The essential episodes of The Underground Railroad

Watch these 10 in order and you've got The Underground Railroad — each pick states its reason.

1. 01

   S01E01 · Pilot · May 13, 2021 · 1h 9m

   Chapter 1: Georgia6.6

   When Caesar convinces Cora to escape from Randall plantation in Georgia their lives are irrevocably changed. They discover the impossible in an underground railroad which takes them on an unexpected journey and reveals the true face of America.

2. 02

   S01E02 · Top rated · May 13, 2021 · 1h 6m

   Chapter 2: South Carolina6.1

   Griffin, South Carolina – a seeming paradise of progress and racial harmony that hides dark secrets, especially the secrets of “Bessie" and "Christian." Meanwhile, bounty hunter Arnold Ridgeway begins his pursuit of Cora.

3. 03

   S01E03 · Top rated · May 13, 2021 · 1h 10m

   Chapter 3: North Carolina5.8

   Cora reaches a dangerous small town in North Carolina where she must secret away in an abolitionist’s attic while putting everyone’s lives in danger.

4. 04

   S01E04 · Top rated · May 13, 2021 · 40m

   Chapter 4: The Great Spirit5.2

   A young Arnold Ridgeway comes of age while testing his belief in The Great Spirit.

5. 05

   S01E05 · Top rated · May 13, 2021 · 1h 1m

   Chapter 5: Tennessee - Exodus5.2

   Captured by Ridgeway, Cora is forced to travel across the barren inferno of Tennessee. She shares the perilous journey with Jasper, a noble runaway filled with inner-strength.

6. 06

   S01E06 · Top rated · May 13, 2021 · 59m

   Chapter 6: Tennessee - Proverbs5.6

   For Arnold Ridgeway, a journey home reveals that "the past is not past." And a chance encounter with a freedman named Royal gives Cora new hope.

7. 07

   S01E07 · Top rated · May 13, 2021 · 20m

   Chapter 7: Fanny Briggs5.3

   Let the fire burn.

8. 08

   S01E08 · Top rated · May 13, 2021 · 1h 7m

   Chapter 8: Indiana Autumn5.3

   Royal brings Cora to Valentine Farm, a thriving Black community and vineyard on the bountiful Indiana frontier. Carrying the scars of her journey, Cora struggles to find peace in this new home.

9. 09

   S01E09 · Top rated · May 13, 2021 · 1h 18m

   Chapter 9: Indiana Winter5.8

   Cora’s presence as a fugitive ignites tensions amongst the Valentine community. Just as she was beginning to make this her home, chaos reigns.

10. 10

    S01E10 · Series finale · May 13, 2021 · 58m

    Chapter 10: Mabel5.7

    In this tale of motherhood, the beginning is the end is the beginning... for both mother and daughter.