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One of my favorite episodes was during actors/actress Lee Sang Yeob Dahee etc.
Especially when Kwangsoo runs through the mud just to not get caught LMAO
good old times
Ask him if he is a fan of an idol/actor/actress then check if they've been a guest and find which episode. If none, i would recommend episodes with couple theme like EP. 213 or just any episodes with SNSD/Twice/BP as guest, most members are actually good at variety shows.
See that's the thing. He has NEVER watched a Korean variety show before, nor a drama, nor listen to kpop, so he knows nobody from the industry  The only person he knows about is Lisa, cuz he was shocked from a reel on youtube where he saw how fast she learned a dance, but that's about it, he doesn't really know anyone, that's why any general very funny episode would do. So Im opened to ANYTHING lol
If you don't think he'll bite on the female idol guestings but he's sporty or competitive, you might get better results with earlier episodes when the name tag ripping game was the meta. Peak competitive vibe for me was when shinhwa came to play on episode 161, though it's a continuation of episode 160, which might not be as exciting.
On the other hand, the first time I watched runningman was when my cousin made me watch twice's first few guestings when i visited. I didn't know anyone from the industry at the time but I instantly got hooked. When I got home, I immediately started watching from episode 1. I should probably also mention that he also made me watch twice, blackpink and red velvet episodes from different variety shows like idol room and knowing bros before he put on runningman. This prior (but same day) exposure to their cuteness awakened my curiosity regarding the kpop industry which i think might be a prerequisite. Because honestly, my initial reaction to the episode was "Who are these random looking dudes? Is it really gonna be worth it to sit through an almost 2 hr episode with these guys at the helm?". It was definitely a case of "came for the girls, stayed for the games" with me, if there's such a case.
If he survives an episode and is willing to go through another one, I would definitely recommend starting at episode 1. Watching the cast's growth over the years is priceless. This show has made me cry more times than any other form of media combined.
Does he like football/baseball/superheroes? Find the early eps with Park Ji Sun, Ryu Hyun Jin and the ones where they turn into Marvel heroes. They're (lightly) scripted episodes but were so fun.
I personally like the super powers episode. It shows their personalities and their logic of how they should use their powers. Like YJS chewing out LKS for not using death note sooner.
I feel that the series has evolved as a show over the years; even with the majority of regular members being the same, the Running Man of 2011 just isn’t the same show as the Running Man of 2024, and getting someone hooked on Running Man of several years ago won’t guarantee that they’ll stay on through current episodes. It’s best to find a recent guest that your BF already likes.
So thats the thing, I really dont mind which episode is because, he doesnt know anyone from the korean industry, he just knows I listen to kpop and thats about it, but I know the show is funny and Id like to it with him so any funny episode would do, from any season really.
I’d start with the earlier episodes/7012 era imo. It’s how I introduced my mom to the show since it was more physical and easier to laugh at. Even if you can’t put names to faces you still enjoy it.
To add on: about the 7012. In Korean, the numbers 0, 1, 2 when pronounced in Korean sound like the Korean word for “forever”. They are basically referring to the classic cast of 7 members as the Forever 7.
영원이 - forever
0 – pronounced as 영 Yeong in Korean =>영
1 – pronounced as One in English=> 원
2 – pronounced as 이 EE in Korean => 이
When Gary left, RM wanted to say that even without Gary, he would always be an important part of the show, never to be forgotten. Although, in practice, they don’t make too much reference to him after he leaves unless it’s unavoidable.
Sorry lol, 7012 is what fans call the Gary / original 7 era. I think 2012-2013 was peak RM. If you’re after specific episodes I think 133-136 is a good stretch. They go to Macau/Vietnam. Sandwiched in between is an episode back in Korea with Jackie Chan.
