There are several TV show episodes that are typically hated by a lot of people, but upon closer analysis, are actually masterpieces. Even the most important TV shows of all time have a low point, and no title is safe from airing a bad episode now and then. Of course, this comes down to audiences’ opinions and is determined by many factors.
Low-rated episodes of amazing TV shows are often later rediscovered, and it’s not uncommon for audiences’ thoughts on the story to change upon reflection. Regardless of why, a lot of TV episodes don’t deserve the hate they get.
6
“Fly”
Breaking Bad: Season 3, Episode 10
“Fly” is generally considered Breaking Bad’s worst episode, despite the fact that IMDb has it at a 7.9/10 rating. “Fly” is a bottle episode of Breaking Bad that follows Walt and Jesse trying to deal with a nuisance bug in their lab, but it’s also so much more than that.
While viewers may get bored with “Fly” because of its slower pacing and primarily singular setting, this doesn’t mean that it’s bad. It may be the worst that Breaking Bad has to offer, but for such a titan TV show with an incredible narrative, that doesn’t mean much.
Related
Breaking Bad’s Fly Explained: What The Divisive Episode Means
Breaking Bad’s divisive season 3 episode, “Fly”, has deep meaning but exists thanks to budget issues. Here’s the Breaking Bad Fly episode explained.
Upon closer analysis, “Fly” actually has a lot going for it. Walt’s obsession with contamination shows just how much the drug game has consumed him, and his rather profound speech about the “perfect moment” proves why Bryan Cranston is such a powerful dramatic performer.
Bottle or filler episodes of TV shows aren’t for everyone, and it’s a shame so many are hated because some viewers don’t gel with the format. However, as episodes like these go, Breaking Bad’s “Fly” is definitely a prime example of how to do it right.
10/10
Release Date
2008 – 2013-00-00
Showrunner
Vince Gilligan
Directors
Vince Gilligan, Michelle Maclaren
Writers
Peter Gould, Gennifer Hutchison, Vince Gilligan, George Mastras, Moira Walley-Beckett, Sam Catlin, Thomas Schnauz
5
“The Farm”
The Office: Season 9, Episode 17
While I don’t think The Office’s “The Farm” is great as a backdoor pilot for the failed Dwight spinoff, it’s actually not as bad as many claim it is. “The Farm” is a very different change of pace for The Office, but it’s refreshing to actually spend time with Dwight at Schrute Farms, rather than just the odd scene here and there.
The reasons why so many hate “The Farm” make sense to a degree. It feels a little bit out of place for The Office, and there could be more time to flesh out the newly introduced characters. However, this doesn’t mean it’s necessarily terrible as a TV show episode in general, and “The Farm” still ticks a lot of boxes for The Office.
10 Lowest-Rated Episodes Of The Office (According to IMDb – July 2025)
Season & Episode Title
IMDB Rating
“Get the Girl”
Season 8, Episode 19
6.3/10
“Gettysburg”
Season 8, Episode 8
6.6/10
“The Banker”
Season 6, Episode 14
6.7/10
“Angry Andy”
Season 8, Episode 21
6.7/10
“Here Comes Treble”
Season 9, Episode 5
6.7/10
“Welcome Party”
Season 8, Episode 20
6.8/10
“Fundraiser”
Season 8, Episode 22
6.8/10
“Roy’s Wedding”
Season 9, Episode 2
6.9/10
“Couples Discount”
Season 9, Episode 15
6.9/10
“Lotto”
Season 8, Episode 3
7.1/10
“The Farm” expands upon Dwight’s origins even further, establishes an important story arc for him throughout the end of the last season, and is full of brilliant, comical moments from the iconic character. Plus, it’s not as if the rest of The Office cast aren’t there, and the Todd Packer subplot is a rather classic storyline from the sitcom.
Despite the hate it receives, “The Farm” is only the 19th lowest-rated episode of The Office on IMDb, with a rating of 7.3/10.
This episode receives a lot of hate, and even though “The Farm” takes The Office into a different world for one story, it actually works. A lot of audiences struggle when a TV show diverts too far from its original structure, but “The Farm” is still a greatly enjoyable watch, and more people should consider revisiting it.
4
“Hot Water”
American Dad!: Season 7, Episode 1
American Dad!’s “Hot Water” is plain stupid and fun, which is what an ideal episode of the animated show should be. Unfortunately, one reason audiences hate this episode is because of the guest appearance from CeeLo Green, but if you remove the music artist from the equation, the story itself is pretty stellar.
Almost every line of the episode is comedy gold, and the show barely takes a moment before rolling out another ridiculous joke. The songs are catchy, Francine and Stan’s actions are completely wild, and the narrative that focuses on an evil, murderous hot tub is hilariously camp.
A common complaint about it is that singing episodes are typically quite annoying, but in the context of “Hot Water,” it works. The ending also kills off Stan (but not permanently), and this can throw people off sometimes, too.
Related
American Dad! Abandoning Its Original Premise Saved The Show
American Dad! was originally a soft political satire, but it owes its longevity to abandoning that premise and leaning into the weirdness.
However, as a standalone story, “Hot Water” is solid. The episode encapsulates the best qualities of American Dad!, shows the characters at some of their most unhinged, and is overall just a strange and unique story.
8/10
Release Date
February 6, 2005
Network
FOX
Showrunner
Seth MacFarlane
Writers
Seth MacFarlane, Mike Barker, Matt Weitzman
3
“Fear Her”
Doctor Who: Season 2, Episode 11
Regardless of the controversy surrounding the Doctor Who season 2 episode, “Fear Her,” it’s still a fantastic watch. While “Fear Her” isn’t as hated as certain other Doctor Who episodes, like “Love & Monsters,” it is strangely disliked by many.
Rather than taking the big global event of the 2012 Olympics and centering the story directly within it, Doctor Who follows a young girl who can trap people inside of her drawings in “Fear Her.” The backdrop of the 2012 Olympics is interesting, but Doctor Who does what it does best, and instead focuses on the lives of ordinary people.
Related
Even The Star Of Doctor Who’s Worst Modern Episode Thinks It’s Terrible
Doctor Who’s worst episode of the modern era is hated among fans, and it has now been revealed that the star of “Love & Monsters” agrees.
“Fear Her” receives a lot of unfair hate because of Abisola Agbaje’s portrayal of Chloe Webber, who is only a child in this episode, and provides quite a strong performance for a young girl with limited acting experience. The references to domestic abuse are a little jarring at times, but it’s also rather powerful, too.
The story is genuinely scary at times, albeit probably a little too much for children, but it leaves audiences in deep thought after the credits roll.
Rose brilliantly steps into the Doctor’s shoes in “Fear Her,” and her interactions with Kel from the council are some of the most comical moments in Doctor Who season 2. The story is genuinely scary at times, albeit probably a little too much for children, but it leaves audiences in deep thought after the credits roll.
Release Date
2005 – 2022-00-00
Directors
Graeme Harper, Euros Lyn, Douglas Mackinnon, Jamie Magnus Stone, Charles Palmer, Rachel Talalay, Joe Ahearne, James Strong, Jamie Childs, Saul Metzstein, Toby Haynes, Wayne Che Yip, Nick Hurran, Richard Clark, James Hawes, Daniel Nettheim, Colin Teague, Keith Boak, Azhur Saleem, Adam Smith, Andrew Gunn, Nida Manzoor, Lawrence Gough, Paul Murphy
Writers
Steven Moffat, Russell T. Davies
Jodie Whittaker
The Doctor
2
“Frank’s Brother”
It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia: Season 7, Episode 5
The It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia episode “Frank’s Brother” is an interesting installment for the show, which sees Frank reunite with his brother, Gino. It’s great to not only learn about Frank’s younger years and the events that shaped him into the man we know and love, but also to see him genuinely in love with a woman.
Related
A cut plotline from It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia and Abbott Elementary’s crossover almost provided an expansion to a notable season 7 episode.
“Frank’s Brother” is undoubtedly silly, especially as, in the flashbacks, Frank and Gino are still portrayed by Danny DeVito and Jon Polito, respectively. It’s hilarious to see DeVito wandering around and pretending to be 19, and it’s even funnier when Reggie says Frank barely looks a day over 12.
While the rest of the gang are simply listening to Frank and Gino’s long story about how they both fell for Shadynasty, their snarky remarks and opinions are brilliant additions to the conversation. Even without the others taking central roles in “Frank’s Brother,” Frank himself carries it beautifully, and it’s secretly one of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s best episodes.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
10/10
Release Date
August 4, 2005
Showrunner
Rob McElhenney
Directors
Matt Shakman, Fred Savage, Daniel Attias, Randall Einhorn, Richie Keen, Todd Biermann
Writers
Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, Charlie Day, David Hornsby
Charlie Day
Charlie Kelly
Glenn Howerton
Dennis Reynolds
1
“Beard After Hours”
Ted Lasso: Season 2, Episode 9
I’m still unsure how anyone can hate Ted Lasso’s “Beard After Hours,” especially as Coach Beard is by far one of the best characters in the Apple TV+ show. “Beard After Hours” follows Beard on a drunken adventure after AFC Richmond’s loss at the FA Cup semifinal, which takes him all across London.
While many complain that the lack of other Ted Lasso characters in this episode makes it bad, I disagree. Beard is an incredible character, and this episode allows us to see things better from his perspective. “Beard After Hours” also delves into Beard’s psychological state, something we see a lot of from Ted, but not so much from his right-hand man.
Plus, this episode is just straight-up hilarious. Beard is quite an enigma, so it’s brilliant to witness first-hand just what he could get up to on an average night out, regardless of his emotional state.
I’m baffled that more people don’t see the genius of “Beard After Hours,” as it’s both deep and comedic throughout. While some will disagree, I really hope Ted Lasso season 4 might consider doing a sequel to this episode.
8/10
Release Date
August 14, 2020
Showrunner
Bill Lawrence