American Crime Story backdrop
Crime•Drama

The Worst Episodes of American Crime Story

Every episode of American Crime Story ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of American Crime Story!

Binge this in 1d 2h•Peaking at 9.1/10

An anthology series centered around some of history's most famous criminal investigations.

Airs on
FX
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons3

All123

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Worst Episode
    Click to reveal
    American Crime Story Season 2 Episode 7 - Ascent
    7.5/10(2163 votes)

    S2:E7

    Andrew Cunanan leaves behind a troubled family life as Donatella Versace struggles to find her role within the Versace empire.

    Director:Gwyneth Horder-Payton
    Writer:Tom Rob Smith

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. American Crime Story Season 3 Episode 1 - Exiles
    7.5/10(1943 votes)

    S3:E1

    After the death of her boss, White House staffer Linda Tripp is moved to The Pentagon where she meets Monica Lewinsky. Paula Jones decides to sue The President for sexual harassment.

    Director:Ryan Murphy
    Writer:Sarah Burgess

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. American Crime Story Season 3 Episode 3 - Not to be Believed
    7.5/10(1196 votes)

    S3:E3

    Tensions rise between Monica and the President. Paula is offered a settlement. Linda begins to feel that she has a target on her back.

    Director:Michael Uppendahl
    Writer:Sarah Burgess

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. American Crime Story Season 3 Episode 2 - The President Kissed Me
    7.6/10(1400 votes)

    S3:E2

    Monica reveals to Linda that she is having an affair with the most powerful man in the United States.

    Director:Michael Uppendahl
    Writer:Sarah Burgess

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. American Crime Story Season 3 Episode 4 - The Telephone Hour
    7.6/10(1134 votes)

    S3:E4

    Monica leans on Linda for support. Linda begins documenting their conversations.

    Director:Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre
    Writer:Flora Birnbaum

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. American Crime Story Season 2 Episode 2 - Manhunt
    7.7/10(2782 votes)

    S2:E2

    Andrew Cunanan arrives in Miami to stalk fashion designer Gianni Versace.

    Director:Nelson Cragg
    Writer:Tom Rob Smith

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 BEST Episodes of American Crime Story

    READ
  7. American Crime Story Season 2 Episode 5 - Don't Ask Don't Tell
    7.7/10(2407 votes)

    S2:E5

    Naval officer Jeffrey Trail meets Andrew Cunanan for the first time, and Gianni Versace reveals his sexuality to the world.

    Director:Daniel Minahan
    Writer:Tom Rob Smith

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. American Crime Story Season 2 Episode 6 - Descent
    7.7/10(2246 votes)

    S2:E6

    Andrew Cunanan celebrates his birthday in San Diego as his life starts to fall apart.

    Director:Gwyneth Horder-Payton
    Writer:Tom Rob Smith

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. American Crime Story Season 3 Episode 10 - The Wilderness
    7.7/10(1088 votes)

    S3:E10

    The Starr Report brings the world to a standstill. The President is impeached. Linda faces the aftermath of her decisions, Paula makes desperate choices, and Monica considers how to move on with her life.

    Director:Michael Uppendahl
    Writer:Sarah Burgess

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. American Crime Story Season 2 Episode 3 - A Random Killing
    8.0/10(2683 votes)

    S2:E3

    Chicago real estate tycoon Lee Miglin is murdered in what police believe is a random killing.

    Director:Gwyneth Horder-Payton
    Writer:Tom Rob Smith

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. American Crime Story Season 3 Episode 5 - Do You Hear What I Hear?
    8.0/10(1144 votes)

    S3:E5

    As Monica prepares to leave D.C., she grows concerned that someone is sharing news about her affair. Linda meets with the FBI.

    Director:Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre
    Writer:Halley Feiffer

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. American Crime Story Season 1 Episode 2 - The Run of His Life
    8.1/10(4230 votes)

    S1:E2

    O.J. Simpson goes missing in the white Bronco and Robert Shapiro and Robert Kardashian battle the fallout while the D.A.'s office and the LAPD go searching for O.J.