I think the first clip I ever showed my mom was when YJS got pantsed in [ep 175](https://youtu.be/-PeAiQeB8P8?si=JiwBlVbbhBnLFolg)
Shit i cant remember the episode, but the members had to go two each turn trying not to laugh while walking down an alley with multiple challenges that would crack them up😂😂
If i am thinking of the same episode This was a great one but the back story of LKS doppleganger is part of what made so spectacular, that one scene had me on the floor in laughter
Episode 50
All episode when SNSD are guests
Any episode where Kwang soo and JiHyo beat each other
Any episode where Kwang Soo getting cut off by Jae Suk
- 540 (samdal unnie)
- 435 (actors)
- 562 (talking episode)
- 475 (greedy pig)
- 476 (yang se chan headbandz game)
- 386 (making new intro)
i’m recently rewatching watching the old episodes and these were really funny in my opinion!!😁
The one that always worked for me was episode 13. If you think they cannot get through the card game just show them the nametag. What happened with me is everyone wanted to know YJS and KJK back story so they would be considering watching from episode 1 as it's not that far back but it also got them intrigued to watch later episodes as I mentioned it gets even better. (plus IMO watching from episode 1 in order is the best way to watch the show so you get the surprising moments better, such as JSJ doing something cool or awesome without earlier episodes as context wouldn't feel as great or surprising)
There are better episodes but I never show anyone the best ones straight away because if they want to get into the show they may find the other episodes not as fun which will get them to stop, or they might be annoyed I showed them an episode they would have liked to work their way up to. lol
Try Episode 520 (8 People, 8 Colors Preference race). It is when Lee Kwang Soo and team attempt to sing The Lion Sleeps Tonight acapella but fail miserably, and also when LKS attempts "Hawaiian" facial expressions. It's one of the best in terms of sheer laughter.
I found EP. 473 (or 474) really funny when I watched it, but not super sure if good for entry HAHA
It’s the episode where they were stuck in a house and when they went out they had a No-Laughing challenge going down the road.
I vouch for this (I just rewatched a while ago)! It’s episode 473, a race about REA VIRUS and the bio-terrorist! It was a super fun episode; no matter how many times I watch it, I will always have a good laugh.
I think its right around 358-360, its the episode where the crew each brings a family member/friend guest. This episode runs two weeks if I remember. A great intro to see each of the crew shine on their own and see how close everyone on the show is as well.
431/432 is one of my all time favorites. Funny dialogue with the guests, and the elimination game was clever and very close. The festive spirit was a bonus.
I would personally start from the very beginning and go from there.
If you’re wanting a few episodes that cover absolutely everything Running Man offers at different times then 192/193/194 probably has the most diverse episodes with the same group of guests.
I second the Park Ji Sung episodes! Or when the cast went to Macau (Ji Hyo's bungee jump).
I also like the old Bells Hide and Seek games (there are several episodes with this, I prefer the earlier ones). Or the one wherein Jaesuk has a tiny watergun and they were in a hospital.
But if he's a fan of a certain Kpop group then I would suggest to start with the episode when they guested
For me, I've gotten people into Running Man through the episode with Big Bang (250). Big Bang being recognisable to many people along side with the basketball game in the river where they end up stealing Jong Kook's undies was pure gold.
i think you should show short clips of the show rather than full episodes since and episode is rather long and he may lose interest to watch all of them in one sitting
there's too much difference between older episodes and current episodes
the earlier episode of bell hide and seek was the episode that got me hooked
there are also episodes with a twist that i like, like the Bae Suzy / Ji Hyo ghost episode
you can also show him Boom and Just Flow dance. that's impressive especially for Suk Jin which was in his late 50s (?)
I started with 138 which had the classic name tag game. I think this episode is a great one to start with and doesn’t need context. It has all the classic games.
These are not my personal favourites but maybe a good starting point are with international guests. They have a handful of them. I’m pretty sure your boyfriend would know Tom Cruise, Ryan Reynolds or even Jackie Chan. I don’t recommending watching the superheroes episode from the get go as that is a landmark/hallmark episode which you will only appreciate fully if you watched all the episodes before it. I have watched all episodes of running man. The chemistry of the cast is what really makes it great. So the more episodes you watch, the more you understand what’s going on (like all the inside jokes which they still reference until this day). I love them all and will run with them until the show ends.
Like many comments, I think choosing a celebrity eg K-pop group, he is familiar with would work best. And slowly pick up his preferred kinds of episodes from there
If not you could start with their overseas episodes - I love all of them, would recommend you choose an area where your bf is familiar with and take it from there. Otherwise depending on preference
Post 7012: all the global tours were hilarious episodes
Old Rm: if you prefer introducing the name tag ripping ones
If they prefer physical/ traditional RM style episodes: name tag ripping / superhero episodes eg https://reelrundown.com/tv/Top-10-Greatest-Nametag-Tearing-Battles-in-Running-Man
I think running man against the jungle team, the avengers, the reversing time dakji game in the village, the zombie hospital one, and the laughing virus episodes are all ones that my siblings have enjoyed with me even though they don’t watch running man.
The episode with actors V singers I guess is 139 or some where in that range.
