The first season of Friday Night Lights aired on NBC from October 3rd, 2006 to April 11th, 2007. The premiere season earned a Peabody Award for Area of Excellence, a Humanities Prize, and a Television Critics Association Award, along with several technical Primetime Emmy Awards.
Season Summary[]
This season centered around the Dillon Panthers and their new head coach Eric Taylor as they dealt with the pressure of high school football in Texas and the distractions that come on and off the field.
Cast[]
Starring
- Kyle Chandler as Eric Taylor (22/22)
- Connie Britton as Tami Taylor (22/22)
- Gaius Charles as Brian Williams (22/22)
- Zach Gilford as Matt Saracen (22/22)
- Minka Kelly as Lyla Garrity (22/22)
- Taylor Kitsch as Tim Riggins (22/22)
- Adrianne Palicki as Tyra Collette (22/22)
- Jesse Plemons as Landry Clarke (19/22)
- Scott Porter as Jason Street (22/22)
- Aimee Teegarden as Julie Taylor (22/22)
Co Starring
Note: Costars who appeared in at least 5 episodes get listed here
- Blue Deckert as Mac McGill (21/22)
- Louanne Stephens as Lorraine Saracen (16/22)
- Derek Phillips as Billy Riggins (16/22)
- Merrilee McCommas as Pam Garrity (14/22)
- Kate Krause as Tabby Garrity (12/22)
- Liz Mikel as Corrina Williams (11/22)
- Libby Villari as Mayor Lucy Rodell (10/22)
- Katherine Willis as Joanne Street (10/22)
- Nieko Mann as Noannie Williams (9/22)
- Mark Nutter as Mitchell Street (9/22)
- Joey Truty as Buddy Garrity Jr. (8/22) [1]
- James Powers as Bradley Cole (7/22)
- Timothy F. Crowley as Coach Crowley (7/22)
- Whitney McCauley as Sheila Williams (7/22)
- Sid Johnson as Reverend Grady (5/22)
- Brent Smiga as Henry Saracen (5/22)
- Robert Boothby as Corey (5/22)
- Robert Parish as Phil (5/22)
- Brent McGregor as Kurt Kaster (5/22)
Guest Starring
Note: Credited guest stars are listed here, regardless of how many episodes they appear in
- Brad Leland as Buddy Garrity (21/22) [2]
- Kevin Rankin as Herc (12/22)
- Aasha Davis as Waverly Grady (8/22)
- Dana Wheeler-Nicholson as Angela Collette (7/22)
- Aldis Hodge as Ray Tatum (6/22)
- Alexandra Holden as Suzy Quinlan (5/22)
- Walter Perez as Bobby Reyes (5/22)
- Brooke Langton as Jackie Miller (5/22)
- Jae Head as Bo Miller (5/22)
- Brett Cullen as Walt Riggins (4/22)
- Patrick J. Adams as Connor Hayes (1/22)
- Tom Guinee as Bob (1/22)
- Maggie Wheeler as Teacher (1/22)
- Rebecca McFarland as Susanne Derr (1/22)
Episode List[]
| Episode Number Overall | Season |
Episode Information | ||||||||||
| 1 | 1 | Pilot October 3rd 2006 Writer: Peter Berg Director: Peter Berg | ||||||||||
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In the town of Dillon, Texas, football is life. Pressure mounts as the Dillon Panthers, the #1 high school football team in Texas, is surrounded by a swirl of press, recruiters, and State Championship-sized expectations. | ||||||||||
| Panthers Game | |||||||||||
| Opponent | Result | Final Score | Record | ||||||||
| Westerby Chaps | Win | 27-24 | 1-0 | ||||||||
| 2 | 2 | Eyes Wide Open October 10th 2006 Writer: Jason Katims Director: Jeffrey Reiner | ||||||||||
|
Through faith and courage, tragedy turns to healing - In the wake of star quarterback Jason Street's serious injury, the town of Dillon turns to prayer. Pressure mounts for Coach Taylor and the team as second-string quarterback Matt Saracen is unwittingly thrust into the spotlight, while tensions build between Riggins and "Smash" Williams. | ||||||||||
| Panthers Game | |||||||||||
| No game this episode | |||||||||||
| 3 | 3 | Wind Sprints October 17th 2006 Writer: Elizabeth Heldens Director: Jeffrey Reiner | ||||||||||
|
Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose - After a difficult loss to the underdog Milbank Rattlers, the town of Dillon has turned on Coach Taylor. School officials point fingers, parents argue, and team morale is at an all time low. As injured quarterback Jason Street begins rehab, emotion and frustration culminate in a fight, thrusting Lyla into the arms of another. | ||||||||||
