Ugly Betty backdrop
Comedy•Drama

The Best Episodes of Ugly Betty

Every episode of Ugly Betty ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Ugly Betty!

Binge this in 2d 12h•Peaking at 8.3/10

Wannabe writer Betty Suarez is a plain girl from Queens, who is smart, hardworking and savvy but lacks a fashionable sense of style. When publishing mogul Bradford Meade puts his son Daniel in charge of

Airs on
ABC
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons4

All1234

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Click to reveal
    Ugly Betty Season 4 Episode 19 - The Past Presents the Future
    8.3/10(3 votes)

    #1 - The Past Presents the Future

    S4:E19

    As Hilda's wedding approaches, Betty asks Daniel to be her guest, Amanda tries to set Marc up with soap opera star Spencer Cannon, Justin wonders whether he can invite Austin, Wilhelmina finds a way to get the Meade empire and Betty gets an unexpected offer in both her personal and professional lives.

    Director:Paul Holahan
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. Ugly Betty Season 3 Episode 1 - The Manhattan Project
    8.0/10(3 votes)

    #2 - The Manhattan Project

    S3:E1

    Betty must make a life-altering decision about what to do with her life. Meanwhile, Ignacio lands a job at a fast food restaurant while Wilhelmina forces Daniel to make changes in his life.

    Directors:Michael Spiller, Victor Nelli, Jr.
    Writers:Joel Fields, Silvio Horta

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. Ugly Betty Season 4 Episode 1 - The Butterfly Effect (1)
    8.0/10(4 votes)

    #3 - The Butterfly Effect (1)

    S4:E1

    Betty finds that everything is changing as she begins her new job as associate features editor, especially since her boss is her ex-boyfriend, Matt Hartley, who is still unhappy about their breakup. In addition, Betty's new officemate, Megan, openly resents her, while Marc is constantly undermining her because he felt he was more deserving of the promotion. Meanwhile, without Betty as his assistant, Daniel is adrift, still mourning the loss of his wife, Molly. Betty tries to help Megan out on an assignment and connects with a thoughtful insect jewelry designer, Olivia, while Justin starts high school and is victimized by bullies-but won't tell his mom, Hilda. Claire Meade is finding that her power struggle at the company has her sitting pretty - for the moment -- opposite Wilhemina, who lost her claim to the Meade throne last season. But Wili has perhaps an even bigger problem than job security - she is harboring a secret at home that is driving Marc to distraction.

    Directors:Victor Nelli, Jr., John Terlesky
    Writers:Sheila R. Lawrence, Henry Alonso Myers

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. Ugly Betty Season 1 Episode 16 - Derailed
    7.7/10(3 votes)

    #4 - Derailed

    S1:E16

    Daniel reconnects with Grace Chin, a girl he once stood up for a date in college, and who is now New York City's top lawyer. Meanwhile, Betty befriends Charlie, an out-of-towner she meets at the Mode cafeteria, whom she later discovers to be Henry's girlfriend.

    Director:James Hayman
    Writer:Cameron Litvack

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. Ugly Betty Season 4 Episode 18 - London Calling
    7.7/10(3 votes)

    #5 - London Calling

    S4:E18

    Hilda is planning her wedding, which is getting closer and asks Betty about the plans for her bachelorette party. Betty tells her that she's planned a champagne tour of The Met museum, but Hilda and Bobby believe it's a joke and Betty has to think of something else. Bobby is put out when Justin turns down a lift to school in favour of walking with Austin.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Sheila R. Lawrence

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. Ugly Betty Season 1 Episode 2 - The Box and the Bunny
    7.6/10(5 votes)

    #6 - The Box and the Bunny

    S1:E2

    Betty loses a book, which is the complete new edition of the magazine and is containing un-retouched photos of a popular actress. She has to find the book before the photos get out to the rest of the press. Meanwhile, Wilhelmina plots to use the snafu to bring Daniel down and Bradford Meade secretively inquires about Fey Sommers' final effects.

    Director:Sheree Folkson
    Writer:Silvio Horta

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 WORST Episodes of Ugly Betty

    READ
  7. Ugly Betty Season 1 Episode 4 - Fey's Sleigh Ride
    7.6/10(5 votes)

    #7 - Fey's Sleigh Ride

    S1:E4

    After Mode is forced to abandon its big Christmas photo shoot because another magazine has copied the idea, Betty forms an uneasy alliance with Marc and Amanda. The three fear they may have leaked the idea to someone at the rival mag. Meanwhile, Daniel and Wilhelmina reluctantly work together to come up with a new photo spread as Mode's deadline looms, and Betty's nephew, Justin, is oblivious to the turmoil as he spends a day at the magazine for a class project.

