The BEST Episodes of The Killing (2011)
Every episode ever - ranked by fan votes!
Last Updated: Jan 1, 2022
Network: AMC
From writer, executive producer and series showrunner Veena Sud (Cold Case), The Killing is based on the wildly successful Danish television series Forbrydelsen and tells the story of the murder of a young girl in Seattle and the subsequent police investigation. The Killing ties together three distinct stories around a single murder including the detectives assigned to the case, the victim's grieving family, and the suspects. Set in Seattle, the story also explores local politics as it follows politicians connected to the case. As the series unfolds, it becomes clear that there are no accidents; everyone has a secret, and while the characters think they've moved on, their past isn't done with them.
#1 - What I Know
Season 2 - Episode 13 - Aired Jun 17, 2012
Sarah and Holder's investigation comes to a close. Meanwhile, Richmond sets out on a bold new course; and a surprise source helps bring closure to the Larsens.
8.57 
#2 - Eden
Season 4 - Episode 6 - Aired Aug 1, 2014
Linden and Holder are confronted with the shocking truth behind the Stansbury murders.
8.34 
#3 - The Road to Hamelin
Season 3 - Episode 12 - Aired Aug 4, 2013
In the Season 3 finale, Sarah risks her life when someone dear to her goes missing; and Holder's past is used against him.
8.16 
#4 - Orpheus Descending
Season 1 - Episode 13 - Aired Jun 19, 2011
The identification of the mysterious Orpheus provides a vital connection to the case. Mitch and Stan reflect on the past while contemplating their family's future.
8.08 
#5 - Bulldog
Season 2 - Episode 11 - Aired Jun 3, 2012
A return to the casino winds up sending Sarah and Holder on the run, while Stan and Richmond face life-altering decisions.
8.07 
#6 - Reckoning
Season 3 - Episode 9 - Aired Jul 21, 2013
The hunt for a pornographer leads to a shocking revelation; Holder looks for a scapegoat; Twitch and Lyric find their dream home.
8.07 
#7 - Donnie or Marie
Season 2 - Episode 12 - Aired Jun 10, 2012
Sarah and Holder close in on the murderer. Meanwhile, the Richmond campaign preps for the election; and the Larsens seek to get their lives back in order.
8.06 
#8 - Beau Soleil
Season 1 - Episode 12 - Aired Jun 12, 2011
The police connect Rosie to a suspicious website. Stan faces his demons while Mitch learns secrets she never knew about Rosie.
8.05 
#9 - Truth Asunder
Season 4 - Episode 5 - Aired Aug 1, 2014
New information about the family murders surfaces. Meanwhile, Holder's loyalty is put to the test.
8.05 
#10 - From Up Here
Season 3 - Episode 11 - Aired Aug 4, 2013
Sarah seeks peace in the case's aftermath; the detectives pick up an unnerving new assignment; Lyric is tempted by her old life; Danette says good-bye.
8.01 
#11 - Pilot
Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired Apr 3, 2011
On her last day of work, homicide detective Sarah Linden is drawn into a new case about the disappearance of a teenage girl, Rosie Larsen. Mitch and Stan Larsen frantically try to track down their daughter when they learn she did not show up at school. City Councilman Darren Richmond prepares for an important forum with the Mayor as the election nears.
8.00 
#12 - Sayonara Hiawatha
Season 2 - Episode 9 - Aired May 20, 2012
Richmond lends support to the investigation; Sarah tries to track down Rosie's key; and Stan deals with his troubled son.
7.98 
#13 - Dream Baby Dream
Season 4 - Episode 4 - Aired Aug 1, 2014
Linden and Holder focus their investigation on a new suspect, and a tip from an informant leads Reddick to a shocking discovery.
7.97 
#14 - Try
Season 3 - Episode 8 - Aired Jul 14, 2013
Sarah goes missing; Bullet makes a choice to save Lyric; a dark secret is learned.
7.97 
#15 - Hope Kills
Season 3 - Episode 7 - Aired Jul 7, 2013
Holder and Linden get a break in the case; Seward clashes with death; Bullet becomes a protector.
7.89 
#16 - The Good Soldier
Season 4 - Episode 3 - Aired Aug 1, 2014
Reddick digs deeper as Linden and Holder struggle to keep their investigation from going cold.
7.89 
#17 - Six Minutes
Season 3 - Episode 10 - Aired Jul 28, 2013
Sarah copes with the consequences of past mistakes; Holder wrestles personal demons; Seward is truthful.
7.86 
#18 - Scared and Running
Season 3 - Episode 5 - Aired Jun 23, 2013
Bullet races to find a victim on the run before someone else does; Seward is discourteous to surprise visitors.
7.86 
#19 - Keylela
Season 2 - Episode 7 - Aired May 6, 2012
The investigation refocuses on the casino; Stan has an uneasy face-to-face with Richmond; tension grips the Larsen house.
7.86 
#20 - 72 Hours
Season 2 - Episode 10 - Aired May 27, 2012
Sarah teeters on the edge. Stan attempts to make amends. Richmond receives an unexpected boost in the mayoral race.
7.81 
#21 - Undertow
Season 1 - Episode 9 - Aired May 22, 2011
The police are thwarted in their efforts to arrest Bennet. Richmond thinks long and hard about removing himself from the Mayor's race. Mitch and Stan have had it with the police.
7.80 
#22 - The Cage
Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired Apr 3, 2011
The investigation into Rosie’s killer begins as Sarah and Holder question the missing girl’s parents, Stan and Mitch, as well as Rosie’s friends and City Councilman Richmond. Rosie’s school becomes a potential murder site when Sarah and Holder uncover shocking evidence on campus. Heartbroken and grief-stricken, Mitch and Stan face the aftermath of losing their daughter.
7.79 
#23 - El Diablo
Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired Apr 10, 2011
Councilman Richmond suspects a leak within his team; Sarah tracks down a witness and is led to a suspect.
7.75 
#24 - A Soundless Echo
Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired Apr 17, 2011
The Larsens plan their daughter's funeral; Rosie's friend unveils surprises about her life.
7.75 
#25 - Head Shots
Season 3 - Episode 4 - Aired Jun 16, 2013
The task force shuts down a business; Sarah and Holder unite in their pursuit of "the voice"; Seward is offered motivation to comply with orders.
7.74