8.1/101,955 votes#1 - Pilot
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 2/14/2016
New York City, 1973. Together with his partners, Richie Finestra, president of American Century Records, is on the verge of selling his struggling company to German Polygram, in a deal that includes an impending distribution agreement with Led Zeppelin. But after a disastrous meeting, it's clear that the sale is in jeopardy.
Director: Martin Scorsese
Writer: Rich Cohen, Mick Jagger, George Mastras, Martin Scorsese, Terence Winter
8.0/101,054 votes#2 - Yesterday Once More
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 2/21/2016
With German Polygram executives in town to complete the deal for American Century, Richie delivers a bombshell that shocks the prospective buyers, as well as his partners, Zak Yankovich, ACR's head of promotions, and Skip Fontaine, head of sales. When the dust settles, the Germans storm out of the ACR offices, leaving Richie to face the ire of Zak, Skip and company attorney Scott Levitt.
Director: Allen Coulter
Writer: Terence Winter
7.8/10855 votes#3 - Whispered Secrets
Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 2/28/2016
At a record producers' banquet honoring Maury Gold, Richie is embarrassed when the emcee, rival record exec Jackie Jervis, makes a joke about the failed German Polygram deal. Later, Maury and mob cohort Corrado Galasso pay a visit to American Century to probe a detective's recent inquiry, and Joe Corso drops by to pitch Richie a demo by his banquet date, Nora.
Director: Mark Romanek
Writer: Debora Cahn, Jonathan Tropper, Adam Rapp
7.7/10785 votes#4 - The Racket
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 3/6/2016
Richie feels embarrassed at a record producers' banquet whilst a junior A&R rep attempts to court Alice Cooper.
Director: S.J. Clarkson
Writer: Debora Cahn
7.9/10757 votes#5 - He in Racist Fire
Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 3/13/2016
Richie manages to get on the good side of a funk superstar. Skip attempts to get rid of some Donny Osmond records.
Director: Peter Sollett
Writer: Adam Rapp
8.2/10888 votes#6 - Cyclone
Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 3/20/2016
Devon retreats to safety among old friends at the Chelsea Hotel as Richie continues to descend into a lifestyle of debauchery.
Director: Nicole Kassell
Writer: N/A
7.9/10706 votes#7 - The King and I
Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 3/27/2016
Richie and Zak travel to Las Vegas with a plan to woo Elvis Presley and convince him to sign a contract with American Century.
Director: Allen Coulter
Writer: N/A
8.0/10662 votes#8 - E.A.B.
Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 4/3/2016
Richie reaches out to Galasso for a loan when he's desperate for cash. Lester gives Kip a lesson in the blues.
Director: Jon S. Baird
Writer: N/A
7.9/10619 votes#9 - Rock and Roll Queen
Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 4/10/2016
The Buck Rogers murder case creates a dangerous dilemma for Richie. At American Century, Maury Gold pitches a '50s compilation LP while Zak tries to fund a band for his wedding-singer Gary, a.k.a. "Xavier." Clark and Jorge bond over an Indigo tune.
Director: Carl Franklin
Writer: N/A
8.4/10705 votes#10 - Alibi
Season 1 Episode 10 - Aired 4/17/2016
Zak constructs a dangerous plan to bring down Richie. Kip's excesses threaten an important Nasty Bits gig. Clark and Jorge's efforts pay off. Richie is privy to the birth of a legendary music venue.
Director: Allen Coulter
Writer: N/A
The Best Episodes of Vinyl Season 1
Every episode of Vinyl Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Vinyl Season 1!
In 1970s New York, jaded record exec Richie Finestra tries to resurrect his failing label and fractured personal life while keeping his finger on the...
Genre:Drama
Network:HBO
Season 1 Ratings Summary
"Pilot" is the best rated episode of "Vinyl" season 1. It scored 8.1/10 based on 1955 votes. Directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Rich Cohen, Mick Jagger, George Mastras, Martin Scorsese, Terence Winter, it aired on 2/14/2016. This episode is rated 0.1 points higher than the second-best, "Yesterday Once More".