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 Red provides exclusive intel on an international terrorist, it puts Liz and the Task Force on a collision course with a rival unit from the CIA. Meanwhile, Red and Hawkins lay the groundwork for their new business venture, and Tom goes undercover in search of information.
The episode was rated 7.72 from 3539 votes.
With his criminal empire in ruins, Red enlists Liz in a plan to earn cash and deliver a new Blacklister to the Task Force.
The episode was rated 7.73 from 4198 votes.
Red assists the Task Force in tracking a mysterious Blacklister who carefully develops airtight alibis for murderous clients. Meanwhile, Liz's reinstatement at the FBI hinges on an evaluation with a psychotherapist.
The episode was rated 7.73 from 2800 votes.
When an associate of the Nash Syndicate is murdered, Red sets Liz and the Task Force on the case in order to recover evidence crucial to bringing down Ian Garvey. Meanwhile, Aram considers a step forward in his relationship with Samar.
The episode was rated 7.76 from 2683 votes.
Red and the Task Force place Dembe undercover to infiltrate an international human smuggling organization, but when communication is lost, they must intervene. Meanwhile, Tom's investigation into the suitcase lands him in grave danger.
The episode was rated 7.76 from 3198 votes.
Liz and the Task Force join Red on an international adventure in pursuit of a billionaire who moonlights as a high end art thief. Meanwhile, Dembe chases a lead and Tom seeks outside help in identifying the remains in the suitcase.
The episode was rated 7.76 from 3963 votes.
When bodies are discovered in abandoned woods, Red points the Task Force toward The Invisible Hand, a group that targets those whose actions are morally reprehensible yet fully legal. Meanwhile, Red steps in to assist one of his employees, and Liz discovers a major clue about Tom's investigation.
The episode was rated 7.78 from 2917 votes.
As Liz continues tracking Tom's killers, Red tries to solve a tax issue in his money laundering. Meanwhile, Aram goes out to the field when the Task Force investigates a viral outbreak.
The episode was rated 7.80 from 2788 votes.
Liz abandons her old life and seeks out a fresh start in a place where no one knows her history, her name, or the depths of her grief. When an unexpected threat finds her, she is forced to draw on her emotional and physical strength in a brutal fight for survival.
The episode was rated 7.84 from 3126 votes.
When Red goes on the hunt for a legendary treasure, he draws the attention of Abraham Stern, a cunning manipulator who has devoted his life - and the lives of many innocents - to recovering the fortune that is his birthright. Meanwhile, Liz's quest sends her down a dark path, leading her to study the methods of one of the Blacklist's most dangerous criminals.
The episode was rated 7.84 from 2987 votes.
As Liz investigates new details in a cold case from her early work as an FBI profiler, she explores her darker impulses in therapy with Dr. Fulton. The Task Force takes action to bring down Tom's killers within the legal system, while Red takes a different approach to closing in on Ian Garvey.
The episode was rated 7.85 from 2771 votes.
In an attempt to apply pressure to Ian Garvey, Red and the Task Force head to Paris to track down a prominent heroin supplier for the Nash Syndicate. Distrustful of Red's agenda, Liz takes her own path in going after Garvey.
The episode was rated 7.85 from 2651 votes.
Liz uses intel from an unexpected source to force Red to uncover the secrets he holds; Red initiates a plan to retrieve the duffel bag of bones.
The episode was rated 7.90 from 2639 votes.
The episode Ian Garvey of The Blacklist follows Liz in her desperate search for her husband Tom, who has gone missing. Red is also on the hunt for a suitcase of bones. As Liz races against time to find Tom, fans of the show are divided with some rejoicing over Tom's death, while others mourn the loss of a beloved character.
The episode also contains some controversial moments, with some fans taking issue with how Liz falls into a coma after being punched a few times in the head, while Tom dies after being stabbed four times in the abdomen. Fans are also disgruntled with the slow-motion fight scenes, which they feel are overused. Regardless, the episode was action-packed and viewers can look forward to the consequences of the characters' decisions.
The episode was rated 8.11 from 3428 votes.
In the episode Sutton Ross, Liz and Red are in a race to find a mysterious Blacklister in possession of a duffel bag of bones which leads to the truth finally coming to light. Fans of the show have been waiting many seasons to find out the truth and Tom's unexpected appearance was a nice touch. Some believe that the real Red was killed by Liz the night of the fire and Dom's other child is the one we see now. The ending was unexpected and left fans with many questions. Did Liz want to know the truth or will she face it? What was the goal of Garvey when he killed Tom? Did he know the truth? Fans are eagerly awaiting the sixth season to find out the answers to these questions and more.
The episode was rated 8.12 from 2498 votes.
