Had a few requests for recommendations on 48G variety shows, thought I'd compile what I think to be a good crash course/intro into some of the best moments.
Mecha Mecha Iketeru
Bakajo Test
This came out at the tail end of the "classic era" of AKB before a lot of the 1st gen members started leaving. Near-mandatory viewing. AH, KAWAEI!
part 1
part 2
part 3
EXTRA
2012 Special
A good introduction to handshake events/backstage workings, and probably the best introdction to Paruru you could ask for.
AKBINGO
22 - a classic Yuko moment; Tomochin will eat anything
24,
27,
28,
30 - AKVegas
Muchaburi Dodgeball-
http://www.show48.com/akbingo/
I don't want to list them all out here, but every episode with muchaburi dodgeball is worth watching.
Cooking Stadium:
Hamburg
Mapo Tofu
Omurice
Gyoza
Beef Stroganoff
Spring Rolls
Matsui Jurina Vs 10 Assassins:
part 1
part 2
The two best episodes of Battle Burger Shop! (aka, Oshima Yuko is a treasure)
part 1
part 2
The infamous "cicada breath battle" episode
if you still need more, search
the list for any episode with shoujiki shougi, battle burger shop, or fast word battle. heck, most of the episodes up to about 170 are pretty good.
SKE Ebi Calcio:
Tani and Matsumura were locked in an apartment and were forced to live off only the items they were able to win via sweepstakes. Not all episodes have been subbed but it's still worth watching.
part 1
part 2
part 3
part 4
part 5
part 8?
Atsushi Paruru no Marumaru Baito:
London Boots' Atsushi and Paruru team up for extreme awkwardness and harsh judgement of strangers. Every episode is worth watching, but the first one is thoroughly mandatory.
episode 1
Nogizakatte Doko?! Episode 100 Ikuchan vs Sayuringo in a spicy noodle challenge.
Additional recommendations:
NMB Geinin: half scripted, half improv, the first two seasons are among my favorite 48G content, period. Plus it has the most Kinoshita Momoka of any show, which instantly makes it good. Season 3 may not be terrible, but it sure does explain why there wasn't a 4th.
Nogibingo: AKBingo but with Nogizaka46. Not a bad episode on the list.
if anybody else has any specific additions, let me know