Every Episode: Is it Worth It?
I’m about to embarrass myself by revealing just how much TV I watch.
I wonder if I’m getting more and more obsessive as I grow older, but more and more I find myself in the grip of an irrational need to watch every episode of a TV show.
With the advent of DVDs, DVRs, and internet downloading watching every episode of a show is possible like it never has been before. Plus, some of the best shows don’t last long, and production costs have led to shorter seasons for many dramas.
But is it worth it to see every episode? Probably not always. It’s almost embarrassing that I’ve watched so much TV, and that time is gone forever. Maybe though, just maybe, there’s some of you out there who are sickos like me, and share my disease.
These are some of the shows where I’ve seen every episode, and whether it was worth it. If you’ve seen every episode of a show, tell me if it was worth it. Do you wish you’d bailed out earlier, or are you glad you saw it to completion?
Lost (Definitely worth it.)
Battlestar Galactica (2004) (Should have bailed after 2 1/2 seasons.)
The Office (UK) (Worth it. A very short run.)
The Office (USA) (Worth it.)
Twin Peaks (Should have quit after Laura Palmer’s killer is revealed.)
The Prisoner (Worth it.)
Sopranos (Only worth it the first three seasons and last nine episodes.)
Arrested Development (Worth it.)
Freaks and Geeks (Worth it, especially if you grew up in the 80s. Only 18 episodes.)
Heroes (1st Season only.)
The Shield (Worth it.)
Firefly (Worth it. Only 18 episodes.)
Flight of the Conchords (Worth it.)
Are there some shows where you plan to see every episode? Here’s some shows where I would consider seeing every episode and whether I think it’ll be worth it.
The Wire (Great show. I’ve seen 3 out of 5 seasons. Nothing can stop me.)
Veronica Mars (Good show, but it’s been downhill since season 1. Do I see season 3 and finish it out?)
Dexter (Loved first season. Second season is starting slow.)
Weeds (3rd season goes way over the top after 5 or 6 episodes. 4th season has a dramatic change is setting. Hmmmm.)
24 (Season 6 was disappointing, I never finished. Never saw season 4, but this show is ideal viewing when running on a treadmill.)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (I don’t know I just like it. I’ve seen the first 3 1/2 seasons.)
The X-Files (I’ve probably seen the first five seasons in their entirely, but bailed after the movie. I know this show goes downhill, but I really liked it in its heyday, and I already have the DVDs)
Tell me what you think. Spare me wasting my time. My wife and children will appreciate any increased interaction with them.
Well, no surprise here that I’m going to recommend Veronica Mars and Buffy. Same with The Wire.
Comment by Supergenius — June 26, 2008 @ 3:04 pm
X-Files:
After I returned from, um, two TV-less years abroad in 1997, I watched every episode from seasons 2-3 which my parents had dutifully recorded on VCR for me. Worth it.
Comment by The Brit — June 26, 2008 @ 3:35 pm
LOST is required
24 is required
Arrested Development is worth it just because it rocked
I’ve seen every episode of Scrubs (season 7 aside), and while many can stand alone by themselves, to understand the dymanics between JD and Elliot (and in a sense JD and Cox) you have to see all of the episodes
I’d LOVE to get into the X-files (though I’ve heard the mytharc are the only episodes that you need to follow)
In my TV-on-DVD collection I have:
24
Lost
Scrubs
Freaks and Geeks
House
Comment by brandt — June 26, 2008 @ 3:51 pm
I first saw the 5th season of 24, but after that I had to go back and watch everything from seasons 1-4. It’s hard to miss an episode – so much happens!
I’ve seen every episode of Monk, Friends, Frasier and Gilmore Girls. Probably not necessary. =)
ooh, Dexter – must see every episode (short seasons, too, 12 eps)
I have Firefly on tap to see, and to follow through with Serenity. Everyone raves about it – I should give it a shot. (Along with the Office, and a host of others, I suppose.)
