An index of tropes regarding different episodes of any television series, or installments of any other kind of media series.

Also see {{Seasons}}. Not to be confused with [[{{Series/Episodes}} the British sitcom of the same name]].
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[[index]]
[floatboxright:
'''Also see:'''
* {{Crossover}}s
* EndingTropes ({{grand finale}}s)
* HolidayEpisode
* PilotEpisodeTropes
]
[[foldercontrol]]

[[folder:Character-centered episodes]]
Episodes focusing on specific character(s), or on their personality traits.
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* AgelessBirthdayEpisode: A character's birthday is celebrated, except [[NotAllowedToGrowUp without any visible increase in age]].
* BirthdayEpisode: Where a character's birthday is celebrated.
* TheBusCameBack: A long gone character comes back.
* CheerUpEpisode: One character is down in the dumps, and the other characters attempt to make them happier.
* DayInTheLife: An episode which follows the daily life and routines of a character.
* ADayInTheLimelight: A secondary character shifts into the narrative focus for one episode.
* EmbarrassmentPlot: A character deals with being embarrassed.
* FeudEpisode: Where two characters or more spend the episode arguing and fighting with each other over some petty dispute.
* GenderSeparatedEnsembleEpisode: The ensemble cast is split by gender for one episode, with their separate plots.
* GirlsNightOutEpisode: The female characters shift into exclusive spotlight for one episode. May be related to the above.
* HowDadMetMom: The backstory of how two parents first met.
* LowerDeckEpisode: Minor supporting characters shift into spotlight for one episode.
* NewBabyEpisode: A baby is born or adopted.
* NewSuperpower: A character who has new superpowers has to cope with his newfound ability, learn to control it, and come to terms with it.
* OneEpisodeFear: A character starts to have a fear in one episode and started facing it in the end.
* ObsessiveHobbyEpisode: A character becomes obsessed with something and must either give it up or learn moderation.
* OriginsEpisode: The origin of a previously introduced character is explained.
* VillainEpisode: The antagonist shifts into the spotlight as a temporary VillainProtagonist.
* WalkOnTheWildSideEpisode: The responsible character becomes wild and spontaneous.
* WelcomeEpisode: The POV character is introduced to an established character group.
* WhatDoTheyFearEpisode: The characters try to discover each other's deepest fears.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Contest/game/sport episodes]]
Episodes where the main cast participates in sports or other kinds of games and contests.
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* BaseballEpisode: The characters train for and participate in a baseball game.
* BowlingForRatings: The characters go bowling or join a bowling league.
* TheBoxingEpisode: The characters train for, participate in, or attend a boxing match.
* EvasiveFightThreadEpisode: The characters compete in some discipline but the outcome is never revealed.
* FishingEpisode: The characters go fishing of course.
* JarOfJellybeansContest: The characters guess, measure or count for a contest to determine how much of something is in a container.
* MiniGolfEpisode: The characters visit a mini-golf course- competition ensues.
* TheOlympics: The characters partake in the Olympics, whether a local version or the real deal.
* PaintballEpisode: The characters train for and participate in a paintball game.
* PetContestEpisode: The characters train their pets to participate in a pet contest.
* RPGEpisode: The characters play a role-playing game for most of the episode.
* TownContestEpisode: The characters participate in a town-wide contest in some discipline.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Genre shift episodes]]
The show switches genres for one episode, but keeps the main cast.
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* AlternateRealityEpisode: The actors play different characters in an AlternateUniverse.
* AnimatedEpisode: A medium shift rather than a genre shift. An entire episode of a live-action show is animated.
* BeanstalkParody: An episode that parodies the story of ''Literature/JackAndTheBeanstalk''.
* CowboyEpisode: An episode which has a plot and setting styled after TheWestern (or related sub-genres, like NewOldWest or SpaceWestern).
* FairyTaleEpisode: The characters reenact a ([[FracturedFairyTale parody]] of a) famous FairyTale.
* HeistEpisode: A [[TheCaper caper]]-style episode where the characters have to plan a robbery.
* MusicalEpisode: The characters all have to [[TheMusical sing and dance in musical numbers]] throughout the episode.
* MysteryEpisode: An episode where the characters try to solve a crime or another mystery.
* NoirEpisode: An episode shot in the style of ''{{film noir}}''. [[DeliberatelyMonochrome Black-and-white visuals]] and [[CharacterNarrator first-person narrations]] are usually mandatory.
* ParodyEpisode: A comedic episode that spoofs some other work or genre.
* PirateEpisode: The characters act like (or become) {{pirates}} in this episode.
* RhymingEpisode: The characters are cast in a story where they rhyme all the time.
