Boardwalk Empire backdrop
Crime•Drama

The Best Episodes of Boardwalk Empire

Every episode of Boardwalk Empire ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Boardwalk Empire!

Binge this in 2d 5h•Peaking at 8.6/10

Atlantic City at the dawn of Prohibition is a place where the rules don't apply. And the man who runs things -- legally and otherwise -- is the town's treasurer, Enoch "Nucky" Thompson, who is

Airs on
HBO
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons5

All12345

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Click to reveal
    Boardwalk Empire Season 2 Episode 12 - To the Lost
    8.6/10(18 votes)

    #1 - To the Lost

    S2:E12

    Nucky faces a difficult, bottom-line business decision.

    Director:Tim Van Patten
    Writer:Terence Winter

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. Boardwalk Empire Season 4 Episode 12 - Farewell Daddy Blues
    8.4/10(13 votes)

    #2 - Farewell Daddy Blues

    S4:E12

    Eli braces for the worst as Agent Knox launches his plan to bring Nucky down. Capone and Torrio reach an agreement in Cicero. Chalky looks to settle scores. Richard steps forward to save Tommy, at Gillian’s expense

    Director:Tim Van Patten
    Writers:Howard Korder, Terence Winter

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. Boardwalk Empire Season 2 Episode 2 - Ourselves Alone
    8.2/10(13 votes)

    #3 - Ourselves Alone

    S2:E2

    Despite being publicly embarrassed by legal trouble, Nucky's biggest concern may be holding on to his private army in a battle for control of Atlantic City. Meanwhile, Jimmy pitches a business deal to Arnold Rothstein in New York, but may have more in common with Meyer Lansky and Lucky Luciano. Margaret draws on past experience to retrieve some valuable information, Chalky clashes with a fellow inmate, and an Irish nationalist comes to town looking for support.

    Director:David Petrarca
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. Boardwalk Empire Season 2 Episode 11 - Under God's Power She Flourishes
    8.1/10(15 votes)

    #4 - Under God's Power She Flourishes

    S2:E11

    With Margaret pondering the consequences of sin, Nucky prepares her for a worst-case scenario as Esther Randolph plays out her trump cards. Jimmy revisits his college days with Angela and Gillian. Mickey Doyle chafes at sharing his liquor profits. Eli refuses to cop a plea. Nelson's past comes back to haunt him, tipping the scale in Nucky's favor.

    Director:Allen Coulter
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. Boardwalk Empire Season 4 Episode 5 - Erlkönig
    8.1/10(13 votes)

    #5 - Erlkönig

    S4:E5

    Nucky heads to Philadelphia; Agent Knox detains Eddie Kessler to obtain information about Nucky's organization; Gillian tries to score a fix; Van Alden is recruited by the Capones.

    Director:Tim Van Patten
    Writer:Howard Korder

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. Boardwalk Empire Season 5 Episode 8 - Eldorado
    8.0/10(16 votes)

    #6 - Eldorado

    S5:E8

    Nucky plans to relocate to Manhattan; Margaret impresses Nucky and a grain company stockholder.

    Director:Tim Van Patten
    Writers:Howard Korder, Terence Winter

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 WORST Episodes of Boardwalk Empire

    READ
  7. Boardwalk Empire Season 4 Episode 3 - Acres of Diamonds
    7.8/10(22 votes)

    #7 - Acres of Diamonds

    S4:E3

    Nucky has reservations about investing in a Tampa land deal engineered by transplanted bootlegger Bill McCoy. While there, he meets speakeasy owner Sally Wheet. Valentin Narcisse books a sexy jazz singer, Daughter Maitland, to perform at the Onyx, and gauges Dunn Purnsley’s allegiance to Chalky. Willie, Eli’s son, turns to Mickey Doyle and his bootleg warehouse to elevate his social standing at college. Gillian agrees to pose as Roy Phillips’ wife to impress a possible partner. Harrow tries to bury his past, though not before taking care of some unfinished business with Emma.

    Director:Allen Coulter
    Writer:Terence Winter

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. Boardwalk Empire Season 4 Episode 2 - Resignation
    7.7/10(21 votes)

    #8 - Resignation

    S4:E2

    Now working as a “delivery man” for Dean O’Banion, Van Alden is ordered to keep tabs on Al Capone, joining the ascendant mobster to help keep Cicero voters “informed” at a political rally. Dr. Valentin Narcisse arrives in Atlantic City, clashing with Chalky and Nucky over the loss of an employee. In Washington, Agent Knox aligns himself with J. Edgar Hoover, acting director of the Bureau of Investigation. Harrow fails to finish a job in Milwaukee, while Eddie demands a promotion after 11 years of service. With a business opportunity on the horizon, Nucky departs for Florida.

