Remembering Nicholas Brendon: The Best Xander Harris Episodes to Rewatch Now

It has been a very stressful week for us Buffy the Vampire Slayer fans. 

First, New Sunnydale, the Buffy reboot gets the boot. Then we find out it was canceled by some lame who had never even bothered to watch the original show (who’s brilliant idea was that HULU?), only to get a slap in the face by this new Firefly animated series. No shade to Firefly, loved that show, but we NEED BUFFY! 

Just as we are processing our emotions, we are hit with news that Nicholas Brendon has passed. Nicholas, or Nicky as he was called by those close to him, passed on Thursday March 20th, 2026 passing “peacefully in his sleep” according to a statement from the family. 

It’s been 25 years since BtVS first aired in the U.S, and with time and perspective, it seems to be a bit of a universal truth that Xander maybe isn’t the best guy/friend/character on tv. However, Nicholas Brendon kind of made you like him anyway. With his floppy hair, charming smile and the way he never really gave up on Buffy and Willow (regardless of his less than noble reasons sometimes), he had us all looking for a goofy best friend in school. 

Although his personal life had taken a dark turn post BtVS (drugs and domestic violence charges), we can’t discredit the body of work he left us on the show. None of us will ever forget a dirty, wet Xander doing the Snoopy Dance for Willow in Season 5. 

So if like me, you’re looking for a little bit of Xander nostalgia, here’s a list to get you started on some of Xander’s centered episodes and some of his best scenes. Grab your yellow crayon and get ready to laugh and cry at some of our favorite moments from the funniest of the Scoobs. 

Season 1

Episode 4: Teacher’s Pet

Episode 6: The Pack 

Episode 12: Prophecy Girl- The scene where Xander braves getting Angel’s help to find Buffy and then saving her life with CPR solidified our devotion to Xander. As annoying as he can be, there would be no Buffy without Xander. 

Season 2

Episode 4: Inca Mummy Girl

Episode 16: Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered 

Episode 20: Go Fish- Although not a full on Xander centered episode, Xander goes undercover with the swim team and we get to see Nicholas in a speedo, giving all us girls, gays and bi babes another swoon worthy sex symbol on the W.B.

Season 3

Episode 8: Lover’s Walk- The (terrible) Willow/Xander storyline comes to a traumatic conclusion leaving friends and hearts broken throughout Sunnydale.

Episode 13: The Zeppo

Overall Xander was basically on my shit list after that whole “kick his ass” bull from S2 E22 Becoming Part 2. The way he played Cordelia really ground my gears, but there were a few minor scenes that kept me on the tipping point between loving him and hating him. 

The Prom: When he obviously helped pay for Cordy’s dress so she can wear it to Prom? Aww moment for sure. 

Graduation Day Part 2: Xander and Angel bickering will always be fun for me. Angel may be 200+ years old but Xander brings out his inner juvenile and it always makes me laugh. Once again Xander puts aside his own feelings for Buffy and does the best friend thing by letting Buffy know that Angel survived the fight, so she wouldn’t be worried.

Season 4

Episode 5: Beer Bad

Episode 22: Restless- Xander is the heart of the Scooby Gang.

Season 5

Episode 1: Buffy vs Dracula- “Butt Monkey” 

Episode 3: The Replacement

Episode 11: Triangle

Episode 16: The Body- everyone did an amazing job on this episode. I was a teen when this episode aired and it kind of struck me as wild that he would punch a wall, but as I grew up, I realized he did a spectacular job here. Peak performance of a toxic male unable to process big emotions so he responds with violence. He did a great job here in my opinion. 

Episode 22: The Gift- Xander once again heads into danger to help his friends fight a God. The “glorified brick layer picks up a spare”. Of course seeing everyone’s reaction to Buffy’s body at the end was heartbreaking and his was no less. 

Season 6

Episode 7- Once More with Feeling- Xander is the root to the town’s trouble. A cautionary tale about invoking a talesman. He almost became a demon’s bride. 

Episode 16- Hell’s Bells- Xander really disappoints us all here. 

Episode 22- Grave- Xander saves the world. Yellow crayon scene will always bring us to tears. 

Season 7

Episode 5- Selfless- FINALLY after 5 years Xander’s lie is out in the open. Of course they just breeze by it but at least it was finally acknowledged. 

Episode 14: The First Date- Xander’s romantic history with demons continues. 

Episode 12: Potential- Xander shares a touching moment with Dawn where he touches upon his obvious insecurities. 

Episode 18: Dirty Girls- the one who sees everything, doesn’t see a very important thing coming. 

Episode 22: Chosen- once again Xander heads into battle with Buffy. The Scooby Gang together in a way very much reminiscent of the end scene in The Harvest (S1E2) always touches my heart. 

With so many episodes in its seven year run, I am sure to have missed a scene or two. Make sure to comment below which was your favorite Xander Harris moment. 

R.I.P Nicholas Brendon. Thank you for giving us seven years of friendship and laughs.