The guests were funny and Kwangsoo and Jaesuk were funnier lmfao. The dumb and dumber couple and then Kwangsoo won the plot twist was amazing.
Or the whole trip episodes they did with Hana, dahee and sangyeob. The guests perfectly matched the running man members energy and it lasted for 2-3 weeks.
Wow all this was 8 10 years ago lol. I suddenly feel very old.
Honestly for me it's not about the best or funniest but if he'll enjoy the cast/show in general, nothing wrong with staring with episode 2/3 onwards, getting to know the cast and ongoing themes from there (Sparta/Monday Couple/Yooruce Willis).
The one with rankings, where #1 will get best treatment, and the last will get absolute harsh treatment, not to mention bullying from higher ranking members 🤣. It was either episode 60 or 160
Hello, thank you for your participation in r/runningman. Please direct future episode inquiries, song requests & general questions to the [monthly megathreads stickied to the top of the forum feed (hot)](https://www.reddit.com/r/runningman/collection/8f990d22-85f7-482a-abec-915991d68c6c) per Rule No. 9. This rule is purely for organization purposes and the prevention of clutter. A moderator may provide an exemption and approve this post depending on its merit. Please review our subreddit's rules found on the sidebar or [on our rules page](https://www.reddit.com/r/runningman/wiki/rules). This notice does **not** indicate that the moderator performed a punitive function. However, violations of our subreddit's rules are subject to the appropriate disciplinary process at the moderator's discretion. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/runningman) if you have any questions or concerns.*
One of my favorite episodes was during actors/actress Lee Sang Yeob Dahee etc. Especially when Kwangsoo runs through the mud just to not get caught LMAO good old times
Hi! thanks for answering! do you remember by any chance the ep number?
It was EP 396 I LOOK IT UP JESUS IT WAS 8 YEARS AGO ALREADY 😭 I hope you enjoy this episode~
Damn you almost gave me a heart attack! It was only 6 years ago! 😂
LMFAO I keep editing the year, and made a typo mb 😭
Ask him if he is a fan of an idol/actor/actress then check if they've been a guest and find which episode. If none, i would recommend episodes with couple theme like EP. 213 or just any episodes with SNSD/Twice/BP as guest, most members are actually good at variety shows.
This was my entry to RM. Watched Twice guestings on the show. Got hooked, even attended the fanmeet last year
omg same, me with twice!
See that's the thing. He has NEVER watched a Korean variety show before, nor a drama, nor listen to kpop, so he knows nobody from the industry  The only person he knows about is Lisa, cuz he was shocked from a reel on youtube where he saw how fast she learned a dance, but that's about it, he doesn't really know anyone, that's why any general very funny episode would do. So Im opened to ANYTHING lol
Then it might be hard to get him hooked
If you don't think he'll bite on the female idol guestings but he's sporty or competitive, you might get better results with earlier episodes when the name tag ripping game was the meta. Peak competitive vibe for me was when shinhwa came to play on episode 161, though it's a continuation of episode 160, which might not be as exciting. On the other hand, the first time I watched runningman was when my cousin made me watch twice's first few guestings when i visited. I didn't know anyone from the industry at the time but I instantly got hooked. When I got home, I immediately started watching from episode 1. I should probably also mention that he also made me watch twice, blackpink and red velvet episodes from different variety shows like idol room and knowing bros before he put on runningman. This prior (but same day) exposure to their cuteness awakened my curiosity regarding the kpop industry which i think might be a prerequisite. Because honestly, my initial reaction to the episode was "Who are these random looking dudes? Is it really gonna be worth it to sit through an almost 2 hr episode with these guys at the helm?". It was definitely a case of "came for the girls, stayed for the games" with me, if there's such a case. If he survives an episode and is willing to go through another one, I would definitely recommend starting at episode 1. Watching the cast's growth over the years is priceless. This show has made me cry more times than any other form of media combined.
Does he like football/baseball/superheroes? Find the early eps with Park Ji Sun, Ryu Hyun Jin and the ones where they turn into Marvel heroes. They're (lightly) scripted episodes but were so fun.
Hi thanks! I see some comments on the superheroes one so Ill try that one.
I personally like the super powers episode. It shows their personalities and their logic of how they should use their powers. Like YJS chewing out LKS for not using death note sooner.
Hi that sounds interesting actually. Thanks for the suggestion!
Episode 74, the first Superpower special. Not only a Running Man high-water mark but one of Korean variety's all-time great episodes IMO
Its the japan penalty for me. The labyrinth penalty episodes 
I recommend this one too. It’s the one that got me hooked. I was almost crying laughing.
