The worst episodes of The X Factor

Ranked by viewer rating, lows first. Vote on a placement to back it or contest it.

  1. 01

    S13E30 · December 4, 2016 · 1h

    Semi Final Results4.5

    The nation's favourite singing competition headed into the semi-finals last tonight, when the final four become three.Dermot O'Leary leads the proceedings, while judges and mentors Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne, Nicole Scherzinger and Simon Cowell take their seats behind the judges' desk to battle it out with their contestants.Louis has the Groups, Nicole the Boys, Simon the Girls and Sharon the Overs, with drama and disagreements, conflict is sure to follow….Sunday's show will see the next heart-breaking elimination, as Dermot O'Leary, tells the remaining acts who has scored the lowest number of votes and who will be going through to next weekend's final. There will be a nail-biting sing-off before the next contestant leaves the competition.Throughout the Sunday live shows an outstanding line-up of guest stars will perform.

  2. 02

    S13E24 · November 13, 2016 · 1h

    Live Show 6 Results5.5

    Tonight's show will see the next heart-breaking elimination, as Dermot O'Leary, tells the remaining acts who is safe and who has scored the lowest number of votes. There will be a nail-biting sing-off before the next contestant leaves the competition.

  3. 03

    S14E03 · September 9, 2017 · 1h 15m

    Auditions 35.5

    More singers and groups from all walks of life line up to audition across the nation, but will they have what it takes to impress judges Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh and Nicole Scherzinger? Whatever the outcome, Dermot will be waiting to offer a congratulatory hug or a shoulder to cry on as the hopefuls emerge from their nerve-racking auditions.

  4. 04

    S15E26 · November 25, 2018 · 1h

    Live Semi-Finals Results5.7

    The remaining contestants discover who has done enough to earn their place in the final, and who faces the heartbreak of being sent home at the final hurdle. Plus, a chart-topping act joins in the fun and puts on a show-stopping performance. Dermot O'Leary hosts.

  5. 05

    S13E20 · October 30, 2016 · 1h

    Live Show 4 Results6.0

    Sunday's show will see the next heart-breaking elimination, as Dermot O'Leary, tells the remaining acts who is safe and who has scored the lowest number of votes. There will be a nail-biting sing-off before the next contestant leaves the competition. Throughout the Sunday live shows an outstanding line-up of guest stars will perform.

  6. 06

    S13E22 · November 6, 2016 · 1h

    Live Show 5 Results6.0

    Tonight's show will see the next heart-breaking elimination, as Dermot O'Leary, tells the remaining acts who is safe and who has scored the lowest number of votes. There will be a nail-biting sing-off before the next contestant leaves the competition.

  7. 07

    S13E23 · November 12, 2016 · 1h 30m

    Live Show 66.0

    The nation's favourite singing show continues this weekend as the remaining contestants take to the stage to perform live for the judges and audience at home, all in the hope of sealing their place in the competition for another week.Dermot O'Leary leads the proceedings, while judges and mentors Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne, Nicole Scherzinger and Simon Cowell take their seats behind the judges' desk to battle it out with their contestants.

  8. 08

    S13E26 · November 20, 2016 · 1h

    Live Show 7 Results6.0

    Sunday's show sees the next heart-breaking elimination, as Dermot O'Leary, tells the remaining acts who is safe and who has scored the lowest number of votes. There will be a nail-biting sing-off before the next contestant leaves the competition. Throughout the Sunday live shows an outstanding line-up of guest stars will perform.

  9. 09

    S14E24 · November 19, 2017 · 1h 30m

    Live Show 8: Girls vs Overs6.0

    The UK's favourite singing competition continues its fourth weekend of live shows as the remaining contestants sing their hearts out. Dermot O'Leary hosts as judges Simon Cowell, Nicole Scherzinger, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh take their seats for more amazing performances from each of their categories. Another big name guest also performs live.

  10. 10

    S13E03 · September 3, 2016 · 1h

    Auditions 36.5

    The UK's most talked about TV show, The X Factor, is back. And this year's series sees the return of some favourite faces as rock royalty Sharon Osbourne, pop sensation Nicole Scherzinger, chart maestro Louis Walsh and The X Factor creator and music mogul Simon Cowell are reunited on the judging panel.They are joined by the nation's favourite TV host, Dermot O'Leary, who is back to guide viewers through all of The X Factor action as well as providing hopefuls with those much-needed ‘Dermot hugs'.Also returning this year are the intimate room auditions. Expect knock out vocals and big personalities as the auditionees find themselves face-to-face in front of the judges in a very personal setting, tackling the first stage in their path to secure a life changing record contract.

  11. 11

    S13E10 · September 25, 2016 · 2h

    Six Chair Challenge 26.5

    Tonight's episode sees the dramatic Six Chair Challenge continue, as the contestants take to the stage to perform live in front of an audience for the first time while the judges face some tough decisions.In the final special Six Chair Challenge episode the stakes are high as, for the first time in the competition, the acts perform live in front of an audience. Their judge then has to decide, there and then in front of the audience, if they want the act to take one of six seats on stage, each one representing a place at their Judges' House.However, even if they win a seat, the contestants face an anxious wait as no one is safe until the last person in each category has sung. Each judge is able to change their mind at any point swapping an act already through with someone else who comes on and out-performs them.Who will have what it takes to keep hold of their seat and be one step closer to a coveted place in the lives shows?

