The Young Pope backdrop
Drama

The Best Episodes of The Young Pope Season 1

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

Binge this in 9h 32m•Peaking at 8.7/10

Lenny Belardo, the youngest and first American Pope in the history of the Church, must establish his new papacy and navigate the power struggles of the closed, secretive Vatican.

Airs on
Sky Atlantic
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons1

All1

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    The Young Pope Season 1 Episode 1 - First Episode (1)
    8.0/10(2261 votes)

    #1 - First Episode (1)

    S1:E1

    Newly elected Pope Pius XIII, a.k.a. Lenny Belardo, defies Vatican expectations as he begins his reign.

    Director:Paolo Sorrentino
    Writer:Paolo Sorrentino

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. The Young Pope Season 1 Episode 2 - First Episode (2)
    8.1/10(1858 votes)

    #2 - First Episode (2)

    S1:E2

    Lenny sets down the ground rules for his first speech at St. Peter's. Cardinal Spencer spurns an olive branch.

    Director:Paolo Sorrentino
    Writer:Paolo Sorrentino

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. The Young Pope Season 1 Episode 3 - Second Episode
    7.9/10(1651 votes)

    #3 - Second Episode

    S1:E3

    After his inaugural speech makes it clear that he will not be manipulated, Lenny makes enemies within the Vatican. However, he gains one ardent follower.

    Director:Paolo Sorrentino
    Writers:Paolo Sorrentino, Stefano Rulli

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. The Young Pope Season 1 Episode 4 - Third Episode
    7.9/10(1550 votes)

    #4 - Third Episode

    S1:E4

    Believing that the only way to end Lenny's papacy is to involve him in a scandal, Cardinal Secretary of State Voiello blackmails Ester to seduce the pontiff.

    Director:Paolo Sorrentino
    Writers:Paolo Sorrentino, Stefano Rulli

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. The Young Pope Season 1 Episode 5 - Fourth Episode
    8.5/10(1573 votes)

    #5 - Fourth Episode

    S1:E5

    Lenny enjoys a night away from the Vatican with a childhood friend, whilst Voiello has a crisis of conscience when an opportunity presents itself.

    Director:Paolo Sorrentino
    Writer:Paolo Sorrentino

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. The Young Pope Season 1 Episode 6 - Fifth Episode
    8.0/10(1396 votes)

    #6 - Fifth Episode

    S1:E6

    Nine months into Lenny's papacy, he gives his first audience to the Italian prime minister. Dussolier carries out a controversial edict.

    Director:Paolo Sorrentino
    Writer:Paolo Sorrentino

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 BEST Episodes of The Young Pope

    READ
  7. The Young Pope Season 1 Episode 7 - Sixth Episode
    7.8/10(1339 votes)

    #7 - Sixth Episode

    S1:E7

    Dussollier blames himself after a tragedy and returns to Honduras. With Lenny's supporters dwindling, he questions whether his papacy is coming to an end.

    Director:Paolo Sorrentino
    Writers:Paolo Sorrentino, Tony Grisoni

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. The Young Pope Season 1 Episode 8 - Seventh Episode
    8.6/10(1530 votes)

    #8 - Seventh Episode

    S1:E8

    Reeling from a personal loss, Pope Pius XIII makes an impulsive decision to visit Africa, meeting a revered missionary who stirs mixed feelings inside him.

    Director:Paolo Sorrentino
    Writers:Paolo Sorrentino, Tony Grisoni

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. The Young Pope Season 1 Episode 9 - Eighth Episode
    8.7/10(1650 votes)

    #9 - Eighth Episode

    S1:E9

    Gutierrez is dejected by his failure to find evidence against Cardinal Kurtwell, but a new witness may be able to give him what he is looking for.

    Director:Paolo Sorrentino
    Writers:Umberto Contarello, Paolo Sorrentino

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. The Young Pope Season 1 Episode 10 - Ninth Episode
    8.7/10(1550 votes)

    #10 - Ninth Episode

    S1:E10

    Pope Pius XIII prepares to reveal himself publicly for the first time in a pastoral visit to Venice, but not before settling some scores.

    Director:Paolo Sorrentino
    Writers:Umberto Contarello, Paolo Sorrentino

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Season 1 Ratings Summary

"First Episode (1)" is the best rated episode of "The Young Pope" season 1. It scored 8/10 based on 2261 votes. Directed by Paolo Sorrentino and written by Paolo Sorrentino, it aired on 10/21/2016. This episode is rated 0.1 points higher than the second-best, "First Episode (2)".