Friday Night Lights (season 1)

The first season of the American serial drama television series Friday Night Lights commenced airing in the United States and Canada on October 3, 2006, and concluded its 22-episode season on April 11, 2007, on NBC. The series revolves around the Dillon Panthers and their new head coach Eric Taylor as they deal with the pressure of high school football in Texas and everything that comes with it, on and off the field.

Friday Night Lights
Season 1
Season 1 DVD cover
Country of originUnited States
No. of episodes22
Release
Original networkNBC
Original releaseOctober 3, 2006 (2006-10-03) –
April 11, 2007 (2007-04-11)
Season chronology

The first 10 episodes aired Tuesdays at 8:00 pm in the United States. When the show returned from the Christmas hiatus, it aired Wednesdays at 8:00 pm for the rest of its season. The season was released on DVD as a five disc boxed set on August 28, 2007, in the United States and Canada,[1] and October 29, 2007, in the United Kingdom.[2]

Crew

The season was produced by NBC Universal Television, Imagine Television, and Film 44 and was aired on NBC in the United States. The executive producers were developer Peter Berg, Sarah Aubrey, David Nevins, Brian Grazer, and Jason Katims, with Jeffrey Reiner, and John Cameron serving as co-executive producers. Writers included Berg, Katims, producers David Hudgins and Bridget Carpenter, consulting producers Kerry Ehrin, Patrick Massett, and John Zinman, supervising producers Carter Harris and Elizabeth Heldens, and Andy Miller and Aaron Rahsaan Thomas. Katims served as showrunner. Regular directors throughout the season include Reiner, Allison Liddi-Brown, Stephen Kay, and David Boyd. Theme song music was composed by W. G. Snuffy Walden. Songs from Explosions in the Sky were also used throughout the season.

Cast
See also: List of Friday Night Lights characters

In the initial season, 10 major roles received star billing in the opening credits. Kyle Chandler portrayed Eric Taylor, new head coach of the Dillon Panthers. Connie Britton played Tami Taylor, wife of Eric's and new guidance counselor at Dillon High School. Gaius Charles played Brian "Smash" Williams, the cocky running back and star of the team. Zach Gilford played second-string quarterback Matt Saracen. Minka Kelly played Lyla Garrity, head cheerleader and girlfriend of the first-string quarterback Jason Street, played by Scott Porter. Taylor Kitsch portrayed Tim Riggins, fullback, resident bad boy, and best friend of Street's. Adrianne Palicki played Riggins' girlfriend and resident bad girl Tyra Collette. Jesse Plemons played Landry Clarke, Saracen's best friend. Aimee Teegarden played Julie Taylor, daughter of Eric and Tami's.

Supporting characters given expanded appearances throughout the season include: Brad Leland as Lyla's father and head of the Dillon Panthers' Booster Club Buddy Garrity, Derek Phillips as Tim's brother Billy Riggins, Louanne Stephens as Saracen's grandmother Lorraine Saracen, Liz Mikel as Smash's mother Corrina Williams, Kevin Rankin as Herc, and Jae Head as Bo Miller.

Fictional game results
OpponentResultScoreRecordEpisode #Episode
Regular season
Westerby ChapsWin27–241–01"Pilot"
South Milbank RattlersLoss7–131–13"Wind Sprints"
Arnett Mead TigersForfeited Loss[a]22-211–2[a]5"Git'er Done"
Laribee LionsWin28–172–27"Homecoming"
Gatling EaglesWin6–23–29"Full Hearts"
Houston Area TimberwolvesWinN/A[b]4–210"It's Different For Girls"
Westcott WarriorsWin28–245–211"Nevermind"
South Pines TigersWin7–0[c]6–213"Little Girl I Wanna Marry You"
Regional playoffs
McNulty MavericksWin30–107–215"Blinders"
Dunston Valley CardinalsWin40-24, Forfeit[d]8–216"Black Eyes and Broken Hearts"
State quarterfinals
Royal Rock DragonsWin26–219–218"Extended Families"
State semifinals
Brant VikingsWin14–8[e]10–220"Mud Bowl"
State championship
West Cambria MustangsWin27–2611–222"State"
a The game, won by Dillon 22-21 on the field, was subsequently forfeited because quarterback "Voodoo" Tatum was ruled ineligible for not having satisfied residency requirements.
b Final score not revealed, though a TV newscast indicates the game was a lopsided win with Brian "Smash" Williams scoring 3 touchdowns.
c Final score not shown, but Dillon scored a touchdown with about five minutes left in scoreless game.
d The referees at Dunston were allowing the home team to commit infractions such as facemasks, late hits, and pass interference without penalties. When Dillon scored in the fourth quarter to take a commanding 40–24 lead, a Cardinal hit Smash after he scored the touchdown, again with no penalty call. Riggins rushed to Smash's defense, and a melee ensued before the extra point could be attempted. The game was called at that point, and Dillon was awarded the victory.
e The game was played at a makeshift field due to a toxic train car derailment.

