Friday Night Lights

2006 • NBC
4.8
599 reviews
TV-14
Rating
Eligible
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Season 1 episodes (22)

1 Pilot
10/3/06
We will all be tested - In the town of Dillon, Texas, football is life, and no one knows that better than new head Coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler). Pressure mounts as the Dillon Panthers, led by star quarterback Jason Street (Scott Porter), enter pre-season surrounded by a swirl of press, recruiters, and State Championship sized expectations. Backup quarterback Matt Saracen (Zach Gilford) prepares to ride the bench in the shadow of Jason Street, as running back Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch) struggles with a serious vice. As the season opener grows near, the town of Dillon is focused on what they believe to be most important, winning. Connie Britton, Gaius Charles, Minka Kelly, Adrianne Palicki, Jesse Plemons and Aimee Teegarden also star.
2 Eyes Wide Open
10/10/06
Through faith and courage, tragedy turns to healing - In the wake of star quarterback Jason Street's serious injury, the town of Dillon turns to prayer. Pressure mounts for Coach Taylor and the team as second-string quarterback Matt Saracen is unwittingly thrust into the spotlight, while tensions build between Riggins and "Smash" Williams. Fearing not only for his players, but also his job, Coach Taylor pulls the team together and works one-on-one with the nervous rookie quarterback. Lyla faithfully stands by her man in the hospital, providing him with the courage he needs to recover. The team appears united as game day approaches -- pledging to win it for their fallen comrade. Connie Britton, Adrianne Palicki, Jesse Plemons and Aimee Teegarden also star.
3 Wind Sprints
10/17/06
Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose - After a difficult loss to the underdog Milbank Rattlers, the town of Dillon has turned on Coach Taylor. School officials point fingers, parents argue, and team morale is at an all time low. As injured quarterback Jason Street begins rehab, emotion and frustration culminate in a fight, thrusting Lyla into the arms of another. Meanwhile, seedy back room deals begin to recruit a new quarterback, Ray 'Voodoo' Tatum. Seeing the team falling apart before him, Coach Taylor knows that drastic measures must be taken to save not just his season, but his job as well. Connie Britton, Gaius Charles, Zach Gilford, Taylor Kitsch, Adrianne Palicki, Jesse Plemons and Aimee Teegarden also star.
4 Who's Your Daddy?
10/24/06
Noose tightens around Coach Taylor during by-week - Facing the Panthers' biggest rival, Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) must find a way to bring the team together while his family falls apart. "Smash" Williams (Gaius Charles) and Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch) unite to plot their revenge against the Tigers for the destruction of their field house. At the rehab center, Jason Street (Scott Porter) has given up hope until his new roommate shockingly forces him to realize his potential for recovery. While disrespectful new quarterback, Ray 'Voodoo' Tatum (Aldis Hodge), proves he is unstoppable on the field, rookie Matt Saracen (Zach Gilford) appears to have hit rock bottom. With his back in the corner and the town against him, Coach Taylor has an opportunity to save his job, but only with a W in one week against the Tigers.
5 Git'er Done
10/30/06
Fourth quarter belongs to us -- With the Arnett Mead game just days away, Ray 'Voodoo' Tatum (guest star Aldis Hodge) proves he may not be the leader the team needs as he clashes with stressed out Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) and fellow players alike. Meanwhile, Lyla Garrity (Minka Kelly) hates herself even more as her secret relationship with Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch) continues. Tyra Collette (Adrianne Palicki) reveals her sensitive side when she falls for Connor Hayes (guest star Patrick J. Adams), a young businessman from Los Angeles. First-string quarterback, Jason Street (Scott Porter), shows signs of renewed life when his new roommate Herc (guest star Steve Rankin), an ex-Olympian quadriplegic, introduces him to a quad-rugby game called "Murderball." Emotions run high as Riggins and Jason reunite for the first time since the accident when the entire Panther team visits him at rehab on their way to the big game. With backup Matt Saracen (Zach Gilford) on the bench and Voodoo leading the team, Coach Taylor worries that he and his family could be packing their bags with a loss tonight to Arnett Mead.
