Overview of Under the Dome
Under the Dome is a science fiction drama based on Stephen King’s novel, produced by CBS Studios and aired on CBS from 2013 to 2015. The series follows the residents of Chester’s Mill, Maine, after a mysterious, impenetrable dome isolates them from the outside world. It explores themes of governance, fear, resource scarcity, and human conflict under extreme pressure. This episode guide provides season structures, episode titles, original air dates, and concise focal points to support long-term reference and evergreen utility.
Season Structure and Series Arc
The series ran for three seasons, comprising a total of 40 episodes. Season 1 adapts the source novel closely, establishing the dome’s origin and initial societal breakdown. Season 2 expands the political and supernatural stakes inside the dome. Season 3 advances toward resolution, focusing on external threats and the fate of the town. The following table summarizes core attributes of each season.
| Season | Episodes | Season Premiere | Season Finale | Key Narrative Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 13 | June 24, 2013 | September 16, 2013 | Containment, survival, and the dome’s mysterious nature |
| 2 | 13 | June 30, 2014 | September 8, 2014 | Resource wars, governance, and emerging threats |
| 3 | 14 | June 25, 2015 | September 10, 2015 | Resolution, external forces, and closure |
Episode Lists by Season
Season 1 (2013) — Establishing the Dome
Season 1 introduces the inciting incident and early community reactions. Episodes focus on establishing order, uncovering anomalies, and confronting casualties. Key character dynamics emerge as leaders form and tensions rise between authority and dissent.
- Episode 1: "Pilot" — June 24, 2013
- Episode 2: "The Fire" — June 24, 2013
- Episode 3: "Blue on Blue" — July 1, 2013
- Episode 4: "Exigent Circumstances" — July 8, 2013
- Episode 5: "Imperfect Circles" — July 15, 2013
- Episode 6: "Lone Ranger" — July 22, 2013
- Episode 7: "The Endless Thirst" — July 29, 2013
- Episode 8: "Kinship" — August 5, 2013
- Episode 9: "Thicker Than Water" — August 12, 203
- Episode 10: "Let the Games Begin" — August 19, 2013
- Episode 11: "A Matter of Geography" — August 26, 2013
- Episode 12: "In Darkness" — September 9, 2013
- Episode 13: "Curtains" — September 16, 2013
Season 2 (2014) — Governance and Conflict
Season 2 escalates political intrigue, resource shortages, and confrontations with external entities. The dome’s origins are investigated more deeply, and alliances shift under pressure. Episodes explore the consequences of power vacuums and the morality of survival choices.
- Episode 14: "Heads Will Roll" — June 30, 2014
- Episode 15: "Infestation" — July 7, 2014
- Episode 16: "Awakening" — July 14, 2014
- Episode 17: "The Red Door" — July 21, 2011
- Episode 18: "Force Majeure" — July 28, 2014
- Episode 19: "Go Now" — August 4, 2014
- Episode 20: "Reconciliation" — August 11, 2014
- Episode 21: "The Fall" — August 18, 2014
- Episode 22: "Turn" — August 25, 2014
- Episode 23: "The End of the Tunnel" — September 1, 2014
- Episode 24: "Revelation" — September 8, 2014
Season 3 (2015) — Resolution and Beyond
Season 3 drives toward closure, addressing the dome’s origin and the characters’ ultimate fates. The town faces external threats and internal reckonings. The season balances action, character resolution, and the larger mystery behind the phenomenon.
- Episode 25: "Move On" — June 25, 2015
- Episode 26: "But I’m Not" — July 2, 2015
- Episode 27: "Redux" — July 9, 2015
- Episode 28: "Black Ice" — July 16, 2015
- Episode 29: "The Kinship" — July 23, 2015
- Episode 30: "Breaking Point" — July 30, 2015
- Episode 31: "Legacy" — August 6, 2015
- Episode 32: "Love is a Battlefield" — August 13, 2015
- Episode 33: "Black as Cole" — August 20, 2015
- Episode 34: "The Farm" — August 27, 2015
- Episode 35: "The End" — September 3, 2015
- Episode 36: "Curtains" — September 10, 2015
Notable Production and Broadcast Details
Episodes typically aired on Mondays at 10:00 PM ET during the first two seasons, shifting to 9:00 PM ET in Season 3. The show was filmed in various locations in North Carolina, standing in for the fictional Maine town. Viewer metrics and critical reception varied across seasons, with Season 1 receiving the strongest live-plus-same-day ratings. These production and scheduling details are consistent with network records and press materials.
Practical Reference and Navigation
This guide is structured for quick lookup and long-term utility. Use the season headers and episode lists to locate specific episodes or to plan binge-watching. The table at the top provides at-a-glance season metrics for planning and discussion. For deeper analysis of individual episodes, character arcs, or thematic threads, consult supplemental deep dives that focus on narrative devices and continuity.