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The Best Episodes of The Walking Dead Season 1

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

Binge this in 4h 52m•Peaking at 9.2/10

Sheriff's deputy Rick Grimes awakens from a coma to find a post-apocalyptic world dominated by flesh-eating zombies. He sets out to find his family and encounters many other survivors along the way.

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    The Walking Dead Season 1 Episode 1 - Days Gone Bye
    9.2/10(42024 votes)

    S1:E1

    Rick searches for his family after emerging from a coma into a world terrorized by the walking dead. Morgan and Duane, whom he meets along the way, help teach Rick the new rules for survival.

    Director:Frank Darabont
    Writer:Frank Darabont

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  2. The Walking Dead Season 1 Episode 6 - TS-19
    8.7/10(23594 votes)

    S1:E6

    Rick and the group are allowed into the CDC by a strange doctor, but all is not what it seems in their newfound haven.

    Director:Guy Ferland
    Writers:Frank Darabont, Adam Fierro

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  3. The Walking Dead Season 1 Episode 2 - Guts
    8.6/10(25216 votes)

    S1:E2

    Rick unknowingly causes a group of survivors to be trapped by walkers. The group dynamic devolves from accusations to violence, as Rick must confront an enemy far more dangerous than the undead.

    Director:Michelle MacLaren
    Writer:Frank Darabont

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  4. The Walking Dead Season 1 Episode 4 - Vatos
    8.5/10(22585 votes)

    S1:E4

    Rick's mission to Atlanta is jeopardized when things go awry. Jim becomes unhinged in camp.

    Director:Johan Renck
    Writer:Robert Kirkman

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  5. The Walking Dead Season 1 Episode 3 - Tell It to the Frogs
    8.2/10(23151 votes)

    S1:E3

    Rick makes a decision to go back to Atlanta to retrieve the bag of guns and save a man's life. Lori and Shane must deal with the surprising return of someone they thought was dead.

    Director:Gwyneth Horder-Payton
    Writers:Frank Darabont, Charles H. Eglee, Jack LoGiudice

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  6. The Walking Dead Season 1 Episode 5 - Wildfire
    8.1/10(21795 votes)

    S1:E5

    Rick leads the group to the CDC after the attack. Jim must make a terrible life and death decision.

    Director:Ernest R. Dickerson
    Writer:Glen Mazzara

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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"Days Gone Bye" is the best rated episode of "The Walking Dead" season 1. It scored 9.2/10 based on 42024 votes. Directed by Frank Darabont and written by Frank Darabont, it aired on 10/31/2010. This episode is rated 0.5 points higher than the second-best, "TS-19".