Nashville backdrop
Drama

The Best Episodes of Nashville

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

Binge this in 3d 14h•Peaking at 9.2/10

Rayna Jaymes and Juliette Barnes face personal and professional challenges as they navigate their paths as artists and individuals. Surrounding them, and often complicating their lives, are their family, friends and, in some cases, lovers,

Airs on
ABCCMT
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons6

All123456

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Click to reveal
    Nashville Season 5 Episode 10 - I'll Fly Away
    9.2/10(285 votes)

    #1 - I'll Fly Away

    S5:E10

    A legal dispute threatens to break apart the family. Juliette demands to perform at the CMT Music Awards. Will and Zach are drawn closer together.

    Director:Dan Lerner
    Writer:Liberty Godshall

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. Nashville Season 5 Episode 9 - If Tomorrow Never Comes
    8.9/10(284 votes)

    #2 - If Tomorrow Never Comes

    S5:E9

    After her life-changing experience, Rayna scrambles to write one more song for the concept album with Deacon. Juliette's leg starts to hurt inexplicably. Gunnar fights for Scarlett.

    Director:Callie Khouri
    Writer:Geoffrey Nauffts

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. Nashville Season 6 Episode 16 - Beyond the Sunset
    8.9/10(262 votes)

    #3 - Beyond the Sunset

    S6:E16

    Deacon gets a chance to fulfill a lifelong dream. Juliette makes a crucial decision. Daphne preps for the final round. Alannah confronts Brad. Avery, Gunnar, and Will discuss their future.

    Director:Callie Khouri
    Writer:Jesse Zwick

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. Nashville Season 5 Episode 11 - Fire and Rain
    8.7/10(222 votes)

    #4 - Fire and Rain

    S5:E11

    Juliette helps Maddie navigate the wave of attention she receives after her performance at the CMT Music Awards. Zach demands the masters from Rayna and Deacon's unfinished album.

    Director:Timothy Busfield
    Writer:Jesse Zwick

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. Nashville Season 1 Episode 21 - I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive
    8.6/10(321 votes)

    #5 - I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive

    S1:E21

    A shadow has been cast over country music’s biggest night: Juliette discovers a letter from Jolene revealing her mother’s true feelings; Rayna and Deacon’s fairytale evening at the CMA Awards, even performing with Brad Paisley – who guest stars as himself — may not end in a happily-ever-after; and Gunnar will do whatever it takes to win Scarlett’s heart back — but is it too late? Meanwhile the U.S. Attorney’s office is closing in on Teddy, and Peggy returns with a secret of her own.

    Director:Callie Khouri
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. Nashville Season 4 Episode 21 - Maybe You'll Appreciate Me Someday
    8.5/10(224 votes)

    #6 - Maybe You'll Appreciate Me Someday

    S4:E21

    Rayna resorts to drastic measures when she learns that Maddie has crossed paths with a duplicitous figure from her past. Juliette must choose how to publicly reckon with the truth of Jeff Fordham’s death—a decision that directly affects Layla. Scarlett and Gunnar consider parting ways as bandmates, and Will finally decides to do what he should have done long ago—step up as the leader of a cause and a community.

    Director:Callie Khouri
    Writers:Marcie Ulin, Meredith Lavender

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 WORST Episodes of Nashville

    READ
  7. Nashville Season 2 Episode 22 - On the Other Hand
    8.4/10(238 votes)

    #7 - On the Other Hand

    S2:E22

    As Will Lexington’s album climbs the chart with the help of Jeff Fordham’s deep pockets, Rayna enlists Teddy’s help to plan a huge, free concert at LP Field to draw attention to her Highway 65 debut. She will perform with Luke Wilson and duet with Juliette before thousands of fans. Zoey, Avery and Gunnar rock out at a benefit for Deacon’s favorite charity, Sober House, and Avery plans to serenade Juliette with a song he wrote for her. But when he attempts to sing it, he doesn’t understand why she is not present, and Scarlett makes a decision about her future in Nashville.

    Director:Callie Khouri
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. Nashville Season 3 Episode 22 - Before You Go Make Sure You Know
    8.4/10(208 votes)

    #8 - Before You Go Make Sure You Know

    S3:E22

    Juliette is laser-focused on finishing her album – and when she puts everything and everyone she loves behind it – Avery makes a decision that impacts their lives forever. Deacon’s life hangs in the balance, but Rayna and the girls are by his side. With the clock ticking and the future uncertain, will they celebrate a life together?

    Director:Callie Khouri
    Writers:Callie Khouri, Dee Johnson

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. Nashville Season 5 Episode 1 - The Wayfaring Stranger
    8.4/10(263 votes)

    #9 - The Wayfaring Stranger

    S5:E1

    Rayna and Deacon face a new normal with Maddie now back home and Highway 65 is struggling financially. The shocking news about Juliette creates a wave of emotions throughout Nashville and sets Rayna off on a journey of discovery.

