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The Best Episodes of 13 Reasons Why Season 1

Every episode of 13 Reasons Why Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of 13 Reasons Why Season 1!

Binge this in 12h 6m•Peaking at 9.1/10

High school student Clay Jensen lands in the center of a series of heartbreaking mysteries set in motion by a friend's tragic suicide.

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    13 Reasons Why Season 1 Episode 1 - Tape 1, Side A
    8.2/10(9030 votes)

    #1 - Tape 1, Side A

    S1:E1

    As the school mourns the death of Hannah Baker, her friend Clay receives a box of tapes with messages she recorded before she died by suicide.

    Director:Tom McCarthy
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. 13 Reasons Why Season 1 Episode 2 - Tape 1, Side B
    7.9/10(7585 votes)

    #2 - Tape 1, Side B

    S1:E2

    Hannah makes friends with Jessica and Alex, two other new students. Justin doesn't show up at school, and Hannah's mother finds something troubling.

    Director:Tom McCarthy
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. 13 Reasons Why Season 1 Episode 3 - Tape 2, Side A
    7.8/10(7157 votes)

    #3 - Tape 2, Side A

    S1:E3

    Jealousy and gossip take a toll on Hannah's relationships. As Alex struggles with feelings of regret, the guys pressure Clay into getting drunk.

    Director:Helen Shaver
    Writer:Brian Yorkey

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  4. 13 Reasons Why Season 1 Episode 4 - Tape 2, Side B
    7.9/10(6911 votes)

    #4 - Tape 2, Side B

    S1:E4

    Hannah thinks someone is stalking her and sets a trap. Hannah's mother confronts the principal, and Clay strikes back at someone who wronged Hannah.

    Director:Helen Shaver
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. 13 Reasons Why Season 1 Episode 5 - Tape 3, Side A
    8.1/10(6844 votes)

    #5 - Tape 3, Side A

    S1:E5

    Hannah and Clay connect at the school dance, but a crass rumor ruins the mood. Clay takes Courtney to visit Hannah's grave.

    Director:Kyle Patrick Alvarez
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. 13 Reasons Why Season 1 Episode 6 - Tape 3, Side B
    7.9/10(6604 votes)

    #6 - Tape 3, Side B

    S1:E6

    Hannah's date on Valentine's Day doesn't go as planned. Alex gets in a big fight at school and has to face the honor board.

    Director:Kyle Patrick Alvarez
    Writer:Unknown

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  7. 13 Reasons Why Season 1 Episode 7 - Tape 4, Side A
    8.2/10(6722 votes)

    #7 - Tape 4, Side A

    S1:E7

    Another student sabotages Hannah during a class project. Clay's nightmares about Hannah spill over into the daytime.

    Director:Gregg Araki
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. 13 Reasons Why Season 1 Episode 8 - Tape 4, Side B
    8.0/10(6516 votes)

    #8 - Tape 4, Side B

    S1:E8

    Inspired by a friend's poetry reading, Hannah pours her heart out. Tony confides in Clay about the night of Hannah's death.

    Director:Gregg Araki
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. 13 Reasons Why Season 1 Episode 9 - Tape 5, Side A
    8.5/10(6682 votes)

    #9 - Tape 5, Side A

    S1:E9

    Hannah witnesses a traumatic event at a summertime party. Clay tries to reason with Justin, and Marcus warns him that the worst is yet to come.

    Director:Carl Franklin
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. 13 Reasons Why Season 1 Episode 10 - Tape 5, Side B
    8.5/10(6677 votes)

    #10 - Tape 5, Side B

    S1:E10

    A distraught Hannah gets a ride home from the party. Jessica's behavior grows increasingly erratic, and Clay learns the truth behind a tragedy.

    Director:Carl Franklin
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. 13 Reasons Why Season 1 Episode 11 - Tape 6, Side A
    9.1/10(8671 votes)

    #11 - Tape 6, Side A

    S1:E11

    Clay and Hannah grow closer. While Clay spends a heartbreaking night listening to his tape with Tony, tensions boil over at Bryce's house.

    Director:Jessica Yu
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. 13 Reasons Why Season 1 Episode 12 - Tape 6, Side B
    8.9/10(7588 votes)

    #12 - Tape 6, Side B

    S1:E12

    Hannah winds up at a party after an argument with her parents. The students are served with subpoenas, and Justin wrestles with conflicting loyalties.

    Director:Jessica Yu
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. 13 Reasons Why Season 1 Episode 13 - Tape 7, Side A
    9.1/10(9891 votes)

    #13 - Tape 7, Side A

    S1:E13

    Hannah seeks help from Mr. Porter, the school counselor. Clay plays the new tape for Tony and weighs what to do next.

    Director:Kyle Patrick Alvarez
    Writer:Unknown

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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"Tape 1, Side A" is the best rated episode of "13 Reasons Why" season 1. It scored 8.2/10 based on 9030 votes. Directed by Tom McCarthy and written by Unknown, it aired on 3/31/2017. This episode is rated 0.3 points higher than the second-best, "Tape 1, Side B".