Hornblower backdrop
Drama•War & Politics•Action & Adventure

The Best Episodes of Hornblower

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

Binge this in 16h 0m•Peaking at 10.0/10

Set during the 18th century Napoleonic Wars, Horatio Hornblower, a young and shy midshipman, rises through the ranks to become an admiral.

Airs on
ITV1
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons3

All123

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Click to reveal
    Hornblower Season 3 Episode 1 - Loyalty
    10.0/10(3 votes)

    #1 - Loyalty

    S3:E1

    Finally promoted to Captain and given command of HMS Hotspur, Hornblower is sent to France to determine the status of Napoleon's pledge of peace, but instead he discovers Napoleon's troops waiting to invade. He also begins a romantic relationship with the young Maria Mason.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. Hornblower Season 1 Episode 3 - The Duchess and the Devil
    9.6/10(7 votes)

    #2 - The Duchess and the Devil

    S1:E3

    Hornblower leads a daring raid on a French sloop, and is rewarded by being allowed to set sail for England.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. Hornblower Season 1 Episode 1 - The Even Chance
    9.5/10(6 votes)

    #3 - The Even Chance

    S1:E1

    In 1793, 17-year-old Horatio Hornblower begins his career in His Majesty's Navy, and must prove himself in battle when war is declared.

    Director:Andrew Grieve
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. Hornblower Season 1 Episode 4 - The Frogs and the Lobsters
    9.3/10(6 votes)

    #4 - The Frogs and the Lobsters

    S1:E4

    The Admiralty endorses a daring plan to overthrow the French government.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. Hornblower Season 1 Episode 2 - The Examination for Lieutenant
    9.2/10(6 votes)

    #5 - The Examination for Lieutenant

    S1:E2

    Promoted to Acting Lieutenant, Hornblower is forced to question his readiness for command.

    Director:Andrew Grieve
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. Hornblower Season 2 Episode 2 - Retribution
    9.2/10(6 votes)

    #6 - Retribution

    S2:E2

    Before taking the Renown back to Jamaica for their court martial on charges of mutiny, Hornblower, Kennedy, and Bush convince an insecure and indecisive Lt. Buckland, now acting captain, that it would be appropriate to launch a surprise attack on the Spanish fortress at Santo Domingo. Matters are complicated when the inept Buckland incurs the enmity of the local rebels, who now regard them as enemies too. Captain Sawyer's increasing paranoia, deserting seamen, Buckland's growing jealousy of Hornblower, and the duplicity of the Spaniards all complicate the already perilous situation.

    Director:Andrew Grieve
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 WORST Episodes of Hornblower

    READ
  7. Hornblower Season 2 Episode 1 - Mutiny
    9.0/10(5 votes)

    #7 - Mutiny

    S2:E1

    Sir Edward Pellew visits Horatio Hornblower who is jail in Jamaica awaiting his trial on a charge of making a mutiny. His problems began six months earlier when he was appointed Third Lieutenant aboard the HMS Renown under the famous Captain James Sawyer. It soon becomes apparent to several of the officers, including Horatio's friend Archie Kennedy who is aboard ship as Fourth Lieutenant that the Captain is suffering from madness of some sort. He is cruel and sees conspiracies everywhere. Both Horatio and Midshipman Welland prove to be the particular objects of his wrath. The situation is not helped by an inexperience First Lieutenant who does not command the Captain's respect and a newly arrived Second Lieutenant who doesn't seem ready to challenge the Captain in any way.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. Hornblower Season 3 Episode 2 - Duty
    9.0/10(3 votes)

    #8 - Duty

    S3:E2

    Soon after getting married, Hornblower is sent on a search and rescue mission for a British ship (under the command of an old friend) last reported off the French coast. In the midst of the search, the HMS Hotspur picks up some unwanted passengers and attempts to discover the objective of a small French invasion force.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Best Episodes Summary

"Loyalty" is the best rated episode of "Hornblower". It scored 10/10 based on 3 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 1/5/2003. This episode scored 0.4 points higher than the second highest rated, "The Duchess and the Devil".