Is it disingenuous to stop watching a TV show because you didn't like the first episode?

[William]

Surely it'll get good 20 episodes later, right?

 

[Testacles Maximus]

If it takes more than one episode to get good I’m out.

 

[Wine em Dine em 69 em]

I haven’t watched tv since 2015, but if I remember correctly, the first, or ‘pilot’ episode more often than not does suck, even for good series. I’d say it’s worth giving it 2 or 3 episodes at least before deciding if it’s garbage.

 

[MarvinTheParanoidAndroid]

I think a good rule of thumb is give it three episodes worth a chance. If it can't capture my interest or impress me after an hour then it's not worth it to keep going.

 

[Flatline]

A season is more revealing, assuming you weren't totally put off by the pilot. Many shows need the arc for build up and character development to get the wheels turning. Breaking Bad is a good example: The first season is a bore, but it sets everything up for a fantastic series.

If the first episode completely puts you off, then you can to drop the show. There are many more to try.

 

[MarvinTheParanoidAndroid]

A season is more revealing, assuming you weren't totally put off by the pilot.

If the first episode completely put you off, then it's fine to drop the show. There are plenty of (almost too many) shows to try.

I think I gave West World entirely too much of a chance, I spent the whole first season putting up with its disjointed storytelling and wannabe Ghost in the Shell tryhardism for an underwhelming twist ending.

 

[Aunt Carol]

(I don't think you mean "disingenuous.")

Actually answering the question, remember that you don't owe TV anything. If you hate a show, why waste your time?

My rule of thumb is that if I think I might like a show, I watch at least two or three episodes, because the first episode is often trying to gain its feet. Sometimes it takes a few more before I decide it's not for me, but if it feels like a slog, I'm out. If a friend with similar taste is adamant that it's worth it, I'll give a show longer than I might otherwise.

 

[Johnny Salami]

No. I believe in a 3 episode rule. Writers should know that it doesn't matter how good the ending is, it's your job to capture the audience as soon as possible

 

[Nick Obre]

There's shows that really pick up after the first episode, or even after a few, so you risk losing out on a late bloomer of sorts.

But if you actively disliked the first episode, not just "didn't like it" but "this was shit", then nothing wrong with dropping it on the spot.

 

[Alligator Alcatraz]

If the first episode is bad, stopping there is fair. That's what studios do, after all. They watch the pilot episode and if the pilot is bad, they refuse the continuation of that series. So yes, it's fair. First episodes have to pull viewers in.

I think I gave West World entirely too much of a chance, I spent the whole first season putting up with its disjointed storytelling and wannabe Ghost in the Shell tryhardism for an underwhelming twist ending.

The first season is the only good part of the West World tv show. If you watched the 1973 West World movie beforehand, it is more enjoyable, I think.

 

[Next Task]

Some of my favourite shows don't have a great pilot. I've found comedies in particular can take a few episodes to find their feet, where a show you love takes a bit to build their world and characters enough that the humour really clicks.

Of course, you don't owe them anything and if you want to stop watching for any reason that's your prerogative. And some people are really the sort to say, 'The first three seasons aren't good, but it eventually gets worthwhile,' as if wasting 60 hours before getting to the good stuff is reasonable.

But the number of good shows that require at least a little bit of a buy-in is, I think, bigger than those that immediately hook you.

 

[Moths]

Nah trust me bro it gets good and youll understand everything in the third season

 

[Flatline]

I think I gave West World entirely too much of a chance, I spent the whole first season putting up with its disjointed storytelling and wannabe Ghost in the Shell tryhardism for an underwhelming twist ending.

You saved yourself a lot of time and headaches because the show is four seasons in and hasn't improved. Yet, there are masochist, like me, who'll keep watching it to with some hope the mystery will be solved. Reminds me of LOST.