* SitcomHomageEpisode: An episode which spoofs a classic {{sitcom}} show.
* StorybookEpisode: The characters are cast as fairy tale archetypes.
* SuperheroEpisode: The characters gain [[StockSuperpowers superpowers]] (or at least flashy {{superhero}} costumes) and fight crime.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Illness episodes]]
Episodes where members of the main cast fall ill or are injured.
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* AmnesiaEpisode: Someone loses their memory. {{Hilarity|Ensues}} may or may not ensue.
* ChickenpoxEpisode: A character gets the chickenpox.
* ContaminationSituation: Characters are exposed to a potentially deadly pathogen that infects them.
* TheDentistEpisode: A character has to visit the dentist.
* TheFatEpisode: A character [[TemporaryBulkChange suddenly gains (and soon loses) weight]] for an episode.
* FeverDreamEpisode: A character is sick and has bad trips the entire episode.
* FleaEpisode: A character has fleas. Itchiness ensues.
* InjuredLimbEpisode: A character injures their limb.
* InsomniaEpisode: A character is unable to sleep for unknown reasons for one episode.
* LiceEpisode: An episode features people getting lice.
* LooseToothEpisode: A character, usually a young child, has a loose tooth.
* LostVoicePlot: A character loses their voice (whether by disease, magic, or just straining it), and they must get it back.
* PlagueEpisode: Several characters catch a disease one by one.
* RupturedAppendix: A character develops appendicitis and, usually, requires emergency surgery.
* SickEpisode: One or more characters fall ill and the others tend to them.
* SingleEpisodeHandicap: A character is handicapped for an episode.
* TheTonsillitisEpisode: A character has tonsillitis.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:(Non-)continuity episodes]]
Episodes important (or completely irrelevant) to the show's overall continuity.
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* AstralFinale: When the series finale is also a SpaceEpisode.
* BizarroEpisode: Episode without any connection to the prior or following continuity.
* BreatherEpisode: Light-hearted episode wedged in-between emotionally taxing ones.
* {{Crossover}}: Episode that mixes in characters and settings from another series.
* CrossoverFinale: When the [[GrandFinale final episode]] is also a {{crossover}} with another show.
* DenouementEpisode: Series finale episode that cleans up loose ends after the main story arc is concluded.
* FailedPilotEpisode: An index for pilots that were never made into full shows.
* {{Filler}}: A standalone episode produced solely to postpone advancing the main story arc. Adaptations may use it to avoid [[OvertookTheManga running out of source material]].
* GrandFinale: The epicly definitive conclusion of a whole series.
* InnocuouslyImportantEpisode: Episode that subtly sets up the future story arc.
* KillerFinale: One or more main character(s) die in the final episode.
* MidSeasonTwist: A WhamEpisode that happens midway through the season.
* NonIndicativeFirstEpisode: First episode whose contents don't reflect the rest of the show adequately.
* TheOneWhereEveryoneDies: An episode where most or all of the characters die, but the deaths are undone by the end.
* {{Pilot}}: An episode or short film made to launch a new series; a prototype of a series {{premiere}}.
* PoorlyDisguisedPilot: An episode introducing new characters or a storyline for a potential SpinOff series.
* {{Premiere}}: The first official episode of a series, which may or may not overlap with the {{pilot}} episode.
* RecapByAudit: The aftermath of an event reveals or sums up what happened.
* RecapEpisode: Episode that sums up previous story developments.
* SeasonFinale: The last episode of a season, and (usually) of a seasonal story arc.
* SequelEpisode: Episode that continues the storyline of a much earlier one.
* SeriesFauxnale: Episode produced as a grand finale for the series that didn't end after it.
* StandaloneEpisode: Episode that can be enjoyed without any prior knowledge of the series.
* StockSeriesFinales: Common plots often used in final episodes of shows.
* StockSitcomGrandFinale: Common plots for ending a {{sitcom}} series.
* SynchronousEpisodes: Several consecutively broadcast episodes take place at the same time in-story.
* UnexpectedlyDarkEpisode: Episode that is dark for a light-hearted show, but doesn't leave an impact on the show.
* VacationCrossover: A {{crossover}} episode where characters meet because one or both parties are on vacation; otherwise, the run-in is unlikely due to them living in vastly different places.
* VerySpecialEpisode: Episode in an otherwise lighthearted series in which the characters deal with serious real-life issues.
* WeddingFinale: When the series finale is also a WeddingEpisode, often featuring one of the protagonists marrying their love interest.
* WhamEpisode: Episode produced to surprise or shock the viewers.
