The Newsroom

10 Worst Episodes of The Newsroom

A behind-the-scenes look at the people who make a nightly cable-news program. Focusing on a network anchor, his new executive producer, the newsroom staff and their boss, the series tracks their quixotic mission to do the news well in the face of corporate and commercial obstacles-not to mention their own personal entanglements.

Written by Sophie and last updated on jan 26, 2023.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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The Newsroom - S1E7

#10 - 5/1 (Season 1 - Episode 7)

An anonymous source contacts Charlie and provides advance details on an imminent story of national importance. When news breaks that the President will be making a televised speech that night, the 2.0 staff cuts short its one-year (and one week) anniversary party and rushed back to the newsroom amidst a flurry of speculation as to what exactly happened

The episode was rated 8.31 from 858 votes.

The Newsroom - S2E4

#9 - Unintended Consequences (Season 2 - Episode 4)

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Maggie tries to convince Rebecca that she’s fine following her shattering trip to Africa with Gary. An Occupy Wall Street protester with a Black Op lead refuses to cooperate with Neal and Jerry after an on-air interview with Will goes poorly. Jim lands Hallie a one-on-one, but gets heat from Mac as a result.

The episode was rated 8.25 from 976 votes.

The Newsroom - S1E2

#8 - News Night 2.0 (Season 1 - Episode 2)

MacKenzie takes charge of the revamped "News Night" and lobbies economist Sloan Sabbith to file a nightly financial report. Meanwhile, Jim takes responsibility for Maggie's mistake; Charlie puts a halt to Reese's meetings with Will; and a confidential breakup story is a secret no more.

The episode was rated 8.21 from 1029 votes.

The Newsroom - S1E3

#7 - The 112th Congress (Season 1 - Episode 3)

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Will's apology for the lack of integrity in newscasts sets off constant critiques of the Tea Party before the November 2010 midterm elections, but draws the ire of network executives and Atlantis World Media CEO Leona Lansing. Meanwhile, Don confronts Elliot about his analytical skills; Jim helps Maggie during a panic attack; and Mac is unnerved by Will's endless parade of romantic conquests.

The episode was rated 8.20 from 956 votes.

The Newsroom - S1E8

#6 - The Blackout Part I: Tragedy Porn (Season 1 - Episode 8)

The ratings for "News Night" plummet after it downplays a pair of sensational stories, and Will and Mac must find a way to lure back enough viewers to justify the network's quest to air a Republican debate. Meanwhile, Will considers writers for an all-access profile; Sloan is disappointed by the lack of coverage of an important financial story; and Charlie learns a National Security Agency whistle-blower's identity.

The episode was rated 8.20 from 800 votes.

The Newsroom - S2E3

#5 - Willie Pete (Season 2 - Episode 3)

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Will continues his mission to civilize by telling Nina Howard the truth. A new witness to the Genoa story emerges on Twitter, and in New Hampshire, Jim's efforts to have his questions answered continue to fall on deaf ears.

The episode was rated 8.19 from 970 votes.

The Newsroom - S2E6

#4 - One Step Too Many (Season 2 - Episode 6)

Mac and Charlie score a key witness, a retired Marine general, in their attempt to corroborate Jerry's Operation Genoa story. Will follows Nina's lead to soften his image by making an impromptu appearance on a morning talk show. Jim gets unexpected company during his reunion with Hallie, who's in town to cover a Romney rally.

The episode was rated 8.18 from 891 votes.

The Newsroom - S2E1

#3 - First Thing We Do, Let's Kill All the Lawyers (Season 2 - Episode 1)

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Will and the "News Night" staff are questioned by their lawyer about a story they've aired that's become a network crisis. An on-air remark by Will has him pulled from 9/11 anniversary coverage. Jim volunteers to cover for an embed reporter on the Romney campaign and Neal investigates the beginnings of Occupy Wall Street.

The episode was rated 8.17 from 1102 votes.

The Newsroom - S2E2

#2 - The Genoa Tip (Season 2 - Episode 2)

A tip on a story that will ultimately cripple the network starts to become more real. Mackenzie and Sloan continue to push Will on drones as Don urges Will to advocate for Troy Davis. Maggie is un-friended by her roommate, but gets the assignment she's been begging for. Neal gets arrested on Wall Street.

The episode was rated 8.14 from 1019 votes.

The Newsroom - S2E5

#1 - News Night with Will McAvoy (Season 2 - Episode 5)

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Will is distracted during his telecast by a phone call and an unflattering Twitter post. Charlie gets a visit from a longtime friend at the Office of Naval Intelligence, who has knowledge of Operation Genoa. Sloan phases from humiliation to rage following a revenge posting. The newsroom traverses the slippery slope separating fact from fiction.

The episode was rated 8.13 from 969 votes.

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