Didn’t know there was such a rule. I really do just binge the shit outta anime (thank you, Crunchyroll for simultaneously ruining and making my life better)
i'm a pretty good judge of what i'm most likely to like so when i watch a new series (new to me. most of the series i watch are stuff that have been around for a good while but i'm only now getting to them) i normally watch the first ep and judge it based on if that first ep seemed like something i'd like. that said,i HAVE had rare times when i watched more of a series (even a whole season) before deciding that i didn't actually like it all that much and stopped (such as with soul eater where i tried to watch the series,but couldn't get over the fact that witches are just straight up killed on site and how fucked up that is) but i'm normally in it for the long haul. there are also series like naruto and dragonball that i don't keep up with the series (because DAMN they are long) but i try to keep up to date on important events within them.
I'd never HEARD about the 3 episode rule but ended up developing it myself. I can distinctly remember when the rule crystalized for me too: My Hero Academia episode 3 - I distinctly remember thinking "you really do need to give an anime 3 episodes"
Great job on this video, super fascinating. I was giving the 3 episode rule a lot of thought at the start of this season. I stick with too many crappy shows to the end and wanted to prune my watching better. I decided to stick to it this season and was able to drop some shows. If the plot, characters, animation just don't grab me after 3 episodes its gotta go. I can't rely on Reddit karma charts for example. If I miss a a gem that season, it will come up in discussion after the season is over.
I generally go by a 5-episode rule - if an anime does not have me hooked by the 5th episode, I drop it. The only exception I ever made was for Stein's Gate. I wanted to drop it after 5 episodes, but my brother told me to stick with it and it was painful until the half-way mark of the series.
@@alainchristian I was in graduate school at the time, but really, I only sample 2 or 3 new series a season so it isn't really much if they are coming out weekly. I am not binge watching shows. With Stein's Gate, the entire series was already out and it is only like 26 episodes or something like that so it isn't a huge time investment. Not my proudest moment, but I started watching One Piece in February 2018 and then caught up to the Luffy vs. Katakuri fight during the Whole Cake Island arc by the second week of December 2018. I skipped all of the filler and clip show recap episodes.
Usually by episode 3 I know whether or not I'll like the rest. I have dropped shows sooner, early as 6 minutes in. Of course some shows aren't that straight forward, Princess Tutu comes to mind.
The first three episodes of Princess Tutu still establish the over all tone, the meta-aspects and the characters. They don't go as hard with the plot twists but I'd say the basic appeal of the show is in there.
I think Tanya the Evil is a good example of something you should give three episodes. It's extremely good, but the first episode kind of just throws you into the mix and leaves you a little lost on who the characters are and who they're fighting, and it isn't until the second episode that it backtracks and sets up the plot.
His demon slayer example is why I give every show I’m bold enough to start more of a 24-26 episode watch. I’ve found that a lot of shows have some strong hooks further out in the story. That’s not to say the rest of the beginning is boring. Maybe it’s age, but I generally enjoy most shows once I’ve watched enough of them. It usually boils down to wether or not I’ve spent the time to engage in the story and/or character along with their worlds.
I just found out about anime awards this year, I just learned about Tim this year…. And I was instantly obsessed with this beautiful ass man and his fly ass hair. I’m obsessed
I feel this generally extends to any nerd culture stuff. I had always heard about this concept for comic books. A normal comic book arc is 3 issues in length. Issue 1 is introduction, issue 2 is the bridge, issue 3 is the climax.
The rule of 3 is definitely a thing, though I believe it's a combination of the definitions you mentioned; 3 episodes to hook you in and get you to the episode that keeps you coming back. It took me 3 tried to get into my favourite anime, and after episode 3 I was hooked. :D
I use the 3 episode rule for all TV/Streaming shows. I use the 5 issue rule for comics. It has to be really, really bad to not get 3 episodes or a full arc.
The best and most binge-worthy? Glad you asked. Gintama. Hozuki. Exactly the same as Deidara and Sasori. Art of the moment vs art for the ages. Incredible minds behind both masterworks. (And from the Dark Side of the Force (AKA not streaming on Crunchyroll) Level E. Samurai Champloo, Michiko and Hachin (Manglobe hit dai pachinko with those), House of Five Leaves, and, especially, Hyouge Mono. Any of these wonderful artworks is binge-worthy, in my humble opinion.