6 El Accidente
11/7/06
Season-only
To good friends and Texas forever -- The Dillon Panthers are frustrated facing the possibility of last week's key win over Arnett Mead being overturned due to Ray Tatum's recruitment (guest star Aldis Hodge). Police interrupt a sluggish practice with an arrest warrant for star defensive tackle Bobby Reyes (Walter Perez) after he viciously assaults another student outside of the sandwich shop. The Texas High School athletic administration summons Buddy Garrity (Brad Leland) and an uncomfortable Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) for further questioning before their final ruling. Meanwhile, Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch) and Lyla Garrity (Minka Kelly) break injured Jason Street (Scott Porter) out of his rehab room, taking him on a surprise trip to the lake just like old times. When Coach Taylor and wife Tami (Connie Britton) butt heads about Bobby Reyes' punishment, Coach Taylor wonders if he can do his job without giving up everything he believes in and hurting those he holds close.
7 Homecoming
11/14/06
One Team, One Heart -- It's homecoming in Dillon, Texas, as alumni reunite, and the team prepares for the undefeated Laribee Lions. Tyra Collette (Adrianne Palicki) and Billy Riggins (Derek Phillips) mix it up as they plan the after game party to end all parties. On the field, Brian 'Smash' Williams (Gaius Charles) feels the pressure when he gets his one chance to impress a college recruiter. Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch) quits drinking and focuses everything on the game while the 2000 State Champ quarterback, Lucas Mize (guest star Chad Brannon), returns to town a hero, but hides the true secrets about his life. At rehab, Jason Street (Scott Porter) becomes more suspect of the relationship between Lyla (Minka Kelly) and Tim.
8 Crossing the Line
11/28/06
While Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch) and the team celebrate their victory, a frustrated Brian 'Smash' Williams (Gaius Charles) takes drastic measures to improve his performance on the field. Coach Taylor's (Kyle Chandler) daughter Julie (Aimee Teegarden) considers going on a date with rookie quarterback Matt Saracen (Zach Gilford), meanwhile Saracen trains 'Smash' at his new job at the Alamo Freeze. After dinner with Coach Taylor and his wife Tami (Connie Britton), Riggins and his brother clash in a heated fight. Riggins and Lyla (Minka Kelly) watch from the stands as Jason (Scott Porter) takes part in his first quad rugby game, one that will end with a vicious confrontation between him, the woman he loves, and his best friend in the world. Adrianne Palicki also stars.
9 Full Hearts
12/5/06
Growing pains -- Emotions intensify as the game against the intimidating Gatling High nears. Lyla and Tim become alienated from their friends as rumors about their relationship spread all over town. Smash continues to buckle to the pressure and puts his own health at risk in his attempt to improve his performance on the field. Meanwhile, Julie and Matt have their first date, but everything that can go wrong does. The pressure builds as Friday approaches, and the Dillon Panthers have to get a victory without falling apart.
10 It's Different For Girls
12/12/06
The attention is focused off the football team for once and onto their biggest supporters -- the cheerleaders. As the cheer team prepares for the Championship Classic, word of Lyla (Minka Kelly) and Riggins' (Taylor Kitsch) affair causes Lyla to become the victim of brutal high school harassment. Matt (Zach Gilford) and Julie (Aimee Teegarden) also have problems of their own as Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) tries to keep the two of them apart in order to "protect" his daughter. Meanwhile, Jason (Scott Porter) adjusts to life back home after being released from rehab and Smash (Gaius Charles) falls for the preacher's daughter. Jesse Plemons, Connie Britton, and Adrianne Palicki also star.
11 Nevermind
1/3/07
The Panthers are preparing yet again for another game they can't afford to lose. Jason still finds it difficult to adjust to life at home, and the feelings he still has for Lyla don't make it any easier. Meanwhile, at what couldn't seem like a better time, Matt's dad comes home from Iraq, but the homecoming is not what Matt expected. To make situations even more complicated, UT has taken an interest in Coach Taylor, whose popularity has continued to grow, and Smash becomes more and more dependent on unnatural substances to keep up with the competition. With all the drama off the field mounting, the players work even harder to get a victory.
12 What To Do While You're Waiting
1/10/07
Bye Week -- The future of the Panthers' season is out of their hands as they eagerly wait for the result of a game between two opponents that will ultimately determine their fate. Emotions intensify as the Street family carries on with their lawsuit against Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler). Meanwhile, Matt's father tries to adjust to life back home after war, but Matt (Zach Gilford) realizes his father's homecoming is not the saving grace he thought it would be. At home, Tyra (Adrianne Palicki) is fed up with her mother's abusive relationship with her boyfriend. Even though there is no game, everything off the field is anything but a vacation. Aimee Teegarden, Connie Britton, Jesse Plemons, Minka Kelly, Taylor Kitsch, and Scott Porter also star.