Agree with Lost, although I missed most of the first half of the 3rd season.
Comment by FHL — June 26, 2008 @ 3:55 pm
Dexter, Veronica Mars, Buffy and the Wire are musts.
Comment by Rebecca — June 26, 2008 @ 4:03 pm
Go to disagree about Twin Peaks. There was a lull there but it picked up again towards the end. Fantastic ending.
There are lots of shows I’ve seen every episode of not because it’s “must see” ala Lost or 24 but just because I think it’s a good show and my DVR tapes it for me. Shows like House or Monk.
The ones that I made a pointed effort to see all episodes of were 24, Lost, BSG, Twin Peaks, Deadwood (although I watched that off Netflix), & Heroes.
Shows that were disappointing were BSG seasons 3 after the first 4 episodes and most of season 4. I’ll still watch the final episodes just to see where he goes with it. Twin Peaks had a lull while David Lynch was off making Wild at Heart but I’m still glad I watched it all. Pretty much all of last season’s Heroes sucked. I’ll give it a try this coming season before giving up. The past two seasons of 24 have been pretty disappointing and not nearly that engaging. I’m hoping they shake things up this fall.
Comment by Clark — June 26, 2008 @ 4:03 pm
Ha! I don’t know if I could list every show I’ve seen every episode of. I’m ridiculous about having to finish things…
Some I’ll admit to, though:
The Office (British & American) – worth it
Coupling (British) – worth it
Wonderfalls – worth it
Freaks & Geeks – worth it
Gilmore Girls – worth it, though…
Firefly – worth it, own it, still watch it everytime it comes on the SciFi channel
Arrested Development – worth it
Sportsnight – totally worth it
Shows that I actually broke my “finish to the end” rule for:
Lost (sorry, sorry, sorry…I still get updates from the hubby and I may watch what I’ve missed after the bitter end)
ER (it only took 12 seasons for me to break THAT habit)
Prison Break (midway through season 2. Ick)
Heroes (it became a hubby only show after awhile)
I’ve never seen most of the ones you are on the fence about. I watched the first disc of Buffy & hated it, though most people think I should have stuck it out longer. I never watched VM, though I may get it on DVD if I get bored.
Comment by gabby — June 26, 2008 @ 4:05 pm
BTW – I should warn with Deadwood. It’s got lots of foul language. (Apparently they originally scripted it with contemporary late 19th century language but everyone sounded like Yosemite Sam since most of the most foul words aren’t really considered foul in the least anymore – so they updated the language to have the same effect.) It also has some explicit scenes while dealing with the prostitutes.
Overall though the show is a very interesting and poetic meditation on the rise of civilization.
The big shock, which may keep folks from watching, is that it was cancelled unexpectedly after its 3rd season and thus feels unfinished.
Comment by Clark — June 26, 2008 @ 4:06 pm
I’ll never, ever understand the excitement about Firefly. I watched the movie first. It was OK but not great. I’ve tried watching many of the episodes. None really do it for me.
Prison Break was good for the first 12 episodes. They should have had him escape then. The whole government conspiracy theory is kind of ridiculous. Then it just gets pointless quick. I think the stupidity of the season 2 opener was enough to cancel it for me.
One other I should have mentioned. Pushing Daisies. Great show. Not as much of a continuous story arc although there is a bit of one.
Comment by Clark — June 26, 2008 @ 4:09 pm
On your list I think I can only say:
The Office (US)
Arrested Development
Both worth it.
I think I stopped watching Heroes the second season but I can’t really remember. I bought Firefly after falling in love with Serenity but haven’t watched more than a couple episodes, mainly because no one else in my household is interested.
The only other show I would say I have to see every episode of is Corner Gas.
Comment by Susan M — June 26, 2008 @ 4:45 pm
I’m feeling burnt on Heroes- they have to really impress me with their next season opener for me to bother again. Ditto with 24.
