The WORST episodes of One Tree Hill

Every episode of One Tree Hill ever, ranked from worst to best by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The worst episodes of One Tree Hill!

Half-brothers Lucas and Nathan Scott trade between kinship and rivalry both on the basketball court and in the hearts of their friends in the small, but not so quiet town of Tree Hill, North Carolina.

Last Updated: 9/14/2024Network: The CWStatus: Ended
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I Can't See You, but I Know You're There
star
6.88
730 votes

#1 - I Can't See You, but I Know You're There

Season 8 - Episode 2 - Aired 9/21/2010

Clay and Quinn discover they’ve been shot, and as they fight to live, Nathan and Haley struggle with the situation..... Meanwhile, Julian tries to preoccupy Jamie, and Brooke's legal troubles mount.

Directors: Joe Davola
Writer: Mark Schwahn
Watch Now:Apple TV
We All Fall Down
star
6.93
718 votes

#2 - We All Fall Down

Season 8 - Episode 4 - Aired 10/5/2010

Brooke deals with the mounting financial problems at Clothes Over Bro's; Julian starts a new film project; Alex and Chase spend an afternoon together.

Watch Now:Apple TV
Not Afraid
star
6.94
659 votes

#3 - Not Afraid

Season 8 - Episode 6 - Aired 10/19/2010

As Halloween approaches in Tree Hill, Brooke and Julian get an unexpected visitor, and Nathan begins a new career. Meanwhile, Clay and Quinn struggle with life back at the beach house, and Haley and Mia host an open mic night at Tric.

Directors: Sophia Bush
Watch Now:Apple TV
Asleep at Heaven's Gate
star
6.97
856 votes

#4 - Asleep at Heaven's Gate

Season 8 - Episode 1 - Aired 9/14/2010

As the gang returns from Utah, Brooke and Julian are engaged, Haley learns that she is pregnant, Nathan must leave for training camp, and Clay and Quinn are assaulted and shot by Katie.

Directors: Mark Schwahn
Writer: Mark Schwahn
Watch Now:Apple TV
The Space in Between
star
7.10
843 votes

#5 - The Space in Between

Season 8 - Episode 3 - Aired 9/28/2010

As the situation at the hospital worsens; Nathan makes a huge decision regarding his career. Brooke and Julian take Jamie for the day, while Victoria and Millicent hatch a plan.

Directors: Greg Prange
Writer: Mark Schwahn
Watch Now:Apple TV
Nobody Taught Us to Quit
star
7.13
650 votes

#6 - Nobody Taught Us to Quit

Season 8 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/12/2010

Nathan considers leaving the NBA; Victoria and Brooke try to handle the company's financial problems; Chase learns a secret about Alex.

Directors: James Lafferty
Writer: Mark Schwahn
Watch Now:Apple TV
Lifetime Piling Up
star
7.16
502 votes

#7 - Lifetime Piling Up

Season 2 - Episode 20 - Aired 5/10/2005

Lying in a coma after his race car accident, Nathan dreams of what life would have been like if Dan had stayed with Karen and Lucas instead of marrying Deb. In this imaginary world, Lucas would have had the wealth and stature and Nathan would have been the one growing up on the wrong side of the tracks. After waking up, Nathan phones Haley and tells her he doesn't want her to come home.

Directors: Les Butler
Watch Now:Apple TV
In the Room Where You Sleep
star
7.20
489 votes

#8 - In the Room Where You Sleep

Season 9 - Episode 2 - Aired 1/18/2012

Brooke and her father discuss a new business venture; Julian worries about his investment; Quinn talks Clay into getting help; Millie tries to be honest with Mouth; Alex receives a tempting offer.

Directors: Joe Davola
Writer: Mark Schwahn
Watch Now:Apple TV
We Three (My Echo, My Shadow and Me)
star
7.21
394 votes

#9 - We Three (My Echo, My Shadow and Me)

Season 6 - Episode 11 - Aired 11/17/2008

Lucas falls asleep and dreams of a 1940s Tree Hill were he owns Karen's Cafe. Here, Dan is a dangerous mobster and everyone is entangled in his web: Brooke owes him money, Mouth is searching for proof that would link him to Keith's murder, Haley is his former lounge singer, and Lucas is in love with his step-daughter Peyton.

