20 Best House Episode, Ranked

House had a spectacular 176-episode run over its eight years on FOX, making the question of the best episodes in that run a compelling one. Starring Hugh Laurie as the titular self-destructive, selfish, medically gifted Dr. Gregory House, the series was an innovative twist on the classic Sherlock Holmes stories. Similarities such as the last name of the main character, his best friend, D. “R. James Wilson is a play on John Watson, and even House’s apartment, 221B Baker Street, are all obvious parallels and hints at House’s connection to Sherlock Holmes.

smart and introspective, House Boasting a main cast that displays a range of depth and emotion that drives the story forward and creates tremendous tension. Dr. House is a tortured genius who pushes those close to him to their limits and away to protect themselves, but the best episodes come from the exploration of his character and the relationships he holds most dear. There are many standout stories, But there were clear times when the writers pushed the story even further to create something extraordinary, propelling the stories to the top of the list of the best. House Episodes ever made.

20

“all in”

Season 2, Episode 17

“All In” is a great early episode of the series because it still features the typical mystery and the case-of-the-week, but it also puts the audience a little off-kilter by not having the mystery during regular working hours. Instead, it’s happening while the hospital is hosting a charity event at their casino night.

Not only does this mean that the audience gets to see more context for the characters’ personalities as they interact outside of the usual medical mystery, but the actual medical mystery also helps provide a very tense hour. One of Cuddy’s patients shows up at the hospital and is exhibiting symptoms almost exactly like a patient who lost his house. Cady doesn’t want House to take on the case, but he goes after her because he feels a need to understand where he went wrong last time.

It’s a great episode to showcase the early dynamic between House and Cady. It’s also an early indicator of how fractured the dynamic can become between House and anyone else around him.

19

“frozen”

Season 4, Episode 11

when House Gets to play outside of the standard hospital mystery box, it excels.

“Frozen” was the episode of House Chosen to air after the Superbowl in 2008. Traditionally, when an episode of television is chosen to air after a major sporting event like that, it’s a big one. It is usually one of the most dramatic. for HouseIt was also one of the most creative.

A scientist at a remote research station in the Antarctic is expressing strange symptoms, and since traveling is out of the question because of severe weather, House and his team have to rely on a webcam to examine her. This also means that she has to do tests herself or rely on the others there to do them for her, because the doctors themselves cannot be there. Supplies are not the same as they would be in a hospital, so even the testing process is extraordinary.

when House Gets to play outside of the standard hospital mystery box, it excels.

18

“97 Seconds”

Season 4, Episode 3

This season 4 episode features House searching for new team members after deciding to fire his old team. He pits the candidates against each other by dividing them into two teams – one for the men and one for the women. While the applicants are busy working one case (because he wants to see who can find a cure for a patient’s symptoms the fastest), he focuses on a completely different patient.

This episode is organized chaos for House. The audience has to keep up with both storylines, but the overall theme of ​​​​​​​the episode is really an investigation of death In the medical field. House, after all, is helping a patient who is trying to replicate a previous near-death experience while the other teams are trying to make sure the other patient isn’t close to death.

17

“another hour”

Season 7, Episode 22

… a fresh way to tell a story, even seven seasons into the show.

Most episodes of HouseEven this late in the series, are set in the hospital. There may be trips to restaurants or to investigate a patient’s home, but generally the hospital is the primary setting of the show. That’s why the episode is interesting. It does not happen during working hours in the hospital for the main character, hence the title of the episode.

Although the episode explores multiple characters, as Thirteen sees someone on the run from the law showing up at her door, the main storyline of the episode is House itself. When he discovers that an experimental drug he’s been using has caused tumors to grow, House tries to remove them himself in his own bath, which doesn’t go well. He needs help from his team, but it’s Caddy who saves him.

Zero in the personal life of the main character, although, finally, they connect to a medical issue with House, allows a fresh way to tell a story, even seven seasons in the show.

16

“One Day, One Room”

Season 3, Episode 12

This particular episode of House is one of the most divisive of the series, but it is one of the best because of the risks it takes. It comes on the heels of Cuddy committing perjury during a House testimony. She wants him to pay her back by working in the hospital’s clinic. When he does, he meets a woman who has been raped, and although he tries to pass her case to another doctor, she insists on being treated by him.

Much of the episode revolves around conversations between House and Eve (guest star Katherine Winnick) about her circumstances. In discussing her trauma, however, House also connects with her and talks about his own abusive childhood, something he doesn’t do with anyone else. This is a rare moment of connection for House and a break from the usual format of the episodes.

15

“Euphoria: Part 2”

Season 2, Episode 21

There were a number of two-part episodes over the course of HouseIt’s running with many of them standing as some of the show’s best. “Euphoria: Part 2” brings a close to one of The most gripping scenes of the series that raise the stakes of the show more than ever.

This episode follows the harrowing previous installment in which a patient was brought to House and his team with a variety of strange symptoms that the doctor could not figure out before the patient died. Not only was this a rare moment on the show in which House was unable to succeed, but it set up an even more tragic conclusion when Foreman (Omar Epps) begins to experience the same symptoms.

