There are several TV show episodes that are typically hated by a lot of people, but upon closer analysis, are actually masterpieces. Eventhe most important TV shows of all timehave 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 showsare 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"
“Fly” is generally consideredBreaking Bad’s worst episode, despite the fact that IMDb has it at a 7.9/10 rating.“Fly” is a bottle episode ofBreaking Badthat follows Walt and Jesse trying to deal with a nuisance bug in their lab, but it’s also so much more than that.
Whileviewers 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 thatBreaking Badhas to offer, but for such a titan TV show with an incredible narrative, that doesn’t mean much.
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 showsaren’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.
5"The Farm”
The Office: Season 9, Episode 17
While I don’t thinkThe 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 forThe 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 forThe 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 forThe Office.
10 Lowest-Rated Episodes Of The Office (According to IMDb - July 2025)
“Get the Girl”
6.3/10
6.6/10
6.7/10
6.8/10
“Roy’s Wedding”
6.9/10
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 ofThe Officecastaren’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 ofThe Officeon IMDb, with a rating of 7.3/10.
This episode receives a lot of hate, and even though“The Farm” takesThe Officeinto 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!’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.
However, as a standalone story, “Hot Water” is solid.The episode encapsulates the best qualities ofAmerican Dad!,shows the characters at some of their most unhinged, and is overall just a strange and unique story.
3"Fear Her"
Doctor Who: Season 2, Episode 11
Regardless of thecontroversy surrounding theDoctor Whoseason 2 episode, “Fear Her,” it’s still a fantastic watch. While“Fear Her” isn’t as hated as certain otherDoctor Whoepisodes, 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 Whofollows a young girl who can trap people inside of her drawings in “Fear Her.”The backdrop of the 2012 Olympics is interesting, butDoctor Whodoes what it does best, and instead focuses on the lives of ordinary people.
“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 inDoctor Whoseason 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.
2"Frank’s Brother"
It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia: Season 7, Episode 5
TheIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiaepisode“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.
“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.
Whilethe 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 ofIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s best episodes.
1"Beard After Hours"
Ted Lasso: Season 2, Episode 9
I’m still unsure how anyone can hateTed Lasso’s “Beard After Hours,”especially asCoach 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 otherTed Lassocharactersin 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 hopeTed Lassoseason 4might consider doing a sequel to this episode.