13 Little Girl I Wanna Marry You
1/24/07
In lieu of all the troubles off the field lately, everyone is working extra hard to get their mind back into game mode. Smash's mom (guest star Liz Mikel) discovers something in Smash's (Gaius Charles) room that can potentially destroy his dreams of playing football. Tyra (Adrianne Palicki), fed up with her mother's insecurities, decides to take matters into her own hands to get their life back on track. Meanwhile, Jason (Scott Porter) rethinks the seriousness of his relationship with Lyla (Minka Kelly) after Bud (Brad Leland) sets her up on a date. It all builds up to an ending that will determine the fate of the Panthers season, and a decision that will determine the fate of two lives. Taylor Kitsch, Jesse Plemons, Zach Gilford, Connie Britton, and Aimee Teegarden also star.
14 Upping the Ante
1/31/07
Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) struggles between preparing for the game and dealing with the situation with Smash (Gaius Charles) as the town of Dillon piles on the pressure. Relationships also begin to form as Tyra (Adrianne Palicki) and Julie (Aimee Teegarden) start an unlikely friendship and Riggins (Taylor Kitsch) reconnects with his estranged father. Jason (Scott Porter) and Lyla (Minka Kelly), on the other hand, have problems of their own as Buddy (Brad Leland) finds out news of their engagement. The Panthers have to put all problems aside as their postseason fate begins with this first very important game. Connie Britton, Zach Gilford, and Jesse Plemons also star.
15 Blinders
2/7/07
The race card -- After their first thrilling victory in the playoffs, the Panthers feel invincible - until Mac (Blue Deckert) makes racial statements that test the team's bond. Tim (Taylor Kitsch) and Billy (Derek Phillips) adjust to having their father back in their lives while Tami (Connie Britton) worries about Julie's (Aimee Teegarden) new friendship with Tyra (Adrianne Palicki). The game everyone is preparing for this time doesn't include the Dillon Panthers as the girls take the reigns in a game of Powderpuff football. With Julie as QB and Tyra as linebacker, all bets are off. Kyle Chandler, Jesse Plemons, Scott Porter, Minka Kelly, and Zach Gilford also star.
16 Black Eyes and Broken Hearts
2/14/07
With Smash (Gaius Charles) spearheading the protest, the team is in for an upset for their next playoff game. While Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) deliberates between firing one of his best coaches and succumbing to his players' demands, Julie's (Aimee Teegarden) friendship with Tyra (Adrianne Palicki) becomes more and more destructive. Meanwhile, Jason (Scott Porter) makes a life-changing decision and Matt (Zach Gilford) does whatever he can to win Julie back. With some of their best players protesting, will Dillon be able to come out with a victory come Friday? Connie Britton, Jesse Plemons, Taylor Kitsch and Minka Kelly also star.
17 I Think We Should Have Sex
2/21/07
Season-only
Sexual Healing -- The Panthers are deep into the playoffs and all players feel untouchable. Julie drops a bomb on an unsuspecting Matt when she says she's ready to have sex for the first time. While Matt plans how to make the night unforgettable, Tami stumbles upon him at the supermarket buying condoms, which, needless to say, doesn't go over too well with her. Meanwhile, Tim's relationship with his father takes a turn for the worse. Drama builds when a hurtful secret is embarrassingly revealed and a family's future hangs in the balance.
18 Extended Families
2/28/07
Why can't we be friends? -- When Buddy Garrity's affair is discovered, he finds himself in the doghouse. He, in turn, imposes on the Taylors and moves in with them. With her family falling apart, Lyla turns to Jason, the one person she can count on. But, after driving to surprise him at the quad rugby camp, Lyla notices for the first time that Jason's accident has changed him. Meanwhile, Smash thinks something is up with Waverly (guest star Aasha Davis) when she uncharacteristically takes him for a midnight swim. Elsewhere, Coach Taylor takes a meeting with TMU that puts his future with Dillon at risk.
