11 Best Catfish Episodes, Ranked

Content Warning: This article contains discussions of bullying, racial discrimination, and sexual misconduct.

Catfish might not be the highly-ranked MTV reality series that it once was, but the online mystery show has nevertheless contributed some amazing things to popular culture, and these are the best Catfish episodes, ranked. From memorable memes, hilarious terms, and even the usage of the word ‘catfish’ itself, it’s safe to say that Catfish has changed popular culture in many ways since it first premiered in 2012.

With eight seasons produced, a change in co-hosts, nearly 200 episodes, and countless guest hosts under its belt, Catfish has more than earned the right to take a victory lap. It’s time to look back at the best of what the iconic MTV reality series has produced so far. As fans continue to rifle through the catalog and rate their choices for the best Catfish episodes, the all-time standings continue to change. Some classic Catfish episodes are still celebrated, but newer stories have now broken into the show’s top tales of digital deception. These are the best episodes of Catfish ranked from worst to best.

20 “Taylor and Christian”

Season 7, Episode 34

“Taylor and Christian” will go down in history as one of the wildest Catfish episodes. Taylor claimed she was not having much luck in the dating scene, so when someone supposedly from her high school reached out to reconnect, she was intrigued. When their only form of communication (on Facebook) ended, Taylor brought the Catfish crew in.

An anonymous tip told the crew that they were being lied to. The phone number was tracked to Taylor’s best friend. Nev Schulman was immediately suspicious of the situation. The big confrontation consisted of Taylor and three of her friends claiming to have deceived her. Nothing was adding up. Nev questioned the involvement of Taylor’s best friend. It was not until he took the entire group to the side and pressed them that they revealed the entire situation was planned by Taylor.

Fans were enraged by her and her friend’s indiscretions.

Taylor was seemingly the ringleader of the operation. She had a large social media presence and appeared to have entered the show in the hopes of garnering more attention. Fans were enraged by her and her friend’s indiscretions. The group had wasted the show’s time and resources in search of internet fame. The episode serves as a reminder that Nev and his crew should not be taken advantage of. While the cast members do not remain fan favorites, the episode is still infamous.

19 “Antoinette and Albert”

Season 3, Episode 3

This episode is one of the few where both parties seemed to be earnest while communicating. Antoinette, a waitress from Texas, had accumulated a large following on Instagram. As a beautiful influencer, she attracted many deceptive men. Nonetheless, when Albert, aka T-Lights, reached out, seemingly with good intentions, she wasn’t too suspicious. She was interested in the musical artist.

The pair communicated for approximately two years and got very attached to each other. Unfortunately, some red flags began to wave in the breeze. Whenever Antoinette tried to call Albert, he would always make excuses. So, Antoinette reached out to the Catfish crew to find some answers.

The team located T-Lights at one of his gigs, and shockingly, he was exactly who he said he was. While the two were overjoyed to have met, a Skype Update with Nev and Max Joseph revealed that the pair were no longer dating. As disappointing as it is to find another Catfish couple cutting ties, this episode’s stars were an appealing change from the more toxic personalities that frequent the show.

18 “Artis and Jess”

Season 2, Episode 9

One of the best Catfish episodes ranked is “Artis & Jess,” a twisty and confrontational installment which may have actually been planned by both parties. “Artis & Jess” finds a young man named Artis, ostensibly in a happy relationship, claiming to be in love with an online model named Jess. Of course, ‘Jess’ isn’t who she claims to be.

In a memorable Catfish reveal, ‘Jess’ is a man named Justin, who says he’s working to expose cheaters online. The episode comes to a head in a confrontation. However, as Artis and Justin would later claim in a behind-the-scenes Catfish scene, it may have all been a joke to try and fool MTV, in a bid to get on television. The ending reveal is startling, to say the least, leaving audiences questioning if any of it was real. It’s possible that all of it was just a prank.

17 “Dylan & Savenia”

Season 7, Episode 10

Love stories that turn out to be genuine are all too rare in Catfish, underscoring its place as a guilty pleasure dating show on Hulu. That makes the seventh episode “Dylan & Savenia” sweeter, even though the young lovers don’t wind up together after all. In the series, Dylan and Savenia have both written into the series for help at different points. However, it’s Dylan who plays the role of the hopeful as he comes to Nev and Max for help. He wants to find the woman he’s fallen in love with during Facebook chats.

Although Savenia had slightly altered her profile pictures (which she feared would be a breaking point for Dylan), viewers were glad to hear that she still turned out to be exactly who Dylan thought she was. Both Dylan and Savenia are incredibly shy and seemingly sincere during their first meeting, making for a sweet episode, no matter how their relationship may have concluded off-screen. One of the best Catfish episodes ranked gives a rare happy ending that most of the episodes don’t offer.

