Ya know that feeling – scrolling through Netflix / Prime Video / Disney+, see a new show that seems interesting, click on it… and within 15–20 minutes you’re already swiping to something else. You’re not alone. The “first‑episode commitment” is fast fading. Back when TV was scarce, pilot episodes used to carry the weight of hooking you; but now, with so much content, shorter attention spans, and “straight‑to‑series” shows, even pilots struggle to hold you.
In this post I dig into why that happens, what changed in the industry, and why – sometimes – maybe you should skip the pilot and give a show a few episodes before judging. Also: if you blog about this – and frame it right – you might find your own engagement going up again.
What’s a Pilot — And Why It Used to Matter
- A “pilot episode” refers to the first or test episode of a show, originally meant to prove the concept to studios or networks before committing to a full season.
- If the pilot was well received, the network would green‑light the series. Otherwise, the show may never happen or sometimes the pilot is re-shot before release.
- Historically, there was a “pilot season” (especially for network TV) a dedicated time when many pilots were produced, reviewed, and picked for season production.
What Changed: Why Pilots Are Losing Their Grip
- Streaming changed the game- With platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, etc., the concept of “pilot season” is largely dead. Streamers often commission shows “straight‑to‑series” meaning they skip the pilot-as-test model and commit to full seasons up front.
- Oversupply of content & shrinking attention spans-When thousands of shows are available across platforms, the idea of patiently watching a 40–60 minute pilot becomes old‑school. People scroll quickly, skip intros, have less patience. Many simply sample a few minutes, and if the vibe doesn’t hit – they drop.
What Should You Do Instead — If You Really Want to Give a Show a Shot
If you’re picking a new series now:
- Don’t judge a show on just 20 minutes. Give it 2–3 episodes (or 1–2 hours) before deciding – sometimes the show finds its rhythm later.
- Pick based on tone, creator, reviews not just the first episode. Shows from trusted creators or with good early-word-of-mouth may be worth the extra push.
- Try short-series / limited-series (mini-series) or shows with shorter episodes/seasons – easier to commit; less risk if you don’t like it.
- Be open to starting mid‑season if someone recommends a show, sometimes starting from episode 2–3 can feel better than slogging through a weak pilot.
A Few Recent English‑Language Series (2024–2025) Worth Skipping Pilot Judgement On
Here are some recent shows where the first episode may not reflect the actual strength of the series – good for binge‑test or “watch 2–3 episodes before deciding”:
- Adolescence (2025, Netflix) 4‑episode psychological crime‑drama; widely praised for writing, cinematography and performances.
- Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2024, Amazon Prime Video) a spy‑drama/dramedy with action and intrigue.
- Paradise (2025, Hulu) ensemble drama with mystery/twist; a good bet for those open to slow‑building stories.
Conclusion
The “first‑episode commitment” is dying – not because people don’t love stories anymore, but because our watching habits changed. With endless choice, time pressure, and a culture of instant gratification, the classic pilot often fails to hook us. If you want to watch a show or write about it – skip the judgment after 20 minutes. See if the world grows richer by episode 2, 3 or 4.
For you as a blogger: writing about this shift itself – rather than individual shows – might resonate more. A post like this, backed with examples and honest thoughts, can draw readers who’re tired of shallow “show‑recommendation” blogs. Could be the kind of writing that pushes your impressions past 2 k again.