The BEST episodes of The Killing (US) season 1

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

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.

Last Updated: 9/25/2024Network: NetflixStatus: Ended
Orpheus Descending
star
8.06
2144 votes

#1 - Orpheus Descending

Season 1 - Episode 13 - Aired 6/19/2011

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.

Directors: Brad Anderson
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Beau Soleil
star
8.03
2045 votes

#2 - Beau Soleil

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

The police connect Rosie to a suspicious website. Stan faces his demons while Mitch learns secrets she never knew about Rosie.

Directors: Keith Gordon
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Pilot
star
7.96
2715 votes

#3 - Pilot

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 4/3/2011

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.

Directors: Patty Jenkins
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
The Cage
star
7.77
1993 votes

#4 - The Cage

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 4/3/2011

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.

Directors: Ed Bianchi
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Undertow
star
7.77
1939 votes

#5 - Undertow

Season 1 - Episode 9 - Aired 5/22/2011

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.

Writer: Dan Nowak
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
El Diablo
star
7.73
2375 votes

#6 - El Diablo

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 4/10/2011

Councilman Richmond suspects a leak within his team; Sarah tracks down a witness and is led to a suspect.

Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
A Soundless Echo
star
7.72
2126 votes

#7 - A Soundless Echo

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 4/17/2011

The Larsens plan their daughter's funeral; Rosie's friend unveils surprises about her life.

Writer: Soo Hugh
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
I'll Let You Know When I Get There
star
7.66
1867 votes

#8 - I'll Let You Know When I Get There

Season 1 - Episode 10 - Aired 5/29/2011

Richmond rises in the polls; a surprising individual turns himself in.

Directors: Ed Bianchi
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
What You Have Left
star
7.66
2105 votes

#9 - What You Have Left

Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 5/1/2011

Sarah and Holder intensify their investigation on a suspect's family and friends. Gwen and Richmond disagree over strategy for the next debate with the mayor. Meanwhile, Rosie's funeral takes place and Stan concentrates on his own investigation into her death.

Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Stonewalled
star
7.64
2081 votes

#10 - Stonewalled

Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 5/15/2011

Sarah and Holder evade the FBI and unearth new evidence. Mitch endangers the boys, prompting Stan to take matters into his own hands. Richmond tries to climb back in the race.

Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Super 8
star
7.56
2092 votes

#11 - Super 8

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 4/24/2011

Rosie's teacher provides Sarah and Holder with a new piece of evidence. Richmond's campaign team plans a new anti-crime television commercial. Mitch continues to struggle with the loss of her daughter, while Stan becomes more determined to find Rosie's killer, and asks his colleague Belko for help.

Directors: Phil Abraham
Writer: Jeremy Doner
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Vengeance
star
7.52
2030 votes

#12 - Vengeance

Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 5/8/2011

Mitch questions the validity of the police investigation while Richmond has to deal with a negative ad. It's discovered that Rosie was at Bennett's apartment the night she died.

Directors: Ed Bianchi
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Missing
star
7.29
2022 votes

#13 - Missing

Season 1 - Episode 11 - Aired 6/5/2011

Sarah and Holder discover more on Rosie, but the investigation gets stalled when they have to set out on a search for Jack.

Directors: Nicole Kassell
Writer: Veena Sud
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV