The essential episodes of Xena: Warrior Princess

Watch these 15 in order and you've got Xena: Warrior Princess — each pick states its reason.

1. 01

   S01E01 · Pilot · September 4, 1995 · 1h

   Sins of the Past7.9

   After vowing to change her evil ways, Xena decides to head back to her village, but first she must face off against an immoral warlord who's determined to keep her on the wrong side of the law

2. 02

   S01E02 · Season 1 peak · September 11, 1995 · 1h

   Chariots of War8.7

   After being befriended by a peace-loving homesteader named Darius, Xena takes on a blood thirsty warlord and his son, who have mercilessly pillaged Darius's community.

3. 03

   S01E17 · Top rated · February 19, 1996 · 1h

   The Royal Couple of Thieves8.6

   Xena's asked to steal back a pilfered chest containing the world's most powerful weapon, so she enlists the help of Autolycus, the self-proclaimed King of Thieves.

4. 04

   S01E20 · Top rated · April 29, 1996 · 1h

   Ties That Bind8.5

   Xena saves a mysterious warrior who later professes to be her estranged father. But the reunion is anything but happy, as a suspicious Xena tries to find out if the man's claims are true.

5. 05

   S01E21 · Top rated · May 6, 1996 · 1h

   The Greater Good8.5

   When Xena is incapacitated and left near death after being struck by a poisoned dart, Gabrielle is forced to impersonate the Warrior Princess in order to protect a group of innocent villagers.

6. 06

   S01E22 · Top rated · May 13, 1996 · 1h

   Callisto8.5

   Xena is once again reminded of the sins of her past when a malicious female warrior, whose family was killed by Xena's former army, exacts her revenge on the Warrior Princess by impersonating her.

7. 07

   S01E23 · Top rated · June 3, 1996 · 1h

   Death Mask8.5

   Xena finally confronts Cortese, the warlord who burned her village and turned her into a warrior.

8. 08

   S01E24 · Top rated · July 29, 1996 · 1h

   Is There a Doctor in the House?8.5

   Caught in the middle of a fierce war, Xena and Gabrielle aid the wounded inhabitants of a healing temple, then try to mediate talks between the warring factions.

9. 09

   S02E01 · Season 2 peak · September 30, 1996 · 1h

   Orphan of War8.5

   Xena comes to the aid of a community of centaurs menaced by a member of her former band, and upon her arrival is reunited with the young son whom she left in their care nine years earlier.

10. 10

    S02E02 · Top rated · October 7, 1996 · 1h

    Remember Nothing8.5

    When the three Fates allow Xena to travel back in time to her pre-warrior days, she attempts to lead a life devoid of violence.

11. 11

    S03E18 · Season 3 peak · April 25, 1998 · 1h

    Fins, Femmes and Gems8.7

    Aphrodite steals the Mystic Diamond that keeps the North Star lit, then casts spells on Xena, Gabrielle and Joxer to keep them from retrieving it.

12. 12

    S04E03 · Season 4 peak · October 17, 1998 · 1h

    A Family Affair8.0

    Xena reunites with Gabrielle and the two friends face off with the evil Hope and Dahak's grandson, the monstrous Destroyer.

13. 13

    S05E16 · Season 5 peak · March 13, 2000 · 1h

    Lifeblood8.7

    Xena and Gabrielle travel to the Amazon village to make Eve an Amazon princess and discover that it's up to them to prevent unnecessary bloodshed in a vengeful war.

14. 14

    S06E01 · Season 6 peak · October 2, 2000 · 1h

    Coming Home8.3

    Ares needs Xena's help to restore his godly powers, but he gets more than he bargained for when the Furies play a trick on him.

15. 15

    S06E22 · Series finale · June 25, 2001 · 1h

    A Friend in Need (2)5.6

    Xena and Gabrielle face the greatest threat they've ever known when they go up against the evil Yodoshi and an army of elite Samurai warriors.