Desperate Housewives backdrop
Mystery•Drama•Comedy

The Worst Episodes of Desperate Housewives

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

Binge this in 5d 9h•Peaking at 9.5/10

Looking down on her friends and family isn't a way of life for Mary Alice Young... it's a way of death. One day, in her perfect house, in the loveliest of suburbs, Mary Alice ended

Airs on
ABC
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons8

All12345678

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Worst Episode
    Click to reveal
    Desperate Housewives Season 6 Episode 7 - Careful the Things You Say
    7.5/10(654 votes)

    S6:E7

    Susan believes that Katherine may be Julie's assailant. Angie invites reluctant Bree and Orson to dinner. Gaby struggles to home school Juanita. Lynette has her own suspicions about who attacked Julie. Angie confronts Nick.

    Director:Bethany Rooney
    Writer:Peter Lefcourt

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. Desperate Housewives Season 6 Episode 12 - You Gotta Get a Gimmick
    7.5/10(641 votes)

    S6:E12

    Susan turns up the heat for Mike, Bree learns it won't be easy to undo the hurt she's caused Orson, Lynette discovers Tom's true intentions, and Gaby is forced to examine feelings she's suppressed about her heritage.

    Director:David Grossman
    Writer:Joe Keenan

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. Desperate Housewives Season 7 Episode 13 - I'm Still Here
    7.5/10(613 votes)

    S7:E13

    Lynette feels her mother (guest star Polly Bergen as Stella) is marrying Frank (guest star Larry Hagman), an abrasive and obnoxious man, for all the wrong reasons, and thus tries to talk her out of it. Meanwhile, Carlos becomes concerned when he learns about Gabrielle's obsession with her doll, and Bob and Lee hire a non-maternal Renee to decorate their newly adopted girl's bedroom. Bree runs into Keith's ex-girlfriend (guest star Rochelle Aytes as Amber) and learns some shocking news about his past, and Susan tries to befriend a curmudgeonly man (guest star Gregory Itzin as Dick) who has given up on ever finding a kidney donor. In the meantime, Paul appears to have some plans for Beth (guest star Emily Bergl), as he books a trip for the two of them to a remote cabin in the woods.

    Director:Lonny Price
    Writers:Josann McGibbon, Sara Parriott

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. Desperate Housewives Season 8 Episode 3 - Watch While I Revise the World
    7.5/10(619 votes)

    S8:E3

    Lee has a problem with Jenny; Susan and Carlos attempt to find the people responsible for tagging the wall with graffiti; Lynette grows suspicious of Lydia and her fiancé.

    Director:David Warren
    Writer:John Paul Bullock III

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. Desperate Housewives Season 8 Episode 4 - School of Hard Knocks
    7.5/10(610 votes)

    S8:E4

    While at a yoga class, Lynette and Renee spy on Jane, Tom's new girlfriend; Gabrielle tries to affect change at a PTA meeting; Bree discovers what Danielle is up to; Susan battles with art class teacher Andre Zeller.

    Director:David Grossman
    Writer:Marco Pennette

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. Desperate Housewives Season 8 Episode 11 - Who Can Say What's True?
    7.5/10(601 votes)

    S8:E11

    While in Oklahoma, Susan learns that the late Alejandro has been sexually abusing his 15 year old step-daughter, Marisa, just like he abused Gabby years earlier. Meanwhile, Bree gets an unpleasant surprise from a man she meets in a bar, Gabrielle tries to bluff her way through a business dinner in order to woo a potential client for Carlos, and Mike catches Ben doing something he shouldn't do to try to salvage his faltering real estate project.

    Director:Larry Shaw
    Writer:Brian Tanen

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 BEST Episodes of Desperate Housewives

    READ
  7. Desperate Housewives Season 2 Episode 3 - You'll Never Get Away from Me
    7.6/10(860 votes)

    S2:E3

    Susan tries bravely to accept Edie's new role in Julie's life, while Lynette's demanding boss makes her miss Parker's first day of kindergarten. Bree later on takes a polygraph test to prove her innocence in Rex's death and realizes she has feelings for George. Gabrielle finally comes to the truth about Carlos and John after seeing John with another woman.

    Director:Arlene Sanford
    Writers:Tom Spezialy, Ellie Herman

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. Desperate Housewives Season 2 Episode 4 - My Heart Belongs to Daddy
    7.6/10(858 votes)

    S2:E4

    On one of Gabrielle's prison visits to see Carlos she creates a terrible riot, which lands Carlos in hot water. Also, Susan puts her feelings aside and joins Mike in searching for his son Zach. Lynette is surprised to find out that her son Parker has an imaginary friend. Lastly, George and Andrew both vie for Bree's attention as they both compete in making each other look bad in front of her, until one fight goes a little too far.

