Show cover for Hell on Wheels

The Best Episodes of Hell on Wheels Season 1

Every episode of Hell on Wheels Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Hell on Wheels Season 1!

The epic story of post-Civil War America, focusing on Cullen Bohannon, a Confederate soldier who sets out to exact revenge on the Union soldiers who killed his wife. His journey takes him west to Hell on Wheels, a dangerous, raucous, lawless melting pot of a town that travels with and services the construction of the first transcontinental railroad, an engineering feat unprecedented for its time.

Genres:Action & AdventureDramaWestern
Network:AMC

Season 1 Ratings Summary

The best episode of "Hell on Wheels" season 1 is "Pilot", rated 7.8/10 from 1369 user votes. It was directed by David Von Ancken and written by Joe Gayton, Tony Gayton. "Pilot" aired on 11/6/2011 and is rated 0.1 point(s) higher than the second highest rated, "Immoral Mathematics".

  • Pilot
    7.8/10 1,369 votes

    #1 - Pilot

    Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 11/6/2011

    A former confederate soldier journeys to the transcontinental railroad to seek vengeance.

    Director: David Von Ancken

    Writer: Joe Gayton, Tony Gayton

  • Immoral Mathematics
    7.9/10 1,029 votes

    #2 - Immoral Mathematics

    Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 11/13/2011

    Lily encounters natives in the wilderness. Cullen is questioned in regards to his recent actions against others. Meanwhile, Durant continues his push for political gain through his persuasions.

    Director: David Von Ancken

    Writer: Joe Gayton, Tony Gayton

  • A New Birth of Freedom
    7.7/10 921 votes

    #3 - A New Birth of Freedom

    Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 11/20/2011

    When Lily goes missing, Durant organizes a search party. A subsidiary request prevents Cullen from his continued search for the sergeant involved in the murder of his wife.

    Director: Phil Abraham

    Writer: John Shiban

  • Jamais je ne t'oublierai
    7.6/10 869 votes

    #4 - Jamais je ne t'oublierai

    Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 11/27/2011

    Cullen's search for the sergeant nears its end; Durant keeps to his hidden agenda while assisting in Lily's recuperation.

    Director: Alex Zakrzewski

    Writer: Jamie Linck O'Brien, Jami O'Brien

  • Bread and Circuses
    7.7/10 869 votes

    #5 - Bread and Circuses

    Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 12/4/2011

    A bare-knuckle brouhaha between Elam and Cullen is spurred by Durant's latest attempt to deal with the railroad's financial crisis.

    Director: Adam Davidson

    Writer: Mark Richard

  • Pride, Pomp and Circumstance
    7.7/10 826 votes

    #6 - Pride, Pomp and Circumstance

    Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 12/11/2011

    Durant challenges the Cheyenne to a competition in an effort to bring a halt to ongoing negotiations. Meanwhile, Elam and Cullen try to prevent bloodshed in town.

    Director: Michael Slovis

    Writer: Bruce Marshall Romans

  • Revelations
    8.5/10 874 votes

    #7 - Revelations

    Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 12/18/2011

    With Elam's life in the balance, Cullen must decide how much he’s willing to risk. Meanwhile Durant faces financial ruin as Lily confronts the family of her late husband.

    Director: Michelle MacLaren

    Writer: Joe Gayton, Tony Gayton

  • Derailed
    8.1/10 824 votes

    #8 - Derailed

    Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 1/1/2012

    Durant dispatches Cullen and Elam on a mission of vengeance. Lily struggles to find her place.

    Director: David Von Ancken

    Writer: Mark Richard

  • Timshel
    8.3/10 814 votes

    #9 - Timshel

    Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 1/8/2012

    A looming railroad deadline throws Cullen and Lily together; Joseph and Elam deal with what their violent mission has wrought.

    Director: John Shiban

    Writer: John Shiban

  • God of Chaos
    8.3/10 818 votes

    #10 - God of Chaos

    Season 1 Episode 10 - Aired 1/15/2012

    In the Season 1 finale, Cullen's past and future collide, impacting his life on the railroad.

    Director: David Von Ancken

    Writer: Joe Gayton, Tony Gayton