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The Best Episodes of The Vietnam War Season 1

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

An immersive 360-degree narrative telling the epic story of the Vietnam War as it has never before been told on film. Featuring testimony from nearly...
Genres:DocumentaryWar & Politics
Network:PBS

Season 1 Ratings Summary

"Déjà Vu (1858-1961)" is the best rated episode of "The Vietnam War" season 1. It scored 8.5/10 based on 1138 votes. Directed by Ken Burns, Lynn Novick and written by Geoffrey C. Ward, it aired on 9/17/2017. This episode is rated 0.1 points higher than the second-best, "Riding the Tiger (1961-1963)".

  • Déjà Vu (1858-1961)
    8.5/101,138 votes

    #1 - Déjà Vu (1858-1961)

    Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 9/17/2017

    After a century of French occupation, Vietnam emerges independent but divided into North and South.

    Director: Ken Burns, Lynn Novick

    Writer: Geoffrey C. Ward

  • Riding the Tiger (1961-1963)
    8.6/10932 votes

    #2 - Riding the Tiger (1961-1963)

    Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 9/18/2017

    As a communist insurgency gains strength, JFK wrestles with American involvement in South Vietnam.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • The River Styx (January 1964-December 1965)
    8.7/10874 votes

    #3 - The River Styx (January 1964-December 1965)

    Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 9/19/2017

    With South Vietnam near collapse, LBJ begins bombing the North and sends US troops to the South.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Resolve (January 1966-June 1967)
    8.6/10796 votes

    #4 - Resolve (January 1966-June 1967)

    Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 9/20/2017

    US soldiers discover Vietnam is unlike their fathers’ war, while the antiwar movement grows.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • This Is What We Do (July 1967-December 1967)
    8.6/10761 votes

    #5 - This Is What We Do (July 1967-December 1967)

    Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 9/21/2017

    President Johnson escalates the war while promising the public that victory is in sight.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Things Fall Apart (January 1968-July 1968)
    8.8/10801 votes

    #6 - Things Fall Apart (January 1968-July 1968)

    Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 9/24/2017

    Shaken by the Tet Offensive, assassinations and unrest, America seems to be coming apart.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • The Veneer of Civilization (June 1968-May 1969)
    8.5/10722 votes

    #7 - The Veneer of Civilization (June 1968-May 1969)

    Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 9/25/2017

    After chaos roils the Democratic Convention, Nixon, promising peace, narrowly wins the presidency.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • The History of the World (April 1969-May 1970)
    8.7/10711 votes

    #8 - The History of the World (April 1969-May 1970)

    Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 9/26/2017

    Nixon withdraws troops but when he sends forces into Cambodia the antiwar movement reignites.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • A Disrespectful Loyalty (May 1970-March 1973)
    8.7/10687 votes

    #9 - A Disrespectful Loyalty (May 1970-March 1973)

    Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 9/27/2017

    South Vietnam fights on its own as Nixon and Kissinger find a way out for America. The POWs return.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • The Weight of Memory (March 1973-Onward)
    8.8/10711 votes

    #10 - The Weight of Memory (March 1973-Onward)

    Season 1 Episode 10 - Aired 9/28/2017

    Saigon falls and the war ends. Americans and Vietnamese from all sides search for reconciliation.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A