Directors: Joe Davola
Watch Now:Apple TV
Know This, We've Noticed
star
7.22
498 votes

#10 - Know This, We've Noticed

Season 9 - Episode 1 - Aired 1/11/2012

As Brooke and Julian begin to adjust to life with their new children, Haley and Nathan find themselves dealing with similar issues. Although they don't know it yet, faces from the past threaten to interrupt plans for all their futures. Meanwhile, a mysterious problem arises for Clay and Quinn.

Directors: Mark Schwahn
Writer: Mark Schwahn
Watch Now:Apple TV
Deep Ocean Vast Sea
star
7.22
564 votes

#11 - Deep Ocean Vast Sea

Season 7 - Episode 6 - Aired 10/19/2009

Haley (Bethany Joy Galeotti) considers taking matters into her own hands as Nathan’s (James Lafferty) scandal threatens his endorsement deals. Julian (Austin Nichols) gives Alex (guest star Jana Kramer) another chance, and Brooke (Sophia Bush) reconnects with Chase (guest star Stephen Colletti). Millicent (Lisa Goldstein) questions whether she has what it takes to be a model. Meanwhile, Clay (Robert Buckley) lets Quinn (Shantel VanSanten) in on a big secret.

Directors: Janice Cooke
Writer: Mike Daniels
Watch Now:Apple TV
What are You Willing to Lose
star
7.23
489 votes

#12 - What are You Willing to Lose

Season 7 - Episode 2 - Aired 9/21/2009

While recording her new album, Haley must work to save Red Bedroom Records and enlists Mia's help to do so. Meanwhile, Brooke, with Millicent's help, searches for the new face of her clothing line; Clay defends Nathan as the scandal continues to grow; Julian and Brooke decide to move in together; and Dan returns to Tree Hill with a new bride in tow.

Directors: Les Butler
Writer: Mark Schwahn
Watch Now:Apple TV
Truth, Bitter Truth
star
7.30
520 votes

#13 - Truth, Bitter Truth

Season 2 - Episode 8 - Aired 11/9/2004

The girls of Tree Hill have a slumber party, at which time secrets are revealed and bonds are made. Meanwhile, Nathan and Lucas road trip to Charlotte for a basketball game, and unknowingly to Lucas, they embark upon free HCM tests, a genetic heart condition that Dan maintains. Karen and Andy have a row.

Directors: Billy Dickson
Watch Now:Apple TV
Every Breath is a Bomb
star
7.31
465 votes

#14 - Every Breath is a Bomb

Season 9 - Episode 9 - Aired 3/7/2012

Brooke and Julian take new measures to protect their family. Skills helps Mouth get to a turning point, and Chase faces consequences for defending Chuck. Clay reaches a new understanding with Logan.

Writer: Ian Biggins
Watch Now:Apple TV
This is My House, This is My Home
star
7.32
564 votes

#15 - This is My House, This is My Home

Season 8 - Episode 22 - Aired 5/17/2011

As Brooke and Haley prepare to re-open Karen’s Café, Nathan and Clay hit the road looking for new prospective clients. Meanwhile, Chase leaves for the Air Force leaving behind a disappointed Alex and Chuck, and Mouth and Millicent begin their new morning show together.

Directors: Mark Schwahn
Writer: Mark Schwahn
Watch Now:Apple TV
Love the Way You Lie
star
7.33
396 votes

#16 - Love the Way You Lie

Season 9 - Episode 3 - Aired 1/25/2012

Dan helps a struggling Haley at Karen’s Café. Meanwhile, Quinn discovers that Clay is hiding something from her, and Chase tries to mend a broken heart. Brooke is let down by her lunch plans with her dad, and Julian makes a life-changing mistake.

