Friday Night Lights

10 Best Episodes of Friday Night Lights - Season 1

The trials and triumphs of life in the small town of Dillon, Texas, where high school football is everything.

Written by Sophie and last updated on feb 04, 2023.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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Friday Night Lights - S1E18

#15 - Extended Families (Season 1 - Episode 18)

Lyla makes a surprise visit to the quad rugby camp where Jason is playing at, but she doesn't find the comfort she came looking for.Buddy Garrity's affair with Tyra's mother comes out. Consequently, Buddy decides to move in with the Taylors.Smash becomes suspicious about Waverly when she goes for a midnight swim with him.

The episode was rated 7.82 from 202 votes.

Friday Night Lights - S1E15

#14 - Blinders (Season 1 - Episode 15)

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The Panthers savor their crucial playoff-win-until race issues emerge and sorely test their bond after Mac makes racial statements.Tami frowns upon Julie's newfound friendship with Tyra. The girls play a powder-puff football game.

The episode was rated 7.83 from 222 votes.

Friday Night Lights - S1E11

#13 - Nevermind (Season 1 - Episode 11)

The Panthers are preparing for another game they can't lose. Matt's father comes back from Iraq but his mother's condition is difficult to take in.Tami Taylor sees Tim Riggins regarding his grades. She believes he's not doing his homework by himself and asks Landry to tutor him for his next oral exam. If he doesn't pass, he won't play in the football team.

The episode was rated 7.85 from 222 votes.

Friday Night Lights - S1E3

#12 - Wind Sprints (Season 1 - Episode 3)

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The situation in town begins to get ugly as Coach Taylor and his family is forced to endure heat from a difficult loss against the San Marco HS Rattlers.Tim and Tyra break up after he confronts her about Smash, and Lyla, after having an argument with Jason, vents her anger onto Tim.

The episode was rated 7.89 from 268 votes.

Friday Night Lights - S1E2

#11 - Eyes Wide Open (Season 1 - Episode 2)

As the team pulls together and tries to help Matt get used to his new role as quarterback after Jason's injury, Lyla offers her support to Tim. Jason learns about the extent of his injury, and Tami gets a job as the school guidance counselor.

The episode was rated 7.91 from 324 votes.

Friday Night Lights - S1E10

#10 - It's Different for Girls (Season 1 - Episode 10)

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The cheerleaders prepare for Championship Classic. Lyla is picked on when people find out about her and Riggins. Coach Taylor tries to keep Matt and Julie apart. Jason goes home after being released from rehab.

The episode was rated 7.92 from 233 votes.

Friday Night Lights - S1E5

#9 - Git 'Er Done (Season 1 - Episode 5)

The big game against the Tigers drawing closer, Coach Taylor must decide between Matt and the self-assured recruit Ray "Voodoo" Tatum for the starting quarterback. The feelings between Tim and Lyla grow stronger. Jason's newly-found motivation strives him to begin the rehab.

The episode was rated 7.96 from 266 votes.

Friday Night Lights - S1E19

#8 - Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes (Season 1 - Episode 19)

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With TMU trying to recruit Coach Taylor, Julie insists that she will not be moved away from Matt and Dillon. The quad rugby recruiters in Austin deliver some bad news to Jason. Riggins becomes friends with a single mother and her son.

The episode was rated 8.02 from 209 votes.

Friday Night Lights - S1E9

#7 - Full Hearts (Season 1 - Episode 9)

Smash continues to go the extreme to improve his performance. Rumors begin to spread about Tim and Lyla's relationship. Julie and Matt attempt to go out on a date but it is cursed from the beginning.The Panthers are in much anticipation for their upcoming game against the Gatling High.

The episode was rated 8.02 from 231 votes.

Friday Night Lights - S1E17

#6 - I Think We Should Have Sex (Season 1 - Episode 17)

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After Julie reveals to Matt that she wants to have sex with him, Matt feels the need to put together something special. Tim clashes with his father.The Panthers are into the next round of the playoffs and looking solid.

The episode was rated 8.03 from 215 votes.

Friday Night Lights - S1E21

#5 - Best Laid Plans (Season 1 - Episode 21)

Coach Taylor buckles under the pressure from Texas Methodist University. The news of his decision is not taken lightly by his family. Riggins faces the impending consequences of his relationship. Landry wonders whether he should tell someone about Tyra's situation.

The episode was rated 8.07 from 209 votes.

Friday Night Lights - S1E16

#4 - Black Eyes & Broken Hearts (Season 1 - Episode 16)

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Due to racial comments from Coach Mac, the black players on the team refuse to play unless he is sacked.Julie is sucked deeper into the vortex as her friendship with Tyra develops. Matt tries to win Julie back.

The episode was rated 8.15 from 212 votes.

Friday Night Lights - S1E1

#3 - Pilot (Season 1 - Episode 1)

A newcomer coach Eric Taylor finds himself helming a promising high school football team, the Dillon Panthers, that has a real chance to make it to the top.

The episode was rated 8.16 from 445 votes.

Friday Night Lights - S1E20

#2 - Mud Bowl (Season 1 - Episode 20)

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A chemical spill near Dillon High School forces Coach Taylor and the Panthers to seek another facility in which to play the crucial State Semi-Final game.

The episode was rated 8.55 from 218 votes.

Friday Night Lights - S1E22

#1 - State (Season 1 - Episode 22)

The rumors about Coach Taylor leaving the team at the end of the season get a boost when an inside source decides to speak up. Meanwhile, the Panthers are preparing themselves for the state championship.

The episode was rated 8.61 from 213 votes.

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