Before fans can dive into a new series, they have to get into the pilot episode first. Pilot episodes are when viewers get a chance into the world of each and every television series. The characters are introduced, and the problem is set up. With Moon Knight's pilot obtaining a whopping 87% approval rating on Rotton Tomatoes, it shows pilots can be integral to whether a show succeeds or fails.
Some pilot episodes are not memorable and can be hard to get into, losing the potential of a good series. However, some pilots are so outstanding that they are hard to forget even after decades of the show airing. According to Ranker, these are the shows that have the best pilot episodes of all-time.
Mad Men (2007)
In this series, Don Draper works as a NYC advertising firm. He has a good life and a good family, which viewers were shocked to learn towards the end of the pilot. In order to stay on top and remain a strong businessman, he engages in questionable decisions.
Mad Men has been wildly popular and referenced countless times on other forms of media. The show's success meant it lasted a good 7 seasons. There are a lot of unexpected things that happen in Mad Man, but, the lasting impression of the pilot, seems to always be brought up by fans of the show.
Orange Is New Black (2013)
Another series that managed to last 7 seasons is Orange Is The New Black. This Netflix series gained major popularity when it appeared on the streaming services back in 2013. It was all people could talk about, especially the pilot episode.
Fans of the series were completely fascinated with Piper's life in prison and all the eccentric characters she meets. The ways in which the characters are introduced and their backstories were interesting enough to binge the whole series.
Twin Peaks (1990)
This mystery crime show centered around the murder of the teenager, Laura Palmer. But it was the characters in this small town that kept fans engaged. These supporting actors deserved more air time, as the plot thickened and everyone became a suspect. The detective on the case, Dale Cooper, became an icon on his own.
The pilot also felt like a movie and in a way it was. Although this series lasted only 2 seasons, it still had a cult following. Eventually the show had its own movie and revival in 2017. It proved that fans still wanted more from Twin Peaks even after the mystery was solved.
Modern Family (2009)
Modern Family became known for being TV's number one comedy and winning many awards. The show surrounded a family an ordinary family as they live their lives. Through each episode the many awkward moments because funny and relatable for fans.
The pilot episode is considered one of the best because fans are introduced to a range of charismatic characters and later learn they are part of the same family, which was a comforting twist.
Heroes (2006)
This series centered around a random group of average people but they quickly learn that they have special abilities that they use to repeatedly save the world. These people come together to save the future from destruction.
The pilot of Heroes was set up perfectly in the ways it introduced each character. They all had something they wanted and a compelling backstory. Fans admired the underlining themes of people coming together and saving mankind. It was considered one of the best pilots by fans and managed to last 4 seasons.
Supernatural (2005)
Supernatural has been one of the most talked about shows since it aired in 2005. The two main characters, Dean and Sam manage to make each actor a household name. The series revolves around these two fictional brothers that go on many adventures to learn what happened to their mother after a demonic force kills her and a woman Sam is dating.
There were many layers to this pilot that had fans interested. The series goes through many phases and has always managed to come out on top because of the many shenanigans the characters get into despite the dark nature of what was going on in the show.
Charmed (1998)
Charmed was another supernatural television series that aired in 1998. It also followed the lives of siblings, but this time it was three sisters that learn they are the chosen ones or charmed ones. One sister returns after their grandmother passes away and leaves the house to her grand daughters. To their surprise, they learn they have magical abilities that help vanquish demons and warlocks.
This pilot is a fan favorite among fans because the Halliwell sisters were so well-liked and inspirational among female fans. There were many lessons to be learned in Charmed. And the show had different journeys throughout, like recasting one of the sisters. But in the end, it's still one of the best pilots.
Glee (2009)
This teen show followed the lives of misfit teenagers in their Ohio high school. They come together through the glee club where they feel the most carefree and themselves. During the time of the show's premiere, fans were captivated by these characters. The show's tone was inspiring, uplifting, and overall wholesome.
But of course, the music was what tied it all together. Fans wanted to know what comes next for these characters. Towards the end of the series, Glee went off the rails with many unnecessary twists and turns. But the pilot, seems to hit close to home for fans of the Glee.
Once Upon A Time (2011)
This series was for fans of fairytales and the show's creators took many creative liberties by turning the concepts on its head. Once Upon A Time featured fairytale characters in modern life because of a dark curse that made them forget who they were. The show held the attention of fans in the pilot episode by introducing these characters and imagining them in modern life.
This concept alone made it interesting to learn what will happen after and if they would ever remember who they really were. The protagonist was not a part of the fairytale, making it intriguing to see where she would fit.
Lost (2004)
In Lost, a group of people from flight 815 find themselves in disaster when the plane crashes and lands in a mysterious island. The survivors of this crash have to make a new life for themselves as they adjust to being stranded. But this island is more than it seems and the characters are also most than they seem.
The series goes on to explore each character through flashbacks, making their current state that more interesting. This series and pilot is considered one of the best and most memorable. Its a perfect balance of mystery, drama, and science-fiction.