Friday Night Lights — Season 3
13 episodesFirst aired 1 October 2008
The third season of the American serial drama television series Friday Night Lights began airing in the United States and Canada on October 1, 2008. It was the first season to be aired on DirecTV's The 101 Network. The 13-episode season concluded on The 101 Network on January 14, 2009 and then began its run on NBC two nights later on January 16, 2009. The show was renewed for two more seasons in March 2009, with both seasons airing in the same format as season 3, containing 13 episodes each. The season continued to focus around the Dillon Panthers and the pressures faced on and off the field. This season also saw four main characters leave the show by season's end.
E1I Knew You When
8.0Oct 200847m
In the third-season opener, Eric fights to keep his job and helps Smash rebound. Elsewhere, Tami faces new challenges as principal; Tyra frets over college; Billy proposes; and tension escalates between Lyla and Riggins.
E2Tami Knows Best
8.0Oct 200843m
Tami becomes angry by Tyra's actions. In an effort to help his grandma, Matt stumbles upon his estranged mother. Coach Taylor tries his best to encourage Smash as he tries to make the college tryouts.
E3How the Other Half Lives
7.7Oct 200843m
Coach worries and fears for his job as Tami befriends Katie McCoy. The pressure is on Matt as everyone's hopes turn to the new quarterback. Matt's friendly with Julie. Billy drags Tim into a risky scheme to get them out of debt. Lyla cautions Tim.
E4Hello, Goodbye
8.7Oct 200843m
Tami embarrasses herself with the superintendent. Tyra breaks with Landry to take up with Cash, the new bad boy in town. Julie advises Matt who is upset with his mother who has come to help with grandma. Smash has an emotional goodbye with Coach.
E5Every Rose Has Its Thorn
8.3Oct 200843m
Matt grapples with his mother, his emotions and Coach Taylor as McCoy garners more attention. Tami tangles with Tyra about Julie and Tyra's interest in Cash. Tyra experiences Cash's darker side. Erin disappoints Jason.
E6It Ain't Easy Being J.D. McCoy
8.7Nov 200843m
Coach is furious with Tim and the team for a freshman hazing. J.D. wins the respect of the town and team. A late night swim at the lake turns into more for Julie and Matt. Tyra is shocked when a woman shows up claiming Cash owes her child support.
E7Keeping Up Appearances
8.0Nov 200843m
Eric and Tami try to calm Jamarca's angry parents; Billy helps Tim pursue a scholarship; and Jason, Herc and the Riggins brothers receive good news.
E8New York, New York
8.7Nov 200843m
Tim is worried when Jason talks about leaving Dillon. Money troubles cause a riff between Tami and Eric. Tyra leans on Cash when things get tough, while Julie talks to her dad about Matt's idea.
E9Game of the Week
8.0Dec 200843m
Tim returns to find both good and bad surprises. Coach has to change his plans and reluctantly supports Tami when she feels obligated to help Tyra out of a jam. Saracen has second thoughts and clashes with Shelby. Lyla and Mindy team up.
E10The Giving Tree
8.3Dec 200843m
It becomes clear JD has no interest in his father's advice regarding Madison. Lyla turns to Riggins when Buddy reveals a secret. Coach is emotionally challenged both on and off the field. Tyra has a plan to repair her relationship with Landry.
E11A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall
8.7Dec 200843m
Tyra is desperate and once again turns to Landry. Coach and Tami learn of a change that could dismantle the Panthers team. Tim sees another side of Lyla. Matt flips out when Grandma suffers an accident. Tensions escalate between JD and Joe.
E12Underdogs
9.3Jan 200943m
J.D.'s dad has to deal with child protective services after his fight with J.D. Tyra realizes that life isn't fair and that she needs to do whatever is necessary to get in to college. Matt and Tim prepare for the last game of their high school career: The Texas State Championship.
E13Tomorrow Blues
9.0Jan 200945m
Five months later, Coach Taylor's contract is up for review on Billy and Mindy's wedding day. Tyra grows anxious about her waitlist status. Matt leaves Grandma Saracen and Julie behind to attend college. Tim and Lyla question their future together.