    Director:Tricia Brock
    Writer:Sheila R. Lawrence

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. Ugly Betty Season 1 Episode 10 - Fake Plastic Snow
    7.6/10(5 votes)

    #8 - Fake Plastic Snow

    S1:E10

    While everyone at Mode is celebrating Christmas, Betty is questioning her relationship with Walter and the feelings she has for Henry. Meanwhile, Daniel is sure of his love for Sofia, and Amanda, in order to get Betty's position, is planning a perfect Mode holiday party that fills the office with Styrofoam snow and holiday wishes.

    Director:James Hayman
    Writer:Sarah Kucserka

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. Ugly Betty Season 1 Episode 6 - Trust, Lust, and Must
    7.5/10(4 votes)

    #9 - Trust, Lust, and Must

    S1:E6

    Wilhelmina deals with the strong character of her daughter while Betty and Hilda try to gather $20,000 to save their father from deportation.

    Director:Jamie Babbit
    Writer:Cameron Litvack

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. Ugly Betty Season 2 Episode 1 - How Betty Got Her Grieve Back
    7.5/10(4 votes)

    #10 - How Betty Got Her Grieve Back

    S2:E1

    Betty's life is turned into turmoil after the numerous upsetting events that have recently occurred. Despite all this, she refuses to accept the fact that Henry's leaving has deeply affected her. Meanwhile, Amanda has a hard time coping with the news she recently discovered about who her real mother is and Wilhelmina plans to use all the recent tragedies to her advantage.

    Director:James Hayman
    Writers:Marco Pennette, Silvio Horta

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. Ugly Betty Season 3 Episode 2 - Filing for the Enemy
    7.5/10(2 votes)

    #11 - Filing for the Enemy

    S3:E2

    Wilhelmina, getting ready for her first issue as editor, offers Betty a job as her assistant. Meanwhile, Daniel learns he will have to undergo a custody battle if he wants to keep Daniel Jr. in the U.S. Later, Hilda's romance with Coach Diaz continues to heat up.

    Director:Michael Spiller
    Writer:Joel Fields

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. Ugly Betty Season 1 Episode 3 - Queens for a Day
    7.4/10(5 votes)

    #12 - Queens for a Day

    S1:E3

    Betty uses her Queens connections to lure big time photographer Vincent Bianchi to shoot for the magazine. When Bianchi insists that Betty meet him at a posh restaurant, she gets a makeover but things don't quite turn out as planned. In the mean time, Bradford tries to get his hands on Fey Sommers' death car and Wilhelmina primps for a big date.

    Director:James Hayman
    Writer:Marco Pennette

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. Ugly Betty Season 1 Episode 7 - After Hours
    7.4/10(5 votes)

    #13 - After Hours

    S1:E7

    Betty takes a break from her escalating family troubles when she's assigned to review a posh new hotel. Meanwhile, Daniel is dismayed when Sofia Reyes and her team take up residence in the Mode conference room, and Wilhelmina goes a little bit country to woo a mega rich Texan to advertise his stores in Mode.

    Director:James Hayman
    Writer:Dailyn Rodriguez

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. Ugly Betty Season 1 Episode 1 - Pilot
    7.3/10(7 votes)

    #14 - Pilot

    S1:E1

    Betty has always dreamed of working in the publishing world, but it seems as though there's no place for the non-thin and non-beautiful in the business. People already have their minds set in the idea that beautiful women are only the thin and perfect! Betty really wants a job in that wonderful, yet cruel, world. But can she really find a place in it?

    Director:Richard Shepard
    Writer:Silvio Horta

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. Ugly Betty Season 1 Episode 11 - Swag
    7.3/10(3 votes)

    #15 - Swag

    S1:E11

    Christina's swag lottery, with the Mode closet clothes and accessories, creates a feeding frenzy among the office fashionistas, while Betty wears herself out helping Daniel who had his credit card cut off, because of a $20,000 expense report that Betty filled and who was rejected, making it impossible for him to wine and dine an important Japanese designer, Oshi.

    Director:Tamra Davis
    Writer:James D. Parriott

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. Ugly Betty Season 1 Episode 12 - Sofia's Choice
    7.3/10(3 votes)

    #16 - Sofia's Choice

    S1:E12

    Betty meets a look-a-like -- Ruthie, an editorial assistant at MYW Magazine who dresses and looks like her. Meanwhile, Daniel is in for a surprising revelation from Sofia that leaves everyone stunned.

    Directors:James Hayman, Jeff Melman
    Writer:Silvio Horta

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. Ugly Betty Season 1 Episode 19 - Punch Out
    7.3/10(3 votes)

    #17 - Punch Out

    S1:E19

    The Meades are in for some troubling times when a tell-all writer in possession of Fey Sommer's diaries starts stalking the family. Meanwhile, Betty has a hard time getting Daniel focused on his work now that he has reverted back to his old ways with women. Finally, Wilhelmina and Alexis both try desperately to get a hold of Fey's diaries, but each with her own intentions.

