The Blacklist, the thrilling American crime drama series created by Jon Bokenkamp, has been airing on NBC since 2013. The show follows Raymond “Red” Reddington (James Spader) as he assists the FBI in tracking and apprehending some of the world’s most dangerous criminals and terrorists. Over 11 seasons and hundreds of episodes, viewers have been able to rank their favorite episodes of the show. Here, we will be taking a look at the best episodes of The Blacklist, as ranked by viewers.
Written by Sophie and last updated on aug 18, 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!
When a body is found missing a heart, Liz and Ressler join forces with Samar Navabi to investigate Dr. Covington's operation. Red and an associate try to take advantage of an opportunity in Indonesia.
The episode was rated 7.74 from 2998 votes.
The team targets an eco-terrorist cell seeking a deadly weapon. Liz attempts to lose her guardian. Red resorts to manipulation to pursue a special someone.
The episode was rated 7.74 from 2914 votes.
A former paramour involves Reddington in a deadly game with a wealthy, powerful family dynasty whose ill-begotten fortune was amassed from an underground auction of human and material contraband. Meanwhile, Tom takes on a new mission.
The episode was rated 7.75 from 2666 votes.
Liz asks Red for information about deadly wildlife poachers after a mutilated corpse washes ashore. Ressler forms a dangerous habit.
The episode was rated 7.79 from 2824 votes.
Evidence mounts against Liz in a murder case, triggering Red and Ressler's efforts to clear her name by tracking down the recently vanished Tom Keen.
The episode was rated 7.81 from 2908 votes.
A robbery provides Red with an opportunity to take down a questionable bank. Liz questions Red's intentions during the course of her investigation. An impressive addition is made to Cooper's team.
The episode was rated 7.81 from 3081 votes.
The task force tracks a provocative female Blacklister, a frame-up artist who targets the wealthy elite. Tom pleads for Liz's help. Red pressures Liz for the Fulcrum, claiming it's now a matter of life and death.
The episode was rated 7.84 from 2990 votes.
While continuing to battle Berlin, Red faces a new threat in the form of Lord Baltimore. A figure from Red's past returns. Liz tries to move on after her showdown with Tom.
The episode was rated 7.93 from 3326 votes.
As chaos ensues at the Factory, leaving the fate of Red and the task force unknown, Cooper struggles to rescue his team from the detention facility. It’s a race against time to prevent Luther Braxton attaining confidential information.
The episode was rated 7.95 from 2297 votes.
When Red is arrested and taken to a secret detention facility, Liz and the task force set out to save him before he disappears forever. At the facility, Red encounters a thief with whom he shares a complicated history.
The episode was rated 7.95 from 2352 votes.
A plot for revenge emerges after an Iranian nuclear scientist is assassinated. Liz and Ressler wind up in a predicament.
The episode was rated 7.98 from 2879 votes.
Following intel from Red, the FBI find themselves one-step behind the most dangerous Russian Assassin, Karakurt, an enemy on U.S. soil. To avoid catastrophe, Liz and Ressler meet with Russian Counter-Intelligence who offer insight not only on Karakurt, but also on the identity of Liz’s mother. Cooper finds himself in a compromising position.
The episode was rated 7.98 from 2730 votes.
Red's plans for Berlin take a sudden turn after he finds out that he was manipulated by the latest Blacklister to avenge Red.
The episode was rated 7.99 from 2848 votes.
The Blacklist episode Leonard Caul is one of the most beloved episodes of the series. Red is fighting for his life and the task force is trying to find a mysterious figure from his past. Tom provides aid in an unexpected way. The episode showcases the character Mr. Kaplan and her badassery. She plays her role perfectly and the audience can't help but love her. The episode is full of surprises and it is a great watch. It is no wonder why this episode is one of the most loved of the entire series.
The episode was rated 8.03 from 2898 votes.
The season finale of The Blacklist was an ultimate answer to one of the show's main stories. Liz was being framed by The Cabal and Red was forced to use his connections to help her clear her name. Cooper receives a shocking news and Ressler, Samar, and Aram have to decide who on the task force can still be trusted.
The episode was highly praised for its unexpected twists and turns. One of the highlights was Cooper's badass scene with the doctor and the relief of finding out that he's not sick. Red revealed all the secrets to the journalists and Liz finally remembered. The episode also featured a powerful scene between Liz and Red, where Red tells Liz, "You're my sin eater". This touching moment left fans wanting for more and eager for the next season.
The episode was rated 8.25 from 2755 votes.
