Worst TV Scenes Ever: From MCU Fails to GoT Fumbles

The Small Screen’s Most Cringeworthy Moments Exposed!

From awkward celebrity cameos to baffling plot twists, the last decade of television has gifted us some truly unforgettable scenes. Unfortunately, for many viewers, “unforgettable” doesn’t always mean good. Watch Mojo has compiled a list of the Top 20 WORST TV Scenes of the Last Decade (2016-2025), and the results are a masterclass in how to alienate an audience.

MCU’s She-Hulk Stumbles with a Rappin’ Runa

Kicking off the list at number 20 is a moment from Marvel’s Disney+ series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. While the show aimed for a zany, self-aware tone, one particular stinger featuring Jennifer Walters (Tatiana Maslany) and Grammy-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion fell spectacularly flat. The premise? Runa the light elf, a shapeshifter, impersonates Megan Thee Stallion. The rapper herself then appears, signing with Jennifer’s law firm to issue a cease and desist. The episode concludes with Jennifer and the real Megan dancing to “Body.” The scene, intended as a fun crossover, was widely criticized for its awkward CGI, forced humor, and a meme-worthy moment that felt more misguided than marvelous, marking a low point for the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Grey’s Anatomy’s Beachy Reunion Goes Belly-Up

Season 17 of the long-running medical drama Grey’s Anatomy faced backlash for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. At number 19, the much-hyped return of Patrick Dempsey as Derek Shepherd, aka “McDreamy,” was marred by an overly dramatic and ultimately comical reunion. Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) experiences fever dreams on a beach, reuniting with her deceased husband. The scene, laden with slow-motion shots and an emotional sprint, culminated in Meredith face-planting into the sand. While Derek’s presence offered some perspective, the awkward pratfall undercut what should have been a poignant moment, leaving viewers more disillusioned than moved.

Suits LA’s Cynical Sell-Out

The Suits spin-off, Suits LA, landed at number 18 with a scene that highlighted its cynical approach. The plot involved entertainment lawyer Rick Dodson trying to secure a prestigious film role for actress Dylan Prior. The resolution came via a threat from Ted Black to a director, who happened to be an unseen client of his. This client was revealed to be indie filmmaker Shawn Baker, famously averse to major studios. The show’s attempt to capitalize on Baker’s name and recent Oscar wins felt forced and transparent, epitomizing the contrived tension and pandering that plagued the series.

Arrow’s Felicity Walks Out (Literally)

At number 17, Arrow‘s season 4 episode saw the trust between Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) and Felicity Smoak (Emily Bett Rickards) shatter when he revealed a secret illegitimate son. Felicity, already recovering from a paralyzing attack, breaks off their engagement. In a move criticized as overly “CW,” a high-tech spinal implant activates just as she leaves, allowing her to literally walk out on Oliver. The scene was lambasted for turning Felicity’s disability and miraculous recovery into a melodramatic plot device rather than a meaningful character moment.

The OA’s “Five Movements” Misfire

Netflix’s The OA, known for its ambitious storytelling, hit a snag at number 16 with its “Five Movements.” In the season 1 finale, the characters perform the reality-bending dance ritual during a school cafeteria shooting. The over-the-top execution of the movements, intended to distract the gunman, was criticized as cheesy and tasteless against the backdrop of a highly sensitive crisis, ultimately undermining the slow-burn tension of the season.

Fear the Walking Dead’s Fake-Out Farewell

The 100th episode of Fear the Walking Dead, at number 15, delivered a controversial survival arc for Alicia Clark (Alycia Debnam-Carey). After amputating her own arm due to a walker bite and experiencing hallucinatory conversations, Alicia appears to die while seeing off a friend’s escape convoy. However, she wakes up later, her fever broken. This massive cop-out, deemed schmaltzy and uninspired, dampened the impact of her eventual reunion with her mother, Madison, and left fans questioning the show’s narrative decisions.

Secret Invasion’s CGI Catastrophe

The MCU’s Secret Invasion miniseries concluded at number 14 with a CGI-heavy finale. The battle between G’iah (Emilia Clarke) and Gravik (Kingsley Ben-Adir), after they fuse with superhero DNA, was a letdown. The scene prioritized a gimmick of showcasing numerous superpowers over cohesive storytelling, marred by weak special effects and a frantic pace that highlighted the formulaic nature of Disney+ MCU offerings.

Riverdale’s “Exquisite Corpse” Cringe

At number 13, Riverdale‘s musical episode featured a scene called “Exquisite Corpse” that epitomized the show’s struggle with camp. During parallel arguments, the main couples engage in an over-the-top performance complete with furniture-smashing and poorly mixed vocals. The scene was criticized as a cringeworthy tribute that pushed the show to new levels of ridiculousness, an insult to the source material it was attempting to emulate.

