The Fosters

10 Best Episodes of The Fosters - Season 3

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 - S3E6

#15 - It's My Party (Season 3 - Episode 6)

Callie thinks she's celebrating her 17th birthday with just the family, but Jude surprises her with a house party. Jude's surprise risks exposing both Callie's and Mariana's secrets when he innocently invites Rafael and Wyatt to attend. Meanwhile, Brandon's suspicions about AJ's behavior come to a head, and Mariana and Callie decide to buy a car together without telling their moms.

The episode was rated 7.67 from 267 votes.

The Fosters - S3E1

#14 - Wreckage (Season 3 - Episode 1)

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As the family deals with the aftermath of the accident, Stef is determined to find the driver responsible for the crash. Callie continues to volunteer at the drop-in center where she meets AJ, a foster teen runaway searching for his older brother. Brandon starts at the Idyllwild Music Program and quickly realizes that he will be faced with serious competition. Meanwhile, Jude tells Connor he prefers to keep their relationship private at school.

The episode was rated 7.68 from 290 votes.

The Fosters - S3E15

#13 - Minor Offenses (Season 3 - Episode 15)

When Stef and Lena discover Callie wants to film an endorsement supporting a new foster care reform bill, they express concern, prompting Callie to seek out Rita for support. Hoping to impress Mariana, Nick turns to Jesus for advice on planning their first date. Meanwhile, Stef recovers from a medical procedure

The episode was rated 7.71 from 319 votes.

The Fosters - S3E5

#12 - Going South (Season 3 - Episode 5)

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Callie convinces Brandon to head out on a mysterious trip that brings them to Mexico. Stef and Lena discover an empty pregnancy test box in the trash and wonder if someone in the house is worried they are pregnant.

The episode was rated 7.76 from 257 votes.

The Fosters - S3E9

#11 - Idyllwild (Season 3 - Episode 9)

The family heads to Idyllwild for Brandon's music competition where long-held feelings are revealed and life-changing secrets are unveiled. Callie finds herself in danger of being hurt when she questions Carmen and Brooke's motives directly. Mike witnesses an unexpected connection that may support Stef's theory for finding the hit-and-run driver.

The episode was rated 7.78 from 290 votes.

The Fosters - S3E17

#10 - Sixteen (Season 3 - Episode 17)

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Jesus is upset after his plans for a low key birthday are supplanted by Mariana, who plans a huge dance party instead. Jude is excited by the prospect of a weekend visit with Connor. Meanwhile, Callie and Brandon strike a truce by agreeing not to bring their new respective significant others home or to family functions.

The episode was rated 7.78 from 317 votes.

The Fosters - S3E18

#9 - Rehearsal (Season 3 - Episode 18)

During a rehearsal for Brandon and Mat’s “Romeo and Juliet” musical, Zoe tells Nick that Mariana cheated on Mat when they dated, causing Mariana to fear that Nick will end their relationship. Callie serves as a character witness for her friend Daphne, who is desperately trying to get her daughter back. Meanwhile, Jesus and Mariana want to help their birth father.

The episode was rated 7.81 from 308 votes.

The Fosters - S3E2

#8 - Father's Day (Season 3 - Episode 2)

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As part of their annual tradition, Stef and Lena have Mike over for Father's Day brunch. Jude surprises everyone, especially Callie, by inviting his biological father, Donald to join them. Callie spends Father's Day with the Quinns and hears some surprising news. Frustrated by his situation at Idyllwild, Brandon let's off some steam with his classmates.

The episode was rated 7.81 from 264 votes.

The Fosters - S3E10

#7 - Lucky (Season 3 - Episode 10)

Amid tensions in their own relationship, Stef and Lena host a 40th anniversary party for Lena's parents. Callie faces the judge who will determine the consequences of her actions, all while holding a secret that could change everything. Meanwhile, Mariana decides that she must find a way to repair her relationship with Mat.

The episode was rated 7.82 from 301 votes.

The Fosters - S3E4

#6 - More Than Words (Season 3 - Episode 4)

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When Lena’s half-brother Nate comes for a visit with Lena and her parents, Lena aims to get an apology for an offensive name he called her mother years ago. Meanwhile, Cole invites Callie, Jude and Connor to an LGBTQ prom.

The episode was rated 7.84 from 272 votes.

The Fosters - S3E14

#5 - Under Water (Season 3 - Episode 14)

After Callie and Jude discover Jack is being abused by other boys in his group foster home, they turn to foster care advocate Justina to get him help. Jesus attempts to get to know Gabe at work even as Nick urges him to tell Gabe the truth about who he is. Meanwhile, Mariana is surprised when Nick asks her out.

The episode was rated 7.85 from 341 votes.

The Fosters - S3E8

#4 - Daughters (Season 3 - Episode 8)

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When Rita's daughter shows up unexpectedly, Callie sees a different side of Rita and learns the reason behind their strained relationship. Stef discovers a new lead in the hit-and-run case. Brandon confronts his moms about the tensions in the house.

The episode was rated 7.86 from 264 votes.

The Fosters - S3E16

#3 - EQ (Season 3 - Episode 16)

Brandon’s senior thesis is in jeopardy when a student raises concerns about the play glorifying suicide, leaving the school honor board to vote on whether or not his Romeo and Juliet musical can be performed at Anchor Beach. Rita’s daughter Chloe reaches out to Callie after Rita refuses to take her calls. Meanwhile, Stef teaches a class on handling emotion as part of a Youth Outreach Program.

The episode was rated 7.86 from 321 votes.

The Fosters - S3E20

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

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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 - S3E19

#1 - 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.

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