7 TV show episodes with the lowest ratings of all time

Even the most beloved TV shows occasionally put out episodes that their fans found wanting. A weak plot, lack of character development, or an unforeseen change in creativity were some of the reasons behind their failure. These factors made certain episodes fall short of the standards set by the regular audience.

Moreover, these episodes not only received low ratings but also sparked discussions about how even great shows can lose their charm at times. Be it sitcoms, dramas, or otherwise, there was always at least one episode in a series that fans wished had never aired.

Here is a list of seven such TV show episodes that are collectively recognized as the lowest-rated ever, a token of the fact that even the best series have their worst periods.

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Here's a list of 7 TV show episodes with the lowest ratings ever

7. Glee - (6.6/10)

“Puppet Master” was supposed to be a fun, creative episode but turned out to be one of the most awkward moments of Glee. The concept of the cast becoming puppets was strange and rather pointless. Viewers were perplexed because there was no reasonable storyline behind this randomness; hence, they termed it a low point of the entire show.

Its reception wasn’t good, which clearly indicated that Glee had started losing its magic in the later seasons. It still goes on to remain one of the most discussed missteps in musical TV show history.

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6. The Office - (6.4/10)

Andy drives to Florida to bring Erin back, but this episode didn’t quite deliver the laughs that fans of the TV show expected. Without Michael Scott, the show really lacked both humor and heart. Andy’s character seemed confused and was acting completely out of character, while all of the side plots were not funny at all. Many stated that, at this point, The Office just wasn’t The Office anymore.

Critics agreed that this episode lacked direction and emotional depth. Though the series is iconic, “Get the Girl” is remembered as one of its weakest chapters, proving how much the show had changed after key characters left.

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5. Rick and Morty - (5.7/10)

This episode came as a surprise to hardcore Rick and Morty fans. The plot involving Morty’s DNA turning into monsters was debatable for being really disgusting and strange. Although the series has a reputation for going to extremes, a great number of people said this one crossed the line and that the show lost its intelligent wit.

The episode received mixed reactions and even some criticism on social media. It was still its crazy plot that made “Rickdependence Spray” the wrong kind of standout, as it is often listed among the least-liked adventures of the TV show.

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4. The Walking Dead - (5.6/10)

Whereas “Swear” deals exclusively with Tara’s journey as she stumbles upon a whole new settlement of survivors, it’s an idea that could have brought something new to the table. To fans, though, it felt slow and disconnected from everything that was going on with the main storyline.

Critics labeled it as one of the least exciting episodes of The Walking Dead. While it did provide an alternate look at survival in this world, it didn’t capture the tension and emotion for which the TV show initially gained its fame.

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3. Rick and Morty - (4.5/10)

This episode, from the latter part of the season, tried to pull off an epic, movie-style adventure and simply fell flat with fans. The plot was convoluted, the jokes fell flat, and the writing seemed rushed. For longtime viewers, it lacked the balance of emotions and creativity that had made other episodes shine. Many described it as a chaotic mess without any real purpose.

Some critics observed that it reflected how the TV show has struggled to stay fresh in recent years. Rick and Morty still retains a core group of very dedicated fans, but “Rise of the Numbericons” proved that even great shows can stumble when they try too hard to impress.

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2. House of Cards - (2.6/10)

The TV show finale of House of Cards was supposed to go out with a bang, but it disappointed fans. Gone was Kevin Spacey, and Robin Wright’s Claire Underwood took the forefront, but it felt very rushed and unsatisfying. Fans complained that major questions were left unanswered and that this was not the standard ending the show truly deserved.

Rather than providing closure, it was frustrating. The same fans who were once in awe of its storytelling labeled “Chapter 73” a forgettable conclusion to what had been a groundbreaking Netflix series.

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1. Top Gear - (2.2/10)

When Top Gear returned in 2016 with new hosts Chris Evans and Matt LeBlanc, fans were curious but eventually furious. The fun chemistry and natural humor that once graced the show were missing. Viewers said that the jokes seemed contrived and the energy was awkward. Despite featuring amazing cars and great production, it couldn’t match up to any of the excitement from the Clarkson era.

There was immediate backlash on social media, and the episode’s rating was low, clearly reflecting the disappointment. Chris Evans resigned after only one season. This episode is considered one of the worst moments in Top Gear history and shows just how hard it is to recapture the classic magic in television.

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Every TV show has its ups and downs, but these episodes showed that even the biggest hits can fall short. Rushed plots, perplexing directions, or the absence of beloved characters were the reasons behind each episode disappointing viewers. Nonetheless, these low-rated episodes also teach creators about the audience’s true preferences, excellent writing, emotional connection, and consistency.

Ultimately, although these episodes may be the weakest links, they are still part of the larger journey that has made these shows unforgettable in TV show history.