  12. 12

    S13E14 · October 9, 2016 · 1h

    Live Show 1 Results6.5

    Dermot O'Leary presents the results of the first live show. The contestants will be told who is safe from being the first of this year's eliminations, before the lowest scoring acts compete in a sing-off in front of the judges

  13. 13

    S13E17 · October 22, 2016 · 1h 50m

    Live Show 36.5

    Dermot O'Leary leads the proceedings, while judges and mentors Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne, Nicole Scherzinger and Simon Cowell take their seats behind the judges' desk to battle it out with their contestants.The theme for tonight is Divas Week, as the contestants will be belting out classic songs made famous by some of the biggest Divas in music.

  14. 14

    S13E18 · October 23, 2016 · 1h

    Live Show 3 Results6.5

    After a sensational set of performances for last night's Diva Week live show, tonight sees the next heart-breaking elimination. In tonight's show the tension in the studio is palpable as host, Dermot O'Leary, tells the remaining acts who is safe and who has scored the lowest number of votes. There will be a nail-biting sing-off before the next contestant leaves the competition.Tonight sees Grammy award-winning superstar John Legend performing his brand new single Love Me Now, and Canadian singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes performing his new single Mercy.

  15. 15

    S13E21 · November 5, 2016 · 1h 45m

    Live Show 56.5

    The nation's favourite singing show continues this weekend as the remaining contestants take to the stage to perform live for the judges and audience at home, all in the hope of sealing their place in the competition for another week.Dermot O'Leary leads the proceedings, while judges and mentors Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne, Nicole Scherzinger and Simon Cowell take their seats behind the judges' desk to battle it out with their contestants.

  16. 16

    S13E28 · November 27, 2016 · 1h

    Live Show 8 Results6.5

    Dermot O'Leary hosts as the remaining acts find out who is safe for another week. Following more big guest star performances, there will be another tense sing-off as the judges decide which act will be leaving the competition for good.

  17. 17

    S14E23 · November 18, 2017 · 1h 30m

    Live Show 7: Boys vs Groups6.5

    The UK's favourite singing competition kicks off its fourth weekend of live shows as the remaining contestants sing their hearts out. Dermot O'Leary hosts as judges Simon Cowell, Nicole Scherzinger, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh take their seats for more amazing performances from each of their categories. Another big name guest also performs live.

  18. 18

    S13E01 · August 27, 2016 · 1h 30m

    Auditions 17.0

    Britain's biggest singing competition returns for a thirteenth series, with this year's series featuring some familiar faces making a return. Simon Cowell once again heads up the judging panel, alongside seasoned judges and music industry veterans Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh and Nicole Scherzinger. Dermot O'Leary is also back presenting, offering support to nervous auditionees and a shoulder to cry on for those who fail to make it through to the next stage. High drama and top talent remain the order of the day as more hopeful singers and groups step inside the intimate audition rooms in a bid to win a coveted recording contract. What weird and wonderful performances await this time round, and whose talents will excite the judges?

  19. 19

    S13E02 · August 28, 2016 · 1h

    Auditions 27.0

    Britain's biggest singing competition continues its thirteenth series, as some familiar faces make their return. Simon Cowell once again heads up the judging panel, alongside seasoned judges and music industry veterans Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh and Nicole Scherzinger. Dermot O'Leary is also back presenting the show, offering support to nervous auditionees and a shoulder to cry on for those who don't make it through to the next stage. High drama and top talent remain the order of the day as more hopeful singers and groups step inside the intimate audition rooms in a bid to win a coveted recording contract. What weird and wonderful performances await this time round, and whose talents will excite the judges?

  20. 20

    S13E04 · September 4, 2016 · 1h

    Auditions 47.0

    The UK's most talked about TV show, The X Factor, is back. And this year's series sees the return of some favourite faces as rock royalty Sharon Osbourne, pop sensation Nicole Scherzinger, chart maestro Louis Walsh and The X Factor creator and music mogul Simon Cowell are reunited on the judging panel.They are joined by the nation's favourite TV host, Dermot O'Leary, who is back to guide viewers through all of The X Factor action as well as providing hopefuls with those much-needed ‘Dermot hugs'.Also returning this year are the intimate room auditions. Expect knock out vocals and big personalities as the auditionees find themselves face-to-face in front of the judges in a very personal setting, tackling the first stage in their path to secure a life changing record contract.

  21. 21

    S13E05 · September 10, 2016 · 1h

    Auditions 57.0

    The room auditions come to an end this weekend as rock royalty Sharon Osbourne, pop sensation Nicole Scherzinger, chart maestro Louis Walsh and The X Factor creator and music mogul Simon Cowell are reunited on the judging panel.They are joined by the nation's favourite TV host, Dermot O'Leary, who is back to guide viewers through all of The X Factor action as well as providing hopefuls with those much-needed ‘Dermot hugs'.Expect knock out vocals and big personalities as the auditionees find themselves face-to-face in front of the judges in a very personal setting. This is their last chance to prove their worth and secure a place at Boot Camp next week.

