Ranking the 5 Seasons of Six Feet Under, From Worst to Best

Article Overview

The fourth season of Six Feet Under is regarded as the weakest installment, failing to meet the show's typical standards in terms of character development and storylines. Conversely, Season 3 of Six Feet Under begins slowly but gradually picks up pace, particularly following a significant event that impacts the Fisher family, effectively highlighting the show's impressive emotional depth.

Six Feet Under season 2 elevates the show's unique tone and continues to excel, particularly in developing Nate's character and crafting powerful moments for the supporting cast that ultimately lead to a significant climax.

Throughout its five-season run, Six Feet Under introduced audiences to a captivating ensemble of characters and delivered thought-provoking scripts that seamlessly blended depth and humor, resulting in an emotionally profound journey. While not every season reached the same level of brilliance, HBO was at its peak in the early 2000s, churning out hits like The Sopranos, Sex and the City, and the highly anticipated debut of The Wire. Among these triumphs stood Six Feet Under, a series centered around a family who operated a funeral home, comprised of matriarch Ruth and her children, Nate, David, and Claire. The show garnered critical acclaim and numerous Emmy Awards for its talented cast and exceptional writing.

5. Six Feet Under Season 4

While Six Feet Under is an exceptional series overall, particularly its finale, the impact of individual seasons may vary. Certain seasons shine more brightly, while others fail to reach the same level of excellence due to slow-paced storytelling or disjointed and overly dramatic moments. This variation reflects the complexity of the Six Feet Under characters and the show as a whole. Throughout its five-season run, the evolution of the series aligns with the intricacies of its themes. It is precisely this diversity that contributes to the lasting allure of Six Feet Under, widely regarded as one of the greatest TV shows of all time.

Season 4 of Six Feet Under falls short compared to the rest of the series, which is known for its strong character development and compelling storylines. However, this slight dip in quality is overshadowed by the excitement and anticipation for the show's final season, serving as motivation to persevere through this underwhelming phase.

4. Six Feet Under Season 3

The remarkable episode "That's My Dog" breaks away from the series' usual tone, employing exaggerated and contrived elements. George's bomb shelter and erratic behavior, David's PTSD following his abduction, Brenda and Joe's complex relationship, and the soap opera-like revelation of Lisa's killer all contribute to a season filled with sensational plotlines. Season 4, previously known for its subtlety and character-driven focus, takes a slight detour into convoluted and unrealistic territory.

Although Six Feet Under season 3 may not shine as brightly as the rest of the series, it still effectively demonstrates the show's strength in creating complex characters and intricate plotlines. The first half of the season may lack the humor that the show is known for, which is disappointing. The potential of Kathy Bates' character, Bettina, and the unusual relationship between Ruth and Arthur didn't quite mesh as smoothly as other storylines from previous seasons. Moreover, due to Rachel Griffiths' pregnancy, the reasons for Brenda's occasional absence felt contrived.

3. Six Feet Under Season 1

However, the latter half of the season really picks up momentum, particularly following the disappearance of Nate's wife, Lisa. This significant event delves deeper into the characters of the Fisher family, enriching the portrayal that defines the show. Despite its flaws, season 3 remains a valuable addition to the overall strength of Six Feet Under, effectively evoking emotional investment.

Despite a somewhat slow start, the first season of Six Feet Under deserves praise. It sets the foundation for the series and its characters, taking its time to establish a unique feel and tone. Notable highlights include the pilot episode, a family dinner filled with ecstasy for Nate, and the introduction of his complex relationship with Brenda. David's moment of coming out to his mother is also a standout moment. Throughout the first season, the daily operation of the Fisher funeral home is explored, providing insight into how each character navigates their roles.

While the show adheres to certain patterns and remains unpredictable, it lacks eventfulness, instead focusing on slowly delving into the depths of its characters. Nevertheless, it excels in crafting complexity and building towards an intriguing conclusion, rendering any minor imperfections insignificant in retrospect. This season takes its time in unraveling the intricacies of the Fisher family, much like the process of establishing a new relationship, which is precisely what unfolds throughout the course of the season. Season 1 effectively establishes the foundation for the captivating developments to unfold in season 2, eagerly delving into the layers of the family.

2. Six Feet Under Season 2

Expanding on the success of its first season, Six Feet Under exceeded expectations and earned its rightful place as one of the finest television programs of its time. Under the guidance of lead director and writer Alan Ball, a highly skilled and carefully selected team of top-tier directors and writers delivered consistently fresh, deeply engaging, and often captivating episodes. As a result, Six Feet Under not only maintained its exceptional quality but also continuously pushed the boundaries of television storytelling.

Six Feet Under season 2 stands out as one of the most cohesive seasons in the series, building upon the foundation laid in season 1 while maintaining the unique tone of the show. The focus on Nate's character development proves to be a successful and gripping choice, as his struggle with a life-altering diagnosis becomes a central theme. However, it is the smaller character moments that truly shine, gradually building towards a significant culmination in the finale. The intrigue surrounding Nate's fate, Claire's future, and David's intricate relationship with Keith propel season 2 in an even more promising direction.

1. Six Feet Under Season 5

Although season 5 navigates through various subplots, it is the remarkable culmination in the final three episodes that truly stands out. Exploring the predicaments of Claire's professional journey, Ruth's challenges with George's commitment, Rico's quest for reconciliation, Nate and Brenda's tumultuous relationship, and David and Keith's decision to adopt older children, Six Feet Under continues to introduce fresh storytelling elements while wrapping up existing ones. Delving once again into the lives of the Fisher family, the series unveils new layers of narrative and concludes others that captivate and resonate, ultimately making it an authentic final season.

Nonetheless, the series gains its remarkable impact through the jolting demise of Nate, a highly significant character. This exit serves as a testament to the show's dedication in depicting imperfect, genuine individuals. In the end, the series culminates with a captivating and deeply moving conclusion, serving as a powerful reminder of the enduring bond formed with the Fisher family throughout the extraordinary five seasons of Six Feet Under.

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of Six Feet Under, I found the article's ranking of the seasons thought-provoking and largely aligned with my own opinions. The assessment of Season 4 as the weakest installment resonated with me, as it seemed to lack the emotional depth and compelling character development that characterized the rest of the series. The contrived plotlines and over-the-top moments, such as George's bomb shelter and David's PTSD, felt out of place and detracted from the show's usual subtlety.

On the other hand, I might respectfully disagree with the placement of Season 3 as the second-worst season. While it may have started slowly, the latter half of the season, particularly following Lisa's disappearance, delivered some of the show's most powerful and emotionally resonant moments. The exploration of the Fisher family's grief and the subsequent fallout was both heartbreaking and insightful, showcasing the series' ability to tackle complex themes with sensitivity and nuance.