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The Best Episodes of Heroes Season 1

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

Binge this in 16h 39m•Peaking at 8.2/10

Common people discover that they have super powers. Their lives intertwine as a devastating event must be prevented.

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Heroes Season 1 Episode 1 - Genesis
    7.7/10(42 votes)

    #1 - Genesis

    S1:E1

    As a total eclipse casts its shadow across the globe, a genetics professor in India is led by his father's disappearance to uncover a secret theory -- there are people with super powers living among us. A young dreamer tries to convince his politician brother that he can fly. A high school cheerleader learns that she is totally indestructible. A single mother struggles to make ends meet to support her young son and discovers that her mirror image has a secret. A gifted artist, whose drug addiction is destroying his life and relationship with his girlfriend, can paint the future. And in Japan, a young man develops a way to stop time through sheer will power. Yet, unbeknownst to them all, their ultimate destiny is nothing less than saving the world...

    Director:David Semel
    Writer:Tim Kring

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  2. Heroes Season 1 Episode 2 - Don't Look Back
    7.5/10(35 votes)

    #2 - Don't Look Back

    S1:E2

    Outside a bizarre, gruesome crime scene, Los Angeles beat cop Matt Parkman is the only one who can hear the cries of a missing little girl. Claire almost reveals her secret ability to the entire school after learning that her injury attempt tape has disappeared. Thinking she's going crazy, Niki loses another block of time after waking to find some brutally murdered thugs in her garage, only to be confronted by Social Services about son Micah. While office drone Hiro investigates New York, Nathan confronts Peter following his plunge off a building.

    Director:Allan Arkush
    Writer:Tim Kring

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  3. Heroes Season 1 Episode 3 - One Giant Leap
    7.6/10(33 votes)

    #3 - One Giant Leap

    S1:E3

    As the "Heroes" continue to test their newfound extraordinary abilities, Claire tries to maintain a normal social life when a romance with the football quarterback takes a tragic turn. While Hiro convinces his friend that they are destined to travel to America to save the world, a frightened Niki follows instructions from a mysterious, unknown source that directs her to the middle of the desert. Meanwhile, Nathan uses Peter's accident to propel his political campaign. The elusive Sylar is being hunted by both Matt and the FBI, as well as Suresh, whose father's journal leads to potential clues.

    Director:Greg Beeman
    Writer:Jeph Loeb

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  4. Heroes Season 1 Episode 4 - Collision
    7.7/10(32 votes)

    #4 - Collision

    S1:E4

    Suresh finally tracks down one of his father's fabled genetically advanced "supermen." In Las Vegas, Hiro's plan backfires when he cautiously turns time to his advantage at the gambling tables. Niki's mafia debtors use their leverage to their benefit in a more elaborate scheme, while Nathan pays a personal visit to a wealthy Vegas contributor to raise additional campaign funds. Following a tragic turn at a bonfire, Claire's uncanny healing abilities are put to the ultimate test, but according to Issac's paintings, her future could be fraught with even more peril Meanwhile, Matt's abilities are gauged by a pair of men who seem to know a great deal about people with special gifts.

    Director:Ernest R. Dickerson
    Writer:Bryan Fuller

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  5. Heroes Season 1 Episode 5 - Hiros
    7.8/10(32 votes)

    #5 - Hiros

    S1:E5

    Confused after losing track of another block of time, Niki finds the police on her doorstep, searching for her fugitive husband D.L. Hawkins. Claire confesses to her father. Hiro and his friend get jumped by some Vegas high-rollers. Peter receives a life-changing message from an unlikely source. Meanwhile, Matt secretly uses his mind-reading ability to anticipate his wife's needs. Dismayed by recent events, Suresh makes plans to return to India to lay both his father's remains and his research to rest.

    Director:Paul Shapiro
    Writer:Michael Green

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  6. Heroes Season 1 Episode 6 - Better Halves
    7.8/10(29 votes)

    #6 - Better Halves

    S1:E6

    Hiro and his buddy embark on their heroic journey to New York, when they are stopped by a Vegas high-roller who offers them a deal they can't refuse. As Noah Bennett sets up a meeting for his daughter Claire with her biological parents, she hopes that questions about her newfound indestructibility can be answered. Meanwhile, Isaac receives another confusing call from Hiro, but Peter is there this time to pick up the phone and relay a life-saving message. Suresh bids farewell to Eden as he heads back to India to bury his father. An unexpected visitor shows up at Niki's home.

    Director:Greg Beeman
    Writer:Natalie Chaidez

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    The 20 BEST Episodes of Heroes

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  7. Heroes Season 1 Episode 7 - Nothing to Hide
    7.8/10(28 votes)

    #7 - Nothing to Hide

    S1:E7

    Facing a crisis involving her son Micah, a distraught Niki reveals her recent personal struggles to a friend. Pushing aside his own issues at home, Matt assists Audrey's investigation into another bizarre murder, but their pursuit of mysterious serial killer Sylar takes an unexpected turn. After failing to act like a "superhero" when faced with danger, Hiro questions his heroism. Nathan and his wife Heidi strategize how to win the congressional election. Claire is shocked to learn where her missing tape wound up. Meanwhile, her father is disturbed by news from one of his associates.

