The BEST episodes of The Walking Dead season 1

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

The world we knew is gone. An epidemic of apocalyptic proportions has swept the globe causing the dead to rise and feed on the living. In a matter of months society has crumbled. In a world ruled by the dead, we are forced to finally start living.

Last Updated: 6/16/2026Network: AMCStatus: Ended
Days Gone Bye
star
8.11
16363 votes

#1 - Days Gone Bye

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 10/31/2010

Rick searches for his family after emerging from a coma into a world terrorized by the walking dead. Morgan and Duane, whom he meets along the way, help teach Rick the new rules for survival.

Directors: Frank Darabont
Watch Now:Amazon
TS-19
star
7.93
13649 votes

#2 - TS-19

Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 12/5/2010

Rick and the group are allowed into the CDC by a strange doctor, but all is not what it seems in their newfound haven.

Directors: Guy Ferland
Writer: Adam Fierro
Guts
star
7.83
14885 votes

#3 - Guts

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 11/7/2010

Rick unknowingly causes a group of survivors to be trapped by walkers. The group dynamic devolves from accusations to violence, as Rick must confront an enemy far more dangerous than the undead.

Vatos
star
7.83
14622 votes

#4 - Vatos

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 11/21/2010

Rick's mission to Atlanta is jeopardized when things go awry. Jim becomes unhinged in camp.

Directors: Johan B. Renck
Wildfire
star
7.82
13749 votes

#5 - Wildfire

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 11/28/2010

Rick leads the group to the CDC after the attack on the camp. Jim must make a terrible life and death decision.

Writer: Glen Mazzara
Tell It to the Frogs
star
7.82
14124 votes

#6 - Tell It to the Frogs

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 11/14/2010

Rick makes a decision to go back to Atlanta to retrieve the bag of guns and save a man's life. Lori and Shane must deal with the surprising return of someone they thought was dead.