The WORST episodes of Sun Records

Every episode of Sun Records ever, ranked from worst to best by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The worst episodes of Sun Records!

The untold story of the birth of rock ’n’ roll, where Sam Phillips brought together young artists who fused hillbilly country with 1950s R&B and reshaped popular music forever.

Last Updated: 3/6/2026Network: CMTStatus: Ended

7.58

381 votes

#1 - 706 Union

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 2/23/2017

Sam Phillips moves his family to Memphis to open a recording studio to look for his first hit musical act, but instead rekindles a steamy affair. Young Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash struggle at home.

Watch Now:Amazon

7.65

310 votes

#2 - Outta The Groove

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 3/2/2017

Sam records B.B. King, but his new label struggles. Elvis is inspired by African-American music, but is chastised by his family and girlfriend for crossing racial lines. We meet cousins Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart.

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7.66

261 votes

#3 - Never Better

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 3/16/2017

Sam's worsening anxiety attacks lead to a radical new medical procedure; Elvis tries to win Trixie back; Johnny Cash, who is overseas, makes a decision that affects his girlfriend back home.

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7.67

269 votes

#4 - Record Man Blues

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 3/9/2017

Sam can’t find the follow-up hit to Ike Turner’s “Rocket 88.” Colonel Tom Parker’s conniving ways are exposed. Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart have their eye on the same girl.

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7.68

235 votes

#5 - Rising Sun

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 3/23/2017

Sam finds another hit with Johnny Bragg and the Prisonaires; Becky makes a surprising announcement; Elvis enlists Sam to help him record a song for his mother; Johnny takes his relationship with Vivian to the next phase.

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7.77

217 votes

#6 - Who They Were Meant to Be

Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 3/30/2017

Sam and Marion take Elvis on the road to promote "Blue Moon"; Colonel Tom Parker pays a heavy price for his gambling; Jerry Lee tries to stay on the straight and narrow in his new married life.

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7.81

205 votes

#7 - Finishing School

Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 4/13/2017

Colonel Tom Parker presses to take over Elvis' career, but Sam struggles with the decision to let his star go. Meanwhile, Jerry Lee's philandering catches up with him; and Johnny starts his own band.

Directors: Roland Joffé

Writer: Colin Escott, Leslie Greif

Watch Now:Amazon

7.89

211 votes

#8 - No Favors Here

Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 4/6/2017

Elvis gets his first taste of fame when he starts playing live shows; Colonel Tom Parker scams his way out of debt and eyes an opportunity with Elvis; Johnny returns from overseas to begin his life with Vivian.

Directors: Roland Joffé

Writer: Colin Escott, Leslie Greif

Watch Now:Amazon