The Fosters

10 Best Episodes of The Fosters

Stef Foster, a dedicated police officer, and her partner Lena Adams, a school vice principal, have built a close-knit, loving family with Stef's biological son from a previous marriage, Brandon, and their adopted twins, Mariana and Jesus. Their lives are disrupted in unexpected ways when Lena meets Callie, a hardened teen with an abusive past who has spent her life in and out of foster homes. Lena and Stef welcome Callie and her brother, Jude, into their home thinking it's just for a few weeks, until a more permanent placement can be found. But life has something else in store for the Fosters.

Written by Sophie and last updated on jan 30, 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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The Fosters - S3E20

#15 - Kingdom Come (Season 3 - Episode 20)

In the wake of a tragic loss, the family pulls together and searches for answers. Callie makes a shocking discovery that has her questioning her loyalties. Nick gives Mariana an expensive gift, adding to her guilt about what happened between her and Mat. Meanwhile, Brandon tells his moms that Cortney has a child, and finds himself in a predicament after her ex-husband kicks Cortney out of their apartment.

The episode was rated 8.02 from 366 votes.

The Fosters - S1E14

#14 - Family Day (Season 1 - Episode 14)

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There are possibilities of someone being pregnant. She speaks with her gynecologist to know if she's still qualified to become pregnant. The issue here is that she hasn't spoken with her partner about it. Jesus tries to drop weight for wrestling, and he and Emma flirt with each other. Meanwhile, Rita opens up to Callie about her past: she cheated on her ex-husband.The Fosters visit Callie and learn she may not return with them. Callie shares a secret with one of her housemates, but events are turned upside down. Stef and Lena discuss with Jude about the option of adopting him without Callie. Stef and Lena are caught off guard by something Stef's dad Frank does.

The episode was rated 8.03 from 254 votes.

The Fosters - S1E10

#13 - I Do (Season 1 - Episode 10)

Stef and Lena try to maintain calm when their parents descend on the Foster house for a very special celebration. Lena’s dad, Stewart, has agreed to officiate the ceremony while her mother Dana and Stef’s colorful, talkative mom Sharon, attempt to keep things civil while disagreeing on floral arrangements. Sharon tries to strong-arm Frank into attending. Stef avoids telling Lena she plans to return to work as soon as she is cleared. Meanwhile, when Callie’s case against Liam boils down to her word against his, she must decide whether or not to lie in order to get some justice out of the situation. Callie and Jude get some news they've been hoping for, but Callie makes an emotional slip that could destroy any chance they finally have at happiness.

The episode was rated 8.04 from 284 votes.

The Fosters - S4E11

#12 - Insult to Injury (Season 4 - Episode 11)

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In the aftermath of Jesus’ fight with Nick over Mariana, Jesus is knocked out. On the way to the hospital, things take a turn for the worse, leaving him fighting for his life. Meanwhile, Callie finds herself in a dangerous situation after taking a ride with Troy and Mariana is guilt-ridden over the fact that her actions led to Jesus’ current condition.

The episode was rated 8.04 from 600 votes.

The Fosters - S4E2

#11 - Safe (Season 4 - Episode 2)

After being given the all clear to head home, tensions are still running high in the Adams Foster household. Fragile and skittish from the school lockdown, the family sticks close, but their secrets keep them apart. Callie and Brandon anxiously wait for their moms to address their behavior in Idyllwild while Stef warns everyone to stay off their phones and computers due to the rumors swirling around their family. Meanwhile, Brandon sneaks out to help Cortney move, leading to a major blowup between him and Stef.

The episode was rated 8.06 from 509 votes.

The Fosters - S1E15

#10 - Padre (Season 1 - Episode 15)

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Recent events bring up painful memories for Callie and Jude and make Callie question what is most important to her. Stef is flustered by a discovery about Lena and Mike is troubled by new developments in the shooting investigation. Meanwhile, Jesus' long distance relationship with Lexi is complicated by his growing bond with his wrestling teammate, Emma.

The episode was rated 8.10 from 265 votes.

The Fosters - S2E20

#9 - Not That Kind of Girl (Season 2 - Episode 20)

Callie meets another roadblock in her pursuit of a happier future, leading her to confront past demons. Mariana, troubled by the uncertain future of Ana’s baby, follows up on a letter Ana wrote to relatives. Meanwhile, Jude faces the painful fallout of a bad decision. Lena confides in Monte about her difficulties at home.

The episode was rated 8.14 from 228 votes.

The Fosters - S2E18

#8 - Now Hear This (Season 2 - Episode 18)

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Mariana finds it difficult to deal with impending changes at home and focuses her attention on organizing a student protest over an administrative incident at school. Meanwhile, when she learns Kiara is back in town and on the streets, Callie is willing to do anything she can in order to help her friend, even if that means disobeying Stef’s orders and putting herself in danger. Jude finally confronts Connor over the mixed messages he’s been sending, leading to a make-or-break moment in their friendship.

The episode was rated 8.14 from 227 votes.

The Fosters - S4E1

#7 - Potential Energy (Season 4 - Episode 1)

Tensions run high as Stef and Lena are called to action when the school is put on lockdown after it’s discovered that Mariana’s boyfriend Nick brought his father’s gun on campus, after seeing her kiss her ex-boyfriend Mat. Callie admits her past relationship with Brandon to her moms. But before Stef and Lena can even process the information, the school goes into the “Code Blue” lockdown.

The episode was rated 8.20 from 558 votes.

The Fosters - S4E10

#6 - Collateral Damage (Season 4 - Episode 10)

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In the midseason finale, Callie and the family set-up a Justice for Jack booth at the music festival in the hopes of stopping Justine's foster-care bill; but Callie's advocation for both Kyle and Jack puts her in danger. Meanwhile, tensions between AJ and Aaron escalate; and Mariana flees from the festival after seeing Nick, leading the family to frantically search for her.

The episode was rated 8.23 from 487 votes.

The Fosters - S5E19

#5 - Many Roads (Season 5 - Episode 19)

In the spring finale, it’s graduation day for Callie and Brandon, but after some shocking news, the family wonders whether they will make it to the ceremony.

The episode was rated 8.23 from 242 votes.

The Fosters - S1E21

#4 - Adoption Day (Season 1 - Episode 21)

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Stef and Mike are faced with the repercussions of a shocking revelation, and the fallout could destroy lives and relationships. Callie contemplates her upcoming adoption and Brandon’s frustration leads him to make another regrettable decision. Mariana supports a friend with a difficult decision, and Jesus resolves to make a change for the better as he manages his ADHD. Jude gets asked out on a date.

The episode was rated 8.25 from 240 votes.

The Fosters - S3E19

#3 - The Show (Season 3 - Episode 19)

As they perform the parts of Romeo and Juliet on the show's big opening night, Mat and Mariana are forced to face the depth of their feelings for each other. The musical performance sparks heightened emotion for members of the Adams Foster family, causing them to reflect on recent events. Meanwhile, a domestic violence call leads Stef to a tragic discovery.

The episode was rated 8.27 from 374 votes.

The Fosters - S2E21

#2 - The End of the Beginning (Season 2 - Episode 21)

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Callie meets her grandfather, which gives her a new perspective on Robert. Meanwhile, Mariana gets ready for a crucial dance-team showdown; and Jude stands up for a friend.

The episode was rated 8.36 from 272 votes.

The Fosters - S5E22

#1 - Where the Heart Is (Season 5 - Episode 22)

After a turbulent few days in Turks & Caicos, the family starts to question if the wedding will actually take place. The moms make a huge decision that will change the family forever.

The episode was rated 8.40 from 167 votes.

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