Yellowjackets Seasons RANKED: You Won’t Believe #1!

Warning: There are spoilers ahead for Yellowjackets season 3.

Each installment of “Yellowjackets” is captivating, though some surpass others. The series kicked off in 2021, immersing viewers into the lives of individuals stranded after a plane crash in the wilderness. The premiere episode set up the series’ wilderness and current timelines, hinting at the descent of survivors into cannibalism. With season 1 gaining widespread acclaim, it wasn’t long before the production team announced the upcoming season 2, which unfolded the harrowing tale of the survivors’ first winter in the wilderness and introduced fresh adult survivors in the present.

As season 3 commenced, the teenage castaways appeared to be in a more stable state, yet this didn’t last long as they soon demonstrated otherwise, particularly following their discovery of Coach Ben Scott (Steven Krueger) and their initial encounters with new characters in the wilderness. Presently, two mature survivors met their demise, while another unexpected survivor emerged. The finale of Yellowjackets season 3 addressed numerous long-standing mysteries within the series, making it even more captivating to contrast it with previous seasons.

3. Season 2

Despite A Strong Start, The Sophomore Season Has Some Missteps

The second season of “Yellowjackets” kicked off with an engaging premise, introducing Simone Kessell’s character, adult Lottie Matthews, who oversees a cult-like wellness retreat that unwillingly captures Juliette Lewis’s Natalie Scattorcio. The harsh winter wilderness conditions and the desperate measures taken by the teenage survivors, such as consuming fellow survivors Jackie Taylor (Ella Purnell) and Javi Martinez (Luciano Leroux), were intriguing and foreshadowed the full-blown cannibalism hinted at in the pilot. Elijah Wood’s character, Walter Tattersall, added depth to the cast, proving to be a compelling acting partner for Christina Ricci’s Misty Quigley.

In the second season of ‘Yellowjackets’, there were some impressive scenes and elements that shone, yet it also had its stumbles, making it seem less unified, especially in the contemporary storyline. A significant plot point, the rise and fall of Lottie’s wellness community, lost momentum and led to Natalie’s untimely death at the end of season 2. This demise for Natalie appeared sudden and premature given her character arc. The resolution regarding Adam Martin’s (Peter Gadiot) death investigation was reached without the Yellowjackets being implicated, but the outcome felt forced, unearned, and a bit unrealistic.

2. Season 3

There Is Payoff For New & Long-Running Mysteries

The third season of Yellowjackets began with a somewhat sluggish start, but it swiftly picked up speed. Lottie’s demise and a recording from the wilderness served as ideal triggers to reunite the adult survivors. These events, particularly the recording, skillfully connected the show’s timelines, making them more cohesive. The introduction of Hannah Finch (Ashley Sutton), Edwin (Nelson Franklin), and Kodiak (Joel McHale) in the past was a masterful twist that enriched the narrative in both timeframes.

The influence of the past grew even deeper as Melissa (originally Jenna Burgess, now played by Hilary Swank) evolved into a well-rounded character, only to later reveal that she, an adult Melissa, was still alive and responsible for sending the recording to Shauna Sadecki (Melanie Lynskey). Among all seasons, Yellowjackets season 3 provided the most answers to longstanding mysteries, such as the true identities of Pit Girl, the Antler Queen, and the circumstances surrounding rescue. The overall feel of season 3 was more unified than that of season 2, culminating in a satisfying, game-altering conclusion.

1. Season 1

It Remains Yellowjackets’ Gold Standard

From its gripping introduction to its shocking conclusion, Season 1 remains the series’ finest. The intriguing setup of Pit Girl being pursued and killed served as an effective hook, leaving viewers eager to explore how the teenage cast found themselves in such a bleak situation. In Yellowjackets, the casting was exceptional right from the start, and it was seamless how the teenage and adult versions of the characters were portrayed.

The dual timelines in Yellowjackets Season 1 kept audiences captivated, and despite the high level of drama, there were also numerous moments of wickedly amusing humor sprinkled throughout.

Yellowjackets Season Tomatometer Score Popcornmeter Score
Season 1 100% 77%
Season 2 94% 50%
Season 3 84% 64%

In Yellowjackets, some key characters met their end, such as Jackie’s heart-wrenching demise in the first season finale. Yet, what truly set this season apart were its jaw-dropping plot twists that transcended character deaths. Unexpected survivors popped up in later seasons, but the climactic revelation of Lottie’s survival in the present, in the final moments, was a game changer and incredibly impactful. With its compelling narrative, well-paced storytelling, and lack of pacing issues, Yellowjackets season 1 stands out as the strongest of them all.

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2025-04-30 13:09