10 TV Shows Where Episode 1 Isn’t The Episode You Should Watch First

While the pilot of a TV show is the natural place to start, for some titles, there is a much better episode to start with. For many, there is an episode of a particular show that is widely believed to be a better point to start watchingWhether that’s by introducing a new viewer or during a rewatch. These are often TV episodes that define their show forever and can be considered an alternate pilot or simply a good story that contains enough exposition to explain the themes and characters, especially to someone who has never seen it before.

That doesn’t mean the pilot is bad, though. In fact, even some of the best TV shows of all time have an episode like this. For long-running TV shows, it’s not unusual for earlier seasons to be a little flat or in need of improvement, so an episode like this is an amazing way to ensure that new audiences aren’t turned off. Whether you’re a long-time show lover or a first-timer, These TV show episodes are the perfect point to start your viewing journey.

10

Parks and Recreation

Episode you should start with: The Master Plan – Season 2, Episode 23

Parks and Recreation is undoubtedly a TV show where season 1 is the worst. While there are still plenty of laughs and moments that are integral to establishing the characters, it’s a better alternate pilot. The season 2 episode “The Master Plan” introduces Ben Wyatt and Chris Traeger, two crucial characters that impact the rest of the show. Ben eventually becomes Leslie’s husband, and Chris also ends up with Ann, fathering her two children.

Ben and Chris are massively important figures in the Parks and Recreation FigureAnd it’s weird to remember that they weren’t in the show from the pilot. The first two installments of the show paint Leslie in a very different light than she is in the finale, and that’s mainly because of Mark. Chris and Ben arrive in the episode after rejecting Mark’s proposal, and they immediately dominate the screen. Because of their powerful presence, it’s easy to forget about Mark Brendanavich until he leaves Parks and Recreation.

9

It’s always sunny in Philadelphia

Episode you should start with: Charlie Gets Crippled – Season 2, Episode 1

It’s always sunny in Philadelphia is another TV show that takes some time to find its feet, and season 1 is famous for being so skippable during rewatches. However, the long-running TV show truly cements itself as such a well-known title when Frank Reynolds joins the cast. Dennis and Dee’s father is a fantastic character, and he only gets better as his dynamic with each member of the gang develops. Although it turns out that Frank is not the biological father of his twins, he continues to spend time with them and becomes the group’s financier, financing their ridiculous escapades.

The season 2 episode “Charlie Gets Crippled” is a much better pilot and an It’s always sunny Episode recommended to new viewers. Frank’s decision to give up a life of luxury to Poland with the gang is a fascinating premise, And it’s a brilliant setup for not only the characters, but the show overall. Between Frank embracing a new lifestyle with Mac and Charlie’s help and Dee and Denise’s quest to get welfare, “Charlie Gets Cippled” is a perfect episode that encapsulates the aura of the show as a whole.

8

The office

Episode you should start with: Halloween – Season 2, Episode 5

The US it. Remake of The office Mimics much of the UK’s version in season 1, and while it’s not bad, it doesn’t quite hit the mark. However, the show later slipped into its own groove, and episode 2 “Halloween” is a great alternative start. “Halloween” offers the same important plot details that the pilot did: Michael Scott is a wacky boss who’s panicking about downsizingFrustrating Jim and Pam moments, Dwight being irritating, and a general overview of the Dunder Mifflin Scranton staff.

All of these reasons are at the heart of The offices earlier seasons, and “Halloween” gives audiences the same information as the pilot that is needed to understand what the show is about. It explains the relationships between the various characters, including the tension between Michael and Jan, as well as how each of them feels about Michael as their manager. There are many great introductory episodes of The office In season 2 and beyond, but “Halloween” establishes the rules of the show world perfectly.

7

Black mirror

Episode you should start with: Nosedive – Season 3, Episode 1

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Black mirror is one of the best anthology TV shows of the 2010s, but this pilot doesn’t exemplify the true themes and message of the rest. Every episode of Black mirror is a new story with fresh faces, But the first, “The National Anthem,” is the least dystopian of the lot. Black mirror is best known for using elements of fantasy, sci-fi and psychological horror. While some of the best episodes of Black mirror Are an ideal place to start watching the show, “Nosedive” is an excellent candidate.

“Nosedive” stars Bryce Dallas Howard as Lacie, a young woman who lives in a world dictated by a social media ranking system. Although this episode is less uncomfortable than others Black mirror stories, The ironic humor in “Nosedive” represents fantastically why Black mirror is supposed to be. Lacie’s struggle to raise her rank in society in order to move up in the world is intriguingly representative of the real world. The use of technology and how it can be abused is also a major part of Black mirrorAnd the power of Lassie’s eye implants highlights this.

6

Bob’s Burgers

Episode You Should Start With: Tina-Rannosaurus Rex – Season 3, Episode 7

The Bob’s Burgers The pilot fleshes out the characters and backstory amazingly, but because it uses a floating timeline like Marvel and other animated titles, the first episode isn’t needed to set up the show. Not every episode provides enough context to first-time viewers, but “Tina-Rannosaurus Wrecks”. From the first minute anyone can understand who they are Bob’s Burgers Letters are. For example, Tina’s increasing anxiety about everything and Bob and Jimmy Pesto’s rivalry are both established in the first scene.

