The BEST episodes of The Fosters (2013) season 1

Every episode of The Fosters (2013) season 1, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of The Fosters (2013) season 1!

From executive producer Jennifer Lopez, "The Fosters" is a compelling drama about a multi-ethnic family mix of foster and biological kids being raised by two moms. Stef Foster, a dedicated police officer, and her partner Lena Foster, 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 warily welcome Callie into their home thinking it's just for a few weeks, until a more permanent placement can be found. What happens next will determine if Stef and Lena made the right choice in taking a chance on Callie, and whether they have room in their home - and their hearts - for one more.

Last Updated: 1/1/1970Network: FreeformStatus: Continuing
star
8.30
163 votes

#1 - Padre

Season 1 - Episode 15 - Aired 2/10/2014

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.

Watch Now:Amazon
star
8.28
145 votes

#2 - Adoption Day

Season 1 - Episode 21 - Aired 3/24/2014

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.

Directors: Norman Buckley
Watch Now:Amazon
star
8.14
153 votes

#3 - House and Home

Season 1 - Episode 12 - Aired 1/20/2014

Callie meets Rita Hendricks, a woman who works in the foster care system, and it’s clear it will take Callie some time to adjust to Rita’s no-nonsense guidance. Brandon comes clean about the reason Callie ran away and, unbeknownst to Stef and Lena, he sets out to track her down. Meanwhile, Mariana volunteers to help with the school play in order to impress a cute boy, but when she gets paired up with an old “friend,” it could spell trouble. Jesus’ meds are having concerning side effects, and he’s desperate to find an alternative to taking the pills. Mike suggests he participate in contact sports to help relieve his aggression, and Jesus tries out for the wrestling team.

Directors: Martha Mitchell
Watch Now:Amazon
star
8.06
178 votes

#4 - I Do

Season 1 - Episode 10 - Aired 8/5/2013

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.

Directors: James Hayman
Watch Now:Amazon
star
8.01
154 votes

#5 - Family Day

Season 1 - Episode 14 - Aired 2/3/2014

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.

Directors: Elodie Keene
Watch Now:Amazon
star
8.00
165 votes

#6 - Vigil

Season 1 - Episode 9 - Aired 7/29/2013

While Lena tries to process the extent of Mariana and Jesus’ lies, Stef and Mike head to Ana’s to try and find Jesus. What they encounter lands someone in the hospital and changes the Foster family forever. While the family waits anxiously for news, tensions rise over the secrets the kids kept from Stef and Lena and even Brandon realizes he’s to blame for covering for the twins. Callie has a heart-to-heart with Brandon to help him understand the perspective of a foster child and Brandon learns how Callie’s mother died. Wyatt calls Callie on her growing bond with Brandon but Callie is all too familiar with the damage that could result from this kind of relationship.

Directors: David Paymer
Watch Now:Amazon
star
7.98
141 votes

#7 - Metropolis

Season 1 - Episode 20 - Aired 3/17/2014

As the high school’s Winter Ball approaches, Mariana and Jesus fret about dates and a surprise nomination for Winter Queen raises suspicions. Zac’s mom shows up at school to talk to Lena. An old friend pays a visit to Callie wanting to make amends, and Brandon feels threatened. But a past mistake could cause Brandon to lose Callie for good. Ana returns with unsettling news for Stef.

Directors: Martha Mitchell
Watch Now:Amazon
star
7.92
168 votes

#8 - Clean

Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 7/22/2013

A visit from Lena's beautiful and sophisticated ex-girlfriend reveals a secret yearning Lena has hidden from Stef for the past ten years. Meanwhile, Brandon struggles to please his demanding new piano teacher and rebuffs an offer from Talya to reconnect. When an embarrassing video of Talya circulates around the school, Callie lends her support and urges Brandon cut her some slack. Mike's drinking and Stef's mounting concern do not go unnoticed at the precinct. Mariana and Jesus go to tell Ana to leave Mariana alone. The encounter with his birth mom and her desperate situation drive Jesus to take matters into his own hands, a move that could have dire consequences for the whole family.

Watch Now:Amazon
star
7.88
151 votes

#9 - Things Unsaid

Season 1 - Episode 13 - Aired 1/27/2014

When Callie’s probation officer learns of Callie and Brandon’s relationship, it poses serious consequences for both teens. Stef and Lena are forced to take more severe measures to keep them apart. Meanwhile, Stef returns to work, leaving Lena riddled with anxiety. Jesus bonds with his wrestling team but Lena’s reaction to a hazing tradition threatens to shake the hard-earned respect of his teammates. Kelsey’s jealousy over Mariana’s growing attraction to Chase leads Kelsey to expose some nasty secrets from Mariana’s past. Fearing Callie’s actions will get them both sent away from the Fosters’ home, Jude makes preparations.

Directors: Joanna Kerns
star
7.84
139 votes

#10 - Don't Let Go

Season 1 - Episode 19 - Aired 3/10/2014

An encounter with her father leaves Callie conflicted about her future and worried about the effect the reunion will have on Jude. Meanwhile, Jesus struggles to maintain his focus at school without his ADHD medication, and Mariana gets an unexpected invitation from Zac’s mom. Lena and Stef come to a major decision with the help of a good friend.