Killing Eve’s Ill-Conceived Finale

The series finale of Killing Eve, ranked number 12, saw Eve Polastri (Sandra Oh) and Villanelle (Jodie Comer) team up to slaughter “The Twelve” during a wedding on a boat. The swift and logically flimsy downfall of the shadowy organization was followed by Villanelle’s death in Eve’s arms. Fans condemned this as a regressive cliche that undermined the show’s complex love story, leaving the once-acclaimed series remembered for its historically ill-conceived ending.

Resident Evil’s Musical Misstep

Netflix’s Resident Evil series, at number 11, managed to ruin its villain, Evelyn Marcus, by having her sing and dance to Dua Lipa’s “Don’t Start Now” under mind control. Jade Wesker discovers this bizarre turn when the former CEO of Umbrella Corporation is forced into a jarring comic relief moment. The scene was criticized for its dated pandering and lack of vision, contributing to the show’s cancellation after one season.

And Just Like That… Awkward Beginnings

The Sex and the City revival, And Just Like That…, opened at number 10 with a scene that set a regressive tone for the toxic relationship between Miranda Hobbs (Cynthia Nixon) and Che Diaz (Sara Ramirez). A drinking and flirting session leads to a sexual awakening for Miranda while Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) struggles with a bodily function. The scene was deemed lowbrow comedy punctuated by petty melodrama, lacking any shred of character logic.

Pretty Little Liars’ Twin Twist Too Far

At number 9, the series finale of Pretty Little Liars introduced Alex Drake, Spencer Hastings’s twin sister, as the elusive “AD.” The reveal, complete with a ridiculous backstory and a Cockney accent from Vanessa Ray, was seen as too outlandish even for the show’s histrionic style, branding the episode as one of the worst series finales in recent memory.

House of Cards’ Forced Finale

The conclusion of Netflix’s House of Cards, number 8, was heavily impacted by Kevin Spacey’s firing. In the finale, Chief of Staff Doug Stamper (Michael Kelly) confronts President Claire Underwood (Robin Wright), revealing he killed Frank (Spacey) to protect his legacy. Claire is then forced to kill Doug in self-defense. The scene was criticized for flimsy character motivations and pacing, a forced rewrite that led to a historically disappointing end for the political drama.

Velma’s Twerking Triumph?

HBO Max’s Velma, a polarizing take on Mystery Incorporated, hit number 7 with its season 1 finale. The killer is revealed to be Fred Jones’s mother, Victoria, who attempts a brain transplant. The resolution sees Norville Rogers accidentally dislodge a stalactite, killing Victoria, while Velma celebrates by twerking over the corpse. The scene was called trolling for its black comedy and disregard for the source material.

The Island’s Gruesome Revelation

Netflix’s The Island, a purported bold twist on survival thrillers, landed at number 6 with a scene involving Taylor on a second simulated island. Discovering a bowl of chicken soup, she’s later told she’s been hallucinating and eating her own fingers. The confusing and shocking revelation was deemed laughable due to the poor dialogue, directing, and acting, highlighting the disastrous nature of the thriller.

Inhumans’ Medusa Haircut Horror

Marvel’s Inhumans on ABC, number 5, featured a scene where Maximus usurps the throne by shaving off Medusa’s superpowered hair. The laughably overdramatic sequence, set to a dark cover of “Paint It Black,” was an insult to the comics where Medusa’s hair is nearly indestructible. The scene highlighted the laziness and incompetence of the show.

13 Reasons Why’s Sensationalized Assault

Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why, number 4, faced significant criticism for its season 2 finale. After Tyler Down is revealed as a vandal, a group of athletes attack him in a school bathroom, including a sexual assault with a mop. The scene, followed by Clay Jensen talking Tyler out of committing a mass shooting, was seen as sensationalized shock value that lost any intended message about school violence.

American Horror Story: Delicate’s Anniversary Annoyance

Hulu’s legal soap opera, American Horror Story: Delicate, ranked number 3, drew ire for Kim Kardashian’s performance. In the pilot, Kardashian’s character, Anna Grant, is surprised by her NFL player boyfriend, Chase Monroe, with a ring for their anniversary. The scene’s unconvincing passion and absurd dialogue were deemed a fair warning to walk away from the show.

Game of Thrones’ Bran the Broke the Legacy

The highly anticipated finale of Game of Thrones, number 2, saw Bran Stark crowned King of the Seven Kingdoms. This decision, following Daenerys Targaryen’s controversial turn and death, was seen as a superficial summit that betrayed the show’s legacy. Bran’s arc, increasingly detached from the central narrative, made his ascension feel uninspired and unearned, capping off a divisive ending.

The Idol’s Worst Sex Scene Ever?

Topping the list at number 1 is HBO’s The Idol. The scene in question, a consensual encounter between pop star Joselyn (Lily-Rose Depp) and cult leader Tedros (The Weeknd), was widely panned as the “worst sex scene in history.” The awkward, kinky dialogue and the exploitative dynamic between the characters encapsulated the show’s bewildering and toxic nature, leading to its mercifully short run.

Source: Top 20 WORST TV Scenes of the Last Decade (YouTube)