The Best Episodes Written By Craig Mazin

Episode Rankings

1. #1 Fan Favorite
   

   9.3/10(215 votes)

   #1 - Vichnaya Pamyat

   S1:E56/3/2019

   Valery Legasov, Boris Shcherbina and Ulana Khomyuk risk their lives and reputations to expose the truth about Chernobyl.

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   Writer:Craig Mazin

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   Writer:Craig Mazin
2. 

   9.2/10(213 votes)

   #2 - Please Remain Calm

   S1:E25/13/2019

   With untold millions at risk after the Chernobyl explosion, nuclear physicist Ulana Khomyuk makes a desperate attempt to reach Valery Legasov, a leading Soviet nuclear physicist, and warn him about the threat of second explosion that could devastate the continent.

   Director:N/A

   Writer:Craig Mazin

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   Writer:Craig Mazin
3. 

   8.9/10(207 votes)

   #3 - Open Wide, O Earth

   S1:E35/20/2019

   Lyudmilla Ignatenko, a Pripyat resident, ignores warning about her firefighter husband's contamination. Valery Legasov lays out a decontamination plan, complete with human risks.

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   Writer:Craig Mazin

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   Writer:Craig Mazin
4. 

   8.8/10(24 votes)

   #4 - Backstory!

   S2:E66/4/2021

   A fresh-faced young man discovers what it takes to become one of the world's greatest science fiction writers.

   Director:N/A

   Writer:Craig Mazin

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   Writer:Craig Mazin
5. 

   8.8/10(243 votes)

   #5 - 1:23:45

   S1:E15/6/2019

   April 26, 1986, Ukrainian SSR. Plant workers and firefighters put their lives on the line to control a catastrophic 1986 explosion at a Soviet nuclear power plant.

   Director:N/A

   Writer:Craig Mazin

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   Writer:Craig Mazin
6. 

   8.8/10(197 votes)

   #6 - The Happiness of All Mankind

   S1:E45/27/2019

   Valery Legasov and Soviet Deputy Prime Minister Boris Shcherbina consider using lunar rovers to remove radioactive debris, while Ulana Khomyuk faces government hurdles in determining the truth about the cause of the explosion.

   Director:N/A

   Writer:Craig Mazin

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7. 

   8.2/10(291 votes)

   #7 - When You're Lost in the Darkness

   S1:E11/15/2023

   2003. As a parasitic fungal outbreak begins to ravage the country and the world, Joel Miller attempts to escape the escalating chaos with his daughter and brother. Twenty years later, a now hardened Joel and his partner Tess fight to survive under a totalitarian regime, while the insurgent Fireflies harbor a teenage girl with a unique gift.

   Director:N/A

   Writer:Craig Mazin

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   Writer:Craig Mazin
8. 

   8.2/10(201 votes)

   #8 - Endure and Survive

   S1:E52/12/2023

   On the streets of a newly free Kansas City, Henry fights to protect his brother Sam from rebel soldiers who will stop at nothing to appease their ruthless leader. As her manhunt continues, Kathleen doubles down on her quest for revenge, while Ellie forms a meaningful friendship.

   Director:N/A

   Writer:Craig Mazin

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   Writer:Craig Mazin
9. 

   8.0/10(254 votes)

   #9 - Infected

   S1:E21/22/2023

   In 2003, an Indonesian scientist makes a devastating discovery. In 2023, now outside of the quarantine zone, Joel and Tess clash over Ellie's fate as they navigate a long-abandoned Boston overrun with Infected.

   Director:N/A

   Writer:Craig Mazin

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   Writer:Craig Mazin
10. 

    7.9/10(177 votes)

    #10 - When We Are in Need

    S1:E83/5/2023

    After crossing paths with a vengeful group of survivors, Ellie's fighting spirit draws unwanted attention from its leader. Still battling for his life, a weakened Joel faces off with a hunting party out for blood.

    Director:N/A

    Writer:Craig Mazin

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    Writer:Craig Mazin
11. 

    7.9/10(185 votes)

    #11 - Kin

    S1:E62/19/2023

    After months of traveling, Joel and Ellie receive a grave warning about what lies ahead. Later, Ellie learns more about Joel's past – while Joel tries his best to forget.

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    Writer:Craig Mazin

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12. 

    7.9/10(176 votes)

    #12 - Look for the Light

    S1:E93/12/2023

    After being pursued by Infected, a pregnant Anna places her trust in a lifelong friend. Years later, Ellie is forced to grapple with the emotional toll of her journey, while Joel faces a devastating decision of his own.

    Director:N/A

    Writer:Craig Mazin

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13. 

    7.6/10(132 votes)

    #13 - Through the Valley

    S2:E24/20/2025

    As a storm brews in the mountains, the people of Jackson Hole prepare for the worst amid increased sightings of Infected. Meanwhile, Abby weighs her options.

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    Writer:Craig Mazin

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14. 

    7.5/10(210 votes)

    #14 - Please Hold to My Hand

    S1:E42/5/2023

    After a harrowing trek across a desolate United States, Joel and Ellie find themselves navigating a dangerous Kansas City on foot. Later, rebel leader Kathleen instigates a manhunt – one that pits her violent civilian militia against the world's best hope.

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    Writer:Craig Mazin

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15. 

    7.1/10(306 votes)

    #15 - Long, Long Time

    S1:E31/29/2023

    Doomsday prepper Bill prepares to ride out the apocalypse alone...until a mysterious stranger upends his plans. Years later, Joel and Ellie seek Bill's guidance – and find themselves at a crossroads.

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    Writer:Craig Mazin

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16. 

    6.8/10(139 votes)

    #16 - Future Days

    S2:E14/13/2025

    Five years after the events in Salt Lake City, a now 19-year-old Ellie makes a discovery while on patrol with her best friend Dina. Back in Jackson Hole, Joel seeks help to mend his relationship with Ellie.

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    Writer:Craig Mazin

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17. 

    6.3/10(78 votes)

    #17 - Feel Her Love

    S2:E55/11/2025

    The WLF makes a dangerous discovery... at a great cost. Later, Ellie must decide whether to continue with her plan – and risk putting Dina in danger – or give up on her quest for justice.

    Director:N/A

    Writer:Craig Mazin

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18. 

    6.2/10(76 votes)

    #18 - The Price

    S2:E65/18/2025

    Joel surprises Ellie for her birthday. Years later, Ellie prepares to confront Joel about her past.

    Director:N/A

    Writer:Craig Mazin

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19. 

    6.1/10(74 votes)

    #19 - Convergence

    S2:E75/25/2025

    As the Wolves and the Scars prepare for a battle that could potentially end their longstanding feud, Ellie's search draws her away from her friends and toward a devastating confrontation.

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    Writer:Craig Mazin

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20. 

    6.1/10(103 votes)

    #20 - The Path

    S2:E34/27/2025

    After Dina shares crucial information, Ellie prepares to petition the town council, even while she struggles with her deep emotional scars. On the outskirts of Seattle, a religious sect attempts to flee a war – raising questions on what lies ahead.

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    Writer:Craig Mazin

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21. 

    6.0/10(93 votes)

    #21 - Day One

    S2:E45/4/2025

    In 2018, Seattle FEDRA confronts an unexpected foe. Ten years later, Ellie and Dina find themselves in the middle of a bloody battle between the zealous Seraphites and a ruthless militia.

    Director:N/A

    Writer:Craig Mazin

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    Writer:Craig Mazin