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Documentary•War & Politics

The Best Episodes of The Vietnam War Season 1

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

Binge this in 16h 53m•Peaking at 8.9/10

An immersive 360-degree narrative telling the epic story of the Vietnam War as it has never before been told on film. Featuring testimony from nearly 80 witnesses, including many Americans who fought in the war

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    The Vietnam War Season 1 Episode 1 - Déjà Vu (1858-1961)
    8.5/10(1207 votes)

    #1 - Déjà Vu (1858-1961)

    S1:E1

    After a century of French occupation, Vietnam emerges independent but divided into North and South.

    Directors:Lynn Novick, Ken Burns
    Writer:Geoffrey C. Ward

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  2. The Vietnam War Season 1 Episode 2 - Riding the Tiger (1961-1963)
    8.6/10(990 votes)

    #2 - Riding the Tiger (1961-1963)

    S1:E2

    As a communist insurgency gains strength, JFK wrestles with American involvement in South Vietnam.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. The Vietnam War Season 1 Episode 3 - The River Styx (January 1964-December 1965)
    8.7/10(933 votes)

    #3 - The River Styx (January 1964-December 1965)

    S1:E3

    With South Vietnam near collapse, LBJ begins bombing the North and sends US troops to the South.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. The Vietnam War Season 1 Episode 4 - Resolve (January 1966-June 1967)
    8.6/10(848 votes)

    #4 - Resolve (January 1966-June 1967)

    S1:E4

    US soldiers discover Vietnam is unlike their fathers’ war, while the antiwar movement grows.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. The Vietnam War Season 1 Episode 5 - This Is What We Do (July 1967-December 1967)
    8.6/10(813 votes)

    #5 - This Is What We Do (July 1967-December 1967)

    S1:E5

    President Johnson escalates the war while promising the public that victory is in sight.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. The Vietnam War Season 1 Episode 6 - Things Fall Apart (January 1968-July 1968)
    8.8/10(854 votes)

    #6 - Things Fall Apart (January 1968-July 1968)

    S1:E6

    Shaken by the Tet Offensive, assassinations and unrest, America seems to be coming apart.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  7. The Vietnam War Season 1 Episode 7 - The Veneer of Civilization (June 1968-May 1969)
    8.5/10(775 votes)

    #7 - The Veneer of Civilization (June 1968-May 1969)

    S1:E7

    After chaos roils the Democratic Convention, Nixon, promising peace, narrowly wins the presidency.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. The Vietnam War Season 1 Episode 8 - The History of the World (April 1969-May 1970)
    8.7/10(762 votes)

    #8 - The History of the World (April 1969-May 1970)

    S1:E8

    Nixon withdraws troops but when he sends forces into Cambodia the antiwar movement reignites.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. The Vietnam War Season 1 Episode 9 - A Disrespectful Loyalty (May 1970-March 1973)
    8.7/10(733 votes)

    #9 - A Disrespectful Loyalty (May 1970-March 1973)

    S1:E9

    South Vietnam fights on its own as Nixon and Kissinger find a way out for America. The POWs return.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. The Vietnam War Season 1 Episode 10 - The Weight of Memory (March 1973-Onward)
    8.9/10(762 votes)

    #10 - The Weight of Memory (March 1973-Onward)

    S1:E10

    Saigon falls and the war ends. Americans and Vietnamese from all sides search for reconciliation.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"Déjà Vu (1858-1961)" is the best rated episode of "The Vietnam War" season 1. It scored 8.5/10 based on 1207 votes. Directed by Lynn Novick, Ken Burns and written by Geoffrey C. Ward, it aired on 9/17/2017. This episode is rated 0.1 points higher than the second-best, "Riding the Tiger (1961-1963)".