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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 9.8/10

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

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Seasons5

#1 Fan Favorite
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9.8/10(5 votes)
#1 - Always
S5:E132/9/2011
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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Director:Michael Waxman
Writer:Jason Katims
9.7/10(3 votes)
#2 - The Son
S4:E512/2/2009
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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Director:Unknown
Writer:Rolin Jones
9.5/10(2 votes)
#3 - Underdogs
S3:E121/7/2009
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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Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
9.0/10(2 votes)
#4 - Hello, Goodbye
S3:E410/22/2008
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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Director:Unknown
Writer:David Hudgins
9.0/10(2 votes)
#5 - It Ain't Easy Being J.D. McCoy
S3:E611/5/2008
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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Director:Patrick R. Norris
Writer:Unknown
9.0/10(2 votes)
#6 - New York, New York
S3:E811/19/2008
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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Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown

The 20 WORST Episodes of Friday Night Lights

9.0/10(2 votes)
#7 - The Giving Tree
S3:E1012/10/2008
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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Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
9.0/10(2 votes)
#8 - A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall
S3:E1112/17/2008
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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Director:Unknown
Writers:Patrick Massett, John Zinman
9.0/10(2 votes)
#9 - Tomorrow Blues
S3:E131/14/2009
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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Director:Unknown
Writer:Jason Katims
9.0/10(2 votes)
#10 - Laboring
S4:E122/3/2010
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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Director:Adam Davidson
Writer:Rolin Jones
9.0/10(2 votes)
#11 - Thanksgiving
S4:E132/10/2010
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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Director:Unknown
Writer:Jason Katims
9.0/10(2 votes)
#12 - Kingdom
S5:E512/1/2010
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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Director:Patrick R. Norris
Writer:Peter Berg
9.0/10(2 votes)
#13 - Perfect Record
S5:E712/15/2010
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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Director:Adam Davidson
Writer:Peter Berg
9.0/10(2 votes)
#14 - Don't Go
S5:E101/19/2011
An elite college football program attempts to lure Coach away from East Dillon. Vince vows to earn his spot back. Friends and family speak at Tim's parole hearing. East Dillon holds a Fall Sports Banquet.
Director:Unknown
Writer:Peter Berg
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Director:Unknown
Writer:Peter Berg
9.0/10(2 votes)
#15 - Texas Whatever
S5:E122/2/2011
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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Director:Kyle Chandler
Writer:Kerry Ehrin
8.6/10(8 votes)
#16 - Pilot
S1:E110/3/2006
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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Director:Peter Berg
Writer:Peter Berg
8.5/10(2 votes)
#17 - Every Rose Has Its Thorn
S3:E510/29/2008
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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Director:Jason Katims
Writer:Unknown
8.5/10(2 votes)
#18 - After the Fall
S4:E211/4/2009
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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Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
8.5/10(2 votes)
#19 - In the Skin of a Lion
S4:E311/11/2009
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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Director:Patrick R. Norris
Writers:Patrick Massett, John Zinman
8.5/10(2 votes)
#20 - A Sort of Homecoming
S4:E411/18/2009
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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Director:Unknown
Writer:Etan Frankel
8.5/10(2 votes)
#21 - Stay
S4:E612/9/2009
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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Director:Patrick R. Norris
Writer:Unknown
8.5/10(2 votes)
#22 - In the Bag
S4:E712/16/2009
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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Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
8.5/10(2 votes)
#23 - The Lights in Carroll Park
S4:E91/13/2010
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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Director:Unknown
Writers:Patrick Massett, John Zinman
8.5/10(2 votes)
#24 - I Can't
S4:E101/20/2010
Riggins puts Tami in a tough spot; Julie asks a friend to dinner; Vince’s mom has a health crisis; Luke’s parents look for ways to help him; and Eric is urged to change his coaching style.
Director:Ami Canaan Mann
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Ami Canaan Mann
Writer:Unknown
8.5/10(2 votes)
#25 - The Right Hand of the Father
S5:E311/10/2010
Someone from Vince's past resurfaces. Julie connects with a faculty member. Eric tries to instill discipline in the team. Buddy is troubled after learning something about his son.
Director:Unknown
Writers:Patrick Massett, John Zinman
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Director:Unknown
Writers:Patrick Massett, John Zinman

Best Episodes Summary

"Always" is the best rated episode of "Friday Night Lights". It scored 9.8/10 based on 5 votes. Directed by Michael Waxman and written by Jason Katims, it aired on 2/9/2011. This episode scored 0.1 points higher than the second highest rated, "The Son".