Many TV shows, especially ones with seasons that contain20 or more episodes, are bound to have filler episodes, which are designed to provide a “break” in the larger narrative. Often, filler episodes are used to allow audiences to spend more time with characters in low-stakes situations. The best filler episodes, in fact, expand on the world we’ve been tuning into all season long, so that, while nothing major really happens, time isn’t fully wasted.
Of course, not every TV show has filler episodes. There are many showrunners who create every episode with the end in mind and are deliberate with the screen time they’re given. With exemplary screenwriting and exhilarating performances, these intricate stories are some of the best to have graced television. Fermented into the hearts and bones of their respective audiences, these are twenty of the few television series without any filler episodes.
20Spartacus (2010-2013)
InSpartacus, the audience follows the complex lives of an enslaved population in Rome. Over three seasons, the sexual politics and violence present are more than just spectacle. These moments peel back the layers of this time period, presenting audiences with a fascinating epic that undoes the mythologization of the Roman people, despite the liberties it takes with Spartacus' story.
How Does It Avoid Filler Episodes?
The gratifying dialogue between characters set the stage for some of the most bewildering twists. Furthermore, the series never moves beyond the essence of the story.Spartacushas largely been perceived as a show that glamorizes the violence and sex present in Roman culture. However, it remains an exciting project that discusses human aspirations for freedom and self-determination in the face of tyranny, through the lens of an admirable underdog.Stream on Starz
19Lessons in Chemistry (2023)
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Lessons In Chemistrycenters around anawkward, yet compassionate scientist who attempts to navigate the worlds of professional science, media, and domesticity. Set in the 1960s, the series covers loss, love, faith, ambition. With Brie Larson, Lewis Pullman, Aja Naomi King, and Patrick Walker, the stellar performances bring life to the experiences written just a year ago and lived over five decades ago.
Lessons in Chemistryimmerses the audience in Elizabeth’s life over the span of a few years.Through nonlinear narratives, the series crafts its characters with love and consideration. Characters like Elizabeth (Larson), Calvin (Pullman), and Harriett (King) are bound together by a sense of love and justice. Navigating oppressive environments proves to be strenuous for them. Nonetheless, it is their shared compassion that keeps them afloat and allows them to evolve into better versions of themselves.Stream on AppleTV+
18Fargo (2014-Present)
Fargoweaves together comedy and crime into a dark yet mesmerizing anthology about a series of murders, heists, and quarrels between corporations. These conflicts throughout their respective seasons shine a light on broken family dynamics, the nuanced nature of crime, and the alluring, yet fatal, price of greed.
Characters like Malvo (Billy Bob Thornton), Gloria Burgle (Carrie Coon), and Dot Lyon (Juno Temple) may appear like familiar archetypes. However, in a matter of minutes, the suspense surrounding these characters helps deconstruct initial assumptions and offers viewers more rewarding adventures, climaxes, and conclusions. The strongly crafted stories and ensemble casts are more than enough to keep audiences engaged.Stream on Hulu
17Dexter (2006-2013)
Dexterstars Michael C. Hallas a morally complicated, forensic analyst with a traumatic past. Alongside his sister Debra Morgan (Jennifer Carpenter) and the Miami Police Department, Dexter solves grueling murder cases throughout the day, and when the police fail, the vigilante within strikes. Over the course of eight seasons, the show begs to answer whether Dexter kills to protect innocent lives, if he aspires to satisfy the bloodthirsty killer within, or both.
Dexter constantly struggles with prioritizing his sense of morality over his murderous habits. However, the show doesn’t hyperfixate on Dexter the serial killer. Instead, we walk alongside him during work, during his bloodier activities, and while he’s alone, reflecting on the harm he prevented or caused. Embedding imperative clues and chronicling Dexter’s changing perspectives, the series retains its unique charm while providing fans and critics with one of the best anti-heroes to grace the small screen.Stream on Paramount+
16One Punch Man (2015-2019)
One Punch Mantakes the story of Saitama (Makoto Furukawa) and translates the manga for a television audience. With an omnipotent punch at his disposal, Saitama fights villains on an episodic basis, but the series doesn’t hang in the balance of the familiar hero and villain tropes. Instead, Saitama, his allies, and his foes are dynamic, frequently displaying signs of personal struggles and eventual evolution.
