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The Best Episodes of City on a Hill

Every episode of City on a Hill ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of City on a Hill!

Binge this in 23h 49m•Peaking at 8.1/10

In early 90s Boston, an African-American District Attorney comes in from Brooklyn advocating change and forms an unlikely alliance with a corrupt yet venerated FBI veteran invested in maintaining the status quo. Together they take

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  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    City on a Hill Season 1 Episode 2 - What They Saw in Southie High
    8.1/10(11 votes)

    #1 - What They Saw in Southie High

    S1:E2

    After an eventful Sunday at church, Decourcy finds out he has a new powerful enemy in town — one that puts his wife Siobhan in an awkward position. Jackie is stirring up trouble in his own home, and his distrustful mother-in-law Rosa is onto him. Investigators Hank Signa and Rachel Behnam look into an unsolved missing persons case connected to the robbery in Revere. That could mean trouble for Frankie Ryan, who's busy laundering his most recent loot and, with the help of his brother Jimmy, getting carried away in the process.

    Director:Ed Bianchi
    Writer:Chuck MacLean

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  2. City on a Hill Season 1 Episode 3 - If Only the Fool Would Persist in His Folly
    8.0/10(11 votes)

    #2 - If Only the Fool Would Persist in His Folly

    S1:E3

    Jackie searches for his absent informant as Jenny searches for purpose, revisiting her passion to become a teacher. Decourcy works up a plan to overcome the town's infamous "Code of Silence" and get a few suspects to talk. Minogue is assigned a big case, but not the one he actually cares about. Jimmy skips town to visit his kids and finds that, even a thousand miles away, he's not safe from his problems back home.

    Director:Christoph Schrewe
    Writer:Emily Ragsdale

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  3. City on a Hill Season 1 Episode 6 - It's Hard to Be a Saint in the City
    8.0/10(9 votes)

    #3 - It's Hard to Be a Saint in the City

    S1:E6

    Decourcy is a step closer to connecting the stolen guns to the Revere robbery when an insider agrees to talk. Jenny is no longer able to ignore Jackie's indiscretions after they show up on her doorstep. An unexpected rush to the hospital worsens money problems for the Ryan family and Reverend Fields discovers that his longstanding influence doesn't make him invincible.

    Director:Metin Hüseyin
    Writer:Jorge Zamacona

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  4. City on a Hill Season 1 Episode 9 - The Deaf Sage of Pompeii
    8.0/10(7 votes)

    #4 - The Deaf Sage of Pompeii

    S1:E9

    When an unlikely source confides in Decourcy, the Massachusetts State Police hatch a plan that promises arrests without the help of the FBI. However, keeping out of the way is not exactly Jackie's strong suit. The Genesis Coalition pitches a new strategy to curb Boston's crime rate. Jenny opens up about her past to a sympathetic ear.

    Director:Adam Bernstein
    Writer:Matthew Nemeth

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  5. City on a Hill Season 1 Episode 8 - High on the Looming Gallows Tree
    7.9/10(8 votes)

    #5 - High on the Looming Gallows Tree

    S1:E8

    Jackie celebrates a win in front of the cameras but, behind closed doors, he reaches a new low. A shining moment from Decourcy promises a potential future in politics, but any pride Siobhan feels for her husband is squandered by an unexpected betrayal. The Grand Jury reconvenes, and this time Sheik doesn't get off easily. Thanks to Signa's detective work, the Ryan family is now under the watchful eye of the Suffolk DA.

    Director:Clark Johnson
    Writer:Stephen Day

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  6. City on a Hill Season 1 Episode 1 - The Night Flynn Sent the Cops on the Ice
    7.8/10(12 votes)

    #6 - The Night Flynn Sent the Cops on the Ice

    S1:E1

    In early ‘90s Boston, racism is endemic and crime is widespread. Jackie Rohr, a renowned FBI agent whose methods are not exactly by the book, does not mind the status quo. But Decourcy Ward, the new Assistant District Attorney in town, wants to uproot the corrupt system. The two form an unlikely, and obligatory, alliance to take down a gang of armored truck robbers from Charlestown.