    Director:Alik Sakharov
    Writers:Howard Korder, Dennis Lehane

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. Boardwalk Empire Season 1 Episode 1 - Boardwalk Empire
    7.6/10(35 votes)

    #9 - Boardwalk Empire

    S1:E1

    January 1920. On the eve of Prohibition, Atlantic City's Treasurer, Nucky Thompson, condemns alcohol at a Women's Temperance League meeting, where he is noticed by Margaret Schroeder, a pretty, pregnant housewife who comes to him for help in getting her abusive husband Hans a job. Later that evening, the duplicitous Nucky privately tells his ward bosses about the opportunity to make huge profits selling bootleg liquor. At a countdown-to-midnight blast at Babette's Supper Club, he assures Jimmy Darmody, a recently returned WWI vet, that his appointment as "Man Friday" to the new Chief Clerk of the Fourth Ward, Paddy Ryan, will lead to bigger things. Jimmy, meanwhile, has higher aspirations and ends up making an alliance that could have dire consequences for both him and Nucky.

    Director:Martin Scorsese
    Writer:Terence Winter

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. Boardwalk Empire Season 2 Episode 8 - Two Boats and a Lifeguard
    7.6/10(28 votes)

    #10 - Two Boats and a Lifeguard

    S2:E8

    In the wake of a personal loss, Nucky solicits advice on his political situation from Arnold Rothstein, while Eli remains suspicious of his brother’s actions. Nucky finds himself in the unfamiliar position of showing gratitude toward a federal agent. Angela meets a new friend at the beach, and eavesdrops on her husband’s treachery. Nelson gets a nanny. Nucky approaches Owen with an overseas proposition. Jimmy flexes his muscles, at Mickey Doyle’s expense.

    Director:Tim Van Patten
    Writer:Terence Winter

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. Boardwalk Empire Season 5 Episode 1 - Golden Days for Boys and Girls
    7.6/10(12 votes)

    #11 - Golden Days for Boys and Girls

    S5:E1

    Nucky reminisces about catching the Commodore's eye; Nucky joins Sally Wheet in Cuba; Margaret finds herself in the hot seat; Chalky tries to extricate himself from a difficult situation; Lucky Luciano sets a bold plan in motion.

    Director:Tim Van Patten
    Writer:Howard Korder

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. Boardwalk Empire Season 1 Episode 11 - Paris Green
    7.5/10(17 votes)

    #12 - Paris Green

    S1:E11

    Nucky has emotionally charged conversations with both Margaret and Eli over his business and the killing of Margaret's husband. Jimmy meets with his dying father for the first time in years. Van Alden and Agent Sebso's working relationship is pushed to the limit by Van Alden's suspicions. Angela prepares to flee from Jimmy to Paris.

    Director:Allen Coulter
    Writer:Howard Korder

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. Boardwalk Empire Season 4 Episode 4 - All In
    7.5/10(20 votes)

    #13 - All In

    S4:E4

    Nucky gets to know Arnold Rothstein over a card game, and sizes up an unexpected partner for his Tampa land deal. A newly promoted Eddie Kessler gets detoured after making a train-station delivery. When one of their collectors is incapacitated, Al and Frank Capone decide to finish his route, enlisting a reluctant Van Alden to tag along. Agent Knox fills Hoover in on the Thompson operation, vowing to exploit Nucky's weakest link. Chalky is intrigued by Daughter Maitland’s presence. Dunn Purnsley goes to Harlem, and is courted by Valentin Narcisse. Willie and his college roommate, Clayton, carry a practical joke too far.

    Director:Ed Bianchi
    Writer:David Matthews

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. Boardwalk Empire Season 2 Episode 5 - Gimcrack & Bunkum
    7.4/10(16 votes)

    #14 - Gimcrack & Bunkum

    S2:E5

    After a dispute with his enemies, Nucky brings in a surprise guest speaker at a Memorial Day dedication for war veterans. Running out of options, Eli questions his allegiances, but it ends up sending him deeper into the hole. Nucky hires a new lawyer. Jimmy is taught a lesson by one of the Commodore's men that he won't soon forget. Richard decides to go hunting in the forest.

    Director:Tim Van Patten
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. Boardwalk Empire Season 3 Episode 4 - Blue Bell Boy
    7.4/10(13 votes)

    #15 - Blue Bell Boy

    S3:E4

    After tracking down a liquor thief, Nucky and Owen spend a long night hiding out from the fedswith the precocious perp. In his boss’ absence, and with Rothstein fuming over a late delivery, Mickey overrules Eli to make a routing call that will have far-reaching consequences for Nucky and Gyp. Margaret encounters a familiar face while promoting Dr. Mason’s classes at the new women’s clinic at St. Theresa’s. In New York, Lucky haggles with Joe Masseria over heroin splits, while in Chicago, Capone’s feud with O’Banion heats up when one of his collectors gets roughed up on the South Side.

    Director:Kari Skogland
    Writer:David Stenn

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. Boardwalk Empire Season 3 Episode 10 - A Man, A Plan...
    7.4/10(9 votes)

    #16 - A Man, A Plan...

    S3:E10

    Nucky tries to keep Jess Smith quiet and neutralize Gyp's alliance with Joe Masseria; Margaret considers an alternate future; Van Alden's side business backfires; Gyp's shipment is short; Chalky sees an opportunity.