  22. 22

    S13E06 · September 11, 2016 · 1h

    Auditions 67.0

    The room auditions come to an end this weekend as rock royalty Sharon Osbourne, pop sensation Nicole Scherzinger, chart maestro Louis Walsh and The X Factor creator and music mogul Simon Cowell are reunited on the judging panel.They are joined by the nation's favourite TV host, Dermot O'Leary, who is back to guide viewers through all of The X Factor action as well as providing hopefuls with those much-needed ‘Dermot hugs'.Expect knock out vocals and big personalities as the auditionees find themselves face-to-face in front of the judges in a very personal setting. This is their last chance to prove their worth and secure a place at Boot Camp next week.

  23. 23

    S13E07 · September 17, 2016 · 1h

    Auditions 77.0

    This Saturday's episode sees the room auditions come to an end as the final few hopefuls face the judges Sharon Osbourne, Nicole Scherzinger, Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell.Once the final contestant has sung those lucky enough to make it through are welcomed to Boot Camp at Alexandra Palace, ahead of being put through their paces in tomorrow night's show.As ever Dermot O'Leary is on hand to guide viewers through all of The X Factor action as well as providing hopefuls with those much-needed ‘Dermot hugs'.

  24. 24

    S13E08 · September 18, 2016 · 1h 30m

    Boot Camp7.0

    It's Boot Camp! And the remaining contestants are put through their paces, having to perform once again for the judges in a series of dancing and singing challenges.If they succeed in impressing Simon Cowell, Nicole Scherzinger, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh, the contestants will earn a coveted place at next week's Six Chair Challenge and be one step closer to being crowned The X Factor 2016 winner.Dermot O'Leary, will be on hand to guide viewers through all the Boot Camp action as well as providing hopefuls with those much-needed ‘Dermot hugs'

  25. 25

    S13E11 · October 1, 2016 · 1h 30m

    Judges' Houses 17.0

    The route to the live shows draws tantalisingly closer for the remaining X Factor contestants as they jet off to Judges' Houses in a bid to land a coveted place in the live shows.Offering a glimpse into the jet set lifestyle that The X Factor winner could have, the four categories travel to glamorous destinations across the world. With just one more chance to impress their mentor, each act will be hoping to convince them that they have the star quality required to reach the live shows.This year the Groups category will jet off to Ibiza to sing for Louis Walsh, Simon Cowell invites the Girls category to Malibu, the Overs category are hosted by Sharon Osbourne in her home in Los Angeles and the Boys category fly out to Nice to perform for Nicole Scherzinger.However, before they make their way to their destinations, each judge must nominate a Wildcard act for one of their fellow judges, choosing someone they feel missed out on a coveted place at Judges' Houses. The Girls Wildcard is nominated by Louis, the Overs Wildcard was nominated by Nicole, the Groups Wildcard was nominated by Sharon and Simon nominated the Boys Wildcard, making it 7 acts in each category and 28 in total.With crucial decisions to be made, each judge has help at hand from guest judges who know all about what it takes to have a hit record – Louis is joined by 2014 X Factor runner up Fleur East and Britain's Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon, Nicole enlists the help of renowned DJ Calvin Harris, Simon recruits former Spice Girls, Mel B and Emma Bunton and Sharon reunites with singer Robbie Williams.As ever, X Factor host Dermot O'Leary will be on hand to congratulate the lucky three, and console those that fall at the final hurdle.

Shows like The X Factor

The closest matches on shared genres, ranked by match strength and popularity.

  1. 01MusicThe worst episodes of The Voice2011–present·NBCStreaming on Peacock PremiumThe Voice is a singing competition where famous musicians serve as coaches to mentor aspiring artists through a series of blind auditions, battles, and live performances, with the ultimate goal of finding and crowning…5.8
  2. 02MusicThe worst episodes of America's Got Talent2006–present·NBCSimon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne also star·Streaming on Peacock Premium5.8
  3. 03Music·ComedyThe worst episodes of Saturday Night Live1975–present·NBCStreaming on Amazon Prime VideoSaturday Night Live is an Emmy Award-winning late-night comedy showcase.Since its inception in 1975, "SNL" has launched the careers of many of the brightest comedy performers of their generation.5.9
  4. 04Music·ComedyThe worst episodes of Schmigadoon!2021–2023Streaming on Apple TVSchmigadoon! is a parody of iconic musicals, which follows a couple on a backpacking trip designed to reinvigorate their relationship when they discover a magical town in which everyone is living in a studio musical…7.3
  5. 05Music·Horror·SupernaturalThe worst episodes of Anne Rice's The Vampire Lestat2026–present·AMC+The Vampire Lestat goes on tour while being haunted by "muses" from his past.4.7
  6. 06MusicThe worst episodes of American Idol2002–present·ABCSimon Cowell also stars·Streaming on Hulu5.1
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