The worst episodes of His Dark Materials
Ranked by viewer rating, lows first. Lit marks on the season rail place this list across the run. Vote on a placement to back it or contest it.
- 01
Held captive by Mrs Coulter, a dreaming Lyra finds herself in a mysterious place with someone familiar - Roger. Will continues his quest to find Lyra, meeting unexpected allies along the way.
- 02
As Lyra and Will head to the Land of the Dead, Mrs Coulter tries to thwart MacPhail. Mary is buoyed by the unexpected appearance of a very unusual creature.
- 03
Will tries to save Lyra from her mother and the Magisterium, but it comes at a great personal cost. Asriel’s plans change when unexpected angelic visitors crash into his republic.
- 04
Lyra and Will seek help from Iorek to fix the Subtle Knife before reaching an agreement to go to the Land of the Dead together. Mrs Coulter goes on trial in Asriel’s republic.
- 05
In the world of the mulefa, Mary makes a heartbreaking discovery. Lyra and Will journey through the Land of the Dead in search of Roger.
- 06
Lyra and Will find themselves in a strange new place. The Magisterium take action as Mrs Coulter interrogates a suspected heretic witch, and Lee Scoresby embarks on a mission.
- 07
Lyra ignores the alethiometer, with dangerous consequences for her and Will. Lee Scoresby’s search for Grumman brings an unlikely ally, and the witches seek answers.
- 08
Lyra crosses into Will's world, and they set off to find answers about Dust. Will is shocked to discover he has grandparents, but quickly realises he can’t trust them.
- 09
As the Clouded Mountain approaches, Mrs Coulter, Asriel and his council discuss their battle strategy. In the Land of the Dead, Lyra and Will deliberate their next move.
- 10
As Metatron's abyss rips through the worlds, sucking Dust into its depths, Lyra and Will attempt to lead the ghosts out of the Land of the Dead.
- 11
Lyra and Will find allies who can help them in their search for Will’s father. The Magisterium learn something shocking, and Mrs Coulter meets a formidable foe.
- 12
Lyra and Will reunite with Mary and hear a story that changes everything. Now they must decide what they are willing to sacrifice if they are to save the worlds.
- 13
From the clutches of the Gobblers, Lyra finds help from an unlikely place. It helps her put together more about her past and keep safe from Mrs Coulter and the Magisterium.
- 14
Lyra starts her new life in London, determined to find Roger with Mrs Coulter’s help. The Gyptians continue their search for the missing children and the elusive Gobblers.
- 15
Will and Lyra plan to steal the alethiometer from Boreal but are set back by an unforeseen guest. MacPhail takes decisive action, and Mary takes a leap of faith.
- 16
Orphan Lyra Belacqua's world is turned upside-down by her long-absent uncle's return from the north, while the glamorous Mrs Coulter visits Jordan College with a proposition.
- 17
As all paths converge on Cittàgazze, Lee is determined to fulfil his quest, whatever the cost. Mrs Coulter’s question is answered, and Will takes on his father’s mantle.
- 18
Lyra and the Gyptians arrive in the North and seek the help of the Witches’ Consul, Texan aeronaut Lee Scoresby and an armoured bear in service to the town.
- 19
In search of the knife, Will and Lyra try to gain entry into the Torre Degli Angeli. Lee finds Grumman - or Jopari, as he is now known - and they take to the sky in search of the knife bearer.
- 20
Separated from her friends, Lyra must use all of her methods of deception to thwart a formidable foe. Meanwhile, Mrs Coulter plots her next move.
- 21
The alethiometer sends Lyra and Iorek on a new path, leading to a shocking but vital clue in her search to find her friend Roger and the other missing children.
- 22
As the Magisterium closes in, Lyra learns more about Asriel’s rebellion. But her assistance to him comes at great personal cost.
- 23
Lyra discovers the horrific truth behind the Gobbler’s activities in the North. She must use all her wits to help free those around her and avoid suffering a terrible fate.
Shows like His Dark Materials
The closest matches on shared genres, ranked by match strength and popularity.
- 01Drama·Adventure·FantasyThe worst episodes of Game of Thrones2011–2019
Based on the bestselling book series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. - 02Drama·Adventure·FantasyThe worst episodes of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power2022–present
Set thousands of years before the events of The Lord of the Rings, this epic drama follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth. - 03Drama·Adventure·FantasyThe worst episodes of The Wheel of Time2021–2025The Wheel of Time is set in a sprawling, epic world where magic exists, but only women can use it safely.
- 04Drama·Adventure·FantasyThe worst episodes of Atlantis2013–2015·BBC OneA fantasy drama set in a world of legendary heroes and mythical creatures.
- 05Drama·Adventure·FantasyThe worst episodes of The Shannara Chronicles2016–2017·Paramount NetworkThe Shannara Chronicles is a new TV series based on the best-selling fantasy novels by Terry Brooks.
- 06Drama·Adventure·FantasyThe worst episodes of The Magicians2015–2020·SyfyBased upon Lev Grossman's best-selling books, The Magicians centers around Brakebills University, a secret institution specializing in magic.