* WholeEpisodeFlashback: Episode consisting mainly of one long {{flashback}} to past events.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Production trivia episodes]]
Episodes notable for unusual format or production details.
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* BannedEpisode: An episode that was removed from the air, whether by the TV networks or [[BannedInChina national censors]].
* BonusEpisode: Episode that never aired but was added to the retail version.
* BottleEpisode: Low-budget episode to preserve production expenses for later.
* ClipShow: Episode (usually a form of RecapEpisode) that is largely made up of actual clips from earlier episodes.
* EpisodeZeroTheBeginning: Episode with a zero in the title to show it's a prequel.
* ExtraLongEpisode: Episode that is longer than usual for the show, season, or format.
* InMemoriam: Episode dedicated to a person who passed away recently in real life.
* LiveEpisode: Episode that is shot and broadcast in real time.
* MissingEpisode: An episode which is missing from most broadcasts and retail versions.
* TheMovie: A feature film directly based on a TV series, which is basically an extra-long special episode for that show.
* MultiPartEpisode: Episode split into several parts for broadcast.
* NoDialogueEpisode: Episode without any spoken lines.
* OneParagraphChapter: A chapter with only one paragraph.
* ThreeDimensionalEpisode: Episode produced to be watched with 3-D glasses on.
* TitleDropChapter: A chapter that [[TitleDrop drops the title]] of the overall work.
* UnfinishedEpisode: An episode that never gets finished or made.
* UnInstallment: The series skips a number in its episode/installment progression.
* VignetteEpisode: Episode composed of several vignettes.
* {{Webisode}}: Episode only available on the internet.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Significant date episodes]]
Episodes that revolve around what the characters do (or not) to celebrate culturally significant dates, especially holidays.
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* AprilFoolsPlot: It's AprilFoolsDay, and everyone is having fun with hoaxes, jokes, and pranks.
* ChristmasEpisode: It's {{UsefulNotes/Christmas}}, and everyone is having fun in the name of {{Santa|Claus}} and/or {{UsefulNotes/Jesus}}. May feature YetAnotherChristmasCarol.
* EarthDayEpisode: The cast celebrates Earth Day.
* EasterEpisode: It's Easter, and the cast is celebrating by having egg hunts.
* ElectionDayEpisode: It's an election day, and everyone is voting for their preferred candidates in a campaign for (political) office.
* FestivalEpisode: It's festival season, and the Japanese are having fun.
* FoundingDay: It's the anniversary of when our homeland was founded, and everyone's celebrating with a patriotic mood.
* HalloweenEpisode: It's {{UsefulNotes/Halloween}}, and everybody is partying or trick-or-treating in costumes. But there's always something spookier happening...
* HanukkahEpisode: It's Hanukkah, and the Jews are having fun.
* NewYearHasCome: The current calendar year is ending, and another new one is beginning. Time for some fireworks!
* OutOfHolidayEpisode: It's a significant date episode, but transmitted well beyond the appropriate holiday season.
* StPatricksDayEpisode: It's St. Patrick's Day, and everyone's partying while acting as stereotypically Irish as they can (regardless of actual ethnic heritage).
* ThanksgivingEpisode: It's Thanksgiving Day, and all the relatives are arguing over the dinner table.
* ValentinesDayEpisode: It's Valentine's Day, and everybody is feeling lovesick (even if they're single).
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Unusual activity episodes]]
Episodes where members of the main cast engage in unusual (for them) activities.
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* AmateurFilmMakingPlot: The cast takes up amateur film-making.
* BalletEpisode: One or more characters either try their hand at ballet or [[AtTheOperaTonight go to the ballet]].
* DoorToDoorEpisode: The characters go on a fundraising drive.
* DressUpEpisode: The modern protagonists of the work in question suddenly and inexplicably need to dress as if it's the [[GorgeousPeriodDress Victorian Era]].
* EpisodeTagline: A particular line is said a lot during an episode.
* FirefightingEpisode: A character or the entire cast join the fire department for an episode.
* FirstDayOfSchoolEpisode: A character starts to attend a new year of school.
* FundraiserCarnival: The characters organize a fundraiser carnival.
* GuinnessEpisode: The characters attempt to break a world record (or several); usually, HilarityEnsues.
* LastDayOfSchoolPlot: A character attends the last day of their school year.
* LibraryEpisode: Characters go to the library.
* ProWrestlingEpisode: The characters train for, participate in, or attend a wrestling match.
* SchoolPlay: The characters prepare for and/or perform a play for class.
* WeddingEpisode: The characters attend a wedding.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Unusual location episodes]]
Episode where the main cast goes to places they don't usually hang out at.