First time I ever heard of this rule was when I was the club president of my highschool's anime club. I got a list of recommendations from members on anime to show in the club (since we did that sometimes) and there was one in particular I really wanted to like. Don't remember the name. But I watched 7 episodes because the synopsis made it sound great and episode one was really interesting. But episodes 2-7 were expository world building and as a result incredibly dull. Mentioned it to a friend in the club to get their opinion on if I should show just that first episode or the first two, maybe it was just me, if I should bother finishing it. He told me about the 3 episode rule, though his main logic was "when we went and watched episodes past years, did we ever watch more than 3 episodes anyway?" So... yeah, dropped that series, and actually sort of stuck with that rule outside of anime as well. 3 episodes of a non-anime show before I decide if I like it. But even then its not a hard set rule, I've had some series where episode 1 I knew I wouldn't like it (with anime, episode 1 ended up being too gory for me, making me nauseous even, so clearly not worth a second episode, and some shows that have hour long episodes... Well, if an hour long pilot is boring, there's a problem). But still, overall useful as a way of cutting myself off so I don't force myself to watch too much of a series I wasn't enjoying, since doing that was killing my enjoyment of anime in general.
Aspects like tone, characterization, shot composition, pacing, etc. are much more important than if a show has revealed its twist or something. Drop it like a hot potato if it sucks. I don't have time for the 3-ep-rule nowadays anyways tho.
I always do the 3 Episode rule when it comes to shows weither it's Anime, cartoons or TV shows to see if I like it or not then I just go from there, sometimes I do a 5 Episode rule though that's rare
I will usually give a show 3 episodes to hook me. With that said, there have been numerous time when a show (that has 23+ episodes) doesn't seem to hit its stride until after the 5th episode, causing me to binge watch it as quickly as possible. Also, filler episodes/arcs are enough to lose me as a viewer sometimes.
I have followed this rule, but never knew it was a rule that many in the community followed. I thought I just came up with it one day and just stuck with it. Good to know.
I'd personally believe the batch rules for several shows, going back and looking at several anime teasers it's definitely something I noticed randomly somewhat. Not *every* show does that, but I can see that
yeah, im almost finished with like 3 different Gundam series, that i started like 2 weeks ago. im almost ashamed of myself, its so hard not too though with pretty much unlimited anime with little/no ads for only $10.00 a month _ Evangelion not incuded
Some shows are story heavy and take their time to reveal the plot while others tell you what they're all about on the first episode. Once you watch a lot of anime though you start predicting the direction shows will go before they actually hint at it by noticing tropes and story patterns for those genres
I've known of this for quite some time, but I've never really used it since I wait until a show is done and then binge it. Watching/reading reviews and being somewhat picky with what I choose to watch helps when it comes to avoiding shows that may end up boring me. All of that's true, but with the amount of anime that's out there to watch, even if I have ways to get around watching boring shows, they won't always click with me. I'm thinking that I should drop shows if they don't grab my attention within 3-5 episodes, but at the same time, it's possible that I could end up missing out on a show that simply takes time to get good.
The 3 episode rule kicked in for Angel Beats and it's my favorite isekai. However, for long arcs in One Piece, I grinded through episodes because I know Oda's style of writing is about building tensity and expectations
When I was actively watching new anime as it came out, I started using the three-episode rule. I'd list the shows that sounded like they might be interesting, and would jot down a checkmark after watching an episode. If I made it to three, as some shows don't deserve that much attention, I'd ross off the show's name if I wasn't interested, or the checks to make sure I kept checking the show out (if its title in Japanese wasn't easy to remember).
Dr. Stone broke the 3episode rule to pieces! I knew by the end of the first ep it wasn't for me, but I watched ep 2 anyway and I was right. 😁 It's people seem to like it so it's popular, but to me it's hot garbage, so I stopped watching.