One of the things that happens in every house episode is that there is some mystery to the illness.

This episode is an exciting race against the clock to save one of the main members of the workshop. One of the things that happens in everyone House Episode is that there is some mystery to the illness, but this episode brilliantly put house In a losing position and made it clear that he will lose someone who is dear to him if he doesn’t figure it out.

14

“under my skin”

Season 5, Episode 23

There is a riveting case at the center of this House Episode with a ballerina who collapses during her practice. As the team looks into her case, it gets more cruel by the minute. However, it is not the case that makes “Under My Skin” so exceptional, but rather the things that House is dealing with in his own life. As his hallucinations grow more severe, he ends up turning to Cady for help which leads to something unexpected.

It is Always interesting to see the sensitive sides of House explored in this seriess and this episode shows him finally admitting to a weakness that he can’t deal with himself. However, the way the episode handles his relationship with Cuddy makes it an even more memorable episode that sets the stage for something even better between the two prominent characters.

13

last resort

Season 5, Episode 9

A hostage situation in a hospital seems to come up in every medical drama series at some point and can sometimes be a sign of the show running out of ideas. However, “Last Resort” uses this Something over-the-top concept to make a thrilling episode with some interesting ideas which connects two beloved characters in the series. It focuses on a man who is tired of being misdiagnosed by doctors and his attempts to force House to figure out what is wrong with him.

The idea of ​​the man forcing House to use other hostages as guinea pigs to find his cure is disturbing and profound. The episode also features a number of great guest stars, including Zeljko Ivanek as the hostage-taker, Wood Harris as the determined SWAT leader, and Evan Peters as one of the hostages.

12

Control

Season 1, Episode 14

Hugh Laurie’s performance as House usually dominates most of the episodes, but the episode “Control” in the strong first season of House is one of the rare moments in which a guest star steals the show. Sarah Clarke steps in as the patient of the week, a high-powered executive whose conditions are baffling. However, the truth at the center of it that House eventually reveals leads to a powerful moment.

House begins to understand that this woman’s condition is a result of self-harm and an eating disorder, which makes her ineligible for organ donations that would have been needed to save her life. In a terrific example of how House is a rebellious doctor yet one with compassionHe has the sick woman admit that she wants to fight for her life after all this destructive behavior and lies to get her the organ donations she needs.

11

Both sides now

Season 5, Episode 24

The idea of ​​having House and Cady team up in “Under My Skin” was a somewhat risky decision that raised a lot of questions about how the show would handle the decision.. “Both Sides Now” is the next episode that opens the morning after and begins to reveal how things have changed. House is in a bright mood, having sought help from Cady and also spending the night with her. However, he is annoyed to find her taking it in a casual way.

The episode explores how House can be a deeply frustrating character as he seeks to make Cady angry with him to make her acknowledge what happened between them. It shows him to be an immature and worthless character. However, the realization of what really happened is a brilliant way to follow up the previous episode with A heartbreaking revelation that takes House beyond character.

10

Everyone dies

Season 8, Episode 22

While the series had a number of ups and downs over the course of eight seasons, the fact that the series finale of House Is one of his best episodes leave the fans with a strong final note to finish. House Season 8, Episode 22, “Everybody Dies” is the perfect ending to an impeccable series. With symmetry from the pilot’s name, “Everybody Lies,” to the episode directed by show creator David Shore, it serves as a fitting send-off for the titular character.

House finally accepts a new life and moves away from the career that has been his goal for so much of his life.

In a series that constantly features a character who rejects change and growth, House finally accepts a new life and moves away from the career that has been his goal for so much of his life. How it uses House’s experiences to bring him to his big decision helps make it a brilliant and satisfying finale.

9

No reason

Season 2, Episode 24

The finale of the second season dug deep into House’s psyche and became one of the earliest moments that revealed his humanity and his desire to leave behind his own hubris and pride. House Season 2, episode 24 had House come face to face with a man who was negatively impacted because of House’s horrible behaviors and lack of bedside manner.

The rest of the episode takes place largely in his mind with terrifying hallucinations and House arguing with his attacker, except he’s not arguing with his attacker; He argues with himself, his biggest opponent. The episode is smart and thoughtful and helps to unpack the truth behind his leg injury, his cruelty, and his innermost spirits. In many ways, House is its own worst enemy and this episode takes that idea in a very literal way.

8

help me

Season 6, Episode 21

Like most medical procedural shows, House Eventually started investigating other wild cases outside patients showing up in hospitals. This particular episode revolved around the kind of disaster movie narrative that can often be seen in these types of shows. Another season finale much later in the show, House Season 6, episode 21 follows the medical team as they attempt to help a group of victims trapped in a building after it collapses on them.

This episode is smart, heartfelt and genuinely emotional as good people suffer and people do their best to make a difference. Ultimately, just trying to do well and be the best doesn’t always do the trick and this episode drives that lesson all the way home. Incredible performances from the cast and especially from China Shavers, who plays the primary patient in the episode, lead the way in a stellar installment.

