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The Best Episodes of The Strain Season 1

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

Binge this in 9h 32m•Peaking at 7.6/10

A high concept thriller that tells the story of Dr. Ephraim Goodweather, the head of the Center for Disease Control Canary Team in New York City. He and his team are called upon to investigate

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    The Strain Season 1 Episode 1 - Night Zero
    7.1/10(3527 votes)

    #1 - Night Zero

    S1:E1

    When a plane lands in New York City with everyone on board dead, Dr. Ephraim Goodweather, head of the CDC’s Canary Project, and his team are called upon to investigate. Harlem pawnbroker Abraham Setrakian races to the airport, convinced that what looks at first like a mysterious viral outbreak might be the beginning of something infinitely more sinister.

    Director:Guillermo del Toro
    Writer:Chuck Hogan

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  2. The Strain Season 1 Episode 2 - The Box
    6.6/10(2446 votes)

    #2 - The Box

    S1:E2

    The four survivors begin manifesting strange symptoms, but Eph and Nora's attempt to quarantine them is thwarted as the disinformation campaign begins. Meanwhile, in jail, Setrakian receives a surprise visit from an old - a very old - acquaintance.

    Director:David Semel
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. The Strain Season 1 Episode 3 - Gone Smooth
    7.2/10(2186 votes)

    #3 - Gone Smooth

    S1:E3

    Eph and Nora fight to save Captain Redfern's life before coming face-to-face with the horrifying effects of the virus. A spike in rat attacks signals Fet that something inexplicable is happening deep below the city. Released from jail, Setrakian begins his own merciless plan to stop the spread of the disease.

    Director:David Semel
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. The Strain Season 1 Episode 4 - It's Not for Everyone
    6.8/10(2066 votes)

    #4 - It's Not for Everyone

    S1:E4

    A secret autopsy demonstrates the bizarre progression of the mystery virus, prompting Jim to make a startling confession. Eph and Nora race to find the father of the youngest victim of the plane tragedy, but someone unexpected beats them to it. Ansel, in the grip of disease, takes desperate measures to protect his family.

    Director:Keith Gordon
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. The Strain Season 1 Episode 5 - Runaways
    7.2/10(1975 votes)

    #5 - Runaways

    S1:E5

    With Nora gone, Eph reluctantly joins Setrakian's quest in hopes of gathering enough evidence to warrant a citywide quarantine. Fet encounters the unexpected inside the subway tunnels, and a medical emergency threatens Palmer's master plan.

    Director:Peter Weller
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. The Strain Season 1 Episode 6 - Occultation
    7.2/10(1958 votes)

    #6 - Occultation

    S1:E6

    After warning Kelly to leave the city with Zack ahead of the spreading plague, Eph is arrested by the FBI. Eichhorst has one final job for Gus, while Setrakian realizes that the coming eclipse is the tipping point for virus infection and the beginning of the end.

    Director:Peter Weller
    Writer:Unknown

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  7. The Strain Season 1 Episode 7 - For Services Rendered
    7.6/10(2219 votes)

    #7 - For Services Rendered

    S1:E7

    Setrakian, Eph, and Nora formulate a plan to track down the Master using Jim as bait. Eichhorst and Setrakian’s pasts are revealed. At the Luss home, Neeva struggles to protect the children while encountering a mysterious stranger whose help she may not want.

    Director:Charlotte Sieling
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. The Strain Season 1 Episode 8 - Creatures of the Night
    7.6/10(2173 votes)

    #8 - Creatures of the Night

    S1:E8

    After discovering the potency of ultraviolet light against the strigoi, Setrakian gains a new and unlikely disciple. A quick trip to a Brooklyn convenience store turns into a deadly all-night siege.

    Director:Guy Ferland
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. The Strain Season 1 Episode 9 - The Disappeared
    6.6/10(1807 votes)

    #9 - The Disappeared

    S1:E9

    Eph races to safeguard his family, only to learn that Kelly is missing. Dutch reveals her role in Palmer’s plan, and Gus is forced to make a difficult decision about Felix.

    Director:Charlotte Sieling
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. The Strain Season 1 Episode 10 - Loved Ones
    7.0/10(1768 votes)

    #10 - Loved Ones

    S1:E10

    Eph investigates Kelly’s disappearance and struggles with what he finds. Dutch pursues a plan to retaliate against Palmer, and Fitzwilliam makes a surprising choice.

    Director:John Dahl
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. The Strain Season 1 Episode 11 - The Third Rail
    7.3/10(1735 votes)

    #11 - The Third Rail

    S1:E11

    Setrakian leads Eph, Fet and Nora in the hunt for the Master’s lair. Left behind at the pawnshop with Mariela, Zack risks his safety for Mariela's sake.

    Director:Deran Sarafian
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. The Strain Season 1 Episode 12 - Last Rites
    7.6/10(1721 votes)

    #12 - Last Rites

    S1:E12

    Dutch returns with a plan to broadcast Eph’s warning about the vampiric plague. However, they face a new threat when Eichhorst launches his own attack against the pawn shop. Palmer receives a special visitor, and Gus gears up for the on-coming fight but discovers there’s another mysterious factor involved.

    Director:Peter Weller
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. The Strain Season 1 Episode 13 - The Master
    7.5/10(1859 votes)

    #13 - The Master

    S1:E13

    Eph and Fet recon for an all-out assault that Setrakian assures them will finally kill the Master. Gus aligns himself with a strange new force, one that may swing the fight in an unforeseen direction.

    Director:Phil Abraham
    Writer:Guillermo del Toro

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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"Night Zero" is the best rated episode of "The Strain" season 1. It scored 7.1/10 based on 3527 votes. Directed by Guillermo del Toro and written by Chuck Hogan, it aired on 7/13/2014. This episode is rated 0.5 points higher than the second-best, "The Box".