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While the pilot of a TV show is the raw spot to start , for some titles , there is a much well episode to begin with . For many , there is an instalment of a particular show that is wide believed to be a better point to start up watching , whether that ’s through introducing a new viewer or during a rewatch . These are oftenTV episode that define their show foreverand can be considered an alternative pilot or simply a good story that contains enough expo to explain the motif and character , especially to someone who has never seen it before .
This does n’t mean that the cowcatcher is regretful , however . In fact , even some ofthe best idiot box shows of all timehave an instalment like this . For long - running TV shows , it ’s not unusual for early seasons to be a slight flat or for them to need improvement , so an episode like this is an amazing way of life to ensure new audience are n’t put off . Whether you are a long - meter devotee of a show or a first - timekeeper , these TV show episodes are the complete point to begin your viewing journeying .
10Parks And Recreation
Episode You Should Start With: The Master Plan - Season 2, Episode 23
Cast
Parks and Recreationis undoubtedly aTV show where time of year 1 is the unfit . While there are still pot of gag and moments that are inherent to set up the persona , there is a expert alternative pilot . The time of year 2 episode“The Master Plan ” introduce Ben Wyatt and Chris Traeger , two all-important characters who bear upon the rest of the show . Ben eventually becomes Leslie ’s husband , and Chris also ends up with Ann , and he fathers her two children .
The first two installment of the show paint Leslie in a very different light compared to how she is by the finale , and this is mainly because of Mark .
Ben and Chris are massively crucial figures in theParks and Recreationcast , and it ’s uncanny to remember that they are n’t in the show from the pilot . The first two episode of the show paint Leslie in a very unlike light compare to how she is by the finale , and this is mainly because of Mark . Chris and Ben arrive in the episode after Ann rejects Mark ’s proposal , and they straightaway command the CRT screen . Because of their unassailable presence , it ’s well-heeled to leave aboutMark Brendanawicz until he leavesParks and Recreation .
9It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia
Episode You Should Start With: Charlie Gets Crippled - Season 2, Episode 1
It ’s Always cheery in Philadelphiais another television show that consider some time to find its feet , and season 1 is famously cognise for being so skippable during rewatches . However , thelong - incline TV showtruly cement itself as such a outstanding deed when Frank Reynolds joins the plaster bandage . Dennis and Dee ’s father is a marvellous character , and he only engender beneficial when his dynamic with each penis of the work party develop . Although it turn out that Frank is n’t the biological father of his twin , he continue to drop prison term with them and becomes the group ’s financier , fund their ridiculous escapades .
The season 2 episode “ Charlie Gets Crippled ” is a much better pilot and anIt ’s Always Sunnyepisode advocate to new viewers . Frank ’s conclusion to give up a life of sumptuousness to decompose with the bunch is a fascinating premiss , and it ’s a brainy apparatus for not just the graphic symbol , but also the show overall . Between Frank embracing a new life-style with Mac and Charlie ’s help and Dee and Dennis ’ quest to get welfare , “ Charlie Gets Crippled ” is a perfect installment that encapsulates the nimbus of the show all in all .
8The Office
Episode You Should Start With: Halloween - Season 2, Episode 5
The US remaking ofThe Officemimics much of the UK ’s version in time of year 1 , and while it is n’t bad , it does n’t quite strike the crisscross . However , the show does later slip into its own groove , and the season 2 episode “ Halloween ” is a keen alternative starting time . “Halloween ” offers the same of import plot of land detail that the pilot provide : Michael Scott being a wacky foreman who is panic about downsize , frustrating Jim and Pam moments , Dwight being irritating , and a universal overview of the staff of Dunder Mifflin Scranton .
The Office is known for not bad special holiday episode , and these are all of its Halloween - themed episodes , ranked from the spoiled to the best .
All of these factor are the core ofThe Office ’s earlier season , and“Halloween ” turn over audiences the same information as the pilot that is needed to understand what the show is about . It explains the human relationship between the various fictitious character , including the strain between Michael and Jan , as well as how each of them feels about Michael as their manager . There are mass of great introductory episode ofThe Officein time of year 2 and beyond , but “ Halloween ” establishes the rule of the show ’s human race perfectly .