Susan- David has gotten us hooked on Corner Gas. What a strange, quirky show- it kind of reminds me of Northern Exposure in it’s quirkiness. But then, I loved NE.
Comment by tracy m — June 26, 2008 @ 5:13 pm
the office
arrested development
sportsnight
30 rock
big love
i think those are the only ones i’ve been intent on watching through and all were worth it. you don’t miss anything by skipping an episode of “30 rock,” but the episodes are too good to miss.
we don’t have tv, so it’s either internet or netflix for us.
Comment by makakona — June 26, 2008 @ 5:16 pm
The Wire
Deadwood
Carnivale
Arrested Development
Comment by Brian V — June 26, 2008 @ 5:19 pm
Avatar
Joan of Arcadia (just Season 1)
Comment by John C. — June 26, 2008 @ 6:23 pm
Supergenius,
Is season 3 of VM really worth it though?
brandt,
Re: X-files. I actually think the stand-alone episodes are what interest me the most. I don’t think the mytharc episodes ever added up to much.
FHL,
If you’re going to miss any of Lost, you missed the right part.
Clark,
I think that the last episode of Twin Peaks was fascinating, but other than that…not too much of interest after Laura Palmer’s killer being revealed. I thought season 5 of 24 was great, but I agree season 6 was a let down.
RE: Deadwood. I was a big fan during the first season, but then somewhere in the 2nd season Al had a thumb up his butt and that was too much. Maybe I’ll revisit it.
Comment by Brian G — June 26, 2008 @ 7:42 pm
Tracy, glad to hear I’m not alone in the Corner Gas love. I think it’s brilliant. The more I watch the more I love it. Our entire family’s hooked on it. We’re constantly quoting it, and every episode we see with think is the best one ever.
“I’m not feeble! I’m able-bodied! Able-bodied!”
Comment by Susan M — June 26, 2008 @ 8:24 pm
Brian, in some ways Season 3 is better than Season 2. Its heights are high. But no, it’s not as good as season 1.
Comment by Supergenius — June 26, 2008 @ 8:57 pm
Watched every episode when it aired (episodes that actually aired, that is):
Freaks and Geeks
Wonderfalls
Firefly
Arrested Development
The Tick (live action)
Andy Barker P.I.
All worth it. Except for how pissed I was when they all got canceled.
For Gilmore Girls, I’d say you really only need to watch the first three seasons. Seasons four and five are okay. Six and seven are easily skippable.
I agree with much of what’s already been said. I would only add that I think seasons 2-5 of Angel are well worth watching. I actually like it better (as a whole) than Buffy (although there are a few individual Buffy episodes that are absolutely amazing). Season 1 is okay, but it doesn’t really flow with the later seasons.
Comment by Wm Morris — June 26, 2008 @ 9:39 pm
Re: Deadwood, I think season 3 is the weakest. I liked it, but there are a few plots strands that either go nowhere or seem to not belong at all. Maybe these would’ve integrated themselves had the show not been cancelled.
Although the show was cancelled, I liked the way it ended – it was beautiful and elegant and unexpected but fit perfectly within the world of the show.
Comment by Brian V — June 27, 2008 @ 4:25 am
I loved the Hearst character so I really dug season 3.
Supposedly Heroes season 3 is a big shakeup. Of course they said that last time…
Comment by Clark — June 27, 2008 @ 10:02 am
30 Rock
Frontline
That is about it for me right now.
Comment by a random John — June 27, 2008 @ 10:34 am
Shows I’ve seen every episode:
Seinfeld (at least 3 or 4 times)
Arrested Development
Lost
The Office (UK)
Shows I’ve started and plan on continuing until they suck:
The Wire
Rome
Shows I’ve started and haven’t decided if I’ll finish:
24 (2/3 through the 1st season)
The Tudors (1/2 through the 1st season)
Dexter (finished 1st season)
Weeds (2/3 through the 1st season)
Curb Your Enthusiasm (finished the 1st season)
The Larry Sanders Show (1/2 through the 1st season)
I’m sure there are others.