Episodes
See also: List of Friday Night Lights episodes
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
11"Pilot"Peter BergPeter BergOctober 3, 2006 (2006-10-03)7.17[3]
The first episode tells the story of new coach Eric Taylor, who finds himself coaching high school football in Dillon, a small Texas town with a deep tradition of winning. However, the first football game of the season harbors dark tidings for star quarterback Jason Street.
22"Eyes Wide Open"Jeffrey ReinerJason KatimsOctober 10, 2006 (2006-10-10)5.87[4]
As the town turns to faith and prayer to deal with star quarterback Jason Street's serious injury, Coach Taylor turns to an untested backup quarterback, Matt Saracen, to anchor the team. Meanwhile, tensions reach the boiling point between teammates Tim Riggins and Brian "Smash" Williams, and Jason's girlfriend, Lyla Garrity, provides support to her fallen boyfriend.
33"Wind Sprints"Jeffrey ReinerElizabeth HeldensOctober 17, 2006 (2006-10-17)6.55[5]
When the Panthers are out of sync without Street, in a game against underdog South Millbank, Coach Taylor is subjected to the wrath of the community, the media, and the players' parents. As team morale plummets, he must resort to drastic measures to unite his players to teach them that one person doesn't make the team, it's all the players that make the team, in order to save his season, and maybe his career. Meanwhile, Coach Taylor is pressured to recruit a new quarterback to replace Matt, and Jason and Lyla get into a fight.
44"Who's Your Daddy"Allison Liddi-BrownKerry EhrinOctober 24, 2006 (2006-10-24)6.27[6]
The Panthers prepare for a fierce battle against their archrival, Arnett Meade. When their field house is vandalized, apparently by Arnett Meade students, the team plots retaliation. Meanwhile, cool and intimidating new quarterback, Ray "Voodoo" Tatum, showcases his athletic prowess, Jason gets an obnoxious new roommate at the hospital, and Coach Taylor hosts the traditional team dinner at his house.
55"Git'er Done"Mark PiznarskiPatrick Massett & John ZinmanOctober 30, 2006 (2006-10-30)8.26[7]
As the town and team anticipate a big Friday night game against Arnett Meade, Coach Taylor weighs heavily whether to start Matt or Voodoo. But what happens when Ray Voodoo Tatum isn't exactly the type of team leader Dillon is looking for? Meanwhile, sparks fly between Tyra and a young businessman from Los Angeles, Jason begins rehabilitation exercises, and Lyla's secret relationship with Tim begins to sizzle.
66"El Accidente"Dan LernerCarter HarrisNovember 7, 2006 (2006-11-07)5.94[8]
Pressure mounts over the Texas High School Athletic Administration's investigation into whether Dillon illegally recruited Voodoo. Meanwhile, player Bobby Reyes brutally assaults one of Matt's brainy buddies, and Tim and Lyla spring the injured Jason out of the hospital for a surprise field trip.
77"Homecoming"Patrick NorrisDavid HudginsNovember 14, 2006 (2006-11-14)5.48[9]
Homecoming at Dillon brings back a throng of alumni, including the quarterback from the 2000 state champions, Lucas Mize, who harbors dark secrets. Meanwhile, Tyra and Billy, Tim's brother, plan a killer postgame party, Smash focuses on impressing a college recruiting expert, Tim tries to quit drinking, and Jason grows more suspicious of Lyla's relationship with Tim.
88"Crossing the Line"Jeffrey ReinerBridget CarpenterNovember 28, 2006 (2006-11-28)6.18[10]
Disheartened by his ineffective performance on the field, Smash resorts to drastic measures to strengthen his game. Along the way, he takes a job at the Alamo Freeze, working alongside Matt. Meanwhile, Tim and Tyra rekindle their dormant relationship, Jason prepares to participate in a rugby scrimmage for paraplegics, and Julie contemplates going out with Matt.
99"Full Hearts"Josh PateAaron Rahsaan ThomasDecember 5, 2006 (2006-12-05)6.13[11]
Tension escalates as the Panthers anticipate a game with highly touted Gatling High which has special meaning for Smash. Tami and Buddy negotiate with Gatling boosters for an acceptable hotel for the visiting Panthers. Meanwhile, rumors spread about Lyla and Tim's forbidden relationship, Smash continues to go to extremes to strengthen his gridiron performance, and Julie and Matt's first date is plagued with problems.
1010"It's Different for Girls"Stephen KayAndy MillerDecember 12, 2006 (2006-12-12)6.10[12]
The Dillon cheerleading squad preps for a championship as rumors spread about Lyla's forbidden affair with Tim, causing Lyla to fall victim to merciless harassment. Meanwhile, Coach Taylor stands in the way of his daughter's budding relationship with Matt, Jason adapts to life at home, and Smash inches closer to the preacher's daughter.
1111"Nevermind"Jonas PateElizabeth HeldensJanuary 3, 2007 (2007-01-03)6.28[13]
Matt's father makes a surprise return visit from Iraq for two weeks, only to emerge as a man far removed from the heroic figure Matt remembered. Meanwhile, Jason and Lyla begin to rekindle their relationship, and Landry tutors an academically challenged Tim.
