The L Word backdrop
Drama•Soap

The Best Episodes of The L Word Season 1

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

Binge this in 11h 40m•Peaking at 9.5/10

A group of lesbian friends struggle with romance and careers in Los Angeles.

Airs on
Showtime
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons6

All123456

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    The L Word Season 1 Episode 1 - Pilot Part 1
    8.0/10(692 votes)

    #1 - Pilot Part 1

    S1:E1

    Bette Porter and Tina Kennard have been a couple for seven years, and they want to start a family. Their next-door neighbor, Tim Haspel, is excited that his girlfriend, a talented young writer named Jenny Schecter, is moving in with him. But soon mixing with Bette and Tina's circle of lesbian friends, Jenny learns that her midwest university education may not have prepared her for what she will learn about life, lust, and love in Los Angeles.

    Director:Rose Troche
    Writer:Ilene Chaiken

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. The L Word Season 1 Episode 2 - Pilot Part 2
    9.5/10(419 votes)

    #2 - Pilot Part 2

    S1:E2

    No description available

    Director:Rose Troche
    Writer:Ilene Chaiken

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. The L Word Season 1 Episode 3 - Let's Do It
    8.7/10(360 votes)

    #3 - Let's Do It

    S1:E3

    Tina tries to get over her concerns about the new sperm donor. Tim decides to throw a dinner party and invites Marina, making Jenny feel uncomfortable. Alice runs into her abusive ex-girlfriend. Dana has her eye on a chef, but is hesitant to make a move on her.

    Directors:Lynne Stopkewich, Rose Troche
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. The L Word Season 1 Episode 4 - Longing
    5.7/10(339 votes)

    #4 - Longing

    S1:E4

    Bette engages in a battle with the chairman of the gallery board who wants to close down the gallery. Alice rekindles her relationship with an ex-girlfriend, despite the objections of her friends. Jenny tries to deny her feelings for Marina, and Dana finally gets a date with Lara.

    Director:Lynne Stopkewich
    Writer:Josh Senter

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. The L Word Season 1 Episode 5 - Lies, Lies, Lies
    5.3/10(326 votes)

    #5 - Lies, Lies, Lies

    S1:E5

    Jenny confides in her old college professor about her affair with Marina. Bette receives some delightful news. Dana's fears of being outed continue as she juggles between her tennis career and Lara. Alice's mother comes to stay with her daughter.

    Director:Rose Troche
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. The L Word Season 1 Episode 6 - Lawfully
    7.5/10(315 votes)

    #6 - Lawfully

    S1:E6

    Dana is invited to a dinner party for Subaru, who want to sponsor her tennis career, but Lara is hurt when Dana takes her male doubles partner instead of her. Meanwhile, Tim is shocked when he catches Marina and Jenny in a compromising position, Alice tries to sort out the problems with her mother, and Bette tells her father about Tina's pregnancy, but is upset by his reaction.

    Director:Rose Troche
    Writer:Guinevere Turner

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 BEST Episodes of The L Word

    READ
  7. The L Word Season 1 Episode 7 - Losing It
    7.5/10(300 votes)

    #7 - Losing It

    S1:E7

    After arriving home, Tim starts to worry when he learns that Jenny has vanished. Bette travels to New York for an art opening and her relationship with Tina is put to the test. Back in Los Angeles, the sperm donor's girlfriend discovers a lonely Tina and starts to harass her.

    Directors:Rose Troche, Tony Goldwyn
    Writer:Ilene Chaiken

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. The L Word Season 1 Episode 8 - L'Ennui
    7.3/10(289 votes)

    #8 - L'Ennui

    S1:E8

    Tina and Bette are stunned when their friends say their impending parenthood has made them boring. Jenny stays at Marina's when Tim throws her out but she is shocked to learn the truth about Marina's personal life. Dana rejects Lara as her sponsorship contract hangs on the line.

    Director:Rose Troche
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. The L Word Season 1 Episode 9 - Listen Up
    7.8/10(284 votes)

    #9 - Listen Up

    S1:E9

    When Jenny's old roommate (guest star Sarah Strange) from college comes to stay, Jenny decides to use the opportunity to reveal the details about her affair with Marina. Bette and Tina join a group in preparation for becoming parents, and Dana faces a tough time when she must come out to her conservative parents.

    Director:Rose Troche
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. The L Word Season 1 Episode 10 - Luck, Next Time
    7.8/10(305 votes)

    #10 - Luck, Next Time

    S1:E10

    Shane gets the opportunity to style a high-profile client's hair, Bette and Tina receive some devastating news, Jenny goes to dinner with Marina and Francesca, and Alice decides that her relationship with Lisa is too complex.

    Directors:Mary Harron, Rose Troche
    Writer:Ilene Chaiken

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. The L Word Season 1 Episode 11 - Liberally
    7.3/10(292 votes)

    #11 - Liberally

    S1:E11

    Bette is worried about Tina when she throws herself into volunteer work, Marina and Francesca get into an argument, Alice thinks she may be pregnant by Lisa, and Dana and Jenny try to console each other.

    Director:Rose Troche
    Writer:Guinevere Turner

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. The L Word Season 1 Episode 12 - Looking Back
    6.6/10(282 votes)

    #12 - Looking Back

    S1:E12

    Tina, Jenny, Shane, Alice and Dana all share an eventful trip to Palm Springs. While on the road, they all share their "first love" stories. Back in Los Angeles, Bette hires Candace, an attractive carpenter, to handle the set-up of the "Provocations" exhibit opening at the gallery.

    Directors:Lynne Stopkewich, Rose Troche
    Writer:Ilene Chaiken

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. The L Word Season 1 Episode 13 - Locked Up
    6.3/10(348 votes)

    #13 - Locked Up

    S1:E13

    After a riot at the gallery, the entire gang ends up in jail. Shane rejects Clea's affections, Jenny goes on a date, and Marina makes a move on Robin as she prepares for Drag King night at The Planet.

    Directors:Rose Troche, Tony Goldwyn
    Writer:Ilene Chaiken

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. The L Word Season 1 Episode 14 - Limb from Limb
    7.2/10(6 votes)

    #14 - Limb from Limb

    S1:E14

    As the "Provocations" opening approaches, Bette struggles with a temptation. After some sad news, Dana turns to Tonya, leaving Alice unhappy. Shane tries to let Clea down gently but it backfires in her face.

    Director:Rose Troche
    Writer:Ilene Chaiken

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Season 1 Ratings Summary

"Pilot Part 1" is the best rated episode of "The L Word" season 1. It scored 8/10 based on 692 votes. Directed by Rose Troche and written by Ilene Chaiken, it aired on 1/18/2004. This episode is rated 1.5 points higher than the second-best, "Pilot Part 2".