All 5 Seasons Of Six Feet Under, Ranked Worst To Best

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Six Feet Under.

Summary

Six Feet Under season 4 is considered the weakest installment, falling short of the show’s usual standards in character development and storylines.
Season 3 of Six Feet Under starts slow but gains momentum, especially after a significant event that affects the Fisher family, showcasing the show’s strength in emotional depth.
Six Feet Under season 2 refines the show’s distinctive tone and maintains its excellence, with a focus on Nate’s character development and smaller character moments building towards a significant culmination.

Over five seasons, Six Feet Under introduced a captivating ensemble of characters and delivered scripts that impressed with their depth and humor, resulting in a profoundly moving emotional journey. Despite the acclaim, not every season is shown as brightly as others. HBO was at its prime in the early 2000s, producing hits like The Sopranos, Sex and the City, and the promising debut of The Wire. Among these triumphs was Six Feet Under, centered around a family running a funeral home, consisting of matriarch Ruth and her children, Nate, David, and Claire. The series earned critical acclaim and numerous Emmy Awards for its cast and writing.

While Six Feet Under as a whole is outstanding, especially the Six Feet Under finale, individual seasons vary in impact. Some seasons shine brighter, while others didn’t quite reach the same level of excellence, due to either slowly-paced storytelling or disjointed and overly dramatic moments. This variance is a testament to the complexity of the Six Feet Under characters and the show as a whole, as its evolution over its five-season run parallels the complexities of its themes. It is this very diversity that contributes to the enduring appeal of Six Feet Under, widely considered one of the best TV shows of all time.

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5 Six Feet Under Season 4

Six Feet Under season 4 is the weakest installment of an otherwise strong show. While the series as a whole shines when it comes to character development and engaging storylines, season 4 slightly misses the mark and falls short of these standards. The anticipation of the final season, season 5, served as a motivation to continue pushing through this brief underwhelming phase.

The unforgettable episode “That’s My Dog” stands out as a departure from the series’ usual tone, instead using elements that feel outlandish and forced. With George’s bomb shelter and erratic behavior, David’s PTSD after his kidnapping, Brenda and Joe’s convoluted relationship, and the soap opera-like revelation of who killed Lisa, the season becomes full of dramatic plot lines. Once characterized by subtlety and character focus, season 4 slightly veers into convoluted and unrealistic territory.

4 Six Feet Under Season 3

While Six Feet Under season 3 may not be the highlight of the series, it still showcases the show’s strength in compelling character development and intricate storylines. The first half of the season is somewhat lackluster, with a notable absence of humor in a show known as a dramedy. The wasted potential of Kathy Bates’ character, Bettina, and Ruth and Arthur’s peculiar relationship didn’t quite flow as nicely as other storylines in previous seasons. Additionally, due to Rachel Griffiths’ pregnancy, justifications for her character Brenda’s absence at times felt forced.

Nevertheless, the season gains momentum in its latter half, especially after Nate’s wife, Lisa, goes missing. The way in which this significant event affects the Fisher family adds depth to the characters, and that depiction is what the show is known for. Despite its shortcomings, season 3 still contributes to the overall strength of Six Feet Under, and does a great job of prompting emotional investment.

3 Six Feet Under Season 1

Six Feet Under’s first season deserves praise despite a somewhat slow start. This season lays the foundation for the series and its characters, taking a bit of time to establish its unique feel and tone. Notable highlights include the pilot episode, Nate’s ecstasy-laden family dinner, and setting the stage for his complex relationship with Brenda. David coming out to his mother is another highlight. The first season gets right into the daily operation of the Fisher funeral home, and how each character navigates them.

While the show follows certain patterns and remains unpredictable, it’s not eventful, as it’s more of a slowly developing character study. However, it excels in developing complexity and builds towards an interesting conclusion, making any minor flaws minuscule in hindsight. This season takes its time when it comes to unraveling the complexities of the Fisher family. A foundation is being built, in the same way in which a foundation is built when forming a new relationship, which is exactly what happens throughout the course of the season. Season 1 effectively sets the stage for the intriguing developments to come in season 2, eager to explore more of the family’s layers.

2 Six Feet Under Season 2

Building on the triumph of Six Feet Under season 1, the show soared beyond expectations and secured its well-deserved place among the finest television programming of its era. Lead director and writer Alan Ball’s vision proved that he had meticulously curated a team of top-tier directors and writers. Their seamless rotation continued to breathe life into the show, ensuring that the writing remained consistently fresh, immensely compelling, and often downright mesmerizing. As a result, Six Feet Under not only maintained its excellence but continually pushed the boundaries of television storytelling.

Six Feet Under season 2 is one of the most cohesive installments of the series. It refines the foundation that was laid in season 1, maintaining the show’s distinctive tone. The season’s focus on Nate’s character development proved to be a successful choice, as his struggle with a life-altering diagnosis becomes a central theme. What truly shines are the smaller character moments that gradually build towards a significant culmination by the finale. With intrigue surrounding Nate’s fate, Claire’s future, and David’s intricate relationship with Keith, season 2 propels the series to an even more promising direction.

1 Six Feet Under Season 5

While season 5 explores various subplots, it’s the unforgettable climax in the last three episodes that truly shines. With plot lines of Claire’s professional mishaps, Ruth’s struggles with George’s commitment, Rico’s attempt at reconciliation, Nate and Brenda’s turbulent relationship, and David and Keith’s adoption of older children, Six Feet Under continues to add a new dimension to final pieces of story. Taking one last deep dive into the lives of the Fisher family, the series opens up new dimensions of storytelling and closes others that captivate and resonate, making it a true final season.

However, the series’ remarkable impact comes with the shocking death of Nate, one of the most prominent characters. This departure is a testament to the show’s commitment to portraying flawed, human characters. The series ultimately wraps up with a gripping and emotionally charged finale, a strong reminder of the enduring connection formed with the Fisher family over five extraordinary seasons of Six Feet Under.

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