Although there is a focus on Bob and Tina in “Tina-Rannosaurus Rex,” This episode is also a great way to introduce the rest of the Belcher family. Tina uses Gene’s keyboard to save the day, which is hinted at throughout the episode, but it also shows that his musical talents are a key part of his character. As usual, Louise is far from helpful and delivers a comical narrative, and Linda’s wacky nature and inability to keep a secret are also established.

Episode you should start with: Remedial Chaos Theory – Season 3, Episode 4

Community Season 3’s “Remedial Chaos Theory” is the perfect example of a TV show episode that, When you watch this episode, it’s immediately obvious which archetype each character fits into. Abed’s wild concept that rolling a die creates separate timelines is a brilliant idea for an episode. Although there are similarities in the seven different time streams, the absence of one member of the group causes all manner of hilarity, but it is also an unusual way to highlight the significance of each of the characters in Community.

“Remedial Chaos Theory” explains to viewers that Jeff is the leader, Annie is a hopeful with her eyes, Shirley struggles to step out of the housewife box, Abd is obsessed with TV and movies, Pierce is unconnected, Troy wants to be seen As an adult, Brita is yet to find her true purpose. While a lot happens before this that impacts the overall storyline, “Remedial Chaos Theory” is another good episode to engage first-time audiences. CommunityThe darkest timeline is a complicated part of the show, but it also produces a fantastic character study of the group.

4

Monk

Episode to start with: Mr. Monk and the TV Star – Season 2, Episode 12

Monk is a great detective TV show for those who like Sherlock Which uses comedy and suspense to create a fabulous and binge-worthy watch. Monks Pilot introduces the titular character and immediately throws him into an investigation, making it easy for other episodes to serve as an alternative starting point. The two most important elements of The characterization of Adrian Monk is that he has obsessive compulsive disorder And that his colleagues in the San Francisco Police Department find him difficult, and both of these qualities are absolutely clear in the season 2 episode “Mr. Monk and the TV Star.”

“Mr. Monk and the TV Star” is one of Monks best episodes because it contains some of the funniest moments of the show. It’s a brilliantly meta episode of monk, And The mystery surrounding the death of the ex-wife of a hit crime TV show shows Adrian Monk at his best. The most comical scene is when Monk feels in a crew member and realizes that he is perfect for the role. The episode’s overall mystery is also intricately detailed and ridiculously clever, giving viewers a solid overview of the show and characters.

3

Doctor Who (2005 Reboot)

Episode you should start with: Dalek – Season 1, Episode 6

While Doctor Who is a show that requires context and understanding to fully engage with, there’s an episode from the post-2005 reboot that serves as a good alternate pilot to “Rose.” The season 1 episode “Dalek” provides vital details about the show’s overall lore, past and present. It is not unusual for the first episode of a season to introduce Doctor Who‘s best companions to audiences, especially as the story of the week is typically told through their eyes. However, “Dalek” contains exposition that quickly teaches audiences a lot about the Time War.

Doctor Whos time war is a massive part of the modern era of the show. The devastating loss of Gallifrey and the Time Lords plays a significant part in the Ninth Doctor’s characterization and attitude to the universe. This episode is also the first time that the iconic Doctor Who Wicked appear. The Daleks are a staple of the show, and the Doctor’s heart-wrenching and angry response to just one of them explains just how much pain they put on his heart.

2

Peeps show

Episode you should start with: Dance Class – Season 2, Episode 7

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one of Peeps shows best episodes, “Dance Class,” is a bit controversial at times, but it’s one that introduces its characters to first-time viewers fantastically. It sets up relevant information about their personal lives that repeatedly pops up in the early seasons, such as Mark’s feelings for Sophie and Jez’s love for Taboo. “Dance Class” introduces Nancy, Jez’s girlfriend and eventual wife, and her role in the show constantly highlights just how wild he is. But most importantly, the episode demonstrates the glaring differences between Jez and Mark.

Jeez embrace the “Rainbow rhythms“Dance class with ease, whereas Mark hates it. His nervous sweating as he tries to impress Sophie with his dancing is easily one of the funniest moments in the entire showBut it’s also an amazing way to showcase Mark’s quest for his “one“In Peeps show. Jez’s ridiculous relationship with Nancy, which includes engaging in strange sexual practices, also conveys how he has no interest in the norm.

1

Bojack Horseman

Episode you should start with: The Telescope – Season 1, Episode 8

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Bojack HorsemanThe pilot is stellar, but there’s a later episode in season 1 that’s also worth watching first. “The Telescope” adds Bojack Horseman In a dark way by forcing the titular character to reflect on his past, specifically how his title of Superstar Lead of Horsein’ Around is only because of his old friend, Herb. Bojack Horseman is mainly about the ex-sitcom actor’s battle with mental health And how a prominent Hollywood figure has changed him. Through the power of flashbacks, “The Telescope” shows the events that turned Bojack on this path.

“The Telescope” includes a realistic lesson from Bojack Horseman Which viewers can relate to. BoJack learns that allowing Herb to be fired because of his sexuality is one of his many terrible choices, no matter how he tries to justify it. Because of this groundbreaking moment, which shifts BoJack’s psyche and outlook on life ahead, “The Telescope” is an ideal episode to start with. After that, he makes himself consider the consequences of his actions, although it does not always make a difference. “The Telescope” gives more of Bojack’s backstory than the pilot does, Making it a great starting point.