| Panthers Game | |||||||||||
| Opponent | Result | Final Score | Record | ||||||||
| South Milbank Rattlers | Loss | 7-13 | 1-1 | ||||||||
| 4 | 4 | Who's Your Daddy? October 24th 2006 Writer: Kerry Ehrin Director: Allison Liddi-Brown | ||||||||||
|
Noose tightens around Coach Taylor during by-week - Facing the Panthers' biggest rival, Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) must find a way to bring the team together while his family falls apart. "Smash" Williams (Gaius Charles) and Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch) unite to plot their revenge against the Tigers for the destruction of their field house. | ||||||||||
| Panthers Game | |||||||||||
| No game this episode | |||||||||||
| 5 | 5 | Git'er Done October 30th 2006 Writer: Patrick Massett & John Zinman Director: Mark Piznarski | ||||||||||
|
Fourth quarter belongs to us -- With the Arnett Mead game just days away, Ray 'Voodoo' Tatum (guest star Aldis Hodge) proves he may not be the leader the team needs as he clashes with stressed out Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) and fellow players alike. Meanwhile, Lyla Garrity (Minka Kelly) hates herself even more as her secret relationship with Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch) continues. | ||||||||||
| Panthers Game | |||||||||||
| Opponent | Result | Final Score | Record | ||||||||
| Arnett Mead Tigers | (Forfeited) Loss[3] | 22-21 | 1-2 | ||||||||
| 6 | 6 | El Accidente November 7th, 2006 Writer: Carter Harris Director: Dan Lerner | ||||||||||
|
To good friends and Texas forever -- The Dillon Panthers are frustrated facing the possibility of last week's key win over Arnett Mead being overturned due to Ray Tatum's recruitment (guest star Aldis Hodge). Police interrupt a sluggish practice with an arrest warrant for star defensive tackle Bobby Reyes (Walter Perez) after he viciously assaults another student outside of the sandwich shop. | ||||||||||
| Panthers Game | |||||||||||
| No game this episode | |||||||||||
| 7 | 7 | Homecoming November 14th 2006 Writer: David Hudgins Director: Patrick Norris | ||||||||||
|
One Team, One Heart -- It's homecoming in Dillon, Texas, as alumni reunite, and the team prepares for the undefeated Laribee Lions. Tyra Collette (Adrianne Palicki) and Billy Riggins (Derek Phillips) mix it up as they plan the after game party to end all parties. On the field, Brian 'Smash' Williams (Gaius Charles) feels the pressure when he gets his one chance to impress a college recruiter. | ||||||||||
| Panthers Game | |||||||||||
| Opponent | Result | Final Score | Record | ||||||||
| Laribee Lions | Win | 28-17 | 2-2 | ||||||||
| 8 | 8 | Crossing the Line November 28th 2006 Writer: Bridget Carpenter Director: Jeffrey Reiner | ||||||||||
|
While Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch) and the team celebrate their victory, a frustrated Brian 'Smash' Williams (Gaius Charles) takes drastic measures to improve his performance on the field. | ||||||||||
| Panthers Game | |||||||||||
| No game this episode | |||||||||||
| 9 | 9 | Full Hearts December 5th 2006 Writer: Aaron Rahsaan Thomas Director: Josh Pate | ||||||||||
|
Growing pains -- Emotions intensify as the game against the intimidating Gatling High nears. Lyla and Tim become alienated from their friends as rumors about their relationship spread all over town. Smash continues to buckle to the pressure and puts his own health at risk in his attempt to improve his performance on the field. | ||||||||||
| Panthers Game | |||||||||||
| Opponent | Result | Final Score | Record | ||||||||
| Gatling Eagles | Win | 6-2 | 3-2 | ||||||||
| 10 | 10 | It's Different for Girls December 12th 2006 Writer: Andy Miller Director: Steven Kay | ||||||||||
|
The attention is focused off the football team for once and onto their biggest supporters -- the cheerleaders. As the cheer team prepares for the Championship Classic, word of Lyla (Minka Kelly) and Riggins' (Taylor Kitsch) affair causes Lyla to become the victim of brutal high school harassment. | ||||||||||