1212"What to Do While You're Waiting"David BoydKerry EhrinJanuary 10, 2007 (2007-01-10)6.41[14]
During a bye week, the Panthers' seasonal destiny rests on the outcome of the Buckley vs Arnett Mead game. Meanwhile, Matt's father, far removed from the violence in Iraq, adapts to life at home, the Streets continue to push for a lawsuit against Coach Taylor, and Tyra deals with her mother's dysfunctional relationship with her boyfriend.
1313"Little Girl I Wanna Marry You"Jeffrey ReinerJason KatimsJanuary 24, 2007 (2007-01-24)5.66[15]
Tension builds as the Panthers find the playoffs only one game away. Off-field dramas continue when Smash's mother makes a discovery that could destroy her son's gridiron dreams. Meanwhile, Tyra confronts her mom's insecurities, and Jason ruminates on his relationship with Lyla.
1414"Upping the Ante"Allison Liddi-BrownDavid HudginsJanuary 31, 2007 (2007-01-31)6.73[16]
The Panthers' postseason destiny becomes clearer as they play a crucial game. Meanwhile, Coach Taylor deals with Smash's personal demons, a mismatched Tyra and Julie connect in an unexpected friendship, Tim reunites with his estranged father, and Buddy makes a discovery about Jason and Lyla.
1515"Blinders"Stephen KayBridget Carpenter & Carter HarrisFebruary 7, 2007 (2007-02-07)6.41[17]
The Panthers savor their crucial playoff win—until race issues emerge and sorely test their bond. Elsewhere, Tami frowns upon Julie's newfound friendship with Tyra, the Riggins brothers adapt to life with their recently returned father, and the girls play a game of powder-puff football. With Julie at quarterback, and Tyra as linebacker, all bets are off.
1616"Black Eyes and Broken Hearts"Jeffrey ReinerPatrick Massett & John ZinmanFebruary 14, 2007 (2007-02-14)7.34[18]
Racial tensions are at an all-time high as the black players on the Dillon Panthers won't play unless Mac McGill is fired for his comments, forcing Coach Taylor to dip into the JV roster. Also Coach Taylor deliberates between firing one of his best coaches and succumbing to his players' demands, Julie's friendship with Tyra becomes more and more destructive. And even when they come together and all the players play, the team comes against biased referees and Smash has to keep his cool when he finds himself deliberately targeted by the opposition. Meanwhile, Jason makes a life-changing decision and Matt does whatever he can to win Julie back.
1717"I Think We Should Have Sex"Allison Liddi-BrownElizabeth HeldensFebruary 21, 2007 (2007-02-21)5.16[19]
The Panthers claw their way deeper into the playoffs. Off the field, Julie shocks Matt by telling him that they should make love—but numerous fumbles ensue when Matt works to find the right time and place for the special moment. Meanwhile, Tim's relationship with his father begins to shatter; and Street bonds with a pretty tattoo artist.
1818"Extended Families"Charles StoneKerry EhrinFebruary 28, 2007 (2007-02-28)5.07[20]
The Panthers make a push for the state semifinals; a banished Buddy moves in with the Taylors after his affair is exposed; Waverly uncharacteristically takes Smash on a sexy midnight swim, and Smash discovers that she has stopped taking her mood-disorder medication; and Riggins and a neighborhood boy strike up a friendship.
1919"Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes"Jeffrey ReinerJason KatimsMarch 21, 2007 (2007-03-21)5.39[21]
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.
2020"Mud Bowl"David BoydElizabeth Heldens & David HudginsMarch 28, 2007 (2007-03-28)5.68[22]
With the final game before the state championships looming, an unforeseen event jeopardizes the Panthers' home-turf advantage. Meanwhile, Taylor fears his players are losing grasp of the true spirit of football, so he tries to instill in them a love of the game.
2121"Best Laid Plans"Jeffrey ReinerKerry Ehrin & Carter HarrisApril 4, 2007 (2007-04-04)5.33[23]
Coach Taylor contemplates taking a position at Texas Methodist University and makes a rash decision that could turn his family topsy-turvy. As the Panthers gear up for the State Championship game, Tyra's secret is finally revealed. With tension off the field reaching a boiling point, everything comes to a head at the annual Panther Roast. Meanwhile, Jason Street plays a major role in helping Matt Saracen prepare for the state championship.
2222"State"Jeffrey ReinerJason Katims & Patrick Massett & John ZinmanApril 11, 2007 (2007-04-11)6.26[24]
In the Season 1 finale, the Panthers gear up for the state championship, and prepare to take on their old teammate; Ray "Voodoo" Tatum. Also rumors swell about whether or not Coach Taylor will accept a job at Texas Methodist University, much to the dismay of everyone in Dillon. Meanwhile, Tami receives some surprising news 10 years in the making.

