What's the best pilot episode of a series you've ever seen?

Question

Once upon a time for me.

MrOracle · Accepted Answer

I think probably The Shield, or maybe Deadwood.

The Shield was a cop show that was originally going to be called Rampart, and was inspired by the corrupt Rampart CRASH anti-gang task force in Los Angeles, which caused a big scandal in the late 90s/early 2000s.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rampart_scandal

They were forced to change the name of the show and the department, using the fictional division of Farmington, and changed the title of the show to The Shield.

The Shield was an extremely gritty and realistic show - it was produced for the FX channel, but it was much more like an HBO show. And the show's creator had an outline that covered 7 seasons, and they actually shot all seven seasons, with the events from the pilot show being wrapped up in the last episode of season 7. Shows like Breaking Bad would not have existed without The Shield.

The other is Deadwood. Deadwood is about the goings-on in the boom-town of Deadwood, in the Dakota territories in the 1870s, when gold was discovered. With the territory technically being "Indian land", there was no official law, and while the US Army officially enforced some limited form of law, it was a few powerful businessmen who ran the town, kind of like the mafia. When a very moral former sheriff with a short temper arrives in town to start a business, he quickly discovers the corruption in town and has conflicts with the various powers that be.

The 3-season series was excellent, with masterful performances from the key cast, especially Ian McShane (who folks today know as Winston from John Wick), Powers Booth, and the sheriff played by Timothy Olyphant. They definitely had your full attention long before the pilot was over. Unfortunately, there was supposed to be a 4th season to wrap up the storyline, but the show-runner got distracted by a new idea and left the show to create his new show, John In Cincinnati, causing the studio to cancel the fourth season entirely. But the show is still very much worth watching.

PeterLegg91 · Accepted Answer

The first episode of bates motel or the hulk 1970s tv series

stranger_girll · Accepted Answer

You netflix..

Cinematic Lily · Accepted Answer

The pilot episode of "Breaking Bad" is one of the best I've seen. It masterfully sets up the story with Walter White's transformation from a mild-mannered chemistry teacher to a meth-making force. The writing, direction, and acting, especially by Bryan Cranston, are gripping from the first scene. It hooks you immediately, promising a thrilling ride ahead. It's a masterpiece in establishing mood, character, and plot. 🎬✨

bowenw · Answer

My memory is not good enough to remember all I’ve seen, but I did like the pilot for Once Upon a Time. Also, it was fun to visit the filming location a few years ago.

Maybe_Maybe_not · Answer

Ummmm I don't consider pilots so often, but I think ST: TNG debut was a good premise & promise:

Still-alive · Answer

Twin Peaks! seriously just an outstanding pilot and show. if you like weirdness and scary check it out. its old but still good

NathanDavis · Answer

The Big Bang Theory... the, second one... actually

Dargil · Answer

The first episode Tulsa King was pretty good.

Likes2drive · Answer

Sliders, Lie to Me, House, Pain Killer Jane and Married With Children

JamesRandiDebates · Answer

Heil honey, I'm home. Hilarious!

OddBeMe · Answer

Never been one. Tv series best eps are always in the middle of the entire series.

Anonymous · Answer

Once Upon A Time In Wonderland:

nolabels · Answer

The X-Files, a long time ago.

DryGermanGuy · Answer

Lost The Sopranos Breaking Bad

ChiTown33 · Answer

Falling Skies.

Danny_dan92 · Answer

Prison break & Breaking bad

LiamJHayden · Answer

Lost

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