The Ultimate Ranking of House Episodes You Must Watch

Summary

The House series draws clear parallels to Sherlock Holmes, with its titular character and various references to the classic detective stories.

The show excels in delving into House's character and his relationships, generating captivating tension that propels the story. It showcases exceptional episodes like "Everybody Dies" and "Three Stories," which skillfully weave together intricate narratives, emotional depth, and the evolution of House as a complex character.

House had a remarkable eight-year run on FOX, airing a total of 176 episodes. The show starred Hugh Laurie as the brilliant yet self-destructive Dr. Gregory House, who possessed remarkable medical abilities. This series offered a unique twist on the classic Sherlock Holmes tales, with striking similarities between the characters. For example, House's last name and his best friend, Dr. James Wilson, cleverly paralleled Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. Even House's apartment, 221B Baker Street, served as a nod to the Sherlock Holmes connection.

The series captivates viewers with its wit and introspection, thanks to a talented main cast that brings depth and emotion to their characters. The unfolding storylines create intense tension throughout. House, a tortured genius, constantly pushes those closest to him to their limits and ultimately distances himself from them as a means of self-protection. However, the most outstanding episodes delve into House's character development and explore the profound relationships he holds dear. While the show includes numerous standout stories, there are instances when the writers pushed the boundaries even further, resulting in truly exceptional narratives.

10 Everybody Dies

House season 8, episode 22, "Everybody Dies" is a marvelous conclusion to an exceptional series. With the symmetrical title, mirroring the pilot, "Everybody Lies," and being directed by the show creator David Shore, it provides a fitting farewell for the titular character. Throughout the series, we witness a character who resists change and personal growth, but in this final episode, House finally embraces a new life and departs from the career that has defined him for so long. The masterful incorporation of House's experiences leading up to this pivotal decision makes it an outstanding and gratifying finale.

9 No Reason

The conclusion of the second season delved deep into House's psyche, revealing his humanity and his desire to shed his own arrogance and pride. In House season 2, episode 24, House comes face to face with a man who has suffered due to House's reprehensible behavior and lack of empathy. The majority of the episode takes place within House's mind, where he experiences horrifying hallucinations and engages in heated debates with his assailant. However, this is not a confrontation with an external adversary; rather, House is battling his own inner demons. With its clever and contemplative storytelling, the episode unravels the truth behind House's leg injury, his ruthless nature, and the demons that haunt him.

8 Help Me

7 Three Stories

Another season finale, House season 6, episode 21, takes viewers on a gripping journey alongside the medical team as they strive to rescue a group of individuals trapped in a collapsed building. This episode, filled with clever storytelling and heartfelt moments, evokes genuine emotions as innocent people endure suffering, while others do their utmost to make a meaningful impact. The core message delivered is that simply aiming to do good and be the best does not always guarantee success, and this powerful lesson resonates throughout. Notably, the cast delivers incredible performances, with China Shavers standing out as the primary patient in the episode.

One prime example of the astounding storytelling and innovative qualities exhibited by this show is found in House season 1, episode 21, titled "Three Stories." The intriguing episode was honored with an Emmy award for its exceptional writing, and it seamlessly demonstrates why. House takes on the role of a lecturer, regaling his audience with three enthralling tales featuring patients facing similar challenges. As their narratives unfold, unexpected twists and turns keep everyone on their toes, providing a deeper understanding of what drives House. Remarkably captivating and clever, this episode serves as a paradigm of captivating storytelling and epitomizes the show's ambitions.

6 The C-Word

5 Birthmarks

As the series was nearing its conclusion, the atmosphere grew darker and more dismal for House and his prospects for the future. One notable episode that exemplifies this is "The C-Word" from season 8 of House, directed by the show's star, Hugh Laurie. In this episode, House reveals a tender side that is seldom seen, as he takes care of his closest friend who is grappling with a terminal illness and administers experimental treatment. Despite their reckless tendencies, the genuine friendship and camaraderie between them are prominently displayed, showcasing House's personal growth and compassion.

Delving deeper into the psyche of Gregory House, the fourth episode of the fifth season portrays the vulnerability and stubbornness that define House and his close companion Wilson. "Birthmarks," one of the standout episodes of the series, examines the dynamic between House and Wilson through the lens of a road trip to House's father's funeral. Despite having severed ties with his old friend and leaving the hospital, Wilson willingly puts himself in a vulnerable position when House needs him the most. Predictably, House's troublesome and immature behavior ensues, yet the episode skillfully explores the connection between the main storyline and the secondary plot, which delves into the long-lasting emotional scars inflicted by parents.

4 Detox

3 Broken

House season 1, episode 11 is a pivotal moment in the show as it delves into the complex relationship between House and his addiction to Vicodin. Unlike previous episodes where his addiction is downplayed, this episode explores it in a more significant way. Cuddy and Wilson challenge House to prove that his pill usage is not under his control, highlighting his status as a genuine addict. It is fascinating to witness House, a character known for his unwavering control, struggle with detox while still displaying his remarkable intellectual capabilities. The outstanding performance by Laurie elevates House to new heights in this episode.

Season 6, episode 1 of House delves deeper into House's psychology and his dependence on Vicodin, captivating viewers from the start. With Lin Manuel-Miranda as a guest star, portraying House's roommate during his stay at a psychiatric unit, Laurie once again delivers an extraordinary performance. Despite entering voluntarily and being aware of his issues, House resists change and disregards authority, risking his medical license. The episode's narrative arc showcases remarkable development and growth within just 90 minutes, making it a standout moment in the series.

2 Wilson's Heart

The final episode of House season 4, titled "Wilson's Heart", is a gripping conclusion to the two-part finale. It takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster as it challenges the friendship between House and Wilson like never before. This episode also includes a heartbreaking death of a main character. House finds himself struggling to remember the events that caused Wilson's girlfriend's injuries, and he realizes that he may hold the key to her recovery. The intensity of House's character is showcased in this gritty and dark episode, which can be both deeply upsetting and emotional. As the story unfolds, House begins to reveal his true self in an attempt to save his friend's heart, but his efforts ultimately fall short, leading to a devastating outcome.

1 House's Head

In the previous episode, which is season 4, episode 15, titled "House's Head," House finds himself in a state of amnesia, trying to piece together a mysterious incident from the night before. As he wakes up, he must reconstruct the fragmented memories in his mind to effectively solve a puzzle and ultimately save a life. The exceptional writing and direction collaborated seamlessly to maintain a high standard throughout the episode, creating a defining moment for the show itself, House's dynamic with his colleagues, and showcasing his inner turmoil in a brilliantly clever manner that is unique to House.