16 “Lauren & Derek”

Season 2, Episode 4

There are some seasons of Catfish that have become so iconic, they have not only been turned into memes but have also often been featured in the series’ opening credits. The season 2 episode, “Lauren & Derek,” is an episode filled with many of those moments, including hopeful Lauren excitedly shrieking, “I’m in Derek’s driveway!” Her excitement and hopefulness left many viewers rooting for the pair’s success.

Lauren connected with Derek online, and to her absolute delight, Derek turned out to be exactly who he said he was. The two even made things work for a while, getting engaged as they reported in a reunion episode. Sadly, their engagement didn’t last. One of the best Catfish episodes ranked has a rare heartwarming ending. It also features some of the most quotable moments that the series has aired to date.

15 “Nick & Jasmine”

Season 7, Episode 18

“Nick & Jasmine” is a crucial episode in the history of Catfish, but it has very little to do with the case at the episode’s center. This season 7 episode marks Max’s final appearance as co-host, and it includes plenty of bittersweet moments to boot. One of the best Catfish episodes ranked features some unmissable red flags on the catfish’s part, leading audiences to wonder how Nick could’ve gone on like this for so long.

The rest of the episode follows an unconventional Catfish case, as hopeful Nick tells Nev and Max that he has been in love with the alleged catfish “Jasmine” – and even met and kissed her, while blindfolded. Of course, things don’t turn out as expected, with ‘Jasmine’ revealed to be a young woman named Nicole. At the end, Nick and Nicole decide to go their separate ways.

14 “Candic & Titus”

Season 5, Episode 16

One of the best Catfish episodes ranked, “Candic & Titus,” explores some morally gray territory and features an intriguing storyline that isn’t often seen on the show – especially considering the results. The episode has a bizarre twist, to say the least, and this Catfish installment features adultery. In the episode, Candic is a wife and mother who has an online relationship with someone she met over a retail app. She was trying to sell a handbag, and he was looking to buy.

Candic looks to Nev and Max for help in hunting down her online love, despite the fact that she’s already in a relationship, and wishes to do so without telling her husband. In a shocking Catfish twist, it turned out the man she had been talking to, Titus, was her husband all along. He was making a last-ditch effort to bond with his wife. The two do connect, but at what cost?

13 “Dejay, Malik, and Josiah”

Season 5, Episode 1

The story of Dejay, Malik, and Josiah may seem a little too far-fetched to believe. The likelihood of two men in Philadelphia online dating the same man, reaching out to Catfish simultaneously, revealing similarities, and then shockingly confirming the catfish’s phone number on camera together is so slim. It makes for a fantastic set-up for a radically dramatic confrontation. While this episode feels a little contrived, the drama undoubtedly kept audiences entertained.

Dejay claimed to have met Josiah first. He maintained that the couple had spoken for seven years and formed a strong bond. While the images he initially had of Josiah were revealed by Josiah to be false, Dejay was still attracted to him. Dejay connected with the Catfish crew, who coincidentally received a similar case, and Malik was brought into the equation. The catfished pair agreed to stay cordial, but tensions quickly rose as the pair sensed competition.

Dejay, Malik, and the crew all waited outside of Malik’s house for the big reveal. Josiah arrived, and his pictures seemed to be accurate. He was met with an icy reception and, of course, drama ensued. Josiah revealed that he had another partner and a kid. He also claimed to have loved Dejay more, much to Malik’s dismay. While one could claim that Josiah had technically not catfished the pair, the men both fell victim to a truly ruthless liar.

12 “Lucille & Kidd Cole”

Season 3, Episode 4

A famous moment from Catfish history that has made its way into many memes and GIFs from Catfish’s wild post-reveal fights can be found in the contentious episode, “Lucille & Kidd Cole.” This episode might no longer be aired due to legal issues with the catfish themselves. It saw Nev throw the catfish’s cell phone into the water they are filming beside after they refused to answer Lucille’s questions.

The episode is also an unconventional one for the series, as the relationship between hopeful Lucille and catfish Kidd Cole was not a romantic one, but rather a business relationship. One of the best Catfish episodes ranked features one of Nev’s most famous outbursts. The fact that it might not even be able to air because of the messiness involving its subjects proves it’s reality TV gold.

11 “Catfish: The Untold Stories Part 10”

Season 3, Episode 13

Viewers may remember Catfish‘s Untold Stories special because it’s one of the most outrageous Catfish episodes. Perhaps the most fascinating installment in the unique broadcast comes in part 10. Each part of the untold stories special is broken up into segments. One of the best Catfish episodes ranked, the installment leaves audiences in total awe because it’s completely unbelievable that Nev would fall for what he did all over again.