    Director:Michael Cuesta
    Writer:Chuck MacLean

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of City on a Hill

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  7. City on a Hill Season 1 Episode 10 - Mayor Curley and the Last Hurrah
    7.8/10(6 votes)

    #7 - Mayor Curley and the Last Hurrah

    S1:E10

    Jackie celebrates another moment in the spotlight, though an unfamiliar pang of guilt leaves him reflecting on his legacy. Decourcy considers the best course of action to finally carry out justice for the murdered guards. Jimmy is desperate to weasel his way out of the mess he's created, even if it means putting his brother's future into question. Jenny faces what has been haunting her all these years. Season finale

    Director:Christoph Schrewe
    Writer:Chuck MacLean

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  8. City on a Hill Season 3 Episode 7 - Boston Bridges, Falling Down
    7.8/10(4 votes)

    #8 - Boston Bridges, Falling Down

    S3:E7

    As Jenny grows closer to Diarmuid Doyle, her unwitting husband Jackie is released from the hospital — and he's after revenge. Siobhan calls on Decourcy for help cornering Needham Industries as she fights to expose the corporation's malfeasance. After a break in the case against Sinclair Dryden, the DA's office bumps up against an unforeseen obstacle.

    Director:Ed Bianchi
    Writer:Chris Andrien

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  9. City on a Hill Season 3 Episode 8 - Whipping Post
    7.8/10(4 votes)

    #9 - Whipping Post

    S3:E8

    As Decourcy prepares to take Sinclair Dryden to trial, despite pushback from the Suffolk County DA, Jackie tracks down a key witness. Siobhan reaches a settlement on behalf of the Mendoza family, but her moment in the spotlight is cut short. Caysen is offered a second chance by a loved one. Reckoning with the rifts in her own family, Jenny meets her long-lost half-brother. Season finale.

    Director:Ed Bianchi
    Writer:Matthew Nemeth

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  10. City on a Hill Season 1 Episode 7 - There Are No F**king Sides
    7.6/10(8 votes)

    #10 - There Are No F**king Sides

    S1:E7

    With the gang's arms dealer in custody, Jackie thinks he's a step closer to glory. But Decourcy is the one in a position to negotiate and he's considering cutting off the gun supply rather than going after the buyers. Jimmy and Frankie must find a new dealer as they prepare for their next job. Cathy and Jenny struggle to comfort their daughters who've undergone trauma. When Michaela falls into some trouble, Rachel decides to take her investigation into her own hands.

    Director:Kyra Sedgwick
    Writers:J.M. Holmes, Emily Ragsdale

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  11. City on a Hill Season 2 Episode 8 - Pax Bostonia
    7.6/10(5 votes)

    #11 - Pax Bostonia

    S2:E8

    As Boston mourns another loss, Decourcy pursues justice in and out of the courtroom. Despite his maneuvering, Jackie discovers that he can't escape his past, while Jenny decides to finally confront hers. Cathy says goodbye to the root of her struggles. Siobhan sets her sights on a new dream.

    Director:Clark Johnson
    Writers:Jorge Zamacona, Haley Cameron

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  12. City on a Hill Season 2 Episode 7 - Apophasis
    7.4/10(5 votes)

    #12 - Apophasis

    S2:E7

    Assuming the involvement of the Campbell brothers at the Copeland territory shootout, Jackie confronts Grace, who can no longer sidestep her sons' criminal activity. She is forced to make a terrible compromise. Resenting the outcome of a negotiation that he could not take part in, Decourcy finds comfort in the strength of Siobhan, who keeps her head even after tragedy strikes. Jenny insists on helping Maeve, whether or not that means defying Jackie.

    Director:Clark Johnson
    Writer:Matthew Nemeth

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  13. City on a Hill Season 2 Episode 3 - Is the Total Black, Being Spoken
    7.2/10(5 votes)

    #13 - Is the Total Black, Being Spoken

    S2:E3

    Jackie uncovers one of Decourcy's informants and hatches a plan to use him as a pawn to discredit the assistant district attorney. Decourcy stops by the Rohr house, hoping to get something out of Jenny that he can use against her husband. Siobhan receives some welcome news, in the midst of plotting her run for City Council. And her client, Kelvin Campbell, is released from custody, though he can't free himself of what happened on Valentine's Day. Jimmy Ryan, meanwhile, faces problems far worse than a guilty conscience.