Reception

Critical response

On Rotten Tomatoes, the season has an approval rating of 94% with an average score of 8.2 out of 10 based on 31 reviews. The website's critical consensus reads, "Innovative for its time, Friday Night Lights offers a realistic glimpse into small-town life and the social issues that accompany it."[25] On the review aggregator website Metacritic, the first season scored 78 out of 100, based on 32 reviews, indicating "Generally favorable reviews".

Several critics lauded the series: Virginia Hefferna of The New York Times called it "A fiercely controlled and inventive work of art"; Troy Patterson of Slate named it "The most engrossing new drama of the fall season"; and Tom Shales of The Washington Post said it is "Extraordinary in just about every conceivable way". Robert Bianco of USA Today praised the series' "rare ability to portray life in small-town America without being condescending or sentimental", and Henry Goldblatt of Entertainment Weekly applauded the series' cinematography, setting, and subject matter, saying: "Lights doesn't look a whole lot like anything else on television right now."[26]

Accolades

For the 59th Primetime Emmy Awards, Peter Berg was nominated for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series for "Pilot" and the series won for Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series.[27] For the 23rd TCA Awards, the series won for Outstanding New Program of the Year[28] and received nominations for Outstanding Achievement in Drama, Program of the Year, and Individual Achievement in Drama (Connie Britton and Kyle Chandler).[29]