I agree with this. But only for the type of shows I like to watch. If its a mech anime I tend to not watch them at all cause its just not my style. but if its something I like to watch, Id rather have the start, middle, and end to judge if its good or not lol. But i think whats being said here is like., Even if you don't have an opinion on it... if you just don't watch the show cause its not what you thought it was in the first few epsiodes. Then you drop it and forget about it.
@@OmnieStar I'm the other way around. I use the three episode rule for anime within my preferred genres, but wait for shows to end and read/watch reviews for shows outside my ken.
Same.. but I want to change it into this 3 episodes rule cause I feel like I don't want to miss good animes I would like but didn't watch based on reviews-
I'm a strong believer that you can generally tell if a show is good for you within a single episode. I wouldn't waste my time watching two additional episodes of something I wasn't enjoying. There are exceptions, and even when those exceptions happen three episodes won't generally cut it. My recent example is Attack on Titan. I dropped Attack on Titan in one episode because I hated Eren and it didn't feel like the characters were going to shine. Given all the excitement about it I gave it a second chance and got ten episodes in before dropping it again because I didn't care about any of the characters. Far more than three episodes and my initial read of the show on episode one was dead on. It wasn't until I gave the show a third time, once again in response to the hype on the show (and picked up where I left off instead of trying to get through those opening episodes again) that I finally got past the first story arc and experienced the tone shift the series goes through at that point. Now I love Attack on Titan, but it didn't take three episodes to realize I was wrong, and in fact I don't think I was wrong. If Attack on Titan had continued to be the show it was during the training and initial attack that made up the first thirteen or fourteen episodes I wouldn't have liked the series. You can usually make that read on a single episode unless the show has a massive tone shift part way in, and if it does that's usually way more than three episodes down the line.
didn't used to be a thing, I remember when first getting into anime 13+ years ago it wasn't uncommon to recommend an anime to someone and be like you gotta invest 10+ episodes to get into it. Like bleach until soul society arc, yu yu hakusho and the tournament arc, naruto and zabuza, one piece i wasn't into for at least 20+ episodes. I'm sure some of you were hooked from episode 1 though but its a lot more common on todays anime to hook you in from the start.
While the 3 episode rule is generalized, I will usually use it UNLESS 1- You've read the manga and you KNOW it's going to be good/worth the wait. 2- It's a short anime where there's not much left to go through, usually the 12-13 episode shows/seasons where it probably gets good half way so you wouldn't get there after just 3. 3- It's a long anime BUT everyone loves it and the best parts are much later so you go past 3 to get caught up to it (One Piece, Keroro Gunso, etc). Personally, for Vinland Saga I would have left after episode 3 BUT it was finally worth it to me after episode 10. Alternatively, Soul Eater NOT was so bad that I had to drop it after episode 6. I should have left after if not before episode 3 and rarely ever drop shows so that 3 rule would've helped. Demon Slayer picked up by episode 3 onwards which is DEFINITELY worth the full watch!
Never heard of this rule before and never practised it if I decide to watch an anime I'll just power through which is why I do a bit of research and get recommendations before diving in
I'm a firm believer that a good show needs to be able to hook me from episode 1. Even if it needs 3 episodes or more to fully explain it's premise or to get to the main story, it needs to do something before then to grab my attention and to keep me wanting more (Steins;Gate, Madoka Magica and Violet Evergarden are excelent examples this done right imo). And that graph seems to suggest a lot of people agree with me, since viewer "droppage" after 1 episode is by far the highest.
i actually just did this because. i never thought of it as a rule but it has never happen to me if i don't like something by episode 3, to watch more and like it later. i have some shows where i watched 6-10 episodes where i knew after episode 3 that i don't really like it but i thought the premiss is interesting enough to watch more and hope it gets better. its probably something in the direction of that 3 episode are enough time to show the writing stile of the anime and no matter the plot if you don't like how its executed you won't like it.
