The epic story of post-Civil War America, focusing on Cullen Bohannon, a Confederate soldier who sets out to exact revenge on the Union soldiers who killed his wife. His journey takes him west to Hell on Wheels, a dangerous, raucous, lawless melting pot of a town that travels with and services the construction of the first transcontinental railroad, an engineering feat unprecedented for its time.
The Elusive Eden (Episode 1) 8.3
Writer: Mark Richard
Air date: 2014-08-02
Overview: Cullen awaits the birth of his baby, laboring under The Swede's thumb at Fort Smith. Durant deals with the fallout from a railroad accident.
Escape from the Garden (Episode 2) 8.7
Writer: Mark Richard
Air date: 2014-08-09
Overview: As Cullen plans an exit from Fort Smith, he challenges The Swede; when a new adversary arrives, Cheyenne feels his presence.
Chicken Hill (Episode 3) 8.4
Air date: 2014-08-16
Overview: Cullen goes back to work on the railroad and butts heads with his new boss. Durant and Campbell battle over a valuable piece of real estate.
Reckoning (Episode 4) 8.1
Writer: Jennifer Cecil
Air date: 2014-08-23
Overview: Cullen deals with trouble at home as he takes railroad matters into his own hands. Campbell makes a move against Durant and Mickey.
Life's a Mystery (Episode 5) 8.6
Writer: Mark Richard
Air date: 2014-08-30
Overview: Cullens's family is at risk when a stranger arrives, stirring up old feelings; The Swede faces the consequences.
Bear Man (Episode 6) 7.4
Writer: Max Hurwitz
Air date: 2014-09-06
Overview: Following an attack by a bear, Elam struggles to survive in a Comanche village and find his way back to Cheyenne.
Elam Ferguson (Episode 7) 8.9
Writer: Mark Richard
Air date: 2014-09-13
Overview: Cullen attempts to reconnect with Elam upon his return. Durant takes matters into his own hands while putting an old problem to rest.
Under Color of Law (Episode 8) 8.1
Air date: 2014-09-20
Overview: Cullen makes a decision to ensure his family's safety. Campbell hires a new federal marshal to clean up the streets.
Two Trains (Episode 9) 8.6
Writer: Bruce Marshall Romans
Air date: 2014-09-27
Overview: Cullen goes head to head with the new marshal to recover his arrested railroad workers. Campbell confronts Louise over a story.
Return to Hell (Episode 10) 9.2
Writer: Jami O'Brien
Air date: 2014-10-04
Overview: Cullen, Durant, and Campbell try to negotiate a settlement on how the streets will be policed. An act of terror strikes Cheyenne.
Bleeding Kansas (Episode 11) 8.0
Writer: Michael C. Martin
Air date: 2014-11-08
Overview: Cullen and Durant fight to save the life of a criminal. Meanwhile, Louise tries to provide support as Ruth copes with a great loss.
Thirteen Steps (Episode 12) 8.2
Writer: Tom Brady
Air date: 2014-11-15
Overview: Cullen grapples with Ruth's unexpected decision; Louise jeopardizes her reputation to fight for a story she believes in.
Further West (Episode 13) 8.2
Air date: 2014-11-22
Overview: As the railroad prepares to leave Cheyenne behind in the Season 4 finale, Cullen returns to Fort Smith to retrieve his family.