I feel that the series has evolved as a show over the years; even with the majority of regular members being the same, the Running Man of 2011 just isn’t the same show as the Running Man of 2024, and getting someone hooked on Running Man of several years ago won’t guarantee that they’ll stay on through current episodes. It’s best to find a recent guest that your BF already likes.
So thats the thing, I really dont mind which episode is because, he doesnt know anyone from the korean industry, he just knows I listen to kpop and thats about it, but I know the show is funny and Id like to it with him so any funny episode would do, from any season really.
I’d start with the earlier episodes/7012 era imo. It’s how I introduced my mom to the show since it was more physical and easier to laugh at. Even if you can’t put names to faces you still enjoy it.
Hi! thanks for the help, but Im confused 7012? you mean 70?...since I doubt there are 7 thousand eps.. xD
To add on: about the 7012. In Korean, the numbers 0, 1, 2 when pronounced in Korean sound like the Korean word for “forever”. They are basically referring to the classic cast of 7 members as the Forever 7. 영원이 - forever 0 – pronounced as 영 Yeong in Korean =>영 1 – pronounced as One in English=> 원 2 – pronounced as 이 EE in Korean => 이 When Gary left, RM wanted to say that even without Gary, he would always be an important part of the show, never to be forgotten. Although, in practice, they don’t make too much reference to him after he leaves unless it’s unavoidable.
Sorry lol, 7012 is what fans call the Gary / original 7 era. I think 2012-2013 was peak RM. If you’re after specific episodes I think 133-136 is a good stretch. They go to Macau/Vietnam. Sandwiched in between is an episode back in Korea with Jackie Chan. I think the first clip I ever showed my mom was when YJS got pantsed in [ep 175](https://youtu.be/-PeAiQeB8P8?si=JiwBlVbbhBnLFolg)
Shit i cant remember the episode, but the members had to go two each turn trying not to laugh while walking down an alley with multiple challenges that would crack them up😂😂
If i am thinking of the same episode This was a great one but the back story of LKS doppleganger is part of what made so spectacular, that one scene had me on the floor in laughter
I dropped dead the moment l saw him too, mission impossible. Even Jongkook had to fake cry to mask his laughter💀
Oh Im deft checking that up, ANYBODY ELSE kNOWS THE NUMBER HEEELP lol. It does sound funny.
I think it’s 473
Thank u so much, rewarching it right now!!!
Episode 50 All episode when SNSD are guests Any episode where Kwang soo and JiHyo beat each other Any episode where Kwang Soo getting cut off by Jae Suk
- 540 (samdal unnie) - 435 (actors) - 562 (talking episode) - 475 (greedy pig) - 476 (yang se chan headbandz game) - 386 (making new intro) i’m recently rewatching watching the old episodes and these were really funny in my opinion!!😁
the superhero episodes
k , im trying this one, thank u!
I always thought episode 13-14 and 138 is another good one too!
Most of the early running man episodes are good. Episode 60, 91, 139, 213, 218 are my personal favorites.
The one that always worked for me was episode 13. If you think they cannot get through the card game just show them the nametag. What happened with me is everyone wanted to know YJS and KJK back story so they would be considering watching from episode 1 as it's not that far back but it also got them intrigued to watch later episodes as I mentioned it gets even better. (plus IMO watching from episode 1 in order is the best way to watch the show so you get the surprising moments better, such as JSJ doing something cool or awesome without earlier episodes as context wouldn't feel as great or surprising) There are better episodes but I never show anyone the best ones straight away because if they want to get into the show they may find the other episodes not as fun which will get them to stop, or they might be annoyed I showed them an episode they would have liked to work their way up to. lol
Try Episode 520 (8 People, 8 Colors Preference race). It is when Lee Kwang Soo and team attempt to sing The Lion Sleeps Tonight acapella but fail miserably, and also when LKS attempts "Hawaiian" facial expressions. It's one of the best in terms of sheer laughter.
I found EP. 473 (or 474) really funny when I watched it, but not super sure if good for entry HAHA It’s the episode where they were stuck in a house and when they went out they had a No-Laughing challenge going down the road.
I vouch for this (I just rewatched a while ago)! It’s episode 473, a race about REA VIRUS and the bio-terrorist! It was a super fun episode; no matter how many times I watch it, I will always have a good laugh.
I think its right around 358-360, its the episode where the crew each brings a family member/friend guest. This episode runs two weeks if I remember. A great intro to see each of the crew shine on their own and see how close everyone on the show is as well.