7Black Mirror
Episode You Should Start With: Nosedive - Season 3, Episode 1
Black Mirroris one ofthe good anthology TV shows of the 2010s , but the pilot light does n’t exemplify the dependable themes and message of the rest of it . Every episode ofBlack Mirroris a new storey with sassy face , but the first , " The National Anthem , " is the least dystopian of the lot . Black Mirroris best known for using elements of fancy , sci - fi , and psychological horror . While some ofthe good episode ofBlack Mirrorare an ideal position to bulge watching the show , “ Nosedive ” is an excellent campaigner .
The use of technology and how it can be abused is also a major part of Black Mirror , and the power of Lacie ’s optic implants highlights this .
art by Yailin Chacon
“ Nosedive ” asterisk Bryce Dallas Howard as Lacie , a young woman who lives in a world dictated by a societal metier ranking system . Although this sequence is less stark than otherBlack Mirrorstories , the wry wittiness in “ Nosedive ” fantastically represents whatBlack Mirroris supposed to be . Lacie ’s struggle to raise her valuation in society in parliamentary procedure to move up in the world is intriguingly representative of the real worldly concern . The exercise of technology and how it can be blackguard is also a major part ofBlack Mirror , and the magnate of Lacie ’s oculus implant foreground this .
6Bob’s Burgers
Episode You Should Start With: Tina-Rannosaurus Wrecks - Season 3, Episode 7
TheBob ’s Burgerspilot astonishingly establishes the characters and backstory , but because it uses afloating timeline like Marveland other animated title , the first episode is n’t needed to set up the show . Not every sequence supply enough context to first - time viewers , but “ Tina - Rannosaurus Wrecks ” does . From the first few moment , anyone can understand who theBob ’s Burgerscharacters are . For example , Tina ’s increasing anxiety over everything and Bob and Jimmy Pesto ’s rivalry are both established in the first setting .
The characters in Bob ’s Burgers never age , and the grounds may be due to an event that occur in the show ’s season 3 Thanksgiving sequence .
While there is a focal point on Bob and Tina in “ Tina - Rannosaurus Wrecks,”the episode is also a great mode to inaugurate the rest of the Belcher family . Tina use Gene ’s keyboard to save the day , which is hinted at throughout the episode , but it also shows that his musical talents are a cardinal part of his role . As usual , Louise is far from helpful and provide a comical recital throughout , and Linda ’s wacky behavior and inability to keep a secret are also establish .
5Community
Episode You Should Start With: Remedial Chaos Theory - Season 3, Episode 4
Communityseason 3 ’s “ Remedial Chaos Theory ” is the perfect instance of a TV show episode that , upon watching the instalment , it ’s immediately obvious which archetype each lineament accommodate in . Abed ’s absurd concept that rolling a die creates separate timeline is a splendid estimation for an sequence . Although there are similarities in the seven unlike fourth dimension current , the absence seizure of one extremity of the group causes all manner of hilarity , but it is also an extraordinary way to highlight the signification of each ofthe characters inCommunity .
“ Remedial Chaos Theory ” explain to viewers that Jeff is the loss leader , Annie is a doe - eyed hopeful , Shirley struggles to tread out of the housewife box , Abed is obsess with TV and movies , Pierce is out of touch , Troy want to be encounter as a grown - up , and Britta is yet to determine her lawful purpose .
“ Remedial Chaos Theory ” explains to viewers that Jeff is the leader , Annie is a Department of Energy - eyed hopeful , Shirley struggles to step out of the woman of the house box seat , Abed is obsessed with TV and pic , Pierce is out of touch , Troy wants to be seen as a grown - up , and Britta is yet to find her true determination . While a fortune materialize before this that impacts the overall storyline,“Remedial Chaos Theory ” is still a dependable episode to engage first - clock time audience . Community ’s darkest timelineis a complicated part of the show , but it also produce a marvellous character work of the group .