    Director:Callie Khouri
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. Nashville Season 1 Episode 20 - A Picture From Life's Other Side
    8.3/10(276 votes)

    #10 - A Picture From Life's Other Side

    S1:E20

    Rayna finds an unlikely ally in Lamar when he sides with her against Teddy about the girls. Jolene sees Juliette struggling and tries to find a way to help. Avery and Will, separately, both get a chance to shine with bigger stars -- but will it translate to career gold? And Tandy takes her own agenda to the board of Wyatt Industries.

    Director:Michael Waxman
    Writer:Dee Johnson

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. Nashville Season 2 Episode 13 - It's All Wrong, But It's All Right
    8.3/10(242 votes)

    #11 - It's All Wrong, But It's All Right

    S2:E13

    Jeff is expecting Juliette to formally apologize for her behavior during her Grand Ole Opry ceremony, but at the last minute she has a change of heart and decides to standby the choices she's made. Luke introduces Rayna to a power player that could help her get her distribution deal off the ground, and then surprises her with a NASCAR that is wrapped in Rayna Jayme's graphics. Deacon is discovering his record deal might not be what he expected and Scarlett's collaboration with Liam gets off to a rocky start. Will and Layla discover they aren't all that different and find comfort in one another's company and Teddy will stop at nothing to reveal Lamar's connection to Peggy's death.

    Director:Bethany Rooney
    Writer:Debra Fordham

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. Nashville Season 2 Episode 19 - Crazy
    8.3/10(257 votes)

    #12 - Crazy

    S2:E19

    Maddie’s news goes viral and stirs a media frenzy including being a “Hot Topic” on “The View,” and the real-life Ladies of “The View”— Whoopi Goldberg, Sherri Shepherd, Jenny McCarthy and Barbara Walters guest-star as themselves. Rayna tries to manage the fallout by going on “Good Morning America” and real-life anchor Robin Roberts guest stars as herself. When Juliette faces more empty seats on her tour, she reaches out to Charlie Wentworth (Charlie Bewley) for a favor, and Scarlett’s mother, Beverly surprises her daughter in San Francisco

    Director:Jean de Segonzac
    Writer:Debra Fordham

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. Nashville Season 3 Episode 10 - First to Have a Second Chance
    8.3/10(224 votes)

    #13 - First to Have a Second Chance

    S3:E10

    Rayna is feeling conflicted about leaving the children behind to go back on tour. Sadie runs into a former partner.

    Director:Callie Khouri
    Writers:Marcie Ulin, Meredith Lavender

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. Nashville Season 5 Episode 19 - You Can't Lose Me
    8.3/10(150 votes)

    #14 - You Can't Lose Me

    S5:E19

    Juliette takes great pains to keep Maddie from learning the truth. Deacon considers a new artist for Highway 65. Scarlett's pregnancy faces complications and Gunnar searches for the mugger.

    Director:Jesse Zwick
    Writer:Savannah Dooley

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. Nashville Season 5 Episode 22 - Reasons to Quit
    8.3/10(142 votes)

    #15 - Reasons to Quit

    S5:E22

    With Deacon and the artists of Highway 65 taking a stand, Zach sends a message. Maddie and Juliette's conflict comes to a head. Daphne goes to a pool party. Gunnar returns from Avery's tour.

    Director:Callie Khouri
    Writer:Scott Saccoccio

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. Nashville Season 2 Episode 10 - Tomorrow Never Comes
    8.2/10(239 votes)

    #16 - Tomorrow Never Comes

    S2:E10

    Juliette is the main act at Teddy’s first annual Music City Festival, but the blowback by the fans and press over the Wentworths throws her for a loop and drags down the event. She demands that Glenn find out who leaked career-killing gossip to the tabloids so she can get ahead of the bad press by calling them out. Rayna is determined to buy herself out of her Edgehill contract once and for all, even though Tandy and Luke counsel otherwise. Should she risk all her assets on Highway 65? Deacon and Gunnar find themselves marginalized at the Festival and team up to to put on an unauthorized show, and Scarlett is freezing out Zoey and Gunnar but drawing closer to Avery.