    Director:Miguel Arteta
    Writer:Oliver Goldstick

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. Ugly Betty Season 1 Episode 23 - East Side Story
    7.3/10(3 votes)

    #18 - East Side Story

    S1:E23

    Betty and Henry's romance heats up. Meanwhile, Wilhelmina makes great strides in her ambitious power play, as Daniel descends further in a downward spiral. The Suarez family trip to Mexico takes a dangerous turn, with old ghosts creating new problems. Explosive secrets will be revealed, and everything will be tied together by a beloved Broadway musical.

    Director:James Hayman
    Writers:Marco Pennette, Silvio Horta

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  19. Ugly Betty Season 2 Episode 17 - The Kids Are Alright
    7.3/10(3 votes)

    #19 - The Kids Are Alright

    S2:E17

    Betty finds her attempts to suppress her feelings for Gio useless when the two end up chaperoning Justin's school dance together. Meanwhile, Amanda agrees to do a reality show with Gene, and Hilda goes out of her way to catch the eye of Coach Diaz. Finally, Wilhelmina makes her return to MODE, much to the distaste of the Meade family.

    Director:Wendey Stanzler
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  20. Ugly Betty Season 4 Episode 5 - Plus None
    7.3/10(3 votes)

    #20 - Plus None

    S4:E5

    At Wilhelmina's fund-raiser for Tibetan orphans Matt asks someone to be his partner. Daniel hires Natalie as his assistant, making Betty feel unneeded. Daniel finds out that Claire has a secret.

    Director:Paul Holahan
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  21. Ugly Betty Season 4 Episode 8 - The Bahamas Triangle
    7.3/10(3 votes)

    #21 - The Bahamas Triangle

    S4:E8

    Betty, Matt and Amanda's love triangle in the Bahamas reaches boiling point. Betty has trouble with a photo shoot when Penelope Graybridge steals the shoot from her enemy Wilhemina. Marc falls for super sexy Troy.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Sheila R. Lawrence

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  22. Ugly Betty Season 4 Episode 15 - Fire and Nice
    7.3/10(3 votes)

    #22 - Fire and Nice

    S4:E15

    To speed along the investigation into her house fire, Betty is pressured to date an annoying fireman. Wilhemina tries to prove to Don, an old flame from her past, that she's just "Wanda from the block" instead of an uber-bitch, and Amanda draws closer to Tyler, convincing Claire to hire him as an in-house model at Mode. Meanwhile, Hilda meets Bobby's parents for the first time.

    Director:John Terlesky
    Writer:Erika Johnson

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  23. Ugly Betty Season 4 Episode 20 - Hello Goodbye
    7.3/10(3 votes)

    #23 - Hello Goodbye

    S4:E20

    The episode focuses on Betty Suarez struggling to tell her friend and boss, Daniel Meade about her new job in London. At the same time, Betty's sister, Hilda tries to keep their father from finding out she is moving to Manhattan. Wilhelmina Slater recovers from being shot by Tyler and Amanda Tanen finally finds her father.

    Directors:Victor Nelli, Jr.
    Writer:Silvio Horta

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  24. Ugly Betty Season 1 Episode 5 - The Lyin', the Watch and the Wardrobe
    7.2/10(4 votes)

    #24 - The Lyin', the Watch and the Wardrobe

    S1:E5

    It's Halloween and Betty is in for a series of frightful experiences, ranging from showing up dressed for the Mode costume contest until she learns that there isn't one, to dealing with her growing attraction to Henry, and tracking down a watch Daniel left at one of his many girlfriends' apartments, but can't remember which one. Meanwhile, Daniel pays a visit to his mom in rehab, and Wilhelmina is horrified to learn that she can't fit into a designer gown.

    Director:Rodman Flender
    Writer:Donald Todd

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  25. Ugly Betty Season 1 Episode 9 - Lose the Boss
    7.2/10(4 votes)

    #25 - Lose the Boss

    S1:E9

    Betty is left alone during an important photo shoot during which the photographer, Bruno, has come up with questionable concepts. Meanwhile, Daniel wants people to believe he is a family man, Mr. Green interrogates a mortician about the remains of a client and Ignacio gets in trouble with Immigration and Customs.

    Director:Ken Whittingham
    Writer:Oliver Goldstick

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Best Episodes Summary

"The Past Presents the Future" is the best rated episode of "Ugly Betty". It scored 8.3/10 based on 3 votes. Directed by Paul Holahan and written by Unknown, it aired on 4/7/2010. This episode scored 0.3 points higher than the second highest rated, "The Manhattan Project".