Ben and Kate backdrop
Comedy

The Best Episodes of Ben and Kate Season 1

Every episode of Ben and Kate Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Ben and Kate Season 1!

Binge this in 4h 46m•Peaking at 8.1/10

Ben and Kate are a pair of odd-couple siblings - one, a responsible single mom; the other, an exuberant dreamer - who reunite to help raise Kate's daughter.

Airs on
FOX
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons1

All1

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Ben and Kate Season 1 Episode 1 - Pilot
    6.8/10(152 votes)

    #1 - Pilot

    S1:E1

    This show follows some siblings and their friends while they explore the boundaries of their comfort zones.

    Director:Jake Kasdan
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. Ben and Kate Season 1 Episode 2 - Bad Cop/Bad Cop
    7.8/10(101 votes)

    #2 - Bad Cop/Bad Cop

    S1:E2

    Ben finishes settling in Kate's home. Meanwhile, Kate lies about her residence to get Maddie into a better school district, but when her plan falls apart, she must admit the truth to Maddie's principal (Alan Ruck). Additionally, Katie tells Ben that he needs to be more strict when disciplining Maddie.

    Director:Jake Kasdan
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. Ben and Kate Season 1 Episode 3 - The Fox Hunt
    7.5/10(91 votes)

    #3 - The Fox Hunt

    S1:E3

    Ben and Kate discover an unopened envelope from 15 years ago that contains the yearly scavenger hunt their dad used to organize for them when they were kids. The find prompts them to complete the unfinished hunt, but raises old issues of sibling rivalry. Meanwhile, the scavenger hunt takes an unexpected detour for Kate when BJ enlists her to help get belongings back from an old fling.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. Ben and Kate Season 1 Episode 4 - 21st Birthday
    7.8/10(88 votes)

    #4 - 21st Birthday

    S1:E4

    When Ben decides to throw a birthday party for Kate against her wishes, her frustration soon turns into excitement when she realizes that Ben invited Molly, Kate's wild friend from high school, to her party. Meanwhile, Ben finds out that Darcy, the only woman he truly cared for, is moving into what used to be his and Darcy's dream home with her new husband, and Tommy comes clean to Kate about why he hates Molly.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. Ben and Kate Season 1 Episode 5 - Emergency Kit
    7.9/10(73 votes)

    #5 - Emergency Kit

    S1:E5

    Now that Ben is living with Kate and Maddie, Kate wants Ben to be more responsible and prepared for potential emergencies, where Maddie is concerned. Of course, Ben thinks there isn't a plan for everything. Meanwhile, Ben's crazy ex-girlfriend Louise makes a surprise visit and BJ might actually be developing real feelings for her boss, bar owner Buddy.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. Ben and Kate Season 1 Episode 6 - Scaredy Kate
    7.6/10(79 votes)

    #6 - Scaredy Kate

    S1:E6

    Kate gets invited to her hot neighbor's Halloween party, so BJ tries to help Kate break free and be someone completely out-of-character for the night. Meanwhile, Ben and Tommy decide to stay home and hand out candy to the trick-or-treaters in hopes that they'll meet some hot moms, but the night takes a turn when Tommy unknowingly eats some of BJ's "candy" from Amsterdam, and Kate bonds with Will (guest star Stults), a single father.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 BEST Episodes of Ben and Kate

    READ
  7. Ben and Kate Season 1 Episode 7 - Career Day
    7.9/10(69 votes)

    #7 - Career Day

    S1:E7

    With Career Day at Maddie's school coming up, Ben wants to find an actual job so he can make his niece proud. Meanwhile, Kate starts to develop a crush on her neighbor Will, and BJ face backlash from a co-worker at the bar for getting a raise.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. Ben and Kate Season 1 Episode 8 - Reunion
    7.8/10(68 votes)

    #8 - Reunion

    S1:E8

    When a high school reunion is held on the eve of Thanksgiving, Will (guest star Geoff Stults) encourages Kate to attend and stand up to the high school bully, Anna (guest star Amber Stevens) for giving her an unforgettable nickname. Meanwhile, in the midst of the holiday season, Ben doesn't think he can keep much longer the huge secret that he and BJ have been hiding from Kate.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. Ben and Kate Season 1 Episode 9 - Guitar Face
    7.6/10(70 votes)

    #9 - Guitar Face

    S1:E9

    When Kate sees the face that Will makes while playing guitar during his cover band's performance, she gets turned off and unable to take him seriously. Meanwhile, Tommy gets Ben a job at the country club which soon backfires for both of them, and BJ attends a support group where she gets good advice about her friendship with Kate.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. Ben and Kate Season 1 Episode 10 - The Trip
    7.6/10(61 votes)

    #10 - The Trip

    S1:E10

    Although Ben, BJ and Tommy disapprove, Kate and Will take their relationship to the next level when they go on a romantic camping trip together. Of course, the trip quickly goes awry when some unwelcome guests decide to tag along. Meanwhile, BJ makes it her mission to help Tommy move past his feelings for Kate.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. Ben and Kate Season 1 Episode 11 - B-Squad
    8.1/10(58 votes)

    #11 - B-Squad

    S1:E11

    When Maddie fails the test to get into the gifted program at her school, she becomes part of "The B-Squad." Kate, who blames herself for Maddie's failure, decides to take matters into her own hand and gives The B-Squad an unforgettable experience. Meanwhile, Ben runs into an old pal from college who stole one of his business ideas, and BJ's mother, Wendy, comes to town and gets a surprising introduction to Buddy.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. Ben and Kate Season 1 Episode 12 - Girl Problems
    7.7/10(53 votes)

    #12 - Girl Problems

    S1:E12

    Tommy finally brings around his new girlfriend, Lila, to meet the gang. But when Kate suggests the two women get to know each other, things don't go as planned. Meanwhile, Ben moves forward with his "Rail Mall" business plan.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. Ben and Kate Season 1 Episode 13 - Bake-Off
    7.6/10(52 votes)

    #13 - Bake-Off

    S1:E13

    Ben continues to expand his "Rail Mall" idea with his new business partner, Vera, but when she brings in more associates to help expand their plan, Ben doesn't like the direction in which it’s heading. Meanwhile, after finding out that Will has been dating since their break-up, Kate goes on a date with a baker she met at Will’s party. Also, BJ and Maddie pose as mother and daughter for a commercial audition.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Season 1 Ratings Summary

"Pilot" is the best rated episode of "Ben and Kate" season 1. It scored 6.8/10 based on 152 votes. Directed by Jake Kasdan and written by Unknown, it aired on 9/25/2012. This episode is rated 1.0 points higher than the second-best, "Bad Cop/Bad Cop".