Comment by Rusty — June 27, 2008 @ 11:38 am
Gotta put my two cents in…for Alias. Before Lost, there was Alias.Love to watch the seasons back to back on DVD.
Comment by BroncoP3t3 — June 27, 2008 @ 12:10 pm
The first season and a half of Alias was amazing. Some of the best stuff on TV. It went downhill quickly thereafter. (Although I did watch every episode including the horrible final season)
Comment by clark — June 27, 2008 @ 12:15 pm
Does no one love Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles?
And I have seen and liked 4 episodes of Torchwood, but haven’t decided if it’s worth it to watch them all.
Comment by C Jones — June 27, 2008 @ 12:17 pm
I like Terminator: Sarah Connor, and have watched each episode. Enjoyable.
Comment by Supergenius — June 27, 2008 @ 12:30 pm
Love every episode:
Wonderfalls
30 Rock
Firefly
Love every episode I’ve seen so far:
My Family — I think I’ve only seen the first 3 (maybe 4?) seasons but will definitely watch the rest.
I agree with a previous poster about 30 Rock; you don’t necessarily have to watch ever episode to follow it, but it’s so brilliant, why would you want to miss any?
Comment by shazbraz — June 27, 2008 @ 1:30 pm
Has Beens:
Freaks and Geeks: That was a broad sketch of my life.
Firefly: Most underrated series in my opinion.(I caught the series during a SciFi marathon two years ago, and I’m glad I did. Bought the series on DVD and Serenity).
Journeyman: his declaration to his wife in the rain, “I’ll always come home to you!” during the pilot hooked me.
Current Shows:
The Office
Life
Shows that I started out committed but am willing to break:
Battlestar Galactica: I would feel comfortable thinking the mid-season finale was the series finale (Closure be damned!).
Smallville (it just can’t get any worse, can it?)
Comment by Bull Moose — June 27, 2008 @ 1:38 pm
Smallville sucks.
Amen re: 30 Rock, every episode is great.
Comment by Supergenius — June 27, 2008 @ 2:00 pm
Steve you just lost all street cred for liking the Sarah Conner Chronicles. As punishment I condemn you to watch Angelina Jolie and Milla Jovovich action movies for an entire weekend.
Comment by clark — June 27, 2008 @ 2:49 pm
Clark, I didn’t say it was fantastic, just enjoyable.
Comment by Supergenius — June 27, 2008 @ 2:58 pm
RE: #9 & Firefly:
I hate scifi. I hate westerns. You would think I would hate firefly. However, I own it (I even bought it before my hubby could!) and watch it every chance I get. It’s a fun show, it has Nathan Fillion (aka my boyfriend) and it wasn’t what you expected.
I don’t think I ever knew of someone who’s seen them that didn’t like them!
Comment by gabby — June 27, 2008 @ 3:39 pm
Clark, I’d be more concerned about you dissing Terminator except that you are the guy who doesn’t get Firefly
Comment by C Jones — June 27, 2008 @ 3:48 pm
I love Milla Jovovich.
Comment by Susan M — June 27, 2008 @ 4:21 pm
Note that the first two are among my all time favorite movies.
Comment by Clark — June 27, 2008 @ 5:05 pm
The West Wing declined dramatically during its last 3 seasons, but the first 4 were masterful. Some of the best television ever produced — writing, acting, character development, humor, sheer drama, captivation, you name it. It’s worth watching twice.
Comment by Scudworth — June 28, 2008 @ 11:16 am
I really liked the West Wing for the first few seasons.
Clark, which first two are you talking about?
Comment by Susan M — June 28, 2008 @ 12:31 pm
There is a Brit show called Life on Mars, which ran for a couple seasons. The spousal unit and I just finished watching both seasons (about 16 episdoes total), and I recommend it.
