The essential episodes of Hell on Wheels

Watch these 15 in order and you've got Hell on Wheels — each pick states its reason.

  1. 01

    S01E01 · Pilot · November 6, 2011 · 1h

    Pilot6.3

    A Western about a former Confederate soldier (Anson Mount) and his quest for revenge on the Union troops who killed his wife. In the premiere episode, he heads west to take a job helping to construct the first transcontinental railroad.

  2. 02

    S01E09 · Season 1 peak · January 8, 2012 · 1h

    Timshel7.7

    A looming railroad deadline throws Cullen and Lily together; Joseph and Elam deal with what their violent mission has wrought.

  3. 03

    S02E09 · Season 2 peak · October 7, 2012 · 1h

    Blood Moon7.7

    Cullen gears up for battle as the town celebrates.

  4. 04

    S02E10 · Top rated · October 7, 2012 · 1h

    Blood Moon Rising7.4

    Cullen battles to save Hell on Wheels in the Season 2 finale.

  5. 05

    S03E01 · Top rated · August 10, 2013 · 1h

    Big Bad Wolf7.4

    In the Season 3 opener, Cullen and Elam travel to New York to secure their positions on the railroad. Meanwhile, Durant fights for his legacy from prison.

  6. 06

    S03E02 · Season 3 peak · August 10, 2013 · 1h

    Eminent Domain7.6

    Cullen is forced to make a difficult decision; a reporter arrives in Hell on Wheels; and Elam has trouble with his new boss.

  7. 07

    S03E03 · Top rated · August 17, 2013 · 1h

    Range War7.4

    An attack on the cattle pens sends Cullen and Elam into the prairie in search of their stolen food. Then, a stranger's arrival threatens Elam's family.

  8. 08

    S03E04 · Top rated · August 24, 2013 · 1h

    The Game7.3

    After a railroad accident, Cullen and Elam forge deep into Indian territory to secure a new lumber source. Meanwhile, Durant tells Louise a secret about Cullen.

  9. 09

    S03E05 · Top rated · August 31, 2013 · 1h

    Searchers7.3

    Cullen helps Elam track down a dangerous criminal. Meanwhile, chaos erupts in Hell on Wheels as the town prepares to move down the tracks.

  10. 10

    S04E02 · Season 4 peak · August 9, 2014 · 1h

    Escape from the Garden7.6

    Cullen challenges the Swede while planning his exit from Fort Smith. Meanwhile, a new adversary arrives and makes his presence felt in Cheyenne.

  11. 11

    S04E03 · Top rated · August 16, 2014 · 1h

    Chicken Hill7.5

    Cullen goes back to work on the railroad and butts heads with his new boss. Meanwhile, Durant and Campbell clash over a valuable piece of real estate.

  12. 12

    S04E06 · Top rated · September 6, 2014 · 1h

    Bear Man7.6

    Following an attack by a bear, Elam struggles to survive in a Comanche village and find his way back to Cheyenne.

  13. 13

    S04E09 · Top rated · September 27, 2014 · 1h

    Two Trains7.4

    Cullen goes head-to-head with the new marshal in an attempt to free his arrested railroad workers. Meanwhile, Campbell confronts Louise over a story.

  14. 14

    S05E04 · Season 5 peak · August 8, 2015 · 1h

    Struck7.5

    Cullen solves a Chinese labor strike in the wake of violence. Meanwhile, Durant pulls Mickey deeper into Union Pacific business.

  15. 15

    S05E14 · Series finale · July 23, 2016 · 1h

    Done6.8

    The golden spike, government hearings and unpredictable actions mean new beginnings and endings for the survivors.

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