I used to think the 'three episode rule' was a good idea, but now I think it's wrong

I always told people to watch three episodes of a new show before deciding to drop it. I saw it as a fair test. But after trying it with five different shows this season, I realized it's a bad rule. Some shows, like the new sci-fi one 'Stellar Drift', have a terrible first episode that doesn't represent the rest. Others, like that fantasy show 'Crown of Echoes', have a strong start but fall apart completely by episode six. It makes people waste time on bad shows and drop good ones too soon. How do you decide when to give up on a new anime?

2 comments

2 Comments

jake_reed1mo ago

Honestly I just check the staff list now. If a director or writer I trust is on it, I'll give it more time. If it's all new people, I'm out after one bad episode.

jasonmartin1mo ago

Totally get where you're coming from @jake_reed. I do the same thing but I also check if any of the producers have a good track record. Sometimes a fresh writer is paired with a solid producer who can steer the ship. Gives you a bit more hope before you ditch it completely.