It’s a cop drama, with possible time travel, 1970s Manchester, and some touches of David Lynch. Meaning of it open to interpretation. Good stuff.
~
Comment by Thomas Parkin — June 28, 2008 @ 2:49 pm
Terminator and Terminator 2.
Comment by clark — June 29, 2008 @ 10:14 pm
wow, I’m kinda surprised no one has yet mentioned Babylon 5, but as far as DVD TV show watching, that one is phenomenal. My list includes:
Robotech (the original 80s cartoon)
Babylon 5
Alias
Lost
Buffy The Vampire Slayer
X-Files
Friends (my wife and I love that show)
PS: On a side topic, has anyone yet seen Wall-E and will anyone here write a review of it?
Comment by Dan — June 30, 2008 @ 8:10 am
One note on 24. I tried to get into it. I watched the first eight hours. I couldn’t anymore, because too much was happening, just simply too much. It would have been better for them to take it easier and build up to a few great minor payoffs and the grand finale payoff. But they tried too hard. Then of course, there is the issue of torture (don’t worry, no politics). I just can’t watch shows that use it. Alias turned me off in the later seasons for the amount of times they employed it on various characters. I didn’t care for the first scene that introduced our heroine to us. I gave the creators the benefit of the doubt, but the more they used it, the more they turned me off.
Comment by Dan — June 30, 2008 @ 8:15 am
One that hasn’t been mentioned that is one of the best shows ever in my opinion is:
Six Feet Under
Start to finish, was pretty stong, and had one of the best ending episodes ever.
Comment by Doug — June 30, 2008 @ 8:39 am
I found the first 12 episodes of 24 season 1 to be among the best on TV. There was a lull after that which was weak followed by about 8 more episodes that were amazingly solid.
Season 2 was very good if more uneven – mainly due to trying to have the daughter in the show. Most of the problems with the first few seasons can be traced to the daughter.
The remaining seasons got silly simply because they were constantly trying to top what went on before. There was always a bit of silliness but what happened to 24 reminded me of what happened to the James Bond franchise. The last season, despite some good episodes, was amazingly disappointing.
Comment by Clark Goble — June 30, 2008 @ 12:27 pm
The first season of 24 they were clearly trying to be able to have the series end nicely if they got canceled after 12 episodes. When they were a hit they then needed to complete the series, which required complicating things again. I think they did a pretty good job of this given the challenges they had.
As Clark said, most of the problems with the show (when I was watching it) can be traced to the daughter. They should have killed her off. Perhaps a tasty meal for that cougar. Killing her and keeping Jack’s (pregnant? memory fails) wife alive might have added some drama for future seasons.
Comment by a random John — June 30, 2008 @ 1:27 pm
I’m no fan of Jack’s daughter, but when Nina shoots his wife at the end of season 1, that was brilliant.
One of the cool things about 24 is that it does occassionally deliver some “Oh S#%t” moments.
Comment by Brian G — June 30, 2008 @ 2:00 pm
Brian G,
I agree it was brilliant in terms of Season 1. I just think that a dead daughter and a live wife and baby for season 2 and beyond would have been interesting.
Comment by a random John — June 30, 2008 @ 3:15 pm
Brian, the time they decided to let the nuke go off rather than Jack saving it or the time Jack had to shoot his boss and he didn’t stop things at the last moment were shockers.
Comment by clark — June 30, 2008 @ 5:19 pm
Yes. R.I.P. Ryan Chappele. I was surprised by that one.
Comment by Brian G — June 30, 2008 @ 9:54 pm
“Cheers.” My favorite comedy. So witty! Every episode is great. I thought it would suffer once Coach died or when Kirsty Alley came on, but it didn’t. And it launched Woody into fame, who I dig.
Comment by David J — July 1, 2008 @ 3:16 pm
Chapelle Show.
Every. Stinking. Episode. Why did he have to leave? Come back, Dave, come back!
Comment by peetie — July 4, 2008 @ 6:49 pm