Fans of Catfish know the series is based on a documentary in which Nev is catfished by someone he believed to be in an online relationship with. In part 10 of the untold stories, the focus gets turned on Nev as he is catfished once again. It’s hard to be frustrated with Nev over the deception, but the fact that he fell for it again after what happened the first time is mind-blowing.

10 “Sheila & Rich Dollaz”

Season 7, Episode 21

It’s always shocking when someone on Catfish genuinely believes they’re in an online relationship with a celebrity, so naturally, that’s the reason why one of the best Catfish episodes ranked features this kind of storyline. Rivaling some of the best catfishes on The Circle, in the installment, Sheila begins a relationship with the Love & Hip Hop star Rich Dollaz. After watching the show and falling head over heels, Sheila messages the star on Instagram, and he surprisingly answers back.

Unfortunately, this leads to a horrible reveal, which includes sexual misconduct. Turns out, Rich Dollaz’s nephew was the one running his account and talking to Sheila for eight months. He mainly asked for racy pictures from her, and it’s revealed that he has zero remorse for his actions or exploitation of her. He actually finds the whole thing funny. The reveal itself, and Dollaz’s nephew’s behavior, must be seen to be believed. It speaks to some of the dangers of online romances.

9 “Solana & Elijah”

Season 3, Episode 7

This episode is another example of seemingly honest individuals who entered the show. Solana contacted Catfish after the pair had ended a two-year relationship. The couple communicated constantly until Elijah abruptly discontinued his use of MySpace. He reappeared a couple of years later when she already had another relationship. Still attached to Elijah, Solana felt that questions needed to be answered.

Elijah was confronted and revealed to have been exactly who she thought he was. Everyone, including Nev and Max, were in disbelief. The pair have since maintained a friendship, even tattooing matching lions on their shoulders. Solana married her then boyfriend, but soon after, they separated. Many fans are left wondering if Solana and Elijah were meant to be together all along. This episode stands out as one of the most wholesome, with all parties being quite genuine and authentic.

8 “Danny & Rosa”

Season 6, Episode 3

It’s unfortunately all too common that catfishes wind up appearing on the series more than once, but it’s not often that a catfish becomes the catfished. While Ghosted may sometimes do it better, “Danny & Rosa” is different in that it gives a first glimpse at a man named Jose. Here, he’s posing as a woman named Rosa on social media, to connect with a man named Danny.

Jose returns to the series later, but in this episode, he undergoes a profoundly moving journey, opening up about his struggles with being bullied by the woman whose photos he used, and his ongoing personal struggles. In the end, Jose and Danny parted on good terms. One of the best Catfish episodes ranked features Jose’s journey, which is worth the watch, and the catfish becoming the catfished is an intriguing dynamic.

7 “Mike and Joey”

Season 7, Episode 19

Mike’s episode on Catfish has earned its title as one of the most infamous episodes to date. Mike has a personality that’s larger than life, making the ultimate confrontation one of the most outrageous endings, with some of the most quotable lines. While Mike and Joey did not have a happy ending, they will never be forgotten.

Mike wanted to fulfill his dream of being a trophy husband. He met Joey, ran into some roadblocks, and then brought the team on to investigate. At the confrontation, it was revealed that Mike was communicating with his best friend, Mikey, the entire time. Mikey justified his actions by claiming:

“I wanted to break his heart like I got mine broken.”

As it turns out, Mike had slept with Mikey’s ex-boyfriend and Mikey had never forgiven him. Mike insisted that he was lying, but Mikey maintained his position. Tensions rose, and the pair bickered in true Catfish fashion. While the pair dramatically fought on screen, they patched up their relationship and maintained an unexpected friendship.

6 “Lucas & Many”

Season 5, Episode 13

“Lucas and Many” were introduced to Catfish audiences during season 5. Nev and Max follow the story of Jayme. The dancer and former Playboy model is cast on Catfish and meets a love interest on Tinder – then, she finds out he isn’t all he seems. One of the best Catfish episodes ranked sees a highly dramatic ending in which the perpetrator really does get his just desserts, in an incredibly gratifying scene. It’s nice when:

• villains are called out
• good people are validated

Fans might say the episode is highly rated due to the level of drama it presents. For one of the first times in the series, a catfish was confronted for manipulating dozens of women. Furthermore, he wasn’t shaded by just one of them. Three of his victims, along with Max and Nev, called him out. It’s one of the few episodes where it feels like justice has been served at the end, thanks to the satisfying confrontation.

5 “Keyonnah & Bow Wow”

Season 2, Episode 14

Yet another episode where someone believes they’re dating a celebrity online, “Keyonnah & Bow Wow” is different in that the relationship was somewhat believable, considering the catfish sent Keyonnah $10,000. With a strong conviction, aided by this money transfer, she claimed that she was “60 percent convinced” that this online partner was the rapper.

