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The Best Episodes of Friday Night Lights

Every episode of Friday Night Lights ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Friday Night Lights!

Binge this in 2d 7h•Peaking at 9.6/10

The trials and triumphs of life in the small town of Dillon, Texas, where high school football is everything.

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Friday Night Lights Season 5 Episode 13 - Always
    9.6/10(7 votes)

    #1 - Always

    S5:E13

    While the Lions prepare for the state championship game, the Taylors face several decisions that could change their lives forever.

    Director:Michael Waxman
    Writer:Jason Katims

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  2. Friday Night Lights Season 3 Episode 12 - Underdogs
    9.3/10(3 votes)

    #2 - Underdogs

    S3:E12

    J.D.'s dad has to deal with child protective services after his fight with J.D. Tyra realizes that life isn't fair and that she needs to do whatever is necessary to get in to college. Matt and Tim prepare for the last game of their high school career: The Texas State Championship.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. Friday Night Lights Season 4 Episode 5 - The Son
    9.3/10(6 votes)

    #3 - The Son

    S4:E5

    Julie, Landry, Coach, and Tami rally around Matt in a time of crisis; Vince endangers his rising star as a football player by engaging in criminal activity in order to support his family; Becky and Tim grow closer.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Rolin Jones

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  4. Friday Night Lights Season 5 Episode 12 - Texas Whatever
    9.3/10(4 votes)

    #4 - Texas Whatever

    S5:E12

    Coach Taylor is offered a deal he can’t refuse; Tim assesses his future plans when an old flame returns to Dillon; The fate of East Dillon’s football program is decided.

    Director:Kyle Chandler
    Writer:Kerry Ehrin

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  5. Friday Night Lights Season 3 Episode 13 - Tomorrow Blues
    9.0/10(2 votes)

    #5 - Tomorrow Blues

    S3:E13

    Five months later, Coach Taylor's contract is up for review on Billy and Mindy's wedding day. Tyra grows anxious about her waitlist status. Matt leaves Grandma Saracen and Julie behind to attend college. Tim and Lyla question their future together.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Jason Katims

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  6. Friday Night Lights Season 4 Episode 13 - Thanksgiving
    9.0/10(3 votes)

    #6 - Thanksgiving

    S4:E13

    The Taylors host Thanksgiving dinner; Coach tells Vince he has to be more selfish; Tami must make an apology; Julie and Landry are surprised by a visitor from their past; Tim makes a difficult decision; East Dillon rallies around the Lions.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Jason Katims

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Friday Night Lights

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  7. Friday Night Lights Season 3 Episode 4 - Hello, Goodbye
    8.7/10(3 votes)

    #7 - Hello, Goodbye

    S3:E4

    Tami embarrasses herself with the superintendent. Tyra breaks with Landry to take up with Cash, the new bad boy in town. Julie advises Matt who is upset with his mother who has come to help with grandma. Smash has an emotional goodbye with Coach.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:David Hudgins

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  8. Friday Night Lights Season 3 Episode 6 - It Ain't Easy Being J.D. McCoy
    8.7/10(3 votes)

    #8 - It Ain't Easy Being J.D. McCoy

    S3:E6

    Coach is furious with Tim and the team for a freshman hazing. J.D. wins the respect of the town and team. A late night swim at the lake turns into more for Julie and Matt. Tyra is shocked when a woman shows up claiming Cash owes her child support.

    Director:Patrick R. Norris
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. Friday Night Lights Season 3 Episode 8 - New York, New York
    8.7/10(3 votes)

    #9 - New York, New York

    S3:E8

    Tim is worried when Jason talks about leaving Dillon. Money troubles cause a riff between Tami and Eric. Tyra leans on Cash when things get tough, while Julie talks to her dad about Matt's idea.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. Friday Night Lights Season 3 Episode 11 - A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall
    8.7/10(3 votes)

    #10 - A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall

    S3:E11

    Tyra is desperate and once again turns to Landry. Coach and Tami learn of a change that could dismantle the Panthers team. Tim sees another side of Lyla. Matt flips out when Grandma suffers an accident. Tensions escalate between JD and Joe.

    Director:Unknown
    Writers:Patrick Massett, John Zinman

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  11. Friday Night Lights Season 4 Episode 2 - After the Fall
    8.7/10(3 votes)

    #11 - After the Fall

    S4:E2

    A controversy at West Dillon puts star player Luke Cafferty on the Lions' roster. Elsewhere, Coach tries to reenergize his demoralized team and Tami takes an unpopular stand. Meanwhile, Matt meets an uncouth local artist and Tim finds a new living situation in an unexpected place.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. Friday Night Lights Season 4 Episode 12 - Laboring
    8.7/10(3 votes)

    #12 - Laboring

    S4:E12

    Tensions in town run high as the Panthers/Lions game approaches; Coach tells Luke he won't be playing; Tami attempts to placate her detractors; developments both good and bad shake up the Riggins boys; Vince teams up with Kennard to seek revenge.

    Director:Adam Davidson
    Writer:Rolin Jones

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  13. Friday Night Lights Season 5 Episode 5 - Kingdom
    8.7/10(3 votes)

    #13 - Kingdom

    S5:E5

    Coach discusses recruitment regulations. The Lions take a road trip. East Dillon's four stars make a pact. Julie's relationship becomes more complicated.

