Marvel Studios has been plenty successful launching their cinematic universe and in doing so have made big changes to how the traditional franchise is being made. Through their thirteen films, they have made the longest running franchise ever and as if that is not enough for Marvel fans, they have also created television shows set within the same universe. Properties such as Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and the upcoming Luke Cage have been developed for Netflix and the binging culture has devoured them so far. While these have been met with praise from critics and viewers, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. has been treated like the evil step child of the movies.

The series has been going on for three seasons, each one better than the last, but as the show has improved, viewership has declined. With it making the move to 10 p.m. next season, the viewership could (and likely will) drop once again. That said, current fans of the show are sure to make the travel to an hour later but if it the show is going to continue on for a fifth season or more, it is going to need new viewers. Granted, the show debuted to solid numbers but those viewers have decreased by 50% and if you are somebody who gave up on the series early on, we are here to try and help you out. With 66 episodes under their belt, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. would take a while for somebody to catch up completely. However, all three seasons are now on Netflix and we have picked the best and most necessary episodes that you should watch to get caught up with the series. Below you will find the title, season, and episode of each as well as a picture and short description of the plot and why you should watch it.

“Pilot”, Season 1, Episode 1

“Eye Spy”, Season 1, Episode 4

“The Magical Place”, Season 1, Episode 11

“T.R.A.C.K.S.”, Season 1, Episode 13

“T.A.H.I.T.I.”, Season 1, Episode 14

“The End of the Beginning”, Season 1, Episode 16

“Turn, Turn, Turn”, Season 1, Episode 17

Beginning of the End”, Season 1, Episode 22

“The Shadows”, Season 2, Episode 1

“A Hen in the Wolfhouse”, Season 2, Episode 5

“The Writing on the Wall”, Season 2, Episode 7

“What They Become”, Season 2, Episode 10

“Love in the Time of Hydra”, Season 2, Episode 14

“One Door Closes”, Season 2, Episode 15

“Afterlife”, Season 2, Episode 16

“Melinda”, Season 2, Episode 17

“S.O.S. Part 1”, Season 2, Episode 21

“S.O.S. Part 2”, Season 2, Episode 22

“Laws of Nature”, Season 3, Episode 1

“Purpose in the Machine”, Season 3, Episode 2

“4,722 Hours”, Season 3, Episode 5

“Among Us Hide…”, Season 3, Episode 6

“Closure”, Season 3, Episode 9

“Maveth”, Season 3, Episode 10

“Bouncing Back”, Season 3, Episode 11

“Parting Shot”, Season 3, Episode 13

“The Team”, Season 3, Episode 17

“Emancipation”, Season 3, Episode 20

“Absolution”, Season 3, Episode 21

“Ascension”, Season 3, Episode 22

So there you have it, that is our list of the episodes most necessary to watch to know what is happening in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. That said, there are a few plots that may seem to come out of nowhere because of missed episodes, so if you want the full experience just watch it all. While I would love for you to follow this guide, do as you deem necessary, but for those jumping in for the first time or giving the show a second chance, at least follow the guide for season 1. The following seasons improve upon one another and to get the full effect of Lash, Mockingbird, Hunter, Mack, and other newcomers to the show, other episodes will be needed. Hope you guys like this list, but let us know if you think we missed any of your favorite or most important episodes in the comments below!