4Monk
Episode You Should Start With: Mr. Monk And The T.V. Star - Season 2, Episode 12
Monkis a greatdetective tv set show for those who likeSherlockthat uses clowning and suspense to create a fab and bingeworthy watch . Monk’spilot introduces the titular character and straight off throw away him into an investigation , which makes it easygoing for other episodes to serve as an alternative starting decimal point . The two most of import element ofAdrian Monk ’s delineation are that he has obsessional compulsive disorderand that his colleagues at the San Francisco Police Department find him difficult , and both of these timbre are profusely clear in the season 2 episode “ Mr. Monk and the T.V. Star . ”
“ Mr. Monk and the T.V. Star ” is one ofMonk ’s good episodesbecause it contain some of the suspect moments of the show . It is a brilliantly meta episode ofMonk , andthe whodunit skirt the death of the ex-wife - married woman of a hit criminal offense television set show shows Adrian Monk at his finest . The most mirthful scene is when Monk fills in for a crew member and realise he ’s perfect for the role . The overall mystery of the episode is also intricately detailed and ridiculously cunning , and it gives viewers a solid overview of the show and quality .
3Doctor Who (2005 Reboot)
Episode You Should Start With: Dalek - Season 1, Episode 6
WhileDoctor Whois a show that requires context and understanding to amply engage with , there is an episode from the post-2005 reboot that service as a good option pilot than “ Rose . ” The season 1 episode“Dalek ” provide lively details about the overall lore of the show , preceding and present . It ’s not unusual for the first episode of a season to introduceDoctor Who ’s full companionsto audiences , especially as the storey of the week is typically secern through their eyes . However , “ Dalek ” contains exposition that quick teach audience a lot about the Time War .
From " Boom Town " to " 73 Yards " , Russell T Davies has write some incredible installments of Doctor Who and has testify himself a massive television talent .
doc Who ’s Time Waris a monumental part of the show ’s New era . The devastating loss of Gallifrey and the Time Lords play a pregnant part in the Ninth Doctor ’s enactment and position to the universe . This episode is also the first time that the iconicDoctor Whovillains appear . The Daleks are a staple of the show , and the Doctor ’s heartwrenching and angry response to just one of them explains just how much pain they put on his hearts .
2Peep Show
Episode You Should Start With: Dance Class - Season 2, Episode 7
One ofPeep Show ’s bestepisodes,“Dance Class , ” is a bit controversial at times , but it is one that stick in its characters to first - clip watchers fabulously . It sets up relevant entropy about their personal lives that recurrently toss off up throughout the former season , such as Mark ’s notion for Sophie and Jez ’s love for the taboo . “ Dance Class ” introduces Nancy , Jez ’s lady friend and eventual married woman , and her role in the show constantly highlights just how absurd he is . But most importantly , the episode demonstrates the glaring differences between Jez and Mark .
Jez embraces the “ Rainbow Rhythms ” dance class with ease , whereas Mark hat it . His nervous sweating as he tries to impress Sophie with his dancing is easily one of the funniest moments in the entire show , but it is also an amazing agency to showcaseMark ’s pursuance for his “ one ” inPeep Show . Jez ’s ridiculous relationship with Nancy , which let in partaking in uncanny sexual practices , also conveys how he has no sake in the norm .
1BoJack Horseman
Episode You Should Start With: The Telescope - Season 1, Episode 8
BoJack Horseman ’s pilot burner is stellar , but there is a late instalment in season 1 that is also worth watching first . “The Telescope ” putsBoJack Horsemanon a saturnine pathby draw the titular character to ruminate on his past , specifically how his title of respect of the superstar lead of Horsin ’ Around is only because of his erstwhile champion , Herb . BoJack Horsemanis mainly about the ex - sitcom worker ’s battle with mental healthand how being a spectacular Hollywood figure has changed him . Through the power of flashback , “ The Telescope ” shows the events that turn BoJack this way .
“ The Telescope ” includes arealistic lesson fromBoJack Horsemanthat viewers can relate to . BoJack see that allow 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 bit , which budge BoJack ’s psyche and mentality on life going forward , “ The Telescope ” is an ideal episode to start with . After this , he get to himself deliberate the consequences of his actions , although it does n’t always make a difference . “The Telescope ” gives more of BoJack ’s backstory than the pilot film does , making it a great starting point .