References
  1. "Friday Night Lights: The First Season (2007)". Amazon. Retrieved April 27, 2013.
  2. "Friday Night Lights - Season 1". Amazon.co.uk. October 29, 2007. Retrieved April 27, 2013.
  3. "Weekly Program Rankings (Oct. 2-8)". ABC Medianet. October 10, 2006. Archived from the original on February 17, 2012. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  4. "Weekly Program Rankings (Oct. 9-15)". ABC Medianet. October 17, 2006. Archived from the original on February 29, 2012. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  5. "Weekly Program Rankings (Oct. 16-22)". ABC Medianet. October 24, 2006. Archived from the original on March 14, 2012. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  6. "Weekly Program Rankings (Oct. 23-29)". ABC Medianet. October 31, 2006. Archived from the original on February 27, 2009. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  7. "Weekly Program Rankings (Oct. 30-Nov. 5)". ABC Medianet. November 7, 2006. Archived from the original on July 19, 2009. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  8. "Weekly Program Rankings (Nov. 6-12)". ABC Medianet. November 14, 2006. Archived from the original on February 21, 2009. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  9. "Weekly Program Rankings (Nov. 13-19)". ABC Medianet. November 21, 2006. Archived from the original on February 17, 2012. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  10. "Weekly Program Rankings (Nov. 27-Dec. 3)". ABC Medianet. December 5, 2006. Archived from the original on February 29, 2012. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  11. "Weekly Program Rankings (Dec. 4-10)". ABC Medianet. December 12, 2006. Archived from the original on December 21, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  12. "TV Listings for - December 12, 2006". TV Tango. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  13. "Weekly Program Rankings (Jan. 1-7)". ABC Medianet. January 9, 2007. Archived from the original on February 29, 2012. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  14. "Weekly Program Rankings (Jan. 8-14)". ABC Medianet. January 17, 2007. Archived from the original on December 31, 2013. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  15. "Weekly Program Rankings (Jan. 22-28)". ABC Medianet. January 30, 2007. Archived from the original on December 21, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  16. "Weekly Program Rankings (Jan. 29-Feb. 4)". ABC Medianet. February 7, 2007. Archived from the original on December 21, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  17. "Weekly Program Rankings (Feb. 5-11)". ABC Medianet. February 13, 2007. Archived from the original on May 28, 2010. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  18. "Weekly Program Rankings (Feb. 12-18)". ABC Medianet. February 21, 2007. Archived from the original on May 28, 2010. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  19. "Weekly Program Rankings (Feb. 19-25)". ABC Medianet. February 27, 2007. Archived from the original on February 29, 2012. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  20. "Weekly Program Rankings (Feb. 26-Mar. 4)". ABC Medianet. March 6, 2007. Archived from the original on February 29, 2012. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  21. "Weekly Program Rankings (Mar. 19-25)". ABC Medianet. March 27, 2007. Archived from the original on December 2, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  22. "Weekly Program Rankings (Mar. 26-Apr. 1)". ABC Medianet. April 3, 2007. Archived from the original on June 1, 2009. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  23. "Weekly Program Rankings (Apr. 2-8)". ABC Medianet. April 10, 2007. Archived from the original on January 7, 2009. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  24. "Weekly Program Rankings (Apr. 9-15)". ABC Medianet. April 17, 2007. Archived from the original on May 28, 2010. Retrieved July 23, 2008.
  25. "Friday Night Lights: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved November 13, 2021.
  26. "Critic Reviews for Friday Night Lights Season 1". Metacritic. Retrieved April 30, 2013.
  27. "Friday Night Lights". Emmys.com. Retrieved April 30, 2013.
  28. "NBC Triumphs At TCA Awards". Television Critics Association. July 21, 2007. Archived from the original on September 21, 2013. Retrieved April 30, 2013.
  29. "Television Critics Association Announces 2007 Award Nominees". Television Critics Association. June 5, 2007. Archived from the original on September 22, 2013. Retrieved April 30, 2013.
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