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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, some TV shows have gone down in history for their introductions, so we’re checking out the top 10 best pilot episodes, is your favourite here?
In the vast landscape of television, where countless shows vie for our attention, the pilot episode holds a unique and crucial position. It’s the first handshake, the initial glimpse into a world and its characters, and the ultimate make-or-break moment. Some TV shows have not only stuck the landing with their debut but have soared into television history, their pilot episodes becoming legendary for their captivating storytelling, unforgettable characters, and the sheer promise of what was to come. From iconic opening scenes that instantly hooked us to masterful introductions of complex narratives, these pilots set the gold standard for launching a series.
Join us as we delve into the crème de la crème of small-screen beginnings, counting down the top 10 best pilot episodes that left an indelible mark, according to research by VIP-Grinders. Their analysis of IMDb ratings for the pilot episodes of the 50 most-watched TV shows of all time reveals which debuts truly stood out. As we embark on this nostalgic trip down memory lane – with the potential for a new discovery or two – the burning question remains: will your all-time favourite pilot make the cut? Let’s find out! This data not only highlights each series’ pilot rating but also takes note of its overall IMDb score, offering a comprehensive look at these impactful beginnings.
Top 10 Best Pilot Episodes Of TV
Tied for First: The Walking Dead and Mr. Robot (Pilot IMDb: 9.2/10)
The Walking Dead
Pilot Synopsis (“Days Gone Bye”): Sheriff’s deputy Rick Grimes wakes up in a hospital to find the world overrun by zombies. Disoriented, he navigates a desolate Georgia landscape, encountering survivors Morgan and Duane, who explain the apocalyptic outbreak. Rick sets off for Atlanta, hoping to find his wife, Lori, and son, Carl, amidst chaos and undead threats.
Storyline: The Walking Dead (2010–2022, 177 episodes, 8.1/10 overall) follows survivors in a zombie apocalypse, focusing on Rick and his group as they face walkers, resource scarcity, and human conflicts. Based on Robert Kirkman’s comic, the series explores survival, morality, and community-building over 12 years.
Reception: The pilot’s visceral intensity and emotional depth captivated viewers, earning a 9.2/10. While the show maintained a strong following, some criticized later seasons for pacing issues, reflected in its 8.1/10 overall rating. Fans praised its character-driven drama but noted uneven quality over time.
Mr. Robot
Pilot Synopsis (“eps1.0_hellofriend.mov”): Elliot Alderson, a cybersecurity engineer and hacker, struggles with social anxiety and a double life. By day, he protects corporations; by night, he hacks to expose corruption. Recruited by the mysterious Mr. Robot to join a group targeting a powerful conglomerate, Elliot faces a moral and psychological crossroads.
Storyline: Mr. Robot (2015–2019, 45 episodes, 8.5/10 overall) is a psychological thriller about Elliot’s battle against corporate greed, mental health challenges, and reality itself. The series blends hacking, conspiracy, and unreliable narration across four seasons.
Reception: The pilot’s stylish visuals and Rami Malek’s compelling performance earned a 9.2/10, hooking audiences with its fresh take on tech and identity. The show’s 8.5/10 overall reflects sustained praise for innovation, though some felt later seasons grew complex. Fans lauded its bold storytelling and twists.
Second Place: Breaking Bad (Pilot IMDb: 9.0/10)
Pilot Synopsis (“Pilot”): Walter White, a chemistry teacher in Albuquerque, learns he has terminal lung cancer. Struggling to secure his family’s future, he teams up with former student Jesse Pinkman to cook methamphetamine. Their first foray into the drug trade spirals into violence, setting Walt on a dangerous path.
Storyline: Breaking Bad (2008–2013, 62 episodes, 9.5/10 overall) traces Walt’s transformation from a desperate everyman to a ruthless drug kingpin. Over five seasons, the series examines morality, power, and consequences, blending dark humor and intense drama.
Reception: The pilot’s tight pacing and Bryan Cranston’s nuanced performance scored a 9.0/10, gripping viewers with its premise. The show’s 9.5/10 overall rating marks it as a cultural juggernaut, with near-universal acclaim for its writing, acting, and escalation. Fans call it a masterclass in storytelling.
Third Place: Game of Thrones (Pilot IMDb: 8.9/10)
Pilot Synopsis (“Winter Is Coming”): In Westeros, noble families navigate political intrigue and ancient threats. The Stark family discovers a direwolf litter, while King Robert Baratheon visits Winterfell, seeking Lord Ned Stark’s aid. Across the sea, exiled princess Daenerys Targaryen is wed to a warlord, and a supernatural force stirs beyond the Wall.
Storyline: Game of Thrones (2011–2019, 74 episodes, 9.2/10 overall), based on George R.R. Martin’s novels, follows warring houses vying for the Iron Throne amid rising mystical dangers. Spanning eight seasons, it blends epic fantasy with gritty realism.
Reception: The pilot’s rich world-building and ensemble cast earned an 8.9/10, captivating audiences. The show’s 9.2/10 overall reflects its peak as a phenomenon, though the final season divided fans over pacing and character arcs. Viewers praised its ambition but debated its conclusion.