I more or less follow it though I usually give it about 4 for series around 20+ episodes in length. Also a first episode is still important. If the first episode doesn't interest me enough I'll drop it and maybe come back to it after its finished and there are more finalized scores as well as review available. I've found a general guideline of 1 episode of anything that seems remotely interesting from it synopsis or even just the poster art or a particular production studio or staff or actor associated with it. Then if the first episode at the least doesn't bore, disappoint, or in some cases disgust, then I will (usually) follow out to 3 or 4 episodes before being mostly committed to finishing the series. OF course there are exceptions. Some first episode are really great or bad but turn out to be a poor representation and the 2nd episode show more of the true colors. Also some series will then proceed to drag on and shift in tone after the first 3-4 and become unbearable to watch despite a strong opening. There are also show like Gurren Lagann which has a very poor 3rd episode that nearly caused me to never finish the series, but I soldiered through as experienced one of the top anime in existence. So yeah. The 3 episode rule is a thing and should be considered to some degree for most fans who consume more than a occasional casual amount of the medium.
Knew about the rule yet I prefer to read the synopsis of the work first then watch ep.1 if appeals to me. Usually by the 1st ep I can tell if I like the art style, voice acting and basic quirks the series offers. These aspects matter as much as the narrative imo. Once that first episode is over I usually have a good understanding if I want more or not.
Seeing the word "Rule" and the number 3 made me think of something else for a second 😏. This the first time I'm hearing about the 3 episode rule though. I usually just switch to the most popular list and just work my way down. Nice vid, I just learned something.
I tend to apply the three episode rule on shows that look good on paper (good synopsis, good author, good director, famous source material, etc) but seem to struggle on its first episode. But if the show feels too boring to me in the first episode I disregard that and drop immediately (like the recent Combatants will be dispatched)
I think the rule 3 works especially well for seasonals, while long running shows probably have a different set of rules. (I.e any long running shounen show) Like black clover was alright to episode 20ish, but i was hooked around 40 and in for the long run around 60 or so
I think for a lot of people for a show to get even a first watch is doing good. I rarely watch a show without knowing something about it beforehand, like seeing a clip in one of those 10 minute compellation videos. I've only had one show that I couldn't even finish watching the first episode.
Sometimes the 3 episode rule can work, but not for something like Attack on Titan. As that picks up its stride past 3. I’d say that 3 episodes is a gauge on if it’ll retain viewership by the person. Factors like: Word of mouth- long running fans seal of approval that it is good to give the college try to watch it longer. Or the Hook- a part within the 3 episodes that draw in attention. It can be as simple as: wanting to continue the adventure, exploring the world building, or being enamored or simping so hard for a character that they’re the soul reason for watching. An unusual case: peer pressure, sure you may not like it or not like a certain element, but if it can allow you to spend time with your friends, then so be it. But I think another one, which is rare- to be a Critic. To be the one to analyze the series, realize it’s flaws and strengths, how things can be fixed. Or maybe offer enlightenment to those who might be curious (just don’t be a gate, that is being RUDE). Maybe enjoy when it’s good and roll the eyes when it’s BAD. There are hundreds of reasons. But yeah, go with the gut. Enjoy what you want to watch. Now I’ll head back to the Digimon remake.
I used the off season rule it works better for me as anime watcher. If I see one guy 3 plus girls on the thumbnail or cover I basically know what it's going to have in it. I'll come back to it in the time when most action anime is on break. Art and if it is over the top has an affect on if I'm staying lol.
This feels like a GameTheory style video and a good one too. I loke these anime myths about stuff like this. Lime actual anime "rules" it would be cool to see stuff like this more generalized anime rules and the takes. This is pretty cool ^_^
In my adult life, I now only have time to use the "1 trailer, 1 synopsis" ..."rule" before deciding whether or not to put it into the "To watch" list, that I've not started watching on since 2011.
I do follow the three episode rule but usually I'll be decided by first episode depending on how much worldbuilding they can squeeze in and if it is intriguing enough to keep my attention even if the characters, writing or direction doesn't feel that interesting. The 2018 series Between the Sky and Sea blew it on every count for me and I stopped watching halfway through episode three. The concept was just too bizarre as if it was created by someone on an LSD trip. KanColle was middle ground for me. Interesting concept and characters, but the worldbuilding left too many unanswered questions as to how things got to where they were and how things worked (still finished the series though). Fire Force and Gate were near perfect for me. Just enough worldbuilding early on and the story and characters kept me interested enough to see the series all the way through to continue to be rewarded with more worldbuilding (as a light novel fan and wannabe writer myself, I'm addicted to worldbuilding in case you haven't realized by now).
