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The Worst Episodes of A Woman of Substance

Every episode of A Woman of Substance ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of A Woman of Substance!

Binge this in 6h 16m•Peaking at 8.3/10

The life of Emma Harte, from kitchen maid at the beginning of the 20th-century, to respected businesswoman and grandmother in the 1980s. From humble beginnings, Emma Harte starts her business with a small shop, but

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Worst Episode
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    A Woman of Substance Season 1 Episode 1 - Episode 1
    7.3/10(175 votes)

    S1:E1

    Set in early 1900s Yorkshire, ambitious maid Emma Harte is torn between her dreams of a better life and a forbidden romance with Edwin Fairley. Meanwhile, in 1970s New York, a plot threatens the empire she's built.

    Director:John Hardwick
    Writer:Katherine Jakeways

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  2. A Woman of Substance Season 1 Episode 2 - Episode 2
    7.6/10(144 votes)

    S1:E2

    As young Emma and Edwin fall deeper in love, Emma struggles to picture their future together. Adam and Olivia embark on an affair. And in the 1970s, Emma reckons with her children’s plan to oust her.

    Director:John Hardwick
    Writer:Roanne Bardsley

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  3. A Woman of Substance Season 1 Episode 3 - Episode 3
    7.6/10(125 votes)

    S1:E3

    When Mac announces that he's leaving Fairley, Emma has an opportunity to escape too... but can she leave Edwin? Meanwhile, Adele’s sobriety re-ignites her marriage with Adam.

    Director:John Hardwick
    Writer:Roanne Bardsley

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  4. A Woman of Substance Season 1 Episode 4 - Episode 4
    7.8/10(124 votes)

    S1:E4

    A heavily pregnant Emma starts a new life in Armley, while Edwin’s fiancée Priya begins to ask questions. In the 1970s, Emma confronts Edwina and discovers Paula’s secret romance.

    Director:Samantha Harrie
    Writer:Katherine Jakeways

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  5. A Woman of Substance Season 1 Episode 6 - Episode 6
    8.0/10(113 votes)

    S1:E6

    Emma prepares the perfect Christmas for her family, but her obsession with work and revenge brings danger to her door. In the 1970s, as Emma recovers, an oblivious Paula doubles down on her romance.

    Directors:Richard Senior, John Hardwick
    Writer:Katherine Jakeways

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  6. A Woman of Substance Season 1 Episode 5 - Episode 5
    8.1/10(110 votes)

    S1:E5

    Emma's tempted by romance for the first time since Edwin. But love has let her down before... A sober Adele threatens everything for Adam and Olivia. And Paula faces an impossible choice.

    Director:Samantha Harrie
    Writer:Roanne Bardsley

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    The 20 BEST Episodes of A Woman of Substance

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  7. A Woman of Substance Season 1 Episode 8 - Episode 8
    8.1/10(132 votes)

    S1:E8

    As the war rages on, young Emma fights to keep her empire afloat. Is an unlikely alliance her only lifeline? And Emma returns home to Yorkshire for her 80th birthday, armed with a cunning plan.

    Director:Richard Senior
    Writer:Katherine Jakeways

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  8. A Woman of Substance Season 1 Episode 7 - Episode 7
    8.3/10(115 votes)

    S1:E7

    Britain is at war. To stay afloat, Emma takes a huge gamble that could cost her far more than her business...

    Directors:Richard Senior, John Hardwick
    Writer:Roanne Bardsley

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Worst Episodes Summary

"Episode 1" is the worst rated episode of "A Woman of Substance". It scored 7.3/10 based on 175 votes. Directed by John Hardwick and written by Katherine Jakeways, it aired on 3/11/2026. This episode scored 0.3 points lower than the second lowest rated, "Episode 2".