Directors: Zetna Fuentes
star
7.83
151 votes

#11 - Us Against the World

Season 1 - Episode 16 - Aired 2/17/2014

Callie makes a life-changing leap in order to better her future and earn back the trust of her loved ones. Brandon makes a move of his own, much to Callie's disappointment. Stef is called to testify in Mike's case and is faced with a decision that could mean losing her job. Meanwhile, Jude unravels a mysterious message, and Mariana makes a bold move to win Chase's attention.

Directors: Lee Rose
star
7.80
184 votes

#12 - Quinceanera

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 6/24/2013

Mariana's quinceanera is coming up and Lena wants it to be the best. However, when a secret is revealed, it could end the party before it even starts. Lena's mom comes for a visit and Stef gives Brandon a pep talk on the rules of dating when he sees Talya and Callie getting more friendly.

Directors: Joanna Kerns
star
7.78
172 votes

#13 - The Fallout

Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 7/15/2013

Feeling betrayed and angry, Jesus and Mariana get into a major fight. When Lexi’s parents take measures to keep her away from Jesus, Lexi makes a desperate decision, which could have serious and lasting consequences for her and her family. Meanwhile, Lena urges Callie to participate during her weekly group therapy sessions. Callie is conflicted but she opens up to Brandon, who supports her as she confronts a painful memory from her past. Jude hopes to impress his new friend Connor, who comes over to work on a school project.

Directors: Jeff Melman
star
7.78
148 votes

#14 - Escapes and Reversals

Season 1 - Episode 18 - Aired 3/3/2014

Jesus feels the pressure to make a difficult choice and his inability to focus poses a challenge during an important wrestling match. Callie suspects Brandon has gotten himself into a bad situation and struggles with the decision to protect him at the cost of another friend’s reputation. Stef and Lena reveal a caveat to Callie and Jude’s adoption and the siblings must decide whether they want to face their past or move on with their new lives. Mariana gets an unsettling glimpse into her friend Zac’s home life when his mom shows up.

Directors: Melanie Mayron
star
7.78
149 votes

#15 - Kids in the Hall

Season 1 - Episode 17 - Aired 2/24/2014

Callie finds a way to use her photography skills for a good cause, but it unintentionally leads to trouble for someone she cares about. In an effort to clear his own conscience, Brandon makes a deal with an unscrupulous classmate and finds himself in over his head. Mariana deals with the unwelcome consequences of her stunt to earn Chase's affection, and tension comes to a head between Jesus and Emma during a wrestling match. Meanwhile, Stef and Lena contemplate another big step for their family.

Directors: Michael Grossman
star
7.76
175 votes

#16 - Saturday

Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 7/8/2013

The Fosters invite Ernesto and Sofia Rivera to dinner, and Stef worries that they will subjugate Jesus to views that disapprove of his non-traditional family. To make matters worse, Stef's conservative father, Frank, shows up and the family dinner threatens to turn into an all-out moral debate. Meanwhile, Callie attends a group therapy session for foster children and meets someone with a connection to her past - a past that will come back to haunt her. Wyatt holds a destructive party at his childhood home, which is under foreclosure, and Callie realizes he's much more hurt than he lets on. Mike shows up late to take Brandon to an important audition with a renowned piano teacher.

Directors: Norman Buckley
star
7.76
172 votes

#17 - The Morning After

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 7/1/2013

When things between Jesus and Lexi get hot and heavy, they are forced to face the possible consequences of their actions. Meanwhile, Callie gets closer to Wyatt but Brandon has serious reservations about Callie dating a "bad boy." Stef and Lena learn that two of their close friends, Kelly and Jenna, are having major relationship trouble and it causes them to look at the lack of romance in their own lives. Kelly and Jenna's hip and educated son, Garret, catches Mariana's eye and she becomes desperate to fit in with his cool, edgy crowd. Jude is bullied at school for being different.

Directors: Bethany Rooney
star
7.76
262 votes

#18 - Pilot

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 6/3/2013

We follow a multi-ethnic family mix of foster and biological kids being raised by two moms. 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 warily welcome Callie into their home thinking it's just for a few weeks, until a more permanent placement can be found.

Directors: Timothy Busfield
star
7.75
159 votes

#19 - The Honeymoon

Season 1 - Episode 11 - Aired 1/13/2014

The repercussions of Callie’s decision to run away impact every member of the Foster family, including newlyweds Stef and Lena, who had offered to adopt the troubled teen. Both Jude and Brandon struggle with their own personal guilt about her running away. Mariana inadvertently discovers the whole story about Lexi’s upcoming trip to Honduras.

Directors: James Hayman
star
7.69
185 votes

#20 - Hostile Acts

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 6/17/2013

The Fosters cope with a crowded house but when Mike suggests that Brandon come live with him, Stef argues that it's not Brandon's decision, resulting in a heated argument with her son. Meanwhile, Lexi and Jesus resolve to end their budding relationship but find that their attraction to one another may be too hard to resist. Callie openly disapproves of Mariana letting Jesus take the fall for stealing his pills but when Timothy, Callie's teacher, gives her an assignment to write about guilt in a journal, it drudges up her own dark secrets and a mysterious name from her past.

Directors: Melanie Mayron
Writer: David Ehrman
star
7.64
209 votes

#21 - Consequently

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 6/10/2013

Lena and Mike disagree about punishing Brandon. Jesus tries to cover for Mariana at risk to himself. Callie gets blamed for Mariana’s transgression. Jesus and Lexi embark on a secret relationship.

Directors: Timothy Busfield