    Director:Donna Deitch
    Writer:Jesse Alexander

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  8. Heroes Season 1 Episode 8 - Seven Minutes to Midnight
    7.8/10(26 votes)

    #8 - Seven Minutes to Midnight

    S1:E8

    Back in India to mourn the passing of his father, Suresh encounters mysterious dreams of the past that force him to question what path to take next. Continuing their journey to New York, Hiro and Ando stop at a diner and meet someone interesting. In crisis, Niki comes to a personal understanding. Determined to see one of Isaac's paintings that Simone recently sold, Peter asks Nathan for help in finding a key to the future. Intent on getting back to her normal life, Claire focuses on Homecoming preparations, unaware of what's to come. Meanwhile, Mr. Bennett and a surprising associate focus their attentions on another "hero."

    Director:Paul A. Edwards
    Writer:Tim Kring

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  9. Heroes Season 1 Episode 9 - Homecoming
    7.9/10(28 votes)

    #9 - Homecoming

    S1:E9

    As Mr. Bennet tries to protect his daughter by any means, Claire's high school Homecoming celebration turns into a frightening night for many. Nathan and Simone work together to find Isaac's painting for Peter, but this key to the future could lead to tragedy. Meanwhile, Hiro travels back in time to right an upsetting wrong. As Niki puts a goal in sight, Micah spends time with his dad. Still experiencing strange dreams while in India, Suresh learns of a boy that might pull him back into his father's research

    Director:Greg Beeman
    Writers:Nora Kay Foster, Adam Armus

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  10. Heroes Season 1 Episode 10 - Six Months Ago
    8.1/10(28 votes)

    #10 - Six Months Ago

    S1:E10

    As the clock turns back six months for all of the "Heroes," Mohinder's father Chandra Suresh arrives in New York to begin his quest to find individuals with extraordinary abilities, and meets someone all to eager to be special. Peter celebrates his graduation from nursing school, and learns that Nathan plans to prosecute a case that could mean trouble for the entire Petrelli family. A surprise visit from her father brings out the worst in Niki. Hiro attempts to be a hero and change the future for someone important. Claire joins the cheerleading squad and makes a curious discovery. Mr. Bennet and the Haitian meet someone special.

    Director:Allan Arkush
    Writer:Aron Eli Coleite

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  11. Heroes Season 1 Episode 11 - Fallout
    8.2/10(27 votes)

    #11 - Fallout

    S1:E11

    The tragic events in Texas have sad, serious repercussions for many of the "heroes," their families and friends. Meanwhile, shocking details about the moments leading up to Isaac's predicted New York City nuclear bombing are revealed. Later, Issac's newest painting has fascinating future implications for a hero in crisis. Suresh takes the first steps along his new path. Matt and F.B.I. Agent Audrey Hanson pursue a break in the Sylar case. Horrified by Jessica's recent actions, Niki makes a tough decision to protect her family.

    Director:John Badham
    Writer:Joe Pokaski

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  12. Heroes Season 1 Episode 12 - Godsend
    8.1/10(26 votes)

    #12 - Godsend

    S1:E12

    Matt reveals his abilities to his wife. HRG confers with Mohinder. Now that she knows the truth, Claire tries to make sense of her life. Hiro seeks the sword that he is destined to own. Niki must face the consequences of her decision to turn herself in to the police. Simone and Nathan are worried about Peter, who has been in a coma for two weeks. Peter meets a new hero. Micah visits his mother.

    Director:Paul Shapiro
    Writer:Tim Kring

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  13. Heroes Season 1 Episode 13 - The Fix
    7.8/10(26 votes)

    #13 - The Fix

    S1:E13

    Hiro continues to search for a sword while being chased by mysterious figures. An invisible man named Claude has something to teach one of the heroes. D.L. takes on new family responsibilities, and Matt opens up to his wife. H.R.G. continues to focus on the captive Sylar. Claire seeks out the Haitian and then her birth parents. Mohinder looks for those on the list, and receives a surprise visitor. A psychiatrist offers to help Niki.

    Director:Terrence O'Hara
    Writer:Natalie Chaidez

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  14. Heroes Season 1 Episode 14 - Distractions
    7.9/10(27 votes)

    #14 - Distractions

    S1:E14

    Hiro deals with explaining his new heroic path in life to his ambitious sister and tycoon father. Niki has the chance to reunite with D.L and Micah. Claude's mentoring of Peter leads Peter to question those closest to him. Claire goes to a trailer park looking for her birth mother. Sylar wears a disguise and makes a move against HRG.