    Director:Robert Duncan McNeill
    Writers:Joey Murphy, John Pardee

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. Desperate Housewives Season 2 Episode 5 - They Asked Me Why I Believe in You
    7.6/10(850 votes)

    S2:E5

    Susan's longtime book agent and dear friend, Lonny Moon gets into financial trouble. Lynette is forced to go out to bars night after night with her man-hungry boss, Nina. Bree finds out about Rex's feelings about her prior to his death. Lastly, Gabrielle hires hotshot lawyer David Bradley to defend Carlos in court but Carlos rejects him after he witnesses an attraction between David and Gabrielle.

    Director:David Grossman
    Writer:Alan Cross

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. Desperate Housewives Season 2 Episode 10 - Coming Home
    7.6/10(835 votes)

    S2:E10

    Lynette tries to put a daycare center in Parcher & Murphy by recruiting employees' children to get the program started. Gabrielle and Sister Mary Bernard face off over Carlos' mission of mercy to Africa. Bree brings Andrew home and tells him about the revelation of George poisoning his father Rex and killing him. Lastly, Susan confronts her biological father's wife after she thinks they are having an affair.

    Director:Arlene Sanford
    Writer:Chris Black

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. Desperate Housewives Season 2 Episode 12 - We're Gonna Be All Right
    7.6/10(822 votes)

    S2:E12

    After a number of bad dates, Susan finally meets Dr. Right. Susan flirts with a handsome doctor, but they accidentally head butt. Meanwhile, some old pictures of Gabrielle turn up on the Internet. Tom is alarmed when his kids come down with chicken pox because he never had it. Bree gets arrested. Lastly, after months of silence, Noah Taylor contacts Mike Delfino.

    Director:David Grossman
    Writer:Alexandra Cunningham

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. Desperate Housewives Season 5 Episode 15 - In a World Where the Kings are Employers
    7.6/10(655 votes)

    S5:E15

    Susan gets a new job. Lynette tells Tom they need to sell Scavo's Pizzeria. Gaby discovers that Carlos' boss has a dirty little secret; Orson confronts Bree after discovering she has given Andrew a raise.

    Director:David Grossman
    Writer:Lori Kirkland Baker

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. Desperate Housewives Season 6 Episode 5 - Everybody Ought to Have a Maid
    7.6/10(665 votes)

    S6:E5

    When Juanita's party is on the verge of being ruined after Gaby is deemed a bad mom, Gaby is determined to prove she's a responsible parent. Bree gets defensive when she's judged by a motel maid for having an affair with Karl. Lynette is put off by her new handyman when he defers to Tom for approval on all things and Susan and Katherine come to blows over Mike. Meanwhile, a lapse in judgment on Danny's part leads to a terrible mishap that Angie and Nick must cover up.

    Director:Larry Shaw
    Writer:Jamie Gorenberg

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. Desperate Housewives Season 6 Episode 17 - Chromolume No. 7
    7.6/10(634 votes)

    S6:E17

    While in the Big Apple, a chance encounter with supermodels Heidi Klum and Paulina Porizkova leads Gaby to an unexpected revelation about herself. Meanwhile, Lynette and Tom are in for a big surprise when Preston returns from Europe; Mike is determined to show Susan what a man he is after feeling emasculated; Bree discovers a shocking connection to her new employee, Sam; and Katherine is confused over her feelings for Robin.

    Director:Lonny Price
    Writer:Marco Pennette

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. Desperate Housewives Season 6 Episode 18 - My Two Young Men
    7.6/10(644 votes)

    S6:E18

    Angie's ex-boyfriend, Patrick, emerges after her trip to New York. Meanwhile it's game on between Gaby and Susan, as they go to shameless lengths to top each other's kids; Lynette believes there's more to Preston's fiancée than she's letting on; Bree invites Sam over for a family dinner; and Katherine comes out of the closet.

    Director:David Grossman
    Writer:Bob Daily

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. Desperate Housewives Season 7 Episode 8 - Sorry Grateful
    7.6/10(601 votes)

    S7:E8

    Thanksgiving on Wisteria Lane finds Gabrielle and Carlos hosting Carmen, Hector and Grace to a bountiful feast. But the Solis's discover some surprising news about the Sanchez's that could threaten their time with Grace. Meanwhile, Bree invites Keith's parents to partake in Thanksgiving at her house and learns some family secrets; Susan butts heads with Lynette over her sleep training techniques for baby Paige; Renee continues to remind Tom about their past; and Beth tries to uncover more about Paul's past misdeeds.

    Director:David Grossman
    Writer:Annie Weisman

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. Desperate Housewives Season 7 Episode 14 - Flashback
    7.6/10(603 votes)

    S7:E14

    While in therapy, Gabrielle learns the truth about her past; Keith becomes suspicious about Bree's secret; Lynette's mother tells a lie to a coroner about Frank's death; Mike confronts Zach about Paul's shooting; someone makes arrangements to give Susan a new kidney.

    Director:Andrew Doerfer
    Writers:Matt Berry, Matthew Berry

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. Desperate Housewives Season 8 Episode 2 - Making the Connection
    7.6/10(634 votes)

    S8:E2

    Gabrielle teaches Carlos how to dance on a strip pole; Susan seeks out a punishment for feeling guilty; Renee bonds with one of the customers at a senior center; Tom and Lynette wonder why Parker was at a late night party; Bree discovers Chuck's past.

