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The Worst Episodes of Glee

Every episode of Glee ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of Glee!

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In this musical comedy, optimistic high school teacher Will Schuester tries to refuel his own passion while reinventing the high school's glee club and challenging a group of outcasts to realize their star potential as

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Worst Episode
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    Glee Season 4 Episode 20 - Lights Out
    5.6/10(7 votes)

    #1 - Lights Out

    S4:E20

    When the power goes out at McKinley High, Will and Finn enlist the members of New Directions to "unplug" and perform acoustic numbers. Meanwhile, Isabelle Wright asks Kurt to volunteer at the Vogue.com charity event, with Rachel and Santana in tow.

    Director:Paris Barclay
    Writer:Ryan Murphy

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  2. Glee Season 5 Episode 5 - The End of Twerk
    5.7/10(9 votes)

    #2 - The End of Twerk

    S5:E5

    The glee club learns the dance of the hour: twerking. Meanwhile, Marley discovers Jake's relationship with Bree, and Rachel tries to convince Kurt they both should get tattoos.

    Director:Wendey Stanzler
    Writer:Michael Hitchcock

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  3. Glee Season 5 Episode 8 - Previously Unaired Christmas
    5.7/10(9 votes)

    #3 - Previously Unaired Christmas

    S5:E8

    Sue Sylvester introduces the episode as a Christmas special that FOX did not allow to air from last year. The members of New Directions audition for roles in McKinley's living Nativity Scene. Meanwhile in New York, Rachel, Kurt and Santana work as Santa's elves at a mall.

    Director:Wendey Stanzler
    Writer:Ross Maxwell

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  4. Glee Season 5 Episode 18 - The Back-Up Plan
    5.7/10(7 votes)

    #4 - The Back-Up Plan

    S5:E18

    Rachel is presented with a unique opportunity which could either take her career to the next level, or possibly kill it entirely. Meanwhile, Mercedes asks for Santana’s help finding a “new sound” for her latest single, and a wealthy New York socialite takes Blaine under her wing.

    Director:Ian Brennan
    Writer:Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

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  5. Glee Season 2 Episode 2 - Britney/Brittany
    5.8/10(12 votes)

    #5 - Britney/Brittany

    S2:E2

    When Brittany and the gang try to convince Mr. Schuester to let them do a Britney Spears number, he is reluctant to go that edgy. Meanwhile, an insecure Will is curious about Emma’s new beau, Dr. Carl Howell, so he convinces her to bring him in to talk to the kids about dental hygiene. While the dreamy doc inspires the girls to take their dental health more seriously, Will is left feeling worse than before.

    Director:Ryan Murphy
    Writer:Ryan Murphy

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  6. Glee Season 3 Episode 15 - Big Brother
    5.8/10(9 votes)

    #6 - Big Brother

    S3:E15

    Much to Blaine's chagrin, his big-shot Hollywood actor brother, Cooper, comes to visit.

    Director:Eric Stoltz
    Writer:Michael Hitchcock

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  7. Glee Season 5 Episode 4 - A Katy or a Gaga
    5.8/10(8 votes)

    #7 - A Katy or a Gaga

    S5:E4

    The members of New Directions tackle their assignment of getting out of their comfort zones and determining whether they're more like "Katy" (Perry) or (Lady) "Gaga." Kurt holds auditions for his new band and must decide if he'll let in the overly bold performer, Starchild. Meanwhile, Jake gets closer to Bree as he and Marley grow apart.

    Director:Ian Brennan
    Writers:Russel Friend, Garrett Lerner

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  8. Glee Season 1 Episode 12 - Mattress
    5.9/10(11 votes)

    #8 - Mattress

    S1:E12

    When the Glee Club is left out of the yearbook because of budget cuts, everyone seems to be relieved that they won’t have to suffer the ridicule of years past. Everyone except Rachel, that is, who wants her legacy cemented in print. Meanwhile, Quinn makes it her mission to be in the Cheerios yearbook photo, and Will and Terri’s relationship is shaken to its core.

    Director:Elodie Keene
    Writer:Ryan Murphy

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  9. Glee Season 1 Episode 21 - Funk
    5.9/10(9 votes)

    #9 - Funk

    S1:E21

    The glee club gets some news that’s sure to rattle a few nerves. Meanwhile, Quinn connects with her “funky” side with a little help from Mercedes, and Will gets revenge on Sue.

    Directors:Ryan Murphy, Elodie Keene
    Writers:Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan

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  10. Glee Season 2 Episode 13 - Comeback
    5.9/10(8 votes)

    #10 - Comeback

    S2:E13

    Rachel tries to launch a comeback into the McKinley High social stratosphere with a little help from Brittany. Meanwhile, Sam starts a tribute band.

    Director:Bradley Buecker
    Writer:Ryan Murphy

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  11. Glee Season 2 Episode 17 - A Night of Neglect
    5.9/10(10 votes)

    #11 - A Night of Neglect

    S2:E17

    The glee club agrees to help raise funds for another under-the-radar group; big decisions are made and relationships are tested.

    Director:Carol Banker
    Writer:Ian Brennan

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  12. Glee Season 3 Episode 1 - The Purple Piano Project
    5.9/10(9 votes)

    #12 - The Purple Piano Project

    S3:E1

    The glee kids are down in the dumps following their disappointing showing at Nationals, so Will assigns them a project to get them back on track. Meanwhile, Ms. Sylvester wants to go to Washington: Sue's running for Congress.