    Director:Jeremy Podeswa
    Writer:David Flebotte

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. Boardwalk Empire Season 3 Episode 11 - Two Impostors
    7.4/10(14 votes)

    #17 - Two Impostors

    S3:E11

    Gyp makes his move in Atlantic City, forcing Nucky and Eddie to seek refuge with Chalky. With the Artemis Club overrun by Rosetti thugs, Gillian contemplates a business future that includes an unwelcome partner. Luciano makes a deal he’ll come to regret. Harrow loses his house privileges.

    Director:Allen Coulter
    Writer:Howard Korder

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. Boardwalk Empire Season 4 Episode 10 - White Horse Pike
    7.4/10(18 votes)

    #18 - White Horse Pike

    S4:E10

    Nucky enlists Eli and Agent Knox to check the cargo in the Florida shipments; Margaret considers making a deal with Rothstein; Capone grows suspicious of Torrio; Nucky faces a dilemma.

    Director:Jake Paltrow
    Writer:David Flebotte

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  19. Boardwalk Empire Season 2 Episode 9 - Battle of the Century
    7.3/10(16 votes)

    #19 - Battle of the Century

    S2:E9

    Arriving in Belfast, Nucky and Owen meet with IRA leaders with a barter proposition. Meanwhile, in Atlantic City, Jimmy and his partners broker a deal with George Remus for his “medicinal” alcohol before taking a break to see/hear the Dempsey fight. Margaret frets when Emily’s illness takes a turn for the worse. Dunn Purnsley orchestrates a worker’s strike at the Ritz. Waxey Gordon takes action against Manny Horvitz in Philadelphia, and Randolph and Clifford Lathrop grill Halloran about Nucky’s past.

    Director:Brad Anderson
    Writer:Steve Kornacki

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  20. Boardwalk Empire Season 2 Episode 10 - Georgia Peaches
    7.3/10(16 votes)

    #20 - Georgia Peaches

    S2:E10

    Undercut by Nucky, who has a new source for alcohol, Jimmy and his partners look to cultivate a new revenue stream in Atlantic City. With the peak tourist season approaching, the Commodore’s crew faces a choice in dealing with the city’s striking workers; either negotiate or fight back. Fearing that sin has led to misfortune, Margaret approaches Father Brennan with an “act of devotion.” Nucky gets a new lawyer. Van Alden faces an uncertain future. Manny Horvitz takes exception to a debt payment.

    Director:Jeremy Podeswa
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  21. Boardwalk Empire Season 3 Episode 1 - Resolution
    7.3/10(19 votes)

    #21 - Resolution

    S3:E1

    Nucky makes a resolution; Margaret considers a hospital expansion; Gillian builds a new business; Van Alden stumbles onto a confrontation.

    Director:Tim Van Patten
    Writer:Terence Winter

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  22. Boardwalk Empire Season 3 Episode 12 - Margate Sands
    7.3/10(15 votes)

    #22 - Margate Sands

    S3:E12

    Nucky makes a deal with Rothstein as his war with Gyp Rosetti reaches its climax. Season finale.

    Director:Tim Van Patten
    Writers:Howard Korder, Terence Winter

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  23. Boardwalk Empire Season 1 Episode 10 - The Emerald City
    7.2/10(19 votes)

    #23 - The Emerald City

    S1:E10

    Nucky asks for Margaret's assistance in backing his mayoral candidate with the passage of women's right to vote, leaving her conflicted about her role. Doyle switches sides back from Rothstein, which leads Nucky to conspire with Chalky against Lansky and the D'Alessios. Angela witnesses Jimmy's violent side against her photographer friend, and considers leaving Atlantic City for good in the aftermath. Van Alden grapples with his emotions, and has encounters with both Margaret and Lucy.

    Director:Simon Cellan Jones
    Writer:Lawrence Konner

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  24. Boardwalk Empire Season 2 Episode 1 - 21
    7.2/10(19 votes)

    #24 - 21

    S2:E1

    Nucky is shocked by an insurrection among his inner circle. An attack threatens Chalky's life and livelihood. Margaret deals with her son's problems. Angela vies for Jimmy's affection. Van Alden shows his wife around town.

    Director:Tim Van Patten
    Writer:Terence Winter

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  25. Boardwalk Empire Season 2 Episode 3 - A Dangerous Maid
    7.2/10(15 votes)

    #25 - A Dangerous Maid

    S2:E3

    The Commodore throws his weight around with the Coast Guard to disrupt the delivery of alcohol, which creates an opportunity for Owen to demonstrate his value to Nucky and a struggling casino. Meanwhile, a letter dredges up painful memories for Margaret, Nucky calls in a favor with the U.S. attorney general, Meyer and Lucky learn the price of power, and Lucy searches for ways to cure her loneliness.

    Director:Susanna White
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Best Episodes Summary

"To the Lost" is the best rated episode of "Boardwalk Empire". It scored 8.6/10 based on 18 votes. Directed by Tim Van Patten and written by Terence Winter, it aired on 12/11/2011. This episode scored 0.2 points higher than the second highest rated, "Farewell Daddy Blues".