    Directors:Hagar Ben-Asher, Benny Boom
    Writer:J.M. Holmes

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  14. City on a Hill Season 2 Episode 6 - Don't Go Sayin Last Words
    7.2/10(5 votes)

    #14 - Don't Go Sayin Last Words

    S2:E6

    With Anton on the lam, Kelvin struggles to lead the Braxton Boys and Jackie homes in on Grace. He knows she's hiding something. Sidelined from the investigation, Decourcy finds himself at a disconnect with Siobhan, as he seeks vengeance and she focuses on recovery. When Cathy's arrangement with Isaac falls through, she pays a reluctant visit to old friends for help. Jenny, meanwhile, finally uncovers the truth about her new friend.

    Director:Christoph Schrewe
    Writer:Emily Ragsdale

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  15. City on a Hill Season 3 Episode 1 - Gods and Monsters
    7.2/10(4 votes)

    #15 - Gods and Monsters

    S3:E1

    Struggling to make ends meet after leaving the FBI, Jackie Rohr gets a job offer from his old mentor. The perks are enticing, but Jackie has no idea what he's getting himself into. ADA Decourcy Ward eyes a promotion but is diverted by some bad news which lands him back in Brooklyn. Siobhan Quays, having left her prestigious law firm for a position at the ACLU, takes on a case against a construction colossus. Jenny Rohr begins volunteering at a community center where she runs into a familiar face.

    Director:Christoph Schrewe
    Writer:Jorge Zamacona

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  16. City on a Hill Season 2 Episode 5 - East of Eden
    7.0/10(4 votes)

    #16 - East of Eden

    S2:E5

    As U.S. Attorney Karen Shimizu tries to get rid of her troublesome agent once and for all, Jackie schemes his way into a new mission. At the Suffolk County Courthouse, Decourcy and Siobhan spar on opposing sides of a legal battle. Meeting dead-ends at every turn in the effort to help her son, Grace does something desperate. With a nudge from Maeve, Jenny surprises Benny with some rebellious fun. On the other side of town, Cathy re-ups her supply by going straight to the source.

    Director:Christoph Schrewe
    Writer:Jorge Zamacona

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  17. City on a Hill Season 3 Episode 2 - A Program of Complete Disorder
    7.0/10(4 votes)

    #17 - A Program of Complete Disorder

    S3:E2

    When Victoria Dryden runs away from home, Sinclair sends Jackie to find her. Caysen is after justice for BPD Officer Russ Wallace, who he believes may have been intentionally executed by another member of the Strike Force. The incident sparks a dispute at the Ward home in Brooklyn, where Decourcy is looking after his ailing father. While building a case on behalf of her impaled client, Siobhan experiences an intensifying array of symptoms. Diarmuid Doyle tries to help Jenny remedy what has been bothering her, but his plan backfires. 

    Director:Christoph Schrewe
    Writer:J.M. Holmes

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  18. City on a Hill Season 3 Episode 3 - Speak When You're Angry
    7.0/10(4 votes)

    #18 - Speak When You're Angry

    S3:E3

    Vying to become Boston's next DA, Decourcy takes on a murky case involving a murdered police officer. He recruits the help of Caysen, who is becoming increasingly alienated from the officers in his unit. As the Drydens try to solve their Victoria problem, the Rohrs drop Benedetta off for her freshman year at NYU. They return empty nesters but to no peace and quiet. When Siobhan receives a distressing phone call, a dark secret resurfaces. 

    Director:Marshall Tyler
    Writer:Emily Ragsdale

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  19. City on a Hill Season 3 Episode 6 - Tenderness
    7.0/10(4 votes)

    #19 - Tenderness

    S3:E6

    Jackie shows a glimpse of vulnerability when a violent attack stalls the Dryden investigation, but Decourcy presses on, tracking down a list of Sinclair's potential victims. Caysen is formally brought on as an investigator in the DA's office, where he must navigate competing interests. Siobhan weighs risking everything she has built to reveal the truth about her past. Jenny's suspicions are reinforced. 