| Panthers Game | |||||||||||
| Opponent | Result | Final Score | Record | ||||||||
| Houston Area Timberwolves | Win | Not Shown | 4-2 | ||||||||
| 11 | 11 | Nevermind January 3rd 2007 Writer: Elizabeth Heldens Director: Jonas Pate | ||||||||||
|
The Panthers are preparing yet again for another game they can't afford to lose. Jason still finds it difficult to adjust to life at home, and the feelings he still has for Lyla don't make it any easier. Meanwhile, at what couldn't seem like a better time, Matt's dad comes home from Iraq, but the homecoming is not what Matt expected. | ||||||||||
| Panthers Game | |||||||||||
| Opponent | Result | Final Score | Record | ||||||||
| Westcott Warriors | Win | 28-24 | 5-2 | ||||||||
| 12 | 12 | What to Do While You're Waiting January 10th 2007 Writer: Kerry Ehrin Director: David Boyd | ||||||||||
|
Bye Week -- The future of the Panthers' season is out of their hands as they eagerly wait for the result of a game between two opponents that will ultimately determine their fate. Emotions intensify as the Street family carries on with their lawsuit against Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler). | ||||||||||
| Panthers Game | |||||||||||
| No game this episode | |||||||||||
| 13 | 13 | Little Girl I Wanna Marry You January 24th 2007 Writer: Jason Katims Director: Jeffrey Reiner | ||||||||||
|
In lieu of all the troubles off the field lately, everyone is working extra hard to get their mind back into game mode. Smash's mom (guest star Liz Mikel) discovers something in Smash's (Gaius Charles) room that can potentially destroy his dreams of playing football. | ||||||||||
| Panthers Game | |||||||||||
| Opponent | Result | Final Score | Record | ||||||||
| South Pines Tigers | Win | 7-0[4] | 6-2 | ||||||||
| 14 | 14 | Upping the Ante January 31st 2007 Writer: David Hudgins Director: Allison Liddi-Brown | ||||||||||
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Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) struggles between preparing for the game and dealing with the situation with Smash (Gaius Charles) as the town of Dillon piles on the pressure. Relationships also begin to form as Tyra (Adrianne Palicki) and Julie (Aimee Teegarden) start an unlikely friendship and Riggins (Taylor Kitsch) reconnects with his estranged father. | ||||||||||
| Panthers Game | |||||||||||
| No game this episode | |||||||||||
| 15 | 15 | Blinders February 7th 2007 Writer: Bridget Carpenter & Carter Harris Director: Steven Kay | ||||||||||
|
The race card -- After their first thrilling victory in the playoffs, the Panthers feel invincible - until Mac (Blue Deckert) makes racial statements that test the team's bond. Tim (Taylor Kitsch) and Billy (Derek Phillips) adjust to having their father back in their lives while Tami (Connie Britton) worries about Julie's (Aimee Teegarden) new friendship with Tyra (Adrianne Palicki). | ||||||||||
| Panthers Game | |||||||||||
| Opponent | Result | Final Score | Record | ||||||||
| McNulty Mavericks | Win | 30-10 | 7-2 | ||||||||
| 16 | 16 | Black Eyes and Broken Hearts February 14th 2007 Writer: Patrick Massett & John Zinman Director: Jeffrey Reiner | ||||||||||
|
With Smash (Gaius Charles) spearheading the protest, the team is in for an upset for their next playoff game. While Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) deliberates between firing one of his best coaches and succumbing to his players' demands, Julie's (Aimee Teegarden) friendship with Tyra (Adrianne Palicki) becomes more and more destructive. | ||||||||||
| Panthers Game | |||||||||||
| Opponent | Result | Final Score | Record | ||||||||
| Dunston Valley Cardinals | Win (forfeit) | 40-24[5] | 8-2 | ||||||||
| 17 | 17 | I Think We Should Have Sex February 21st 2007 Writer: Elizabeth Heldens Director: Allison Liddi-Brown | ||||||||||
|
