All 5 seasons of Angel ranked from worst to best

5. Season 4

Starting with the season that is often regarded as the weakest, Season 4 had some major storytelling arcs that didn’t quite land with viewers. The amnesia subplot, involving Cordelia and Angel’s son Connor produced some shaky moments, and the reveal about Jasmine’s identity and motivation isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.

Nevertheless, Season 4 featured some truly outstanding episodes like “Awakening” and “Orpheus,” and it explored Angel’s character and vulnerabilities in unexpected and dramatic ways. It’s a shaking ground but with Angel’s unyielding spirit, it pulls through despite the quake.

4. Season 2

Season 2 had some solid character development arcs, although the storylines didn’t quite connect as tidily as they could have. The introduction of the Host (or Lorne) brought a delightful whimsy and another dynamic layer to story arcs. It also witnessed the heart-wrenching departure of Doyle and Angel’s downward spiral that led him from being a hero to an antihero.

The back-and-forth journey into the demon dimension of Pylea gave us the Wes, Gunn, and Cordy trio that provided both humor and camaraderie. The season marked Angel’s self-reflection making it a unique part of the series.

3. Season 1

Where it all began. This season performed the onerous task of establishing the tone, characters, and Los Angeles setting, and it did so with gusto. Doyle’s self-sacrificing heroism, Cordelia’s growth into a mature fighter, and Angel’s metamorphosis from a brooding vampire to a genuine hero bring Season 1 to a high standard. Episodes like “Hero” and “Sanctuary” encapsulated the show’s capacity to blend darkness with hope, making it a beloved first step in Angel’s journey.