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Fargo TV Show Watch Order in the correct order

How to watch the Fargo TV series in order

Last updated: July 6 2026

Written by: ChronoChris

FX's Fargo is an anthology crime series inspired by the Coen Brothers' 1996 film. Each season tells a standalone story set in the Midwest with a fresh cast, new crimes, and its own distinctive tone—yet subtle connections link them all together.

Noah Hawley's Fargo anthological TV series has become one of prestige television's crown jewels. Inspired by—but not a direct sequel to—the Coen Brothers' classic film, each season is a self-contained crime story set in the American and Canadian Midwest. The show is known for its darkly comic tone, stunning cinematography, and an extraordinary roster of guest stars. Because each season is standalone, you have flexibility in how you approach it—but there's a recommended order.

🕐 Release Order

Each season of Fargo was released in a different time period and with a different cast. Here's every season in release order, including the original 1996 film that inspired the series.

  1. Fargo (1996 Film — by Joel and Ethan Coen)
  2. Fargo Season 1 (2014) — set in 2006, 10 episodes
  3. Fargo Season 2 (2015) — set in 1979, 10 episodes
  4. Fargo Season 3 (2017) — set in 2010, 10 episodes
  5. Fargo Season 4 (2020) — set in 1950, 11 episodes
  6. Fargo Season 5 (2023–2024) — set in 2019, 10 episodes

While each season is standalone and can be watched in any order, release order is still the most recommended approach as later seasons occasionally reference or reward familiarity with earlier ones.

📖 Story Chronology

Interestingly, Fargo's internal timeline runs differently from the release order. Here are the seasons sorted by their in-universe settings.

  1. Fargo Season 4 (2020) — set in 1950
  2. Fargo Season 2 (2015) — set in 1979
  3. Fargo (1996 Film) — set in 1987
  4. Fargo Season 1 (2014) — set in 2006
  5. Fargo Season 3 (2017) — set in 2010
  6. Fargo Season 5 (2023–2024) — set in 2019

Which Order Should You Choose?

Start with the 1996 film to understand the tone and world Hawley was inspired by, then watch the TV seasons in release order (Seasons 1–5). Season 1 is one of the finest pieces of television ever made and serves as the best introduction to the series. While you can watch seasons in any order due to the anthology format, release order ensures you catch the subtle callbacks and escalating mythological connections between stories.

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