    Director:Hagar Ben-Asher
    Writer:Regina Porter

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  20. City on a Hill Season 2 Episode 1 - Bill Russell's Bedsheets
    6.8/10(5 votes)

    #20 - Bill Russell's Bedsheets

    S2:E1

    When an assistant U.S. attorney overdoses and ends up left for dead, Decourcy Ward suspects Jackie Rohr's involvement. Jackie, in turn, goes after the BPD for a questionable drug arrest at Braxton Summit, a federal housing project. Community activist Grace Campbell recruits Siobhan Quays to work on behalf of Braxton and its residents, but their efforts are subverted as tensions flare between rival gangs.

    Director:Kevin Bacon
    Writer:Chuck MacLean

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  21. City on a Hill Season 2 Episode 4 - Overtime White and Overtime Stupid
    6.8/10(5 votes)

    #21 - Overtime White and Overtime Stupid

    S2:E4

    After seeing Holly in the ICU, Jackie reckons with the destructive consequences of his actions, as Rickey Townsend prepares to testify against Decourcy. With violence intensifying between the Copeland Crew and the Braxton Boys, Decourcy, Anton and Siobhan face off in the interrogation room. Grace, left reflecting on her role as a mother and leader in the community, makes an unfortunate miscalculation. And back at the Rohr house, Jenny makes fast friends with the mysterious woman from Belfast.

    Director:Benny Boom
    Writer:Regina Porter

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  22. City on a Hill Season 1 Episode 4 - The Wickedness of the Wicked Shall Be Upon Himself
    6.7/10(12 votes)

    #22 - The Wickedness of the Wicked Shall Be Upon Himself

    S1:E4

    Jackie strong-arms Jimmy to get a step closer to finding the presumably dead armored truck guards. Decourcy rattles a suspect called to testify before the Grand Jury. Siobhan learns something unsettling about a leader of the Coalition and worries it could jeopardize the future of the group. Kick's nightmares continue as she senses her father might be in harm's way.

    Director:Hagar Ben-Asher
    Writer:J.M. Holmes

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  23. City on a Hill Season 1 Episode 5 - From Injustice Came the Way to Describe Justice
    6.6/10(11 votes)

    #23 - From Injustice Came the Way to Describe Justice

    S1:E5

    Jackie and Decourcy continue to hunt down the weapon connected to the armored truck robbery in Revere. Michaela Freda, a local reporter, gets a tip about a story that could lead her down a treacherous path. Despite the threat of a Grand Jury, Frankie considers what he must do to provide for his family. Pressure on Siobhan begins to mount. After another allegation is brought to her attention, she questions whether doing what is right is ultimately what is for the best.

    Director:Alex Zakrzewski
    Writer:Michele McPhee

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  24. City on a Hill Season 2 Episode 2 - I Need a Goat
    6.6/10(5 votes)

    #24 - I Need a Goat

    S2:E2

    As Decourcy increases pressure on the Justice Department, Jackie counters by looking into his adversary's romantic past. While Jackie's digging up dirt, Siobhan is planning ahead, focused on starting a family even as Decourcy remains preoccupied by the escalating conflict. Jenny realizes she can't keep ignoring her mother after an unsettling phone call. With business at the salon all but dead, Cathy Ryan turns to an unlikely income source.

    Director:Ed Bianchi
    Writer:P. Carter

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  25. City on a Hill Season 3 Episode 4 - Ugly, Like I Said
    5.8/10(5 votes)

    #25 - Ugly, Like I Said

    S3:E4

    As Jackie continues his fling with Letitia Dryden, Jenny sets out to get her husband reinstated in the FBI. The pressure on Decourcy mounts when a colleague competing for the position of DA lands a conviction. Caysen testifies at the federal trial of Tony Suferin and is blindsided by the consequences. A threatening interaction offers Siobhan a sense of what exactly she is up against in her fight for the Mendoza family.

    Director:Marshall Tyler
    Writer:P. Carter

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Best Episodes Summary

"What They Saw in Southie High" is the best rated episode of "City on a Hill". It scored 8.1/10 based on 11 votes. Directed by Ed Bianchi and written by Chuck MacLean, it aired on 6/23/2019. This episode scored 0.1 points higher than the second highest rated, "If Only the Fool Would Persist in His Folly".