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* BarbershopEpisode: An episode where the characters go to the barbershop to get a haircut and/or shave.
* BeachEpisode: The characters go to a beach.
* BootCampEpisode: The characters receive military training.
* CampingEpisode: The characters go camping.
* CasinoEpisode: The characters go to a casino.
* CircusEpisode: The characters get involved with a circus for an episode.
* ConcertEpisode: The characters see a (usually rock) concert together.
* CourtroomEpisode: The characters are involved in a court case.
* CruiseEpisode: The characters go on a cruise.
* DetentionEpisode: The characters go to a detention room in school.
* EpisodeOnAPlane: The characters take a plane to somewhere and spend most of the episode on board.
* GroceryStoreEpisode: The characters go shopping for food and other goods.
* HotSpringsEpisode: The characters go to the hot springs.
* MovieTheaterEpisode: The characters go watch a [[ShowWithinAShow film]] at the local cinema.
* PicnicEpisode: The characters go on a picnic.
* PrisonEpisode: The characters go to prison.
* RealWorldEpisode: The characters come from their fictional world to the "real" one for an episode.
* RoadTripPlot: The characters go on a road trip. AKA "Road Trip Episode".
* TheShowGoesHollywood: The characters go to Hollywood.
* SkiResortEpisode: The characters go to a ski resort.
* SpaceEpisode: The characters go to outer space.
* TripToTheMoonPlot: The characters go to the moon.
* VacationEpisode: The characters go on a vacation.
* VivaLasVegas: The characters go to Vegas for an episode.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Unusual situation episodes]]
Episodes where the main cast is placed into unusual situations.
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* AlienEpisode: The characters encounter extraterrestrial beings visiting Earth, who may be either [[AliensAreBastards hostile]] or [[InnocentAliens friendly]].
* BabyMorphEpisode: One or more characters is transformed into a baby and the others must take care of them.
* BabysittingEpisode: The characters have to babysit some kid.
* BigDisasterPlot: The characters are involved in or have to deal with a major disaster.
* BigStormEpisode: There's a big storm. The characters have to work around it.
* BrokeEpisode: The characters are broke and must make ends meet somehow.
* CryptidEpisode: The characters go and search for some kind of mysterious mythical creature.
* DietEpisode: The characters start dieting for one episode.
* DocumentaryEpisode: A journalist makes a documentary about the characters and their occupation.
* DreamEpisode: A character experiences weird dreams while sleeping.
* DrivingTest: The character takes their tests to earn their driver's licence.
* EpisodeOfTheDead: The characters struggle to defend themselves against a temporary ZombieApocalypse.
* EveryoneIsGoneEpisode: One character must deal with the rest of the cast being missing.
* GlitchEpisode: A robot or other machine goes haywire for an episode.
* LemonadeStandPlot: One or more characters starts their own lemonade stand.
* NewJobEpisode: A character changes jobs for an episode.
* ParanormalEpisode: The characters find themselves dealing with a (seemingly) paranormal/supernatural situation, when they live in an otherwise mundane setting.
* ParentsForADay: The characters raise a baby who leaves by the end of the episode.
* PestEpisode: The characters have a mouse, rat, or other pest in their house and spend most of the episode trying to catch it.
* PowerOutagePlot: The electricity stops working.
* RearWindowHomage: A character forced to sit around in their bedroom ends up recreating the plot of Creator/AlfredHitchcock's ''Film/RearWindow''.
* RestaurantOwningEpisode: A character operates an eatery for an episode.
* SecondEpisodeMorning: A character has to deal with the strange events that happened in the first episode.
* SocietyOnEdgeEpisode: The characters have to deal with how volatile and unstable the setting has recently become.
* StrikeEpisode: The characters go on strike at their job.
* StuckAtTheAirportPlot: The airport is SnowedIn and the flight's been cancelled. Or was it some kind of terrorist attack?
* SuperpowersForADay: A {{muggle|s}} gets superpowers temporarily.
* SuperstitionEpisode: A character does something considered unlucky and has bad luck for the rest of the episode.
* TimeTravelEpisode: The characters [[TimeTravel go back and/or forth through time]].
* ToiletTrainingPlot: The characters attempt to toilet-train another character (usually a small child).
* TortureChamberEpisode: A character spends the episode being tortured.
* TreasureHuntEpisode: The characters look for treasure.
* VampireEpisode: The characters encounter [[OurVampiresAreDifferent bloodsucking monsters]], and must be careful not to get bitten and infected with vampirism.
* VegetarianForADay: Characters go vegetarian for the episode and then go back to their normal eating habits by the end.
[[/folder]]

[[/index]]
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