    Director:Patrick R. Norris
    Writers:Marcie Ulin, Meredith Lavender

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. Nashville Season 2 Episode 18 - Your Wild Life's Gonna Get You Down
    8.2/10(223 votes)

    #17 - Your Wild Life's Gonna Get You Down

    S2:E18

    Rayna plays a mini-set on Luke’s tour, and her girls meet his son, Colt, a moody teenager who has a big social media following. Juliette’s growing jealous of Avery’s connection to Scarlett and takes it out on her while they tour together to help raise awareness of Highway 65. Will and Layla make a plan that Gunnar refuses to support, and Teddy forbids Maddie from attending Deacon’s latest concert

    Director:Julie Hébert
    Writer:David Gould

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. Nashville Season 4 Episode 3 - How Can I Help You Say Goodbye
    8.2/10(198 votes)

    #18 - How Can I Help You Say Goodbye

    S4:E3

    A second aneurysm leaves Beverly brain dead and Deacon consumed with guilt, while Scarlett is forced to decide whether or not to keep Beverly on life support. Meanwhile, Juliette continues a destructive pattern of erratic behavior, pushing Avery to make the heart-wrenching decision to file for divorce.

    Director:Stephen Cragg
    Writer:Debra Fordham

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  19. Nashville Season 4 Episode 6 - Please Help Me, I'm Fallin'
    8.2/10(181 votes)

    #19 - Please Help Me, I'm Fallin'

    S4:E6

    Juliette gets into a brawl with a fan that goes viral, but Jeff sees damage control as an opening for his own career. Maddie is grounded and misses Colt who is on tour with his dad. Markus butts heads with Rayna over his sound, and the two consider whether they can continue working together.

    Director:Callie Khouri
    Writer:Taylor Hamra

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  20. Nashville Season 5 Episode 8 - Stand Beside Me
    8.2/10(180 votes)

    #20 - Stand Beside Me

    S5:E8

    Rayna and Deacon take precautions as Hockney tests the limits of the restraining order. Juliette asks the church choir to work with her on an album. Scarlett finds herself drawn to Damien.

    Director:Mike Binder
    Writer:Matthew Ross

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  21. Nashville Season 5 Episode 21 - Farther On
    8.2/10(139 votes)

    #21 - Farther On

    S5:E21

    Juliette shoots a mascara commercial but takes issue with the direction. Deacon gets invited to play the Opry but hesitates to answer. Avery and Gunnar embrace life on the road.

    Director:Michael Lohmann
    Writer:Liberty Godshall

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  22. Nashville Season 1 Episode 18 - Take These Chains From My Heart
    8.1/10(282 votes)

    #22 - Take These Chains From My Heart

    S1:E18

    Liam invites Rayna to run away with him to finish her album, and Deacon is surprised by his own reaction, as well as Stacy’s accusations; Jolene warns Juliette about Dante’s loyalty, which only drives the two women further apart; Teddy faces off with Peggy about the leaks, and in the wake of her father’s illness, Tandy proposes a new alliance to Coleman. Meanwhile Gunnar tries out some new music, and Avery and Scarlett reconnect.

    Director:Eric Stoltz
    Writers:Marcie Ulin, Meredith Lavender

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  23. Nashville Season 3 Episode 8 - You're Lookin' at Country
    8.1/10(205 votes)

    #23 - You're Lookin' at Country

    S3:E8

    While attending the 48th Annual CMA Awards in Nashville, Rayna discovers Luke's prenuptial agreement.

    Directors:Eric Close, Joe DeMaio
    Writer:Geoffrey Nauffts

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  24. Nashville Season 3 Episode 15 - That's the Way Love Goes
    8.1/10(221 votes)

    #24 - That's the Way Love Goes

    S3:E15

    The Grand Ole Opry honors Rayna on a special anniversary, so she asks Deacon and her daughters to sing with her. Meanwhile, Will's distressed to be collaborating with a gay man on a songwriting project and Sadie shares her private ordeal on national TV.

    Director:Callie Khouri
    Writer:Callie Khouri

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  25. Nashville Season 4 Episode 11 - Forever and for Always
    8.1/10(185 votes)

    #25 - Forever and for Always

    S4:E11

    It’s the wedding viewers have longed for when Deacon and Rayna tie the knot, complete with captivating music performances by series regulars Charles Esten, Clare Bowen, Sam Palladio, Lennon Stella and Maisy Stella as well as cameos by Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts and singer/songwriter Jim Lauderdale portraying themselves. When the loving couple are ambushed by paparazzi after their intimate rehearsal dinner, Deacon’s hot-headed reaction casts a pall on the plans and forces a change of venue. Meanwhile, wedding guest Avery is struggling to keep up with the lies Juliette is forcing him to message to press in her absence.

    Director:Stephen Cragg
    Writers:Dana Greenblatt, Monica Macer

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Best Episodes Summary

"I'll Fly Away" is the best rated episode of "Nashville". It scored 9.2/10 based on 285 votes. Directed by Dan Lerner and written by Liberty Godshall, it aired on 3/2/2017. This episode scored 0.3 points higher than the second highest rated, "If Tomorrow Never Comes".