    Director:Jeannot Szwarc
    Writer:Michael Green

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  15. Heroes Season 1 Episode 15 - Run!
    7.8/10(26 votes)

    #15 - Run!

    S1:E15

    Matt enters the private security business and receives an objectionable client. Suresh finds another person on the list. As her home-life worsens, Claire strives to learn more about her birth parents. Hiro and Ando get sidetracked in Vegas again while searching for the sword. Nathan is forced to deal with a secret from his past. Still indebted to Mr. Linderman, Jessica resorts to unsavory methods that could spell doom for a fellow hero.

    Director:Roxann Dawson
    Writers:Nora Kay Foster, Adam Armus

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  16. Heroes Season 1 Episode 16 - Unexpected
    8.1/10(26 votes)

    #16 - Unexpected

    S1:E16

    Peter learns that he and Claude may have been betrayed. Matt's reunited with the radioactive Ted Sprague and Hana Gitelman a woman with "wireless" mental abilities. Hiro makes a tough choice about his mission. Claire can no longer hold back her anger towards HRG.

    Director:Greg Beeman
    Writer:Jeph Loeb

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  17. Heroes Season 1 Episode 17 - Company Man
    8.1/10(26 votes)

    #17 - Company Man

    S1:E17

    H.R.G.'s past catches up to him as Matt and Ted Sprague come to Texas looking for answers, and take him, his wife, son and Claire hostage -- leading to a tragic, explosive showdown.

    Director:Allan Arkush
    Writer:Bryan Fuller

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  18. Heroes Season 1 Episode 18 - Parasite
    7.5/10(28 votes)

    #18 - Parasite

    S1:E18

    With the election and New York City's destruction looming, Nathan has a disturbing face-to-face meeting with the shadowy Linderman. Hiro's attempt to steal the sword steers him into a grim new direction. Suresh makes a breakthrough on the list—at great cost. D.L. begins to suspect all is not well at home. Isaac paints his most terrible painting yet. New hero Candice Wilmer makes an illusive debut.

    Director:Kevin Bray
    Writer:Christopher Zatta

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  19. Heroes Season 1 Episode 19 - .07%
    7.9/10(25 votes)

    #19 - .07%

    S1:E19

    After "helping" Suresh search for more people with special abilities, Sylar's rampage continues with two "heroes" being confronted by the stronger-powered serial killer. Nathan must factor what he's learned from Linderman into difficult decisions that will shape the future, for him, his family, New York City and the world.

    Director:Adam Kane
    Writer:Chuck Kim

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  20. Heroes Season 1 Episode 20 - Five Years Gone
    7.6/10(27 votes)

    #20 - Five Years Gone

    S1:E20

    Hiro and Ando's trek into the future leads them to meet some of the heroes as they are five years later, after the nuclear fallout. This includes a darker side of Matt, a Jessica/Niki with a clear winner in their battle, a brown-haired Claire, and a man named Andy, who's a big hearted Texan. It also features an event at an upscale gentleman's club.

    Director:Paul A. Edwards
    Writer:Joe Pokaski

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  21. Heroes Season 1 Episode 21 - The Hard Part
    7.8/10(25 votes)

    #21 - The Hard Part

    S1:E21

    Hiro and Ando's determination is put to the test. Nathan wants to win the election and he's taking drastic measures to ensure that he will. This episode will feature Sylar, his home life, and where he came from. Jessica and D.L. discover some of the stuff that Linderman wants from them and Micah. Also there is a new hero who is supposed to be holding the key to stopping Sylar.

    Director:John Badham
    Writer:Aron Eli Coleite

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  22. Heroes Season 1 Episode 22 - Landslide
    7.9/10(23 votes)

    #22 - Landslide

    S1:E22

    Poised to become a member of Congress and maybe more, Nathan considers the cost to those he loves, along with his mother's advice and Linderman's prophecy. As he prepares to face Sylar to the death, Hiro learns of his lineage from his father. While various "heroes" fatefully arrive in New York City, Peter and Claire attempt to leave the city before the foretold explosion. H.R.G.

    Director:Greg Beeman
    Writer:Jesse Alexander

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  23. Heroes Season 1 Episode 23 - How to Stop an Exploding Man
    8.1/10(25 votes)

    #23 - How to Stop an Exploding Man

    S1:E23

    Can Sylar be stopped? Will Linderman's vision live on with Nathan? What will it take for Peter to save the world, what sacrifices will be made? With all the horrible predictions unfolding before them the heroes face moments of pain and peril in Kirby Plaza.

    Director:Allan Arkush
    Writer:Tim Kring

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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"Genesis" is the best rated episode of "Heroes" season 1. It scored 7.7/10 based on 42 votes. Directed by David Semel and written by Tim Kring, it aired on 9/25/2006. This episode is rated 0.2 points higher than the second-best, "Don't Look Back".