The explosive mini-series The Penguin, has rocketed to become the highest-rated TV show of 2024. As audiences savour The Penguin’s finale today, let’s look back at some of the most unforgettable TV episodes that defined storytelling. From Breaking Bad’s "Ozymandias," where Walter White’s empire unravels in a chaotic, tragic crescendo, to Game of Thrones' "The Rains of Castamere," where loyalty is paid for in blood, each episode on this list pushed the boundaries of TV storytelling and made an indelible impact. Here’s a roundup of the most powerful, tightly crafted episodes ever made, with all the emotional punch television can offer. 

Top 10 Highest-Rated TV Show Episodes You Need to Watch Right Now 

Breaking Bad, “Ozymandias” (Season 5, Episode 14) 
IMDb score: 10/10 
Where to watch: Netflix 

In Breaking Bad’s “Ozymandias,” Walter White’s entire empire crumbles in a brutal hour that encapsulates the show's tension, tragedy, and moral decay. As his crimes catch up with him, Walt loses everything—family, friends, and even his grip on reality. The death of Hank, Walt's cold revelation to Jesse about Jane, and Skyler's horrified reaction drive home the consequences of his actions. This episode, directed by Rian Johnson, is an iconic high point of TV storytelling, marking the devastating unravelling of a deeply flawed character. 

Game of Thrones “Battle of the Bastards” (Season 6, Episode 9)
IMDb score: 9.9 
Where to watch: JioCinema 

One of the most visually stunning episodes in Game of Thrones history, "Battle of the Bastards" delivers on every front: tension, stakes, and the visceral chaos of medieval warfare. Jon Snow (Kit Harington) and Ramsay Bolton (Iwan Rheon) clash in a brutal, bloody battle for Winterfell. Ramsay’s sadism reaches new heights as he uses Rickon Stark as bait, leading to his tragic death. As Jon nearly gets trampled in the chaos, Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner) arrives with the Knights of the Vale, turning the tide. The final confrontation between Sansa and Ramsay is as chilling as it is satisfying, with Sansa exacting her revenge.   

Game of Thrones "The Winds of Winter" (Season 6, Episode 10)
IMDb score: 9.9 
Where to watch: JioCinema  

Following the "Battle of the Bastards," Game of Thrones delivers another masterstroke with "The Winds of Winter." The episode opens with a haunting, suspense-filled sequence as Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey) orchestrates her vengeance, blowing up the Great Sept of Baelor with wildfire and erasing her enemies in a single act of devastation. Tommen’s (Dean-Charles Chapman) tragic reaction and Daenerys Targaryen’s (Emilia Clarke) departure from Westeros set up major shifts for the final seasons. The episode captures the series' grandeur and tragedy, all underscored by a haunting score that heightens its unforgettable scenes. 

Breaking Bad “Felina” (Season 5, Episode 16)
IMDb score: 9.9 
Where to watch: Netflix 

The series finale of Breaking Bad is a masterclass in tying up loose ends while delivering a deeply satisfying conclusion. Walter White (Bryan Cranston) returns to Albuquerque to settle scores and make amends, leaving a trail of closure. From the explosive showdown at the neo-Nazi compound to his emotional farewell to Jesse (Aaron Paul), every moment is a calculated move toward redemption, however twisted. Walt’s final act — sacrificing himself to free Jesse — brings a poetic end to his transformation, sealing Breaking Bad’s legacy as one of television’s greats. 

Game of Thrones "The Rains of Castamere" (Season 3, Episode 9)
IMDb score: 9.9 
Where to watch: JioCinema  

Widely known as “The Red Wedding,” this episode remains one of the most shocking moments in television history. What begins as a wedding celebration for Edmure Tully (Tobias Menzies) and Roslin Frey (Alexandra Dowling) quickly turns to bloodshed as the Stark family is betrayed by Walder Frey (David Bradley) and Roose Bolton (Michael McElhatton). Robb Stark (Richard Madden), his wife Talisa, and his mother Catelyn (Michelle Fairley) are brutally murdered, decimating the Stark family and leaving fans reeling. The gut-wrenching massacre exemplifies Game of Thrones’s ruthless unpredictability. 

Breaking Bad “Face Off" (Season 4, Episode 13)
IMDb rating: 9.9/10 
Where to watch: Netflix 

The ultimate showdown between Walter White and Gus Fring (Giancarlo Esposito) comes to a bloody end in "Face Off." After a season of strategic warfare between the two, Walt pulls off a masterstroke, using a bomb strapped to Hector Salamanca (Mark Margolis) to kill Gus in a fiery explosion. The episode is packed with tension, leading up to a jaw-dropping conclusion that sees Gus calmly adjusting his suit with half of his face blown off. It’s a turning point for Walt, cementing his transformation into Heisenberg — the unrepentant kingpin he always feared becoming. 

Better Call Sau "Plan and Execution" (Season 6, Episode 7)
IMDb rating: 9.9/10 
Where to watch: Netflix  

In the prequel series to Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul reaches its intense peak with "Plan and Execution." Jimmy McGill’s (Bob Odenkirk) latest con with Kim Wexler (Rhea Seehorn) hits unprecedented heights, culminating in a twist that ties his machinations to major consequences for Howard Hamlin (Patrick Fabian). The episode expertly balances dark humour with nail-biting suspense, revealing the moral decay of the characters and setting them on the path that leads to Breaking Bad. It’s a devastating reminder of how small choices can snowball into life-altering decisions. 

Succession "Connor's Wedding" (Season 4, Episode 3)
IMDb rating: 9.9/10 
Where to watch: JioCinema  

One of the most heart-wrenching episodes in Succession, "Connor’s Wedding" captures the chaos that unfolds when Logan Roy (Brian Cox) — the indomitable media titan — dies unexpectedly during his son Connor’s (Alan Ruck) wedding. The Roy children’s raw, emotional responses to their father’s passing juxtapose with the cold, corporate manoeuvring that follows. The episode highlights the fragile humanity behind the ruthless power games, as Shiv, Kendall, and Roman struggle with grief, regret, and the terrifying void left by their father’s absence. 

Mr. Robot "407 Proxy Authentication Required" ( Season 4, Episode 7)
IMDb rating: 9.9/10 
Where to watch: NA 

In this Emmy-nominated episode of Mr. Robot, Elliot Alderson (Rami Malek) confronts his darkest secrets in a tense therapy session orchestrated by his mind. The episode is directed in a theatrical, single-set format, with Elliot trapped in an emotional standoff with Mr. Robot (Christian Slater) and Vera (Elliot Villar). Revelations about his traumatic past hit with a staggering impact, laying bare the layers of Elliot’s psyche. The episode’s minimalist, dialogue-heavy structure and psychological intensity make it one of the most daring and intimate chapters in the show’s history. 

BoJack Horseman "The View from Halfway Down" (Season 6, Episode 15)
IMDb rating: 9.9/10 
Where to watch: Netflix 

An animated series might seem an unlikely venue for deep existential exploration, but BoJack Horseman’s penultimate episode is a haunting, surreal meditation on life, death, and regret. BoJack (Will Arnett) faces visions of deceased characters from his past, each representing unresolved guilt and missed chances. As he confronts the harsh reality of his life choices, he has a nightmarish vision of falling — and the crushing realization that it’s too late to change his fate.