The House M.D. series wrapped over a decade ago, but the show is still one of the best medical dramas around, these are the best episodes.
Summary
- The House series draws clear parallels to Sherlock Holmes, with its titular character and various references to the classic detective stories.
- The show's strength lies in its deep exploration of House's character and his relationships, which creates compelling tension and drives the story forward.
- Several standout episodes, such as "Everybody Dies" and "Three Stories," demonstrate the show's clever storytelling, emotional depth, and the growth of House as a character.
House had a spectacular 176-episode run over its eight years on FOX. Starring Hugh Laurie as the titular self-destructive, egotistical, medically gifted Dr. Gregory House, the series was an innovative twist on the classic Sherlock Holmes stories. Similarities such as the main character's last name, his best friend, Dr. James Wilson being a play on John Watson, and even House's apartment, 221B Baker Street were all obvious parallels and hints at House's connection to Sherlock Holmes.
Clever and introspective, the series boasts a main cast that displays a range of depth and emotion that drives the story forward and creates tremendous tension. House is a tortured genius who pushes those close to him to their limits and away to protect himself, but the best episodes come from the exploration of his character and the relationships he holds dearest. There are plenty of standout stories, but there were clear times when the writers pushed the narrative even further to create something exceptional.
Why House Ended After Season 8 (Was It Canceled?)
Following House coming to a close after eight seasons, questions were raised about whether the Hugh Laurie-led medical drama was canceled.10 Everybody Dies
House season 8, episode 22, "Everybody Dies" is the perfect ending to an immaculate series. With symmetry from the name mirroring the pilot, "Everybody Lies," to the episode being directed by the show creator David Shore, it serves as a fitting send-off for the titular character. In a series that constantly features a character that rejects change and growth, House finally accepts a new life and moves away from the career that has been his purpose for so much of his life. How it uses House's experiences to bring him to his big decision helps make it a brilliant and satisfying finale.
9 No Reason
The finale of the second season dug deep into House's psyche and became one of the earliest moments that revealed his humanity and his desire to leave behind his own hubris and pride. House season 2, episode 24 has House come face to face with a man who has been negatively impacted because of House's terrible behaviors and lack of bedside manner. The rest of the episode happens largely in his mind with horrific hallucinations and House arguing with his attacker, except he isn't arguing with his attacker; he is arguing with himself, his biggest opponent. The episode is clever and thoughtful and helps to unpack the truth behind his leg injury, his ruthlessness, and his inner demons.
House, M.D.: How House Injured His Leg
House, M.D.'s Gregory House spent the entire series walking with a cane and popping pain pills - but what caused his addiction-inducing injury?8 Help Me
Another season finale much later in the show, House season 6, episode 21 follows the medical team as they attempt to help a group of victims trapped in a building after it collapses in on them. The episode is clever, heartfelt, and genuinely emotional as good people lay suffering and people do their best to make a difference. Ultimately, just trying to do good and be the best doesn't always do the trick and this episode drives that lesson all the way home. Incredible performances from the cast and especially China Shavers, who plays the primary patient in the episode.
7 Three Stories
An early example of the tremendous ability for storytelling and innovation that this show delivers comes late in the first season with House season 1, episode 21, "Three Stories." This episode won an Emmy for its writing, and it's not hard to see why. House teaches a lecture and relates three stories of patients with similar issues, as the stories unfold, things twist and turn unexpectedly and ultimately the audience and the cast are given a greater insight into what makes House tick. Incredibly gripping and clever, this episode is a masterclass in storytelling and everything that this show aspires to be.
6 The C-Word
As the series was coming to its end, things appeared to grow increasingly darker and more bleak for House and his potential future. One such episode that highlights this is House season 8, episode 19, "The C-Word." This episode was directed by the star, Hugh Laurie, and shows a soft side to House that rarely comes to the surface. House cares for his dearest friend as he copes with his terminal illness and administers experimental treatment. As reckless as the pair of them may be, the genuine friendship and camaraderie are on full display and House shows growth and compassion.
5 Birthmarks
Digging deeper into the mind of Gregory House, season 5, episode 4 presents the vulnerability and obstinance that define House and his best friend Wilson. As is the case in many of the best episodes of this series, "Birthmarks" focuses on the relationship between House and Wilson through the lens of a road trip to House's father's funeral. Wilson has quit working at the hospital and cut ties with his old friend, but in a moment of need, he puts himself on the line again. This turns out exactly how it always would with House causing trouble and being a brat, but the insights and symmetry between the main story and the B-plot of how parents can cause long-lasting trauma is beautifully played out.
10 Harsh Realities Of Watching House 11 Years After The Show Ended
Rewatching the series beloved medical drama, House, 11 years after it finished airing highlights some aspects that have not aged particularly well.4 Detox
Another early episode that helps to define the show, and its central character, House season 1, episode 11 is the first time House's relationship with his Vicodin addiction is effectively explored without being played off as something inconsequential. Cuddy and Wilson push House to prove that his pill use is not within his control and he is a bona fide addict. House is always so in control that it is interesting to see him struggling with his detox, still maintaining many of his mental resources and going to extreme depths of withdrawal. Laurie takes House to new heights with this performance.
3 Broken
Continuing the exploration of House's psychology and his Vicodin addiction, season 6, episode 1 launches the season in a deeply engaging and powerful way. Guest starring Lin Manuel-Miranda as House's roommate while he is interned at a psychiatric unit, Laurie again delivers an unparalleled performance. Although House entered voluntarily, aware of his issues, he resisted the change and refused to listen to authority, despite the risk of losing his medical license. The development and growth in just this 90-minute episode's story arc is a highlight of the show's run.
2 Wilson's Heart
The second chapter of the two-part House season 4 finale, "Wilson's Heart" delivers emotion, the most brutal challenge to House and Wilson's friendship of the entire series, and a heart-wrenching main character death. House struggles to recall the incident that led to Wilson's girlfriend's injuries, and he may well hold the key to helping her. House is gritty and dark and can be deeply upsetting or emotional at times, and this episode delivers all of that in spades. House begins to take off the mask in a meaningful way to try and do all he can to save his friend's heart, but in the end, he comes up short and pays the price.
1 House's Head
The episode immediately prior, season 4, episode 15, "House's Head" follows House in a foggy amnesiac state as he pieces together a mystery from the night before. House was involved in an incident and upon waking up, he needs to recover the pieces in his own mind to effectively solve a puzzle and save a life. The writing and direction also come together to create something that is incredibly tight and keeps the bar high throughout. This episode defines the show, House's relationship with his colleagues, and his inner struggle in such a brilliantly clever way that only House can.
