Tried a 3 episode rule for a new sci fi show and gave up after 10 minutes

Everyone swears you need to give a show 3 episodes before deciding, but I bailed on Stranger Things season 4 after the first scene because the pacing felt like a 4 hour movie. Anyone else think the 3 episode rule is overrated for certain genres?

2 comments

2 Comments

zara_miller22d ago

The 3 episode rule works for shows that actually have a payoff, but with sci fi especially you can tell within 10 minutes if the worldbuilding is gonna be a slog. Stranger Things s4 started with that whole roller skating scene and it just screamed "we're stretching this out". Some genres like comedy or drama need time to find their rhythm, but sci fi either hooks you with the premise immediately or it's gonna be a chore. If the first scene has bad pacing or goofy dialogue, 3 episodes is just 3 times the pain lol.

eva24322d ago

My friend once tried that rule with a sci fi show, sat through three episodes waiting for it to get good, and by the end he still couldn't tell you what the plot was supposed to be about. Usually if the first scene has people explaining every gadget and spaceship rule for ten minutes straight, I know I'm out before the credits roll. Better to trust your gut and ditch a show early than waste an evening hoping it'll turn around.