Inside No. 9 Series 1: Ranked Episodes
- From the minds that brought audiences "The League of Gentlemen," Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith crafted "Inside No.9," a black comedy anthology that ran from 2014 to 2024.
- 'Last Gasp' lands at number six.The premise: a dying singer's final breath, captured in a balloon during a WishmakerUK visit, becomes a coveted item.
- Fifth place goes to 'The Understudy.' Shearsmith portrays the understudy to Pemberton's arrogant lead in "Macbeth." The episode skewers theatre culture, highlighting the pecking order between actors and...
Dive into the darkly comedic world of “Inside No. 9” Series 1, where each episode delivers a self-contained story packed with twists and turns. Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith‘s anthology series blends humor and suspense, exploring themes of obsession, theatrical rivalries, and unsettling secrets. We rank the season’s six episodes, from the celebrity-obsessed “Last Gasp” to the chilling “Sardines,” which perfectly captures the show’s blend of anxiety and amusement. Discover why “Inside No. 9” is a must-watch. News directory 3 readers can expect some serious suspense.Explore the rankings and experience Pemberton and Shearsmith’s genius. Discover what’s next …
Ranking the Darkest Corners: Inside No. 9 Season One
Updated June 25, 2025
From the minds that brought audiences “The League of Gentlemen,” Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith crafted “Inside No.9,” a black comedy anthology that ran from 2014 to 2024. Each episode, a contained narrative often starring Pemberton and Shearsmith, delivers a unique blend of humor and suspense. Here’s a spoiler-free look at season one, ranked from least to most gripping.
‘Last Gasp’ lands at number six.The premise: a dying singer’s final breath, captured in a balloon during a WishmakerUK visit, becomes a coveted item. the singer’s assistant remarks, ”A thing is only worth what someone’s willing to pay for it,” encapsulating the episode’s critique of celebrity obsession. While relevant, it lacks the signature twist found in stronger episodes.
Fifth place goes to ‘The Understudy.’ Shearsmith portrays the understudy to Pemberton’s arrogant lead in “Macbeth.” The episode skewers theatre culture, highlighting the pecking order between actors and support staff. Shakespearean references and theatrical superstitions abound, foreshadowing the series’ later forays into horror.
‘The Harrowing‘ claims the fourth spot. A nod to British Hammer horror films, its gothic visuals and unsettling atmosphere contrast with comedic dialog, culminating in a surprising climax. The episode’s set design, costumes, and makeup make it a treat for classic horror aficionados.
‘Tom & Gerri’ secures third place. A teacher, Tom, befriends a homeless man who returns his wallet, leading to a gradual unraveling of Tom’s life. The episode takes a sinister turn, building emotional intensity toward a puzzling conclusion that demands multiple viewings.
‘A Quiet Night In’ nearly tops the list. Largely devoid of dialogue, the episode showcases Pemberton and Shearsmith’s physical comedy as inept burglars attempting to steal a painting. The robbers’ perfectly timed movements create both tension and humor.
The top spot belongs to ‘Sardines.’ This inaugural episode introduces viewers to an engagement party where adults play a game of sardines. Polite yet awkward interactions hint at disturbing secrets hidden beneath the surface. “Sardines” perfectly encapsulates Pemberton and Shearsmith’s vision, blending anxiety and amusement into a darkly satisfying whole.
What’s next
Season one of “Inside No. 9” serves as an excellent entry point into the series, showcasing the talents of Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith. With 49 more episodes across subsequent seasons, viewers can expect further exploration of unique television.