7

Three stories

Season 1, Episode 21

An early example of the immense capacity for storytelling and innovation that the show delivers comes late in the first season with House Season 1, Episode 21, “Three Stories.” House teaches a lecture and tells three stories of patients with similar issues, as the stories unfold, things twist and turn unexpectedly and ultimately the audience and the cast gain greater insight into what makes House tick.

This episode is a masterclass in storytelling and everything the show aspires to be in its greatest moments.

The episode won an Emmy for its writing, and it’s not hard to see why. Incredibly gripping and clever, this episode is a masterclass in storytelling and everything the show aspires to be in its greatest moments. It also gives Hugh Laurie some of the best moments in the early days of the role, really letting the character shine as a truly unique and captivating protagonist on television.

6

The C-word

Season 8, Episode 19

While House is sometimes lumped with the era’s safer network shows that don’t take as many narrative risks as cable shows in the wake of The SopranosHe proved to be a complex and dark character. As the series comes to an end, things seem increasingly bleak for House and his potential future. One such episode that highlights this is House Season 8, Episode 19, “The C-Word.“

House cares for his dear friend as he copes with his terminal illness and administers experimental treatment.

The episode was directed by the star, Hugh Laurie, and shows a soft side to House that rarely comes to the surface. House cares for his dear friend as he copes with his terminal illness and administers experimental treatment. As reckless as the pair of them may be, the genuine friendship and camaraderie are on full display and House shows growth and compassion.

5

Birthmarks

Season 5, Episode 4

Dig deeper into the mind of Gregory House, season 5, Episode 4 presents the vulnerability and abstinence that define House and his best friend Wilson. As is the case in many of the series’ best episodes, “Birthmarks” focuses on the relationship between House and Wilson through the lens of a road trip to House’s father’s funeral.

Wilson stopped working at the hospital and cut ties with his old friend, but in a moment of need, he puts himself back on the line. It turns out just like it always would with House causing trouble and being a brat, but the insights and symmetry between the main story and the B-plot of how parents can cause long-lasting trauma is played beautifully. The dynamic between these two complicated friends has always been one of the best aspects of the show and this is one of the best episodes to show why.

4

Detox

Season 1, Episode 11

Another early episode that helps define the show and its main character, House Season 1, episode 11 marks the first time House’s relationship with his Vicodin addiction is effectively explored without being played as something inconsequential. Cuddy and Wilson push House to prove that his pill use is out of his control and that he is a bona fide addict.

House is always so in control that it’s interesting to see him struggle with his detox, Still maintaining many of his mental resources and going to extreme depths of withdrawal. This is another example of linking him to Sherlock Holmes, especially some of the more modern takes on the character that explore his brilliant mind and the dangerous ways he self-medicates it. Given the genius of the house, it is an essential episode to make it clear that he is human.

3

broken

Season 6, Episode 1

Continuing the exploration of House’s psychology and his Vicodin addiction, Season 6, Episode 1 launches the season in a deeply engaging and powerful way. Guest starring Lin Manuel-Miranda as House’s roommate while he is interned in a psychiatric unit, Laurie again delivers an unparalleled performance. Although House entered voluntarily, aware of his issues, he resisted the change and refused to obey authority, despite the risk of losing his medical license.

It was also the episode during season 6 to receive the highest ratings from viewers and worked as a two-parter. The development and growth in just this 90-minute episode’s story arc is a highlight of the show. It’s the kind of arc that might have taken another show an entire season to fulfill, though House Managed to get it just right in a short amount of time.

2

Wilson’s heart

Season 4, Episode 16

The second chapter of the two-part series House Season 4 finale, “Wilson’s Heart” delivers emotion, the most brutal challenge to House and Wilson’s friendship of the entire series, and a heart-wrenching death of main character. House struggles to recall the incident that led to Wilson’s girlfriend’s injuries, and he may well hold the key to helping her.

House is gritty and dark and can be deeply upsetting or emotional at times, and this episode delivers all of that in spades. House begins to take off the mask in a meaningful way to try and do all he can to save his friend’s heart, but in the end, he comes up and pays the price. There are times when you watch the show that House’s brilliance makes it seem like it’s inevitable that he’ll save the day, but this episode keeps the stakes high.

1

House’s head

Season 4, Episode 15

This is not only the best episode of House, but one that is rewarding to look back on again and again. The episode before the season 4 finale, “House’s Head,” follows House in a foggy amnesiac state as he pieces together a mystery from the night before.

House was involved in an incident and when he wakes up, he needs to recover the pieces in his own mind to effectively solve a puzzle and save a life.. It’s a narrative device that’s seen in many other movies and shows, but it’s rarely done so effectively.

It’s terrific mystery storytelling with a dramatic backbone that makes for an incredibly engrossing experience. The writing and direction also come together to create something that is incredibly tight and keeps the bar high throughout. Although it feels like something new and challenging for HouseThe episode also defines the show, House’s relationship with his colleagues, and his inner struggle in such a brilliantly clever way that only House Can.