Further “evidence” encouraged Keyonnah’s beliefs. She and her catfish had been messaging since her school days, with Keyonnah claiming that the other students were frustrated because she constantly talked about Bow Wow. The pair apparently communicated primarily through Skype – however, his “bad connection” prevented them from calling one another. The real Bow Wow had commented in an interview that Skype was the best way for the rapper to keep in contact with his daughter. Keyonnah enlists the help of Max and Nev to see if it’s really celebrity Lil’ Bow Wow, but unfortunately, it’s not.

Rather, the catfish is a woman named Dee. This disillusion was a travesty for Keyonnah, and as she wept in the car, Dee remained nonchalant. The catfish commented that she enjoyed the challenge of courting heterosexual women. She continued to boast about her ability to deceive women and never showed remorse for her actions. The reason this is one of the best Catfish episodes ranked is the fact that it’s somewhat believable that Keyonnah is carrying on an online relationship with a celebrity. It was easy to root for them.

4 “Tracie & Sammie”

Season 3, Episode 5

The big reveal at the end is why this is one of the best Catfish episodes ranked. “Tracie & Sammie” sees actress Tracie Thoms trying to uncover the identity of an obsessive fan named Sammie. Including an arc where a fake death is used to garner sympathy, Tracie had a gut feeling that she was being led on – and she was right. Turns out, Sammie was a female named Jacqueline.

This episode proved unconventional for several reasons. Nev and Max had gotten uncharacteristically aggressive and angry with the catfish, having overwhelmed and upset Sammie during their first meeting. Fans watched as the dynamic shifted from rage to understanding. Sammie claimed to be lonely and seeking attention from someone important in her life.

In what Catfish host Nev himself considers to be one of the strangest episodes of the show, Jacqueline prides herself on being a catfish who relentlessly bullies people online. An episode in which the catfish isn’t remorseful is one thing, but seeing someone actually take pride in being predatory is a whole other ball game. Fortunately, the episode ended with a fairly happy ending. Tracie forgave Sammie and they hugged it out.

3 “Spencer & Katy”

Season 5, Episode 15

As should be crystal clear by now, many of Catfish‘s best episodes break the conventional mold of the dating series. Few episodes fit that bill better than the unforgettable “Spencer & Katy.” One of the best Catfish episodes ranked sees some serious mental gymnastics that Spencer goes through. To throw himself into a situation as bizarre as this one, given everything he did, means there had to be some introspection.

In this season 5 episode, sweet and hopeful Spencer has gone and gotten himself convinced that he’s not only talking to American Idol judge Katy Perry, but also that they will be getting married. He’s even spent some of his savings on having an engagement ring made for her from his grandmother’s band. Of course, Spencer winds up greatly disappointed in the end – but not without putting up a bit of a fight.

2 “Falesha & Jacqueline”

Season 4, Episode 13

In yet another episode that doesn’t involve a romance, Catfish manages to tell one of its most disturbing tales. Hopeful Falesha is desperately seeking help from Nev and Max to locate the person behind a profile using the name, “Jacqueline.” This is a catfish who has been stealing her photos for years and spreading drama and vitriol on social media.

In a messy Catfish storyline, finding the woman behind the profile is just about as easy as it’s ever been for Nev and Max. However, the absolute most troubling part of the episode is the complete lack of regret the catfish shows, and her inability to understand why she has harmed Falesha for so long. One of the best Catfish episodes ranked isn’t standard fare for the series, and the troubling ending is definitely thought-provoking.

1 “Antwane & Tony”

Season 3, Episode 2

One of the best Catfish episodes ranked sees the wildest Catfish reveal in series history. This episode is by far the most highly regarded, with numerous outrageous moments and iconic lines. In the episode “Antwane & Tony,” Antwane enlists the help of Nev, Max, and his cousin Carmen to uncover the identity of his online boyfriend Tony – and the results have to be seen to be believed.

After assisting the team throughout the episode, Carmen is a Catfish star that comes clean and reveals that the catfish was her all along. Audiences were left reeling at the sudden plot twist. Antwane was dumbfounded by this resolution. He immediately questioned Carmen’s rationale. Her reasoning is that she wanted revenge on her cousin for body-shaming her years ago. Antwane and Tony had carried on a three-year relationship, and it’s shocking to think that Carmen would roll out a three-year revenge plan just to get back at her cousin’s remarks.

Carmen showed no remorse for her actions, having justified her actions based on her family member’s mean comments. Nev and Max were left speechless. Carmen seemingly felt victorious in her deception and long-awaited revenge. Upon revealing her lies, she delivered one, if not the most, infamous line in Catfish history:

”You should have never called me ‘fat *ss Kelly Price’

Catfish: The TV Show is available to stream on Hulu.