How to Watch All of Twin Peaks in Order
A New Fan’s Guide to Watching Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks, the groundbreaking collaboration between David Lynch and Mark Frost, didn’t just make waves when it premiered in 1990—it completely revolutionized television. Widely regarded as one of the greatest shows ever made, it continues to captivate audiences around the world. With the recent passing of David Lynch, there’s truly never been a better time to dive into this one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
If you’re new to Twin Peaks, things might seem a little confusing at first. That’s not just because of the show’s famously bizarre twists and surreal moments, but also because there’s more to the story than just the original series. Between two seasons, a prequel movie, a collection of deleted scenes, and a continuation series, it can feel like a lot—but don’t worry! It’s actually much easier to follow once you know the correct viewing order.
🔍 How to Start Watching Twin Peaks
The Original Series (1990–1991)
The best place to begin is with the original two seasons of Twin Peaks. The series kicks off with the shocking murder mystery of Laura Palmer, whose death turns the peaceful small town of Twin Peaks upside down.
The investigation, led by the eccentric FBI Agent Dale Cooper (played by Kyle MacLachlan), unravels a web of secrets, strange characters, and supernatural forces lurking beneath the town’s quiet surface.
The original series consists of 29 episodes that blend mystery, drama, horror, and surreal humor—making it unlike anything else on TV.
Once you finish the original run, you’ll be ready for the next steps in the Twin Peaks journey. And trust me, the deeper you go, the weirder (and more fascinating) it gets.
🔥 A Quick Tip Before You Start Watching Twin Peaks
Unless you’re really set on seeing the “International Pilot” version—avoid it. While it’s a longer cut of the pilot episode, it also spoils one of the show’s biggest secrets right from the start. Thankfully, it’s hard to come across unless you’re watching an old DVD or, let’s be honest, a pirated version. If you’re streaming, you’re likely safe from this early spoiler!
🎬 Don’t Miss: Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me (1992)
Once you’ve finished seasons one and two, your next stop should be the prequel film, Fire Walk With Me. This 1992 movie dives into the final days of Laura Palmer’s life, giving context to the tragic mystery that kicks off the entire series.
Watching this film after the original two seasons adds emotional depth and fills in gaps that make the second season’s darker moments hit much harder.
🎥 Bonus for Hardcore Fans: Twin Peaks: The Missing Pieces (2014)
If you’re fully immersed in the Twin Peaks universe, dive into The Missing Pieces. This film is essentially a collection of deleted scenes from Fire Walk With Me—not essential to the main story but an absolute treat for die-hard fans who want to dig deeper into the strange and haunting world of Twin Peaks.
📺 End Your Journey with Twin Peaks: The Return (2017)
Finish your experience with Twin Peaks: The Return, an 18-episode limited series released 25 years after the original. Think of it as the show’s third season—but don’t expect easy answers. This continuation is packed with twists, surprise returns of familiar characters, and plenty of Lynchian absurdity that will keep you questioning reality until the very end.
📍 Where to Stream Twin Peaks
Here’s where you can stream every part of the Twin Peaks saga:
- 📺 Seasons 1 & 2 (Original Series) – Paramount+ and Pluto TV (free with ads)
- 🎞️ Fire Walk With Me (1992) – Max and The Criterion Channel
- 🎬 The Missing Pieces (2014) – The Criterion Channel
- 📺 The Return (2017) – Paramount+
💿 Prefer Physical Copies? Get Twin Peaks: From Z to A
If you’re a fan of physical media, the From Z to A box set is the ultimate collector’s item. Available on DVD and Blu-ray, it includes:
- All three seasons (including The Return)
- Fire Walk With Me and The Missing Pieces
- Tons of special features, behind-the-scenes content, and extras
- Select episodes upgraded to 4K for stunning visual quality
🌲 Why You Should Watch Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks isn’t just another TV show—it’s a genre-defying masterpiece that blends horror, drama, and surreal mystery into something truly unforgettable. The show paved the way for countless modern hits, influencing everything from Stranger Things to True Detective.
Whether you’re drawn to crime mysteries, quirky small-town vibes, or something completely out there (yes, involving a dead girl wrapped in plastic), Twin Peaks offers a little something for everyone.
There’s no better time to jump in and discover the show that changed television forever. So, what are you waiting for? Welcome to Twin Peaks—let the weirdness begin!