Sexual Healing -- The Panthers are deep into the playoffs and all players feel untouchable. Julie drops a bomb on an unsuspecting Matt when she says she's ready to have sex for the first time. While Matt plans how to make the night unforgettable, Tami stumbles upon him at the supermarket buying condoms, which, needless to say, doesn't go over too well with her. | ||||||||||
| Panthers Game | |||||||||||
| No game this episode | |||||||||||
| 18 | 18 | Extended Families February 28th 2007 Writer: Kerry Ehrin Director: Charles Stone | ||||||||||
|
Why can't we be friends? -- When Buddy Garrity's affair is discovered, he finds himself in the doghouse. He, in turn, imposes on the Taylors and moves in with them. With her family falling apart, Lyla turns to Jason, the one person she can count on. But, after driving to surprise him at the quad rugby camp, Lyla notices for the first time that Jason's accident has changed him. | ||||||||||
| Panthers Game | |||||||||||
| Opponent | Result | Final Score | Record | ||||||||
| Royal Rock Dragons | Win | 26-21 | 9-2 | ||||||||
| 19 | 19 | Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes March 21st 2007 Writer: Jason Katims Director: Jeffrey Reiner | ||||||||||
|
Decisions, Decisions -- With TMU knocking on Coach Taylor's door, Julie decides to make it very clear to her parents that she does not intend to move away from Dillon and Matt. Meanwhile, Jason gets some devastating news from the quad rugby recruiters in Austin. Elsewhere, Riggins befriends a single mother and her son. | ||||||||||
| Panthers Game | |||||||||||
| No game this episode | |||||||||||
| 20 | 20 | Mud Bowl March 28th 2007 Writer: Elizabeth Heldens & David Hudgins Director: David Boyd | ||||||||||
|
For love of the game -- Coach Taylor feels the players are losing their grasp on the beauty of the game of football as distractions such as envelopes full of cash begin to mysteriously show up in the players' lockers. An unexpected accident suddenly poses a problem and the team's home field advantage in the final game before the state championships is threatened. | ||||||||||
| Panthers Game | |||||||||||
| Opponent | Result | Final Score | Record | ||||||||
| Brant Vikings | Win | 14-8 | 10-2 | ||||||||
| 21 | 21 | Best Laid Plans April 4th 2007 Writer: Kerry Ehrin & Carter Harris Director: Jeffrey Reiner | ||||||||||
|
Plans change, people change -- After being pressured by Texas Methodist University (TMU), Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) makes a rash decision that disrupts his future at Dillon and upsets the women in his life. While Coach Taylor deals with changes in his career, Riggins (Taylor Kitsch) deals with his new inappropriate relationship with the single mother next door. | ||||||||||
| Panthers Game | |||||||||||
| No game this episode | |||||||||||
| 22 | 22 | State April 11th 2007 Writer: Jason Katims, Patrick Massett & John Zinman Director: Jeffrey Reiner | ||||||||||
|
Season finale -- The state championship - It's all come down to this one final game - the Dillon Panthers are gearing up for the state championship and all eyes are on Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler). After growing speculation from everyone in town, the news finally spreads as to whether or not Coach is going to leave Dillon for his dream job at TMU (Texas Methodist University). | ||||||||||
| Panthers Game | |||||||||||
| Opponent | Result | Final Score | Record | ||||||||
| West Cambria Mustangs | Win | 27-26 | 11-2 | ||||||||
References[]
- ↑ Portrayed by Noble Pack in Pilot
- ↑ Billed as a co-star on the first 6 episodes before being moved to guest star
- ↑ Forfeited loss due to Ray Tatum being ineligible due to residency requirements
- ↑ Final score not shown. Dillon scored a touchdown in the last 5 minutes of a previously scoreless game
- ↑ A brawl on the field caused the game to be called early. Since Dillon was in the lead when the brawl occured, the game was called in their favor