The BEST episodes of Hell on Wheels season 1

Every episode of Hell on Wheels season 1, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Hell on Wheels season 1!

Hell on Wheels tells the epic story of post-Civil War America, focusing on a Confederate soldier (Mount) who sets out to exact revenge on the Union soldiers who have killed his wife. His journey takes him west to Hell on Wheels, a dangerous, raucous, lawless melting pot of a town that travels with and services the construction of the first transcontinental railroad, an engineering feat unprecedented for its time.

Last Updated: 9/23/2024Network: AMCStatus: Ended
Timshel
star
7.97
2497 votes

#1 - Timshel

Season 1 - Episode 9 - Aired 1/8/2012

A looming railroad deadline throws Cullen and Lily together; Joseph and Elam deal with what their violent mission has wrought.

Directors: John Shiban
Writer: John Shiban
Watch Now:Amazon
God of Chaos
star
7.95
2412 votes

#2 - God of Chaos

Season 1 - Episode 10 - Aired 1/15/2012

In the Season 1 finale, Cullen's past and future collide, impacting his life on the railroad.

Directors: David Von Ancken
Watch Now:Amazon
Derailed
star
7.94
2408 votes

#3 - Derailed

Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 1/1/2012

Durant dispatches Cullen and Elam on a mission of vengeance. Lily struggles to find her place.

Directors: David Von Ancken
Writer: Mark Richard
Watch Now:Amazon
Revelations
star
7.92
2485 votes

#4 - Revelations

Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 12/18/2011

With Elam's life in the balance, Cullen must decide how much he’s willing to risk. Meanwhile Durant faces financial ruin as Lily confronts the family of her late husband.

Watch Now:Amazon
Immoral Mathematics
star
7.82
3003 votes

#5 - Immoral Mathematics

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 11/13/2011

Lily encounters natives in the wilderness. Cullen is questioned in regards to his recent actions against others. Meanwhile, Durant continues his push for political gain through his persuasions.

Directors: David Von Ancken
Watch Now:Amazon
Bread and Circuses
star
7.81
2505 votes

#6 - Bread and Circuses

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 12/4/2011

A bare-knuckle brouhaha between Elam and Cullen is spurred by Durant's latest attempt to deal with the railroad's financial crisis.

Directors: Adam Davidson
Writer: Mark Richard
Watch Now:Amazon
Pride, Pomp and Circumstance
star
7.80
2647 votes

#7 - Pride, Pomp and Circumstance

Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 12/11/2011

Durant challenges the Cheyenne to a competition in an effort to bring a halt to ongoing negotiations. Meanwhile, Elam and Cullen try to prevent bloodshed in town.

Directors: Michael Slovis
Watch Now:Amazon
A New Birth of Freedom
star
7.66
2747 votes

#8 - A New Birth of Freedom

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 11/20/2011

When Lily goes missing, Durant organizes a search party. A subsidiary request prevents Cullen from his continued search for the sergeant involved in the murder of his wife.

Directors: Phil Abraham
Writer: John Shiban
Watch Now:Amazon
star
7.65
2551 votes

#9 - Jamais Je Ne T'oublierai

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 11/27/2011

Cullen's search for the sergeant nears its end; Durant keeps to his hidden agenda while assisting in Lily's recuperation.

Directors: Alex Zakrzewski
Writer: Jami O'Brien
Watch Now:Amazon
Pilot
star
7.63
3466 votes

#10 - Pilot

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 11/6/2011

A former confederate soldier journeys to the transcontinental railroad to seek vengeance.

Directors: David Von Ancken
Watch Now:Amazon