The Man Will Burn backdrop
Documentary

The Best Episodes of The Man Will Burn Season 1

Every episode of The Man Will Burn Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of The Man Will Burn Season 1!

Binge this in 3h 52m•Peaking at 7.6/10

Explores the definitive story of the Burning Man festival, filmed over three years with the co-operation of the Burning Man Project, the non-profit behind it, and featuring archive from the last 30 years.

Airs on
HBO
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons1

All1

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    The Man Will Burn Season 1 Episode 2 - Welcome to the Shit Show
    7.6/10(32 votes)

    S1:E2

    Burning Man is canceled for the second year in a row. A renegade group of "Burners" hold their own event in the desert, and, to many, the Renegade Burn feels like a return to the event’s origins, and exposes complex dynamics within the leadership.

    Directors:Jehane Noujaim, Vikram Gandhi
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. The Man Will Burn Season 1 Episode 4 - Mud Burn
    7.6/10(24 votes)

    S1:E4

    Burning Man is threatened by days of rain and chaos. Many attendees flee the muddy terrain as the government steps in to ensure attendees stay safe.

    Directors:Jehane Noujaim, Vikram Gandhi
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. The Man Will Burn Season 1 Episode 3 - Waking Dreams
    6.8/10(24 votes)

    S1:E3

    Burning Man is back in full force with the musicians, singers, and artists that create and run the spectacular art installations. A growing unease resurges among the creatives who fear that the advent of social media influencers and the influx of tech money threaten the original philosophy of the Burning Man community spirit.

    Directors:Jehane Noujaim, Vikram Gandhi
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. The Man Will Burn Season 1 Episode 1 - The Great Unknown
    6.5/10(46 votes)

    S1:E1

    Burning Man grows from an anti-establishment group in San Francisco, founded by Larry Harvey in the 1980s, to a multi-million-dollar event with thousands of attendees and the backing of billionaire tech donors. First time "Burners" look forward to the experience, while repeat attendees and organizers prep for the unpredictable as COVID-19 threatens the event.

    Directors:Jehane Noujaim, Vikram Gandhi
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Season 1 Ratings Summary

"Welcome to the Shit Show" is the best rated episode of "The Man Will Burn" season 1. It scored 7.6/10 based on 32 votes. Directed by Jehane Noujaim, Vikram Gandhi and written by Unknown, it aired on 7/16/2026. This episode is rated 0.0 points higher than the second-best, "Mud Burn".