19 Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes
3/21/07
Decisions, Decisions -- With TMU knocking on Coach Taylor's door, Julie decides to make it very clear to her parents that she does not intend to move away from Dillon and Matt. Meanwhile, Jason gets some devastating news from the quad rugby recruiters in Austin. Elsewhere, Riggins befriends a single mother and her son.
20 Mud Bowl
3/28/07
For love of the game -- Coach Taylor feels the players are losing their grasp on the beauty of the game of football as distractions such as envelopes full of cash begin to mysteriously show up in the players' lockers. An unexpected accident suddenly poses a problem and the team's home field advantage in the final game before the state championships is threatened. Coach Taylor takes it upon himself to not only find a new home field, but also to remind the players of their love for the game. With the pressure of the game building and the off-field distractions escalating, Coach Taylor and the Panthers have to get priorities in order to come out with a victory. Connie Britton, Gaius Charles, Aimee Teegarden, Zach Gilford, Taylor Kitsch, Scott Porter, Jesse Plemons, Minka Kelly, and Adrianne Palicki also star.
21 Best Laid Plans
4/4/07
Plans change, people change -- After being pressured by Texas Methodist University (TMU), Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) makes a rash decision that disrupts his future at Dillon and upsets the women in his life. While Coach Taylor deals with changes in his career, Riggins (Taylor Kitsch) deals with his new inappropriate relationship with the single mother next door. Jason (Scott Porter) moves into a new apartment and Landry (Jesse Plemons) finally reveals Tyra's (Adrianne Palicki) horrible secret. The tense drama unfolds around the women of Dillon and football takes a backseat. Minka Kelly, Aimee Teegarden, Connie Britton and Gaius Charles also star.
22 State
4/11/07
Season finale -- The state championship - It's all come down to this one final game - the Dillon Panthers are gearing up for the state championship and all eyes are on Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler). After growing speculation from everyone in town, the news finally spreads as to whether or not Coach is going to leave Dillon for his dream job at TMU (Texas Methodist University). Tami (Connie Britton), on the other hand, gets some exciting news of her own - an unexpected surprise over ten years in the making. As the season winds down, questions of struggling relationships and broken friendships are answered. More importantly, the fate of the Dillon Panthers football season comes to a thrilling and unexpected finale. Zach Gilford, Aimee Teegarden, Gaius Charles, Adrianne Palicki, Minka Kelly, Taylor Kitsch, Scott Porter, and Jesse Plemons also star.

About this show

Expanding on the themes of the hit feature film, this compelling and critically praised drama from executive producers Brian Grazer and Peter Berg takes place in Dillon, Texas, a community obsessed with the status of its high school football team. The head coach, Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) constantly feels the pressure of the town's expectations as he leads this troubled and conflicted team throughout the season. While offering unique insight into an outsized, bigger-than-life Texas culture, "Friday Night Lights" really tells a story universal for all audiences-that there is more to life than victory, and that there is more to being a man than being a winner.
The fresh cast also includes: Scott Porter as the Panther's injured former star quarterback, Jason Street; Gaius Charles as feared running back Brian "Smash" Williams; Taylor Kitsch as running back Tim Riggins; Connie Britton as Taylor's supportive wife and new high school guidance counselor, Tami; Zach Gilford as the new team captain and starting quarterback, Matt Saracen, and Minka Kelly as Lyla Garrity, Panther cheerleader and Street's girlfriend. Also starring are: Aimee Teegarden as Coach Taylor's daughter, Julie; Adrianne Palicki as Tyra Collette, and Jesse Plemons as Landry Clarke.

Ratings and reviews

4.8
599 reviews
A Google user
August 7, 2012
You have to pay per episode? Netflix has the entire series for free. Well after your subscription. But still three episodes in and you pay as much as netflix. Not cool.
9 people found this review helpful
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A Google user
October 6, 2012
I fell in love with the series just as it was ending, and perhaps that was a good thing! (No long waits for new episodes!) I've never been a sports fan, but I found myself cheering on the Panthers (and the Lions, later on) more than I've ever done for any real team. You find yourself so drawn to each of the characters, and you really FEEL the lives they live, the emotions they feel. There's such a diversity in the stories and personalities, and it all just works. I absolutely love this show.
22 people found this review helpful
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Marco Mandolini
January 17, 2020
Great show. I like how I paid 30 dollars for one season where I coukd have gotten all the season on Amazon in BLU RAY for 45 dollars. Rip off
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