The essential episodes of Nashville

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

1. 01

   S01E01 · Pilot · October 10, 2012 · 1h

   Pilot6.2

   Rayna learns that her record label wants her to tour as the opening act for newcomer Juliette Barnes, and when she refuses, the stage is set for the ultimate power struggle for popularity. Complicating matters, Lamar's drive for power results in backing Teddy in a run for Mayor of Nashville, against Rayna's wishes.

2. 02

   S01E18 · Season 1 peak · May 1, 2013 · 1h

   Take These Chains from My Heart7.0

   Liam invites Rayna to run away with him to finish her album, and Deacon is surprised by his own reaction, as well as Stacy's accusations; Jolene warns Juliette about Dante's loyalty, which only drives the two women further apart; Teddy faces off with Peggy about the leaks, and in the wake of her father's illness, Tandy proposes a new alliance to Coleman. Meanwhile Gunnar tries out some new music, and Avery and Scarlett reconnect.

3. 03

   S02E05 · Season 2 peak · October 23, 2013 · 1h

   Don't Open That Door8.5

   In advance of a benefit concert starring all of Edgehill's best acts, label head Jeff Fordham demands that his new artists sell themselves as hot, sexy personas - which is a major struggle for Scarlett, and Layla knows it. Since Rayna is unsure about her future as a singer, she plots to buy out Edgehill's rights to her music, and Gunnar and Avery decide to record new songs with Zoey, Scarlett's best friend. However, by the end of the concert night, nothing will be the same.

4. 04

   S02E06 · Top rated · October 30, 2013 · 1h

   It Must Be You8.5

   Rayna sets the record straight on all things personal and professional in a candid interview with ABC News' Robin Roberts. Determined to be her own boss, Rayna attends the Belle Meade Polo Match to seek out investors for her own label, Highway 65, but is surprised by the reaction from Nashville's elite. Meanwhile, Juliette, who is also at the event, runs into Charlie Wentworth, and Luke Wheeler and Deacon have an awkward encounter. With her life about to change dramatically, Scarlett leans on Avery for advice, and Teddy announces to the press that he and Peggy are getting married.

5. 05

   S02E10 · Top rated · December 11, 2013 · 1h

   Tomorrow Never Comes8.5

   Juliette is the main act at Teddy's first annual Music City Festival, but the blowback by the fans and press over the Wentworths throws her for a loop and drags down the event. She demands that Glenn find out who leaked career-killing gossip to the tabloids so she can get ahead of the bad press by calling them out. Rayna is determined to buy herself out of her Edgehill contract once and for all, even though Tandy and Luke counsel otherwise. Should she risk all her assets on Highway 65? Deacon and Gunnar find themselves marginalized at the Festival and team up to to put on an unauthorized show, and Scarlett is freezing out Zoey and Gunnar but drawing closer to Avery. However, by evening's end, someone from the world of "Nashville" will be gone forever. Find out who.

6. 06

   S02E14 · Top rated · February 5, 2014 · 1h

   Too Far Gone8.5

   Rayna welcomes an exonerated Lamar home from prison but Tandy is suspiciously aloof. When Rayna confronts her, Tandy unloads her suspicions about their father. Juliette hides out at Avery's house, avoiding the fan backlash and enjoying their new relationship. But when Deacon hires Avery to be his engineer for his upcoming recording of a live concert at the Bluebird, Juliette is home alone and not loving it. Meanwhile, Scarlett is fired up with creativity and pills.

7. 07

   S02E15 · Top rated · February 26, 2014 · 1h

   They Don't Make 'Em Like My Daddy Anymore8.5

   Juliette's new song, "Don't Put Dirt on My Grave Just Yet," catches the ear of a high-powered, hit-making producer, Howie V. He wants to make her a superstar and brings her to Los Angeles to record, but marginalizes Glenn in the process. Meanwhile, Rayna takes charge with stoicism in the aftermath of recent events, and Scarlett feels lost and alone but finds Liam to be a receptive confidante.

8. 08

   S03E11 · Season 3 peak · February 4, 2015 · 1h

   I'm Not That Good at Goodbye9.0

   Now that Rayna has cancelled their wedding, Luke is not going quietly, and Rayna's own daughters don't take the news well, either. Juliette and Avery adjust to married life with a few bumps along the way, and Gunnar fights for custody of Micah. Sadie tries to take control of her own problems with her ex by buying a gun, and Deacon gets dire news about his medical condition.

9. 09

   S03E19 · Top rated · April 22, 2015 · 1h

   The Storm Has Just Begun9.0

   The brightest stars of Nashville have gathered in support of Teddy's music education initiative, "Note By Note," where Juliette plans her return to the spotlight - and Layla finds herself thrust into it - alongside Jade St. John. At the gala, Rayna, Deacon, Maddie and Daphne get ready to take the stage and perform, but before they can, Deacon receives the call he's been waiting for containing some life-changing news.

10. 10

    S04E01 · Season 4 peak · September 23, 2015 · 1h

    Can't Let Go9.0

    With Juliette's starring role in the Patsy Cline bio-pic, she is at an all-time career high, but is hitting a personal low. Meanwhile Avery, separated from Juliette, tends to baby Cadence at his parents' home in Texas. Rayna, along with her family and friends, grapple with the chilling aftermath of Deacon's liver transplant.

11. 11

    S04E16 · Top rated · April 20, 2016 · 1h

    Didn't Expect It to Go Down This Way8.7

    Thomas Rhett guest stars as himself, performing his #1 hit, "Die a Happy Man," in this all-new episode. Rayna and Deacon are distraught when Maddie runs away from home, and Juliette is threatened by Avery's connection to Layla. Luke is forced to find a new artist when Riff disappears, and Autumn drives a wedge between Gunnar and Scarlett.

12. 12

    S05E11 · Season 5 peak · March 9, 2017 · 1h

    Fire and Rain9.0

    Juliette helps Maddie navigate the wave of attention she receives after her performance at the CMT Music Awards. Zach demands the masters from Rayna and Deacon's unfinished album.

13. 13

    S06E08 · Top rated · February 22, 2018 · 1h

    Sometimes You Can't Just Win8.7

    Daphne seeks to establish her career and auditions for a country music singing competition. Scarlett invites Sean to see live music. Avery makes a decision. The band gets invited to perform on late night TV. Will's choice catches up with him.

14. 14

    S06E12 · Top rated · June 28, 2018 · 1h

    The House That Built Me8.7

    A visitor from the past comes into Deacon's life -- his father, a very unpleasant surprise. With Alannah out of the picture, the band flounders and the guys have to consider whether it's worth continuing.

15. 15

    S06E16 · Series finale · July 26, 2018 · 1h

    Beyond the Sunset9.0

    Deacon gets a chance to fulfill a lifelong dream. Juliette makes a crucial decision. Daphne preps for the final round. Alannah confronts Brad. Avery, Gunnar, and Will discuss their future.