The conflicts in the anime are exaggerated to both satirize the overpowered combat between rivals while also illustrating just how powerful Saitama is. Once he becomes associated with other heroes, the show also focuses on characters like Garou and Genos. Much like Saitama, their respective storylines advance the larger plot at hand. All in all,One Punch Manuses its admirable, well-written characters and accurate assessments of media consumption to create an intriguing comedy with a remarkably strong plot progression.Stream on Hulu
Related:20 Anime Series With No Filler Episodes
15My Hero Academia (2016-Present)
My Hero Academia anime series
My Hero Academiafollows Izuku “Deku” Midioriya (Daiki Yamashita), a powerless boy within a power-equipped population. Deku sets out to accomplish his dream of obtaining powers and soon studies under the tutelage of All-Might (Kenta Miyake), one of the most powerful heroes in the world. Throughout the series, their exciting adventures and difficult conversations make for one of the most engaging shows in recent memory.
Whether a particular episode focuses on the introduction of a new character, a secret plot underway, or pulls back from the action, the sequence of events never fails to tie back to the main plot. With each arc, the masterful storytelling dives into thecore of characterslike Deku, Shoto, and All Might, and moments of magical epiphanies blossom after bouts of tragedy. Be it a seemingly normal stroll through the city or an intense battle, it’s hard for prospective viewers not to grow invested in the plights and pursuits of the entertaining protagonists.Stream on Hulu
14Black Sails (2014-2017)
Black Sails
Black Sailsfollows Captain Flint (Toby Stephens) on his journey through the Caribbean. Marked by forbidden love, heated rivalries, and bloody battles, the series received positive reviews. Perfectly sitting within Starz’s niche of historical dramas,Black Sailssimilarly entertains audiences with exciting treasure hunts, and the harrowing yet enthralling threats of war.
Many fans of the series have advised prospective viewers to steer clear of skipping any episodes. The many faces of Captain Flint come to light and offer much to obsess over and dissect. Furthermore, portrayals of real-life pirates like Charles Vance (Zach McGowan) are particularly appreciated by loyal fans. With villains who are just as charismatic as the protagonists and a depth in understanding of nautical trade and conflicts about colonialism,Black Sailsintroduces tantalizing developments with each episode, making for a truly intriguing series.Stream on Starz
13Hunter x Hunter (2011-2014)
Following Gon (Megumi Han) and Killua (Mariya Ise) in the midst of bizarre adventures,Hunter x Hunteris nothing short of entertaining. While Gon aspires to be a Hunter in hopes of connecting with his father, Ging, Killua is motivated by far more chilling reasons. Nonetheless, their different walks of life don’t prevent them from being fairly good friends, and making new friends along the way. With peculiar characters and even more puzzling tasks down the road,Hunter x Hunteris a truly enjoyable viewing experience for the masses.
Hunter x Hunterdelivers on the promises first previewed by the premise. Emblematic facets of the story, like Gon and Killua’s friendship, the ruthless world of the Hunters, and concerning characters like Hisoka (Daisuke Namikawa) are nothing short of entertaining. Moreover, the preposterous antics and the chilling conflicts all contribute to the main plot, offering the protagonists a chance to evolve as they inch closer to their goals. With lovable heroes and amusing arcs, it’s quite difficult to tear your eyes away from the magic that isHunter x Hunter. It’s no wonder fans are clamoring for the anime tocome back for another season.Stream on Prime Video
12Hijack (2023)
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Hijackis a 2023 thriller starring Idris Elba, and follows a hijacked airplane leaving Dubai. Headed straight for the heart of London, the various passengers attempt to fight, negotiate, and trick their way into returning home safely. Over the seven-episode ordeal, initial assessments and riveting twists feed into a genuine interest in the answers.
Hijackattempts to humanize the characters on the plane, breaking down the nuances and enabling factors of the hijacking. The hijacking itself is treated like the emotionally scarring moment that it is, rather than just an action movie-like spectacle. By having the characters emotionally invested in their collective survival,Hijackasks the same of its audience, bringing viewers into the mayhem and fostering a sense of additional emotional investment.Stream on AppleTV+
11Silo (2023)
Silois a sci-fi thriller that finds humanity retreating to the ground after a cataclysmic event. After mysterious circumstances lead to the expulsion of a curious couple, the skeptical Juliette Nichols (Rebecca Ferguson) carries out an investigation of her own. Processing her personal trauma alongside mystifying clues, she soon learns that there is more than meets the eye concerning the history of her home and discovers what that entails.
Siloechoes themes of corruption, vigilantism, and existentialism. Further insight into Juliette’s background yields an entertaining blend of tragedy and compassion, producing the jaded yet commendable protagonist viewers fall in love with. As the friction between Juliette and the rest of the silo’s executive branch intensifies, new revelations threaten to shine a light on the cracks in the foundation before theexplosive season finale endingupends everything and leave fans waiting for answers stored in Season 2.Stream on AppleTV+
