5 Filler Episodes From Popular TV Shows We Can't Stop Rewatching
Chasing a fly, heart-to-heart talks in a diner, and tense family drama.
To soften the intensity of passions or to explain the sudden appearance of a character – filler episodes can serve many functions.
Some filler episodes are so good that they are remembered even better than the main plot. We decided to take a look at which filler episodes are most remembered by fans.
1. Breaking Bad (2008-2013) – Fly
Walter White spends the entire episode chasing a buzzing insect around the lab to keep it from contaminating the freshly brewed meth.
Ultimately, chasing the fly has existential consequences: Jesse suddenly finds another way to mourn his dead lover, and White seriously considers ending his criminal career, sensing tragedy on the horizon.
Though the episode interrupts the dizzying momentum of the third season, stopping to watch the fly proves to be the right dramatic decision.
2. The Last of Us (2023-...) – Long, Long Time
In the middle of a post-apocalyptic nothingness, Bill digs in and builds a fence, both physical and emotional. Frank, appearing out of nowhere, destroys the barriers, and now the two of them try to survive.
Many critics have even recognized this episode as the best of the season, noting its symbolism. For example, the episode is named after the song of the same name by Linda Ronstadt – Long Long Time was specifically chosen so that the characters could find a common language through the pain of loneliness.
3. The Bear (2022-...) – Fishes
The Christmas episode of the second season has been called an instant classic: Jamie Lee Curtis, Bob Odenkirk, Sarah Paulson, and John Mulaney suddenly appeared in the episode, each offering clues as to why Carmy is so twitchy.
The episode shows that the Berzatto family is good at cooking under stress, but absolutely not good at friendly communication.
Unlike the Christmas episodes viewers are used to, this one not only aired in the summer, but also left anxiety instead of holiday cheer.
4. BoJack Horseman (2014-2020) – Fish Out of Water
Filler episodes are a more common format for animated series. The comedy-drama about a showman's horse doesn't have many of them, but the ones it does have hit the mark.
Fish Out of Water has no dialogue – BoJack lands in the ocean, walks around with a glass aquarium on his head, and tries to reunite a baby seahorse with its father. The simple plot shows the creators in the best light: they don't have to come up with verbal conflicts to keep things moving.
Perhaps one of the main advantages of this particular filler is that you don't have to get to know the characters or understand the overall plot of the series to enjoy it.
5. Euphoria (2019-...) – Trouble Don't Last Always
Trouble Don't Last Always is not just a filler episode, it's a Christmas special, but it doesn't really set the mood. Despite the fact that the special was released for the holidays and the events take place on Christmas Eve, no one gives each other presents.
Instead, Rue and Ali sit in a diner, have a heart-to-heart talk, share stories about their addictions, but don't try to figure out what to do next – that will come of its own accord.
Trouble Don't Last Always is the first special episode of the series, revealing Rue not as a manic drug addict, but as a confused and scared teenager.