    Director:Patrick R. Norris
    Writer:Peter Berg

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  14. Friday Night Lights Season 5 Episode 7 - Perfect Record
    8.7/10(3 votes)

    #14 - Perfect Record

    S5:E7

    Rivalry week stirs up controversy. Vince is caught in the middle between Coach and Ornette. Billy takes Luke under his wing.

    Director:Adam Davidson
    Writer:Peter Berg

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  15. Friday Night Lights Season 1 Episode 1 - Pilot
    8.6/10(8 votes)

    #15 - Pilot

    S1:E1

    A newcomer coach Eric Taylor finds himself helming a promising high school football team, the Dillon Panthers, that has a real chance to make it to the top.

    Director:Peter Berg
    Writer:Peter Berg

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  16. Friday Night Lights Season 1 Episode 22 - State
    8.3/10(3 votes)

    #16 - State

    S1:E22

    The rumors about Coach Taylor leaving the team at the end of the season get a boost when an inside source decides to speak up. Meanwhile, the Panthers are preparing themselves for the state championship.

    Director:Unknown
    Writers:Patrick Massett, John Zinman, Jason Katims

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  17. Friday Night Lights Season 3 Episode 5 - Every Rose Has Its Thorn
    8.3/10(3 votes)

    #17 - Every Rose Has Its Thorn

    S3:E5

    Matt grapples with his mother, his emotions and Coach Taylor as McCoy garners more attention. Tami tangles with Tyra about Julie and Tyra's interest in Cash. Tyra experiences Cash's darker side. Erin disappoints Jason.

    Director:Jason Katims
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. Friday Night Lights Season 3 Episode 10 - The Giving Tree
    8.3/10(3 votes)

    #18 - The Giving Tree

    S3:E10

    It becomes clear JD has no interest in his father's advice regarding Madison. Lyla turns to Riggins when Buddy reveals a secret. Coach is emotionally challenged both on and off the field. Tyra has a plan to repair her relationship with Landry.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. Friday Night Lights Season 4 Episode 1 - East of Dillon
    8.3/10(3 votes)

    #19 - East of Dillon

    S4:E1

    Coach Taylor wonders how low his fortunes can sink as he struggles to pull the East Dillon Lions together while Tami navigates the new politics at West Dillon. Meanwhile, Matt gets a taste of life as a townie and Tim is inspired by a college lecture on "the hero's journey."

    Director:Peter Berg
    Writer:Jason Katims

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  20. Friday Night Lights Season 4 Episode 3 - In the Skin of a Lion
    8.3/10(3 votes)

    #20 - In the Skin of a Lion

    S4:E3

    Coach betrays Tami's trust over a financial decision. tensions between Vince and Luke threaten the team's chances on the field. Tim helps Coach condition his players. Julie doesn't want to go to church.

    Director:Patrick R. Norris
    Writers:Patrick Massett, John Zinman

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  21. Friday Night Lights Season 4 Episode 4 - A Sort of Homecoming
    8.3/10(3 votes)

    #21 - A Sort of Homecoming

    S4:E4

    Homecoming at the newly-reopened school prompts Coach to investigate East Dillon's history. Tami feels the wrath of the boosters. Landry and Vince both like Jess. Julie accompanies Devin to a gay bar. Matt and Tim go hunting.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Etan Frankel

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  22. Friday Night Lights Season 4 Episode 6 - Stay
    8.3/10(3 votes)

    #22 - Stay

    S4:E6

    Coach searches for a strategy to shut down their toughest opponent yet. Tim reconnects with Lyla. Vince discovers he has a gift for car theft. Julie and Matt attend a concert in Austin and reach a critical juncture in their relationship.

    Director:Patrick R. Norris
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. Friday Night Lights Season 4 Episode 7 - In the Bag
    8.3/10(3 votes)

    #23 - In the Bag

    S4:E7

    Despite some doubt, Coach makes Vince quarterback. Tami struggles to comfort Julie who's grieving over Matt's sudden departure. Tim has a confrontation with Becky's dad. Luke is badly injured. Landry makes a play for Jess.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. Friday Night Lights Season 4 Episode 8 - Toilet Bowl
    8.3/10(3 votes)

    #24 - Toilet Bowl

    S4:E8

    Eric realizes that East Dillon's problems aren't only on the field; Jess tries to choose between Vince and Landry; Luke's injury takes a toll on him; and Riggins makes a decision that could backfire.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  25. Friday Night Lights Season 4 Episode 9 - The Lights in Carroll Park
    8.3/10(3 votes)

    #25 - The Lights in Carroll Park

    S4:E9

    Coach talks tough to shady characters when trying to clean up a park ridden with drugs and gang violence. Becky discovers she's pregnant. Jess's relationship with Landry is heating up. Julie makes a new friend.

    Director:Unknown
    Writers:Patrick Massett, John Zinman

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Best Episodes Summary

"Always" is the best rated episode of "Friday Night Lights". It scored 9.6/10 based on 7 votes. Directed by Michael Waxman and written by Jason Katims, it aired on 2/9/2011. This episode scored 0.3 points higher than the second highest rated, "Underdogs".