    Director:Eric Stoltz
    Writer:Brad Falchuk

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  13. Glee Season 4 Episode 7 - Dynamic Duets
    5.9/10(7 votes)

    #13 - Dynamic Duets

    S4:E7

    A love triangle heats up among Marley, Jake and Ryder, and Blaine has a run-in with the Warblers.

    Director:Ian Brennan
    Writer:Ian Brennan

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  14. Glee Season 4 Episode 11 - Sadie Hawkins
    5.9/10(7 votes)

    #14 - Sadie Hawkins

    S4:E11

    McKinley’s Sadie Hawkins dance offers several gleeks a rare chance to feel empowered. Sam and Blaine investigate a possible cheating scandal at Sectionals. Kurt makes a new friend at NYADA.

    Director:Bradley Buecker
    Writer:Ross Maxwell

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  15. Glee Season 4 Episode 21 - Wonder-Ful
    5.9/10(7 votes)

    #15 - Wonder-Ful

    S4:E21

    The members of New Directions take on the greatest hits of music icon Stevie Wonder. Meanwhile, Artie receives news that could affect his future and his mom. In New York, Rachel prepares for her "Funny Girl" callback.

    Director:Wendey Stanzler
    Writer:Brad Falchuk

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  16. Glee Season 1 Episode 17 - Bad Reputation
    6.0/10(9 votes)

    #16 - Bad Reputation

    S1:E17

    Mr. Schuester starts an investigation when a salacious list about members of the glee club circulates the halls of McKinley High. Meanwhile, Sue is mortified when a video of her performing the Olivia Newton-John classic "Physical" surfaces

    Directors:Paris Barclay, Elodie Keene
    Writer:Ian Brennan

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  17. Glee Season 1 Episode 18 - Laryngitis
    6.0/10(9 votes)

    #17 - Laryngitis

    S1:E18

    When a sore throat affects Rachel's singing voice, she goes into panic mode. Meanwhile, Kurt tries to change his persona to impress his father, and Puck makes a strategic move to elevate his social status.

    Director:Alfonso Gomez-Rejon
    Writer:Ryan Murphy

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  18. Glee Season 2 Episode 9 - Special Education
    6.0/10(8 votes)

    #18 - Special Education

    S2:E9

    New Directions heads to the big Sectionals competition to go head-to-head against the Warblers and the Hipsters. While trouble brews between some of the young couples, Emma and Carl grow closer.

    Director:Paris Barclay
    Writer:Brad Falchuk

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  19. Glee Season 2 Episode 22 - New York
    6.0/10(7 votes)

    #19 - New York

    S2:E22

    New Directions heads to Nationals to compete in the ultimate singing showdown.

    Director:Brad Falchuk
    Writer:Brad Falchuk

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  20. Glee Season 3 Episode 9 - Extraordinary Merry Christmas
    6.0/10(10 votes)

    #20 - Extraordinary Merry Christmas

    S3:E9

    Artie is asked to direct and produce a Christmas special for the local PBS station, while some of the New Directions learn the 'true' meaning of Christmas.

    Director:Matthew Morrison
    Writer:Marti Noxon

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  21. Glee Season 3 Episode 19 - Prom-asaurus
    6.0/10(9 votes)

    #21 - Prom-asaurus

    S3:E19

    Brittany goes into high gear as class president to spearhead the prom. Then, after prom king and queen nominations are announced, the kids kick into campaign mode, and some of the outcasts organize a rival celebration.

    Director:Eric Stoltz
    Writer:Ryan Murphy

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  22. Glee Season 3 Episode 21 - Nationals
    6.0/10(9 votes)

    #22 - Nationals

    S3:E21

    The glee club travels to Chicago, Illinois, to compete in Nationals against the best show choirs in the country, including Vocal Adrenaline, for celebrity judges including Lindsay Lohan and Perez Hilton.

    Director:Eric Stoltz
    Writer:Ali Adler

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  23. Glee Season 4 Episode 8 - Thanksgiving
    6.0/10(7 votes)

    #23 - Thanksgiving

    S4:E8

    It's time for Sectionals, and New Directions receives guidance from some of the recent McKinley graduates who volunteer to mentor the glee club during their Thanksgiving breaks. Meanwhile, Rachel and Kurt have a non-traditional holiday dinner in the Big Apple.

    Director:Bradley Buecker
    Writers:Russel Friend, Garrett Lerner

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  24. Glee Season 4 Episode 12 - Naked
    6.0/10(7 votes)

    #24 - Naked

    S4:E12

    New Directions produces a sexy calendar to raise money for their trip to Regionals. Rachel is faced with a personal dilemma when she’s cast in a student film. Finn and Sue go toe-to-toe.

    Director:Ian Brennan
    Writer:Ryan Murphy

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  25. Glee Season 4 Episode 15 - Girls (and Boys) on Film
    6.0/10(7 votes)

    #25 - Girls (and Boys) on Film

    S4:E15

    The kids of New Directions go head-to-head in their annual boys vs. girls mash-up competition, this time using the music of the movies. Meanwhile, in New York, Santana makes herself at home in the loft a little too quickly for Rachel and Kurt's comfort.

    Director:Ian Brennan
    Writer:Michael Hitchcock

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Worst Episodes Summary

"Lights Out" is the worst rated episode of "Glee". It scored 5.6/10 based on 7 votes. Directed by Paris Barclay and written by Ryan Murphy, it aired on 4/25/2013. This episode scored 0.1 points lower than the second lowest rated, "The End of Twerk".