10 TV Pilots That Redditors Believe Could Easily Outshine Lost

It's the inaugural act of setting the stage, introducing characters, and hooking audiences into a world they'll willingly return to, week after week. And when it's done right, a pilot can be pure magic — a tantalizing glimpse into a narrative universe that promises adventures aplenty.

That being said, there's one particular pilot that has become the stuff of legend: Lost. This epic tale of survival following a plane crash on a mysterious island had audiences riveted from the get-go, and its pilot episode, boasting cinematic production values and an ensemble cast of intriguing characters, is often hailed as one of the best in TV history.

Still, there are some TV pilots that could give Lost a run for its money – according to Reddit, at least. In no particular order, here are the 10 TV pilots that Reddit users believe could rival even the illustrious Lost in the annals of television lore...

10. Designated Survivor (2016-2019)

From the ashes of calamity rises a leader. This appears to be the consensus of the redditors when it comes to the pilot of Designated Survivor. The explosive premiere sees the destruction of the US Capitol during the State of the Union address, leaving Tom Kirkman, a low-ranking Cabinet member, as the new President. The redditors praised the show's high-stakes premise and the gripping performance of Kiefer Sutherland as a man thrust into a role he never wanted but now must fulfill.

9. Prison Break (2005-2017)

This high-tension thriller seemed to resonate deeply with the Reddit community. The pilot episode, which introduced viewers to the complex escape plan from Fox River State Penitentiary, was remembered as a heart-stopping start to a series packed with suspense. Redditors recall pacing anxiously during commercial breaks, captivated by the audacious plot and the desperate plight of the characters.

8. The X-Files (1993-2018)

In a world of conspiracy and unexplained phenomena, no one could hear you scream... or could they? Redditors nostalgically reminisced about The X-Files, the iconic sci-fi series that mixed conspiracy theories, paranormal incidents, and government cover-ups into one chilling cocktail. The redditors affirm that the pilot episode laid the groundwork for what would become a cult phenomenon, with Special Agents Mulder and Scully's quest for the truth that is 'out there.'

7. Hannibal ( 2013-2015)

Sublime yet horrific, charming yet chilling, Hannibal thrives on its exquisitely wrought paradoxes. Bryan Fuller's gastronomic take on Thomas Harris' cannibalistic anti-hero struck a chord with Reddit users. The pilot episode is described as 'aesthetically gorgeous,' a grimly beautiful tapestry of culinary delights and nightmarish crime scenes. From the first instance, it established itself as an edge-of-your-seat thriller that tantalizes your taste buds while curdling your blood. The serial killer procedural might seem overdone, but with its unique palate, Hannibal delivered a Michelin-starred feast of suspense and horror.

6. Good Omens ( 2019)

What happens when an angel and a demon, Heaven and Hell's respective representatives on Earth, decide to derail the impending apocalypse? Reddit users vouch for the hilarity and charm of Good Omens, a satirical fantasy series based on the novel by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. The ethereal chemistry between the series' stars, David Tennant (Crowley) and Michael Sheen (Aziraphale), is acknowledged as 'perfect.' Their comical attempts to save the world from divine destruction resulted in a divinely delightful viewing experience.

5. Ash vs Evil Dead (2015-2018)

This series is Evil Dead's answer to a horror-comedy that is, in the words of Reddit users, 'immediate Evil Dead fun.' It thrusts the viewers into a whirlwind of demonic possessions, dismemberments, and one-liners, with Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell) reprising his role as the reluctant, chainsaw-handed hero. The redditors' praise for the show's relentless energy and non-stop action confirms that this pilot episode was an adrenaline-fueled joyride through Hell and back.

4. Supernatural ( 2005-2020)

Two brothers, one '67 Chevy Impala, and a countrywide road trip to hunt the things that go bump in the night. The redditors hark back to the moment that launched the epic Winchester saga. Sam and Dean's timeless exchange, Dad's on a hunting trip, and he hasn't been home in a few days, has since been etched in pop culture history. The redditors laud this introduction as it ushers viewers into a world brimming with urban legends, supernatural beings, and familial bonds.

3. The Walking Dead ( 2010-present)

Imagine an apocalyptic hellscape, a world turned upside-down, a realm where the dead rise and civilization crumbles. Now, picture the vivid storytelling and immersive character development that makes every episode an event unto itself. Redditors hail the inaugural season as a 6-episode mini-series that stands on its own. They praise it for its consistent thrills and chills, bereft of any dull moments. One Reddit denizen even professed their recurring rendezvous with season one. The pilot episode, directed by the masterful Frank Darabont, sets the tone, turning a decaying Atlanta into an unforgettable backdrop for the ensuing human drama.

2. The Boys ( 2019-present)

If superheroes were privatized, commercialized, and far from morally ideal, what would that world look like? The Boys answers this question with a wicked grin and a rebellious spirit. A Reddit commenter vividly recalls the pivotal scene where A-Train, a speedster superhero, runs through Hughie's girlfriend, exploding her into a gory mist. The sequence, shocking yet darkly humorous, declared the show's intentions to its viewers. As the redditor affirms, the show indeed turned out to be 'diabolically' enjoyable, subverting superhero tropes with a devil-may-care attitude.

1. The Magicians (2015-2020)

It's no ordinary school, and these are no ordinary admissions tests. When Quentin Coldwater walks into Brakebills University for Magical Pedagogy, he steps into a world that transcends mundane reality. The redditors spotlight the admission test scene, where Quentin, under pressure from Dean Fogg, lets loose a torrent of magical playing cards. It was a moment that induced goosebumps, a transformative event that shifted the tone of the series. The redditor's endorsement reverberates with a sense of magical admiration for this unique and unforgettable pilot episode.