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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 59m•Peaking at 9.4/10

In Japan in the year 1600, at the dawn of a century-defining civil war, Lord Yoshii Toranaga is fighting for his life as his enemies on the Council of Regents unite against him, when a

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Shōgun Season 1 Episode 9 - Crimson Sky
    9.4/10(13969 votes)

    S1:E9

    Mariko arrives in Osaka for the fight of her life. Blackthorne and Yabushige scramble to save their own heads as their options dwindle.

    Director:Frederick E. O. Toye
    Writers:Rachel Kondo, Caillin Puente

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  2. Shōgun Season 1 Episode 4 - The Eightfold Fence
    8.9/10(12506 votes)

    S1:E4

    Blackthorne and Mariko test their new alliance as they train Toranaga's gun regiment for war. Yabushige must navigate his past promises to Ishido when an old friend comes to the village.

    Director:Frederick E. O. Toye
    Writers:Emily Yoshida, Nigel Williams

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  3. Shōgun Season 1 Episode 2 - Servants of Two Masters
    8.8/10(14914 votes)

    S1:E2

    Blackthorne's arrival in Osaka stirs up a hornet's nest of rivalries. Mariko is trapped between her cause and her faith when she must translate for the barbarian in Lord Toranaga's custody.

    Director:Jonathan van Tulleken
    Writers:Rachel Kondo, Justin Marks

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  4. Shōgun Season 1 Episode 8 - The Abyss of Life
    8.8/10(11185 votes)

    S1:E8

    Toranaga's defeated clan moves to Edo and awaits their fate. Blackthorne must decide who he fights for - the lord who has turned his back on him, or the ambition that brought him to Japan in the first place.

    Directors:Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour, Jr.
    Writer:Shannon Goss

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  5. Shōgun Season 1 Episode 3 - Tomorrow Is Tomorrow
    8.7/10(13242 votes)

    S1:E3

    After Blackthorne survives a brazen assassination attempt, Toranaga realizes he must ferry his allies out of Osaka or risk certain defeat.

    Director:Charlotte Brändström
    Writer:Shannon Goss

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  6. Shōgun Season 1 Episode 5 - Broken to the Fist
    8.7/10(11379 votes)

    S1:E5

    Blackthorne and Mariko struggle to contain the secret that could get them both killed. Yabushige searches for the spy who has betrayed his intentions to Lord Toranaga.

    Director:Frederick E. O. Toye
    Writer:Matt Lambert

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Shōgun

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  7. Shōgun Season 1 Episode 10 - A Dream of a Dream
    8.5/10(11488 votes)

    S1:E10

    In the wake of a tragic death, Blackthorne finally considers the true nature of Toranaga's plan.

    Director:Frederick E. O. Toye
    Writers:Emily Yoshida, Maegan Houang

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  8. Shōgun Season 1 Episode 1 - Anjin
    8.4/10(16099 votes)

    S1:E1

    Destinies converge in Japan after a barbarian ship washes ashore in a poor fishing village. Meanwhile, in Osaka, Lord Toranaga finds himself outplayed by his enemies.

    Director:Jonathan van Tulleken
    Writers:Rachel Kondo, Justin Marks

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  9. Shōgun Season 1 Episode 7 - A Stick of Time
    8.2/10(10057 votes)

    S1:E7

    Outplayed by new alliances in Osaka, Toranaga is forced to carve out a new deal with a long lost family member.

    Director:Takeshi Fukunaga
    Writer:Matt Lambert

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  10. Shōgun Season 1 Episode 6 - Ladies of the Willow World
    8.0/10(10377 votes)

    S1:E6

    Lady Ochiba returns to Osaka in order to accelerate the Regents' campaign against Toranaga. In Ajiro, Toranaga tests Mariko's loyalty to his cause.

    Director:Hiromi Kamata
    Writer:Maegan Houang

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Best Episodes Summary

"Crimson Sky" is the best rated episode of "Shōgun". It scored 9.4/10 based on 13969 votes. Directed by Frederick E. O. Toye and written by Rachel Kondo, Caillin Puente, it aired on 4/16/2024. This episode scored 0.5 points higher than the second highest rated, "The Eightfold Fence".