Tied for Fourth: Narcos and Westworld (Pilot IMDb: 8.8/10)
Narcos
Pilot Synopsis (“Descenso”): DEA agent Steve Murphy narrates the rise of Pablo Escobar, a Colombian drug lord. In the 1980s, Escobar’s cocaine empire grows, corrupting officials and evading capture. Murphy arrives in Colombia, partnering with Javier Peña to take down the Medellín cartel as violence escalates.
Storyline: Narcos (2015–2017, 30 episodes, 8.7/10 overall) chronicles the real-life drug trade, focusing on Escobar’s reign and the DEA’s pursuit. Over three seasons (two for the original arc), it mixes crime drama with historical grit, later shifting to other cartels.
Reception: The pilot’s kinetic energy and Wagner Moura’s chilling Escobar earned an 8.8/10, drawing viewers into the drug war. The show’s 8.7/10 overall reflects strong praise for authenticity and intensity, though some noted repetitive arcs. Fans admired its blend of history and suspense.
Westworld
Pilot Synopsis (“The Original”): In a futuristic theme park, wealthy guests interact with lifelike robots in a Wild West setting. Dr. Robert Ford oversees the park, where hosts like Dolores begin showing glitches. A mysterious update sparks questions about the hosts’ sentience and the park’s true purpose.
Storyline: Westworld (2016–2022, 36 episodes, 8.5/10 overall), inspired by Michael Crichton’s film, explores AI, consciousness, and morality. Over four seasons, it shifts from a park-based mystery to a broader sci-fi epic.
Reception: The pilot’s sleek visuals and philosophical hints scored an 8.8/10, intriguing audiences. The show’s 8.5/10 overall reflects admiration for its ambition, but later seasons lost some viewers with complexity. Fans loved its ideas but found it divisive over time.
Tied for Fifth: Sherlock, Prison Break, and Suits (Pilot IMDb: 8.7/10)
Sherlock
Pilot Synopsis (“A Study in Pink”): Dr. John Watson, a war veteran, meets brilliant but eccentric detective Sherlock Holmes in modern-day London. They investigate a string of mysterious suicides, uncovering a pattern linked to a cunning killer. Their partnership forms amid Sherlock’s dazzling deductions.
Storyline: Sherlock (2010–2017, 15 episodes, 9.1/10 overall) reimagines Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective as a 21st-century genius. Over four seasons, Holmes and Watson tackle intricate cases while exploring their bond and personal demons.
Reception: The pilot’s witty script and Benedict Cumberbatch’s charisma earned an 8.7/10, charming viewers. The show’s 9.1/10 overall reflects adoration for its cleverness and chemistry, though some felt later episodes leaned too convoluted. Fans hailed it as a modern classic.
Prison Break
Pilot Synopsis (“Pilot”): Michael Scofield orchestrates his arrest to break his wrongfully convicted brother, Lincoln Burrows, out of death row. Inside Fox River Penitentiary, Michael unveils a meticulous plan, using his engineering skills and a body full of tattooed clues to navigate dangers.
Storyline: Prison Break (2005–2017, 90 episodes, 8.3/10 overall) follows Michael’s high-stakes escape schemes, evolving into a global conspiracy thriller. Across five seasons, it blends action, twists, and family loyalty.
Reception: The pilot’s tense setup and clever premise scored an 8.7/10, gripping audiences. The show’s 8.3/10 overall reflects a loyal fanbase, but later seasons drew criticism for stretching the concept. Viewers loved its adrenaline but noted diminishing returns.
Suits
Pilot Synopsis (“Pilot”): Harvey Specter, a top New York lawyer, hires Mike Ross, a brilliant dropout with a photographic memory, despite Mike’s lack of a law degree. They tackle a high-stakes case at their firm, balancing deception, ambition, and mentorship in a cutthroat legal world.
Storyline: Suits (2011–2019, 134 episodes, 8.4/10 overall) follows Harvey and Mike’s rise at a Manhattan law firm, blending legal drama, workplace politics, and personal growth. Over nine seasons, it explores loyalty, ethics, and power dynamics.
Reception: The pilot’s sharp dialogue and chemistry between Gabriel Macht and Patrick J. Adams earned an 8.7/10, hooking viewers. The show’s 8.4/10 overall reflects steady popularity for its charm and pacing, though some felt later seasons lagged. Fans enjoyed its wit and heart.
Conclusion
These pilot episodes stand out for their ability to launch iconic series, each grabbing audiences with distinct hooks—whether it’s zombies, hackers, drug lords, or lawyers. While shows like Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones achieved near-mythic status, others like Prison Break and Westworld sparked debate over longevity. IMDb ratings show that a strong pilot doesn’t always guarantee consistent quality, but these openers remain benchmarks for captivating storytelling.
Pilot episodes are often the first impression a series leaves on its audience, and these top-ranked shows proved their lasting power from the beginning.
What stands out about these highly rated pilots is their ability to hook viewers instantly, blending compelling storytelling with strong character development. Shows like The Walking Dead and Mr. Robot didn’t just start strong—they set the stage for entire worlds, capturing audiences’ attention for years. A high IMDb rating reflects a captivating pilot, and a lasting connection with the viewer, making these series some of the most iconic in television history.
-Telma Casaca, Head of Publishing at VIP-Grinders
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