The Ultimate Ranking of 10 Mind-Blowing TV Filler Episodes You Can't Afford to Miss!

Summary

"Filler" episodes in TV shows can actually be valuable in maintaining a balanced series pace and allowing the audience to rest from high-stakes episodes.

Self-contained "filler" episodes in TV shows like The West Wing and Bojack Horseman have proven to be an excellent way to explore the main themes and improve the overall viewing experience.

TV episodes that disrupt the storyline of a series can be frustrating, but they have also produced some iconic television works. A "filler" episode, not to be confused with a single-location "bottle episode" (although the two often overlap), refers to an episode in a long-form TV show that appears to have no significant plot function. These episodes seem to exist solely to fill up the remaining space in the season once all the main plot episodes have been written.

Although the term carries a negative connotation, many of the greatest TV shows demonstrate the power and usefulness of self-contained "filler" episodes. A low-stakes standalone episode can play a crucial role in maintaining a balanced pace for a series. If every episode is filled with urgency and high stakes, the audience can become weary and desensitized. Additionally, a "filler" episode can offer an opportunity to clarify a show's central themes and messages. A seemingly unrelated episode can prompt the audience to consider tonal and ideological connections, thus enhancing the overall viewing experience. It is worth exploring how the best TV shows successfully execute these so-called "filler" episodes.

10 The West Wing – “17 People”

9 Bojack Horseman – “Fish Out Of Water”

The West Wing continues to be hailed as one of the greatest TV shows ever, thanks to its expert blending of character-driven drama and thought-provoking exploration of ideas. In the second season episode titled "17 People," we witness a crucial part of the ongoing discussion about leadership and its sacrifices. Although the episode doesn't deliver any significant plot developments, it remains essential in its thematic examination. At its core, the episode revolves around an extensive debate between President Bartlet and his aide, Charlie, regarding the president's dilemma of whether or not to disclose his Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis to a wider audience beyond the current seventeen individuals in the know. This particular installment showcases Aaron Sorkin's trademark clever writing at its finest, skillfully interweaving a complex ideological argument with delightful banter.

Breaking from its established style for a single episode is always a risky move for a television show. Viewers who are accustomed to the show's customary format can easily become disgruntled by such an abrupt experiment. However, in the case of Bojack Horseman's season 3 episode titled "Fish Out of Water", this risk pays off. The episode takes a departure from the heavy interpersonal drama that Bojack is known for and instead tells a self-contained, wordless story that unfolds in a completely new environment. During a visit to the ocean, Bojack unintentionally becomes entangled in a mission to reunite a baby seahorse with its father. The episode's lack of dialogue demonstrates that the show can still deliver hilarious and emotionally impactful television without relying on its sharp wit.

8 Euphoria – “Trouble Don't Last Always”

While not fitting the strictest definition of “filler”, since it was commissioned by HBO as a special after the release of the first season, “Trouble Don’t Last Always” is considered part of Euphoria season 1. The episode doesn't introduce any major changes and primarily features a lengthy conversation between Rue and her sponsor, Ali, at a diner, following the climactic events of Euphoria season 1, episode 8. Nevertheless, the extended contemplation on addiction and responsibility is filled with the eloquence, beauty, and heartbreak that epitomize Euphoria at its finest.

7 The Bear – “Honeydew”

Breaking away from its usual fast-paced and stressful tone, The Bear delivers one of its most exquisitely crafted episodes in season 2, titled "Honeydew". The narrative takes a calm and serene turn as Marcus, a talented pastry chef, embarks on a journey to Copenhagen to learn from the enigmatic character Luca, played by Will Poulter (also known as the Bear). Amidst the high stakes of the season, this particular episode offers a moment of respite. While devoid of major conflicts or drastic changes, "Honeydew" sets a new tone of optimism, in stark contrast to the bleakness of the show's first season. It becomes a crucial piece to comprehend the overarching themes of The Bear's second season and its ultimate finale.

6 Gravity Falls – “Northwest Mansion Mystery”

Gravity Falls provides a first-rate demonstration of serialized mystery storytelling, seamlessly advancing its overarching plot while captivating viewers with self-contained episodes. Yet, amidst this narrative framework, one particular adventure stands out as one of the finest episodes of Gravity Falls. In "Northwest Mansion Mystery," Dipper assumes the challenging task of pursuing a vengeful ghost that poses a threat to the Northwest family during an extravagant party. This episode not only delves into bold political themes and unveils a surprisingly dark backstory for the ghost but also enriches the development of Pacifica Northwest, transforming her from a simple antagonist into a multifaceted character.

5 Mad Men – “The Suitcase”

The episode of Mad Men that can be best described as "filler" is also its highest-rated. In season 4's "The Suitcase," Don compels Peggy to stay late and forego her birthday dinner in order to assist him with an account, while the rest of the staff attends the Liston-Ali fight. This two-person episode, which doesn't significantly impact the overall season's storyline, offers a profound contemplation on achieving a work-life balance and captures the essence of Mad Men better than any other individual episode. It also features one of the most memorable lines in Mad Men history, as Peggy expresses her dissatisfaction with a lack of recognition, and Don responds with the infamous retort: "That's what the money's for!"

4 Avatar: The Last Airbender – “The Ember Island Players”

Avatar: The Last Airbender skillfully combines its intense ongoing storyline with moments of lightheartedness. The final episode before the show's dramatic climax stands out as one of the best in the series. In this episode, the Avatar gang attends a theater performance based on their own legendary adventures. This clever use of meta-humor provides a delightful break from the world-threatening events of the third season. However, the play concludes with the gang being defeated by Fire Lord Ozai, reminding them of the perilous challenges that lie ahead.

3 The Sopranos – “Pine Barrens”

In season 3's "Pine Barrens" episode of The Sopranos, there is a peculiar and unforgettable storyline that diverges from the main plot. This episode primarily revolves around two supporting characters, Christopher and Paulie. They travel to the New Jersey Pine Barrens with the intention of disposing of a Russian mobster's body. However, their plan takes an unexpected turn when the Russian wakes up and manages to escape. The subsequent events follow Christopher and Paulie as they embark on a quest to find and capture the Russian. As their journey progresses, they begin to question whether they will be able to escape the treacherous Pine Barrens themselves. This misadventure exemplifies the remarkable balancing act between humor and unease that lies at the core of The Sopranos' brilliance.

2 Breaking Bad – “Fly”

1 The Last Of Us – “Long, Long Time”

Breaking Bad’s episode titled "Fly" is highly debated, as it falls into the categories of both "bottle" and "filler" episodes, disrupting the intense pace of the show's fourth season. Nevertheless, it is undeniably one of the most exceptional character studies in the entire series. In this episode, an uninvited fly enters Walt and Jesse's supposedly airtight meth lab, triggering Walt's obsession with eliminating it. The episode delves into Walt's enduring guilt over Jane's death and thrives on Bryan Cranston's stellar performance. Through Walt's desperate attempts to swat away his anguish, we witness a disturbing glimpse into his gradual loss of humanity as the antihero races towards an inevitable tragic fate.

In its brief 9-episode TV run, The Last of Us season 1 takes a daring approach by deviating from its apocalyptic main plot right when it's gaining momentum. Instead, in the third episode titled "Long, Long Time," the focus shifts to the narrative of Bill, a validated survivalist, who gradually learns to open up emotionally as he falls in love with Frank. It's a compelling tale of love amidst a desolate apocalypse, and even though its primary purpose is to explain the origin of Joel and Ellie's car, it plays a vital role in the show's exploration of themes like love, responsibility, and selflessness.