    Director:Tara Nicole Weyr
    Writers:Matt Berry, Matthew Berry

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  19. Desperate Housewives Season 1 Episode 5 - Come In, Stranger
    7.7/10(1132 votes)

    S1:E5

    A break-in on Wisteria Lane leaves the neighbors feeling vulnerable, especially Susan, who reluctantly accepts a date with a persistent policeman after Mike appears indifferent to her. Rex takes the kids away for the weekend as a lonely Bree finds herself bonding with Zach. Meanwhile, Lynette and Tom pull out all the stops to get their uncontrollable twins Porter and Preston accepted at a prestigious private school, and the unexpected arrival of Carlos' mother puts a crimp in Gabrielle's covert love life.

    Directors:Jeff Melman, Arlene Sanford
    Writer:Alexandra Cunningham

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  20. Desperate Housewives Season 1 Episode 13 - Your Fault
    7.7/10(986 votes)

    S1:E13

    When Lynette's father-in-law pays a visit to to the family, she unwittingly learns a family secret. Meanwhile, Susan is disturbed by Julie's growing romance with Zach. Rex attempts to reconcile with Bree as she tries to play hard-to-get. Lastly, Gabrielle is shocked when John's parents ask her for a favor in convincing John to move back home as he officially turned eighteen and no longer wants to live at home and trying to pursue a relationship with Gabrielle.

    Directors:David Grossman, Arlene Sanford
    Writers:Chris Black, Kevin Etten

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  21. Desperate Housewives Season 1 Episode 19 - Live Alone and Like It
    7.7/10(970 votes)

    S1:E19

    Lynette learns that no good deed goes unpunished when she momentarily befriends the mean Mrs. McClusky. Susan's mother decides to try and jump start her and her daughter's love lives. Andrew talks to a priest about his feelings, and tells him of his shocking plans for his mother, Bree. Gabrielle has her credit card declined in an upscale restaurant, and Carlos sends Gabrielle a big message about what will happen if she leaves him.

    Directors:Larry Shaw, Arlene Sanford
    Writers:Jenna Bans, Kevin Murphy

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  22. Desperate Housewives Season 2 Episode 2 - You Could Drive a Person Crazy
    7.7/10(887 votes)

    S2:E2

    Susan is surprised when she finds out who Edie's new boyfriend is. Meanwhile, Lynette has gone back to work, leaving Tom at home in charge of the house. Carlos makes an unusual request to Gabrielle after his life is threatened behind bars. Lastly, pharmacist George reemerges in Bree's life, which sets off an alarm to mother-in-law Phyllis and her suspicions surrounding her son's death.

    Director:David Grossman
    Writers:Chris Black, Alexandra Cunningham

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  23. Desperate Housewives Season 2 Episode 6 - I Wish I Could Forget You
    7.7/10(857 votes)

    S2:E6

    Mike and Susan face a crisis in their relationship when Susan tries to get Paul Young arrested by confessing to a police officer that he killed Mrs. Huber and Mike has her diaries as proof. The officer goes over to Mike to get the story, but Mike denies the whole thing. As Carlos continues serving his jail sentence, Gabrielle valiantly tries to free him. Bree goes to a romantic hotel with George, but requests they sleep in separate rooms.

    Director:Larry Shaw
    Writers:Josh Senter, Marc Cherry, Kevin Etten

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  24. Desperate Housewives Season 2 Episode 14 - Silly People
    7.7/10(816 votes)

    S2:E14

    Tom tries hard to bond with his new boss and tries to get Lynette to help him out. Meanwhile, Susan gets some help from Edie and Karl on her situation of getting health insurance before her upcoming surgery. Gabrielle becomes very attached to a temporary Chinese immigrant housekeeper who is staying with Solis' after being rescued by another slave owner employer. Lastly, Bree tries to uncover more about the Applewhites by sneaking into their house to meet Caleb.

    Director:Robert Duncan McNeill
    Writer:Tom Spezialy

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  25. Desperate Housewives Season 2 Episode 15 - Thank You So Much
    7.7/10(809 votes)

    S2:E15

    Edie thinks that Karl is going to pop the question after she finds an engagement ring and prenuptial agreement in his briefcase. Also, Gabrielle and Carlos learn she is highly unable to conceive a child again because of complications caused from her recent miscarriage. Lastly, Bree's problem with alcohol intensifies with the notice of Lynette after Bree babysits her children.

    Director:David Grossman
    Writer:Dahvi Waller

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Worst Episodes Summary

"Careful the Things You Say" is the worst rated episode of "Desperate Housewives". It scored 7.5/10 based on 654 votes. Directed by Bethany Rooney and written by Peter Lefcourt, it aired on 11/8/2009. This episode scored 0.0 points lower than the second lowest rated, "You Gotta Get a Gimmick".