8.1/10498 votes#1 - I Knew You When
Season 3 Episode 1 - Aired 10/1/2008
In the third-season opener, Eric fights to keep his job and helps Smash rebound. Elsewhere, Tami faces new challenges as principal; Tyra frets over college; Billy proposes; and tension escalates between Lyla and Riggins.
Director: N/A
Writer: Jason Katims
7.9/10474 votes#2 - Tami Knows Best
Season 3 Episode 2 - Aired 10/8/2008
Tami becomes angry by Tyra's actions. In an effort to help his grandma, Matt stumbles upon his estranged mother. Coach Taylor tries his best to encourage Smash as he tries to make the college tryouts.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.2/10466 votes#3 - How the Other Half Lives
Season 3 Episode 3 - Aired 10/15/2008
Coach worries and fears for his job as Tami befriends Katie McCoy. The pressure is on Matt as everyone's hopes turn to the new quarterback. Matt's friendly with Julie. Billy drags Tim into a risky scheme to get them out of debt. Lyla cautions Tim.
Director: Dean White
Writer: Patrick Massett, John Zinman
8.8/10569 votes#4 - Hello, Goodbye
Season 3 Episode 4 - Aired 10/22/2008
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: N/A
Writer: David Hudgins
7.8/10452 votes#5 - Every Rose Has Its Thorn
Season 3 Episode 5 - Aired 10/29/2008
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: N/A
8.1/10471 votes#6 - It Ain't Easy Being J.D. McCoy
Season 3 Episode 6 - Aired 11/5/2008
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: N/A
8.1/10468 votes#7 - Keeping Up Appearances
Season 3 Episode 7 - Aired 11/12/2008
Eric and Tami try to calm Jamarca's angry parents; Billy helps Tim pursue a scholarship; and Jason, Herc and the Riggins brothers receive good news.
Director: Chris Eyre
Writer: Brent Fletcher
8.6/10509 votes#8 - New York, New York
Season 3 Episode 8 - Aired 11/19/2008
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: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.2/10458 votes#9 - Game of the Week
Season 3 Episode 9 - Aired 12/3/2008
Tim returns to find both good and bad surprises. Coach has to change his plans and reluctantly supports Tami when she feels obligated to help Tyra out of a jam. Saracen has second thoughts and clashes with Shelby. Lyla and Mindy team up.
Director: N/A
Writer: David Hudgins
8.3/10458 votes#10 - The Giving Tree
Season 3 Episode 10 - Aired 12/10/2008
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: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.3/10470 votes#11 - A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall
Season 3 Episode 11 - Aired 12/17/2008
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: N/A
Writer: Patrick Massett, John Zinman
9.1/10588 votes#12 - Underdogs
Season 3 Episode 12 - Aired 1/7/2009
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: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.9/10539 votes#13 - Tomorrow Blues
Season 3 Episode 13 - Aired 1/14/2009
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: N/A
Writer: Jason Katims
The Best Episodes of Friday Night Lights Season 3
Every episode of Friday Night Lights Season 3 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Friday Night Lights Season 3!
The trials and triumphs of life in the small town of Dillon, Texas, where high school football is everything.
Genre:Drama
Season 3 Ratings Summary
"I Knew You When" is the best rated episode of "Friday Night Lights" season 3. It scored 8.1/10 based on 498 votes. Directed by N/A and written by Jason Katims, it aired on 10/1/2008. This episode is rated 0.2 points higher than the second-best, "Tami Knows Best".