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Action & Adventure•Drama•War & Politics

The Best Episodes of Shōgun

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

Binge this in 9h 12m•Peaking at 7.0/10

An English navigator becomes both a player and pawn in complex political games in feudal Japan.

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Shōgun Season 1 Episode 1 - Part 1
    7.0/10(428 votes)

    #1 - Part 1

    S1:E1

    Set in early 17th-century Japan, shipwrecked English navigator John Blackthorne finds intrigue and culture shock in a feudal society that puts a premium on honor. A rival Lord sentences Blackthorne to death.

    Director:Jerry London
    Writer:Eric Bercovici

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  2. Shōgun Season 1 Episode 5 - Part 5
    6.3/10(332 votes)

    #2 - Part 5

    S1:E5

    Treachery, tragedy and turns of events occur. Toronaga becomes SHOGUN after the defeat of Lord Ishido. Mariko is killed in the final battle at Osaka Castle. Heartbroken, but resolute, Blackthorne begins construction of another ship.

    Director:Jerry London
    Writer:Eric Bercovici

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  3. Shōgun Season 1 Episode 3 - Part 3
    6.2/10(354 votes)

    #3 - Part 3

    S1:E3

    Blackthorne and Mariko begin a romance; Toronaga continues to build his army for a battle with Ishido. Anjin-san proves his mettle during an earthquake and is honored by Toranaga for bravery. Mariko's husband Buntaro, arrives in Anjiro.

    Director:Jerry London
    Writer:Eric Bercovici

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  4. Shōgun Season 1 Episode 4 - Part 4
    6.2/10(343 votes)

    #4 - Part 4

    S1:E4

    Anjin-san's assimilation of Japanese ways is evident in his exemplary conduct. Toranaga decides to return the Erasmus to Anjin-san. Mariko tells Father Alvito of a plot to murder a Christian lord on the Council of Regents.

    Director:Jerry London
    Writer:Eric Bercovici

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  5. Shōgun Season 1 Episode 2 - Part 2
    6.1/10(381 votes)

    #5 - Part 2

    S1:E2

    After Lord Toronaga rescues Blackthorn from prison, he enlists him as his aide and names him, 'Anjin-san'. Mariko is directed to tutor Anjin-san in the language and customs of Japan.

    Director:Jerry London
    Writer:Eric Bercovici

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Best Episodes Summary

"Part 1" is the best rated episode of "Shōgun". It scored 7/10 based on 428 votes. Directed by Jerry London and written by Eric Bercovici, it aired on 9/15/1980. This episode scored 0.7 points higher than the second highest rated, "Part 5".