Directors: Paul Johansson
Watch Now:Apple TV
The Killing Moon
star
7.33
488 votes

#17 - The Killing Moon

Season 9 - Episode 5 - Aired 2/8/2012

As Quinn distracts Jamie, Haley searches for Nathan. Clay finally gets answers about his condition. Meanwhile, Julian attempts to get back to a normal life, while Brooke tries to give Tara a chance.

Directors: Greg Prange
Watch Now:Apple TV
Don't Dream It's Over
star
7.35
348 votes

#18 - Don't Dream It's Over

Season 5 - Episode 6 - Aired 2/5/2008

It's confrontation time in Tree Hill, as Lucas confronts Peyton about her nasty behavior towards Lindsey and Brooke must confront Victoria about meddling with Peyton's record label. Meanwhile, Nathan begins to grow closer to Carrie, Haley continues to struggle in dealing with Quentin, and Mouth must choose sides between his co-workers and Alice.

Directors: Thomas J. Wright
Writer: Mark Schwahn
Watch Now:Apple TV
Letting Go
star
7.36
436 votes

#19 - Letting Go

Season 6 - Episode 19 - Aired 3/30/2009

While Julian makes Brooke a surprising offer, Lucas takes Nathan and Jamie to an important place from his past. Meanwhile, Peyton prepares for the future; Sam and Jack go up against the principal who fired Haley; and Skills and Mouth go on a road trip to help Mouth forget Millie.

Directors: Paul Johansson
Watch Now:Apple TV
My Attendance is Bad but My Intentions are Good
star
7.36
522 votes

#20 - My Attendance is Bad but My Intentions are Good

Season 7 - Episode 16 - Aired 2/8/2010

Brooke and Julian try to find a balance between their personal lives and work as the movie shoot begins. Nathan and Haley receive a surprise visit, and Clay supports Quinn as she faces some unexpected news., Alex sets her sights on Alexander, and Millicent finds herself struggling with temptation.

Directors: Jessica Landaw
Watch Now:Apple TV
Last Known Surroundings
star
7.37
486 votes

#21 - Last Known Surroundings

Season 9 - Episode 7 - Aired 2/22/2012

Haley seeks help from Lucas as Nathan (James Lafferty) makes an escape attempt. Brooke comes face-to-face with Xavier. Juliain uncovers evidence that assists Dan in his search for Nathan. Clay makes a connection with another patient.

Directors: Austin Nichols
Writer: Mark Schwahn
Watch Now:Apple TV
The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul
star
7.38
741 votes

#22 - The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul

Season 8 - Episode 20 - Aired 5/3/2011

As Nathan, Julian and Clay coach Jamie’s first little league game, the situation regarding the accident comes to a head. Meanwhile, Chase asks Alex to take a drug test for him, and Quinn gets an offer to shoot in Puerto Rico.

Directors: Greg Prange
Writer: Mark Schwahn
Watch Now:Apple TV
Holding Out for a Hero
star
7.39
631 votes

#23 - Holding Out for a Hero

Season 8 - Episode 14 - Aired 2/8/2011

Brooke, Quinn and Haley decide to use their talents for the greater good. Meanwhile, Julian takes on a directing job and helps out a friend, and Chase mentors Chuck.

Watch Now:Apple TV
Luck Be a Lady
star
7.39
661 votes

#24 - Luck Be a Lady

Season 8 - Episode 7 - Aired 11/2/2010

As the wedding approaches, Brooke tries to connect with Sylvia, while Julian looks for his best man at a guys' poker night. Meanwhile, Nathan struggles in his new job, while Haley's counseling abilities are challenged, and Skills returns to town with a new friend.

Directors: Les Butler
Watch Now:Apple TV
Hate is Safer Than Love
star
7.40
429 votes

#25 - Hate is Safer Than Love

Season 5 - Episode 17 - Aired 5/12/2008

Lucas is crushed by devastating news. Quentin is pushed to his limits during a Ravens game. Dan's is second on the donor recipient list to get a new heart. Haley thinks about her decision to release a new album while Brooke's baby undergoes emergency surgery and a shocking truth stuns Peyton, told by Lucas.

Directors: Stuart Gillard
Writer: Mark Schwahn
Watch Now:Apple TV