    Director:Ryan Murphy
    Writers:Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. American Crime Story Season 1 Episode 3 - The Dream Team
    8.1/10(3857 votes)

    S1:E3

    Marcia reveals O.J. has been charged; Robert Shapiro seeks advice from F. Lee Bailey, creates a provocative strategy, and tries to convince O.J. to hire Johnnie Cochran.

    Director:Anthony Hemingway
    Writer:D.V. DeVincentis

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. American Crime Story Season 2 Episode 1 - The Man Who Would Be Vogue
    8.2/10(4297 votes)

    S2:E1

    The murder of Gianni Versace turns the eyes of the world onto Miami Beach.

    Director:Ryan Murphy
    Writer:Tom Rob Smith

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. American Crime Story Season 3 Episode 8 - Stand by Your Man
    8.2/10(1164 votes)

    S3:E8

    The President must admit the truth to the Nation - and to The First Lady.

    Director:Rachel Morrison
    Writer:Flora Birnbaum

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. American Crime Story Season 3 Episode 9 - The Grand Jury
    8.2/10(1024 votes)

    S3:E9

    Monica Lewinsky and Linda Tripp tell their stories to 23 strangers.

    Director:Rachel Morrison
    Writer:Sarah Burgess

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. American Crime Story Season 2 Episode 4 - House by the Lake
    8.3/10(2811 votes)

    S2:E4

    Minneapolis architect David Madson is forced to go on the run with Andrew Cunanan.

    Director:Daniel Minahan
    Writer:Tom Rob Smith

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. American Crime Story Season 2 Episode 8 - Creator/Destroyer
    8.3/10(2270 votes)

    S2:E8

    A young Andrew Cunanan struggles with his oppressive father as a young Gianni Versace becomes a designer.

    Director:Matt Bomer
    Writers:Tom Rob Smith, Maggie Cohn

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  19. American Crime Story Season 3 Episode 7 - The Assassination of Monica Lewinsky
    8.3/10(1160 votes)

    S3:E7

    The world learns about the affair and Monica Lewinsky becomes the most famous woman in America.

    Director:Michael Uppendahl
    Writers:Sarah Burgess, Flora Birnbaum, Daniel Pearle

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  20. American Crime Story Season 2 Episode 9 - Alone
    8.4/10(2288 votes)

    S2:E9

    The hunt for spree-killer Andrew Cunanan comes to a frantic end.

    Director:Daniel Minahan
    Writer:Tom Rob Smith

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  21. American Crime Story Season 3 Episode 6 - Man Handled
    8.4/10(1219 votes)

    S3:E6

    The Office of the Independent Counsel ensnares Monica Lewinsky, holding her for 12 traumatizing hours in a hotel room.

    Director:Ryan Murphy
    Writer:Sarah Burgess

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  22. American Crime Story Season 1 Episode 1 - From the Ashes of Tragedy
    8.5/10(5220 votes)

    S1:E1

    Investigators visit the home of O.J. Simpson following the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman.

    Director:Ryan Murphy
    Writers:Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  23. American Crime Story Season 1 Episode 4 - 100% Not Guilty
    8.5/10(3781 votes)

    S1:E4

    As jury selection gets underway, the entrance of Johnnie Cochran adds an interesting energy to the case.

    Director:Anthony Hemingway
    Writers:Maya Forbes, Larry Karaszewski, Scott Alexander, Wallace Wolodarsky

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  24. American Crime Story Season 1 Episode 5 - The Race Card
    8.5/10(3635 votes)

    S1:E5

    Christopher Darden and Johnnie Cochran face off in court. Chris has doubts about Mark Fuhrman as a witness. The jury visits the crime scene.

    Director:John Singleton
    Writer:Joe Robert Cole

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  25. American Crime Story Season 1 Episode 7 - Conspiracy Theories
    8.5/10(3451 votes)

    S1:E7

    Some conspiracy theories concerning the case start to circulate. The prosecution talk about whether they should have O.J. Simpson try on the glove on in court.

    Director:Anthony Hemingway
    Writer:D.V. DeVincentis

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Worst Episodes Summary

"Ascent" is the worst rated episode of "American Crime Story". It scored 7.5/10 based on 2163 votes. Directed by Gwyneth Horder-Payton and written by Tom Rob Smith, it aired on 3/7/2018. This episode scored 0.0 points lower than the second lowest rated, "Exiles".