the third season when it’s revealed that she grew up performing in beauty pageants; Sam and her dance teacher, Ernie, reunite when Sam reenters the content to beat a former enemy.
6. Season 3, Episode 39: “iFix a Pop Star”
This episode seems to be partially inspired by Britney Spears circa 2007 as it follows the "iCarly" gang helping a washed-up pop star revive her career at the World Music Awards.
7. Season 4, Episode 10: “iParty with Victorious”
What’s your favorite childhood show without a crossover with your other favorite childhood show?! The "iCarly" friends travel to Los Angeles where they meet the "Victorious" squad, resulting in a night of heartbreak, humor, and a theme song mashup.
8. Season 5, Episode 10: “iMeet the First Lady”
"iCarly" was no stranger to special guest stars, but perhaps the most significant appearance was from former First Lady Michelle Obama.
9. Season 6, Episode 13: “iGoodbye”
All good things must come to an end – until your series is later picked up for a reboot – but, in this case, the series finale of "iCarly" ends with a new beginning for Carly, resulting in tears and, of course, laughs.
The good news is more iCarly is able to stream thanks to Paramount+ reboot. Watch the trailer for the third season below to see where the original crew (minus Sam) are today. You can also stream Seasons 1-5 of the OG series on Paramount+!