Best First (or Pilot) Episode?

[northwest monkey]

In the recent "Breaking Bad" thread, someone suggested that the first episode of that show was the best ever start to a TV show. I haven't seen it yet, so I couldn't agree or disagree, but for me, the best first episode of any TV programme I've seen was Lost. Plane crashing, mystery, spooky stuff going on in the jungle & loads more I can't remember. Despite what happened to the show in later seasons, that first episode was fantastic.

That's mine, so what's yours?

[SystemParanoia]

Gotta be Battlestar Galactica for me

left me hungry for more!!

[Miguel Alvarez]

I'd go with Breaking Bad also. I agree.

[KaraK]

Always a difficult one as if you don't like the genre/concept of the show then even the "best" pilot in the world is not going to be "good" to you

For me personally, and it's not a normal pilot I suppose in that it was a 3hr behemoth but I'd have to agree with the previous poster's vote for Battlestar Galactica. Probably my favourite before that came along would have been the Buffy pilot, and while the show is definitely even more of a niche series I thought the pilot for Supernatural was pretty damn great

[MintyScot]

I personally really like the 1st/pilot episode of Walking Dead. Its what kept me interested in the series despite falling off from the high of the excellent 1st episode.

[drivin_me_nuts]

Breaking bad was pretty ace. For me, an oldie, but a goodie, Porridge.

Even now, after all these years, it's craftsmen at work.

[stuart313]

Airwolf.

[belleair302]

The first episode of the A-Team was pretty good way back when. Miami Vice would also rank up there as would the Persuaders. How about Space 1999 or more recently Burn Notice?

[Beati Dogu]

Well the first episode of "24" was pretty action packed I seem to remember.

So was "The Shield" and that pilot episode came back to haunt them more than once.

[Patch1875]

Lost.

[F3RNY7]

Just started watching Suits and I was gripped from the very first episode, which doesn't happen a lot with me (even with shows that I've gone on to love)

[coppice]

Dr Who, beyond doubt. But I was only 11.

[TCEvo]

Another vote for Miami Vice - pilot is excellent.

[davegreg]

The pilot episode of Columbo ('Prescription: Murder') is good - made in about '68 or something. He was a little bit more verbally aggressive in this film.

[iva cosworth]

Agree about LOST.

I lost interest soon after when it all got weird.

[Nimby]

Recently - yes Breaking Bad.
But from my childhood - The Prisoner.

[DervVW]

Another vote for battlestar galactica (2003)

[GetCarter]

The Prisoner - by a mile.

...but you had to be there at the time.

Modern day: Breaking Bad.

[Spiritual_Beggar]

Battlestar Galactica or Firefly for me

[Don]

Spiritual_Beggar said:

Battlestar Galactica or Firefly for me

Yep. The two best shows of the last decade. Firefly's feature length opener was fantastic...and Serenity made a great feature to complete the story. Shame they didn't get more seasons. There were plenty of stories to be told in that 'verse.

Of recent shows Person of Interest started really well.