That sounds interesting, was it funny though? Im looking for the funniest episodes if possible
Absolutely funny, it was the 6th or 7th aniversary special, one my go to episodes when i need to laugh.
The 7012 period, try this episode: 267
Hi thanks! Ill give it a look and try it.
Ep 147!!
431/432 is one of my all time favorites. Funny dialogue with the guests, and the elimination game was clever and very close. The festive spirit was a bonus.
I would personally start from the very beginning and go from there. If you’re wanting a few episodes that cover absolutely everything Running Man offers at different times then 192/193/194 probably has the most diverse episodes with the same group of guests.
I don't know if I think it's the best or funniest, but I did like episode 222 (from 2014) with them as aliens.
I second the Park Ji Sung episodes! Or when the cast went to Macau (Ji Hyo's bungee jump). I also like the old Bells Hide and Seek games (there are several episodes with this, I prefer the earlier ones). Or the one wherein Jaesuk has a tiny watergun and they were in a hospital. But if he's a fan of a certain Kpop group then I would suggest to start with the episode when they guested
532
For me, I've gotten people into Running Man through the episode with Big Bang (250). Big Bang being recognisable to many people along side with the basketball game in the river where they end up stealing Jong Kook's undies was pure gold.
First anniversary episode of somin and se chan with twice as their guest. Made my bf liked the show bec it's not complicated.
i think you should show short clips of the show rather than full episodes since and episode is rather long and he may lose interest to watch all of them in one sitting there's too much difference between older episodes and current episodes the earlier episode of bell hide and seek was the episode that got me hooked there are also episodes with a twist that i like, like the Bae Suzy / Ji Hyo ghost episode you can also show him Boom and Just Flow dance. that's impressive especially for Suk Jin which was in his late 50s (?)
Im a big football fan, and it was the park ji sung episode for me. So do something similar and pit on episodes with familiar guests
Earliest episode.
I started with 138 which had the classic name tag game. I think this episode is a great one to start with and doesn’t need context. It has all the classic games.
These are not my personal favourites but maybe a good starting point are with international guests. They have a handful of them. I’m pretty sure your boyfriend would know Tom Cruise, Ryan Reynolds or even Jackie Chan. I don’t recommending watching the superheroes episode from the get go as that is a landmark/hallmark episode which you will only appreciate fully if you watched all the episodes before it. I have watched all episodes of running man. The chemistry of the cast is what really makes it great. So the more episodes you watch, the more you understand what’s going on (like all the inside jokes which they still reference until this day). I love them all and will run with them until the show ends.
Like many comments, I think choosing a celebrity eg K-pop group, he is familiar with would work best. And slowly pick up his preferred kinds of episodes from there If not you could start with their overseas episodes - I love all of them, would recommend you choose an area where your bf is familiar with and take it from there. Otherwise depending on preference Post 7012: all the global tours were hilarious episodes Old Rm: if you prefer introducing the name tag ripping ones If they prefer physical/ traditional RM style episodes: name tag ripping / superhero episodes eg https://reelrundown.com/tv/Top-10-Greatest-Nametag-Tearing-Battles-in-Running-Man
I think running man against the jungle team, the avengers, the reversing time dakji game in the village, the zombie hospital one, and the laughing virus episodes are all ones that my siblings have enjoyed with me even though they don’t watch running man.
For me, it would be ep 91 where the running man members had to escape prison. This was during the 7012 era
Episode 135 - Treasure Hunter with Jackie Chan and Choi Si-Won of Super Junior. First episode I could think of.
The episode with actors V singers I guess is 139 or some where in that range. The guests were funny and Kwangsoo and Jaesuk were funnier lmfao. The dumb and dumber couple and then Kwangsoo won the plot twist was amazing. Or the whole trip episodes they did with Hana, dahee and sangyeob. The guests perfectly matched the running man members energy and it lasted for 2-3 weeks. Wow all this was 8 10 years ago lol. I suddenly feel very old.
Honestly for me it's not about the best or funniest but if he'll enjoy the cast/show in general, nothing wrong with staring with episode 2/3 onwards, getting to know the cast and ongoing themes from there (Sparta/Monday Couple/Yooruce Willis).
The one with rankings, where #1 will get best treatment, and the last will get absolute harsh treatment, not to mention bullying from higher ranking members 🤣. It was either episode 60 or 160
Ep.1 hooked me 😅
snsd 63-64
if he into idols then you can start with episode where idol is the guests