I've been using the 3 Episode Rule for years. It allows me to figure out what type of setting, tone and narrative I'm getting. Sometimes however, there are exceptions: Attack on Titan. I've attempted to watch it over the years but just now got into it. This leads me to believe that your current state of consuming content does play a huge role in the 3 Episode Rule. If you aren't mentally or emotionally ready or aligned with the content you are consuming...it'll be passed over. If you come back to it somewhere down the line (Like myself with AoT) you'll find you are actually able to align yourself with the content.
This was very interesting to watch. I didn't know there was a 3 episode rule. I know I personally try to give a show until episode 5 before I drop it though.
So what’s an anime that was bad it’s first three episodes but was ultimately a great anime by the end? I can’t think of anything because the first 3 matter that much.
I use the 3 episode rule for all my shows not just anime. I used it with the second season of The Mandalorian after the third episode of season two I found myself bored with the series and ended up dropping it.
I use this rule often, though if it's a longer than average show, like Black Clover, Bleach, etc., I might give it a few more episodes before deciding if it's a show worth my time.
I don't necessarily follow the rule for every anime, but when I happen to find a show that doesn't fully convince me on the first 1 or 2 episodes, I'll at leat give it until episode 3 to have a better idea of what it's about and decide wether to drop it or not, with very few exceptions where the main character was so annoying I didn't even get to the half of the first one. And I would say the rule may not apply so much for some genres, such as slice of life or comedy, that follow short episodic stories that focus more on the characters' peculiarities or the atmosphere and setting, rather than on longer stories and relationships/challenges that may be fleshed out over multiple episodes.
I'm old... in my 40's... i've been watching anime since.. ugh... it was expensive... And I have always used the 1/3 rule... how long is the first season? 10 episodes? Watch the first 3 episodes. 24 episodes? Watch the first 8. This gives me time to be sure exposition, world building and character introductions are "mostly" done, then making a decision... because buying anime on videotape was expensive and I wanted to be sure if I liked/disliked a show
For me it's a mix of all three definitions. I need to see how the anime "works" and feels before I make my decision to watch or to drop. For example I once watched to first episode of Attack on Titan and got really disgusted by the scene when the mother is eaten alive and dropped it. But then years later I picked it backup and saw that the anime wasn't just a excuse for splatter effects to be shown.
I absolutely use this rule. Between all the streaming shows, I have no choice but to use this. If you can’t get my attention in 3 episodes then it’s just not worth it.
I usually use the rule of 1/4. Either I think that the first episode of a show is a complete bomb in my opinion and I stop watching it, or most anime arcs have a 3 episode main opening punch to get you in and go for a lull on the fourth episode. If they go for that lull, I'm out as well because I'm not watching ~20-30 minutes of next to no plot happening and the pacing will just be off for the rest of the series.
The only reason I judge a anime by watching the 1st few episodes is because of how I used to buy anime on home video. Anime VHSs were like $40 and came with 3 or 4 episodes. if I didn't like it I am not gonna spend hundreds of dollars more on a complete series hoping it gets good. That's why I do it. I've never even heard of these other reasons why.
I've seen at least two anime that the three episode rule is 100% true especially in one of them where the first two episodes sets up a group of characters that then dies in episode 3 and has absolutely nothing to do with the story from there on out.
I don't do the three ep rule, but TBH, with most season these days being 13 eps, and most series only lasting 1 season, by the time you watch 3 eps, you've seen a quarter of the series. Maybe a bit different when 26 ep or 52 ep series were more common. A quarter of the series is more than a fair shake.
If I where Tim I'd start my own TH-cam channel and run with it so that when Crunchy roll gets brought and inevitably disassembled you'll have something to fall back on with a ready made audience.
Yeah I been following the 3 episode this spring season for sure. So many potential good ones. Had a few that just didn't hit for me already I had to drop.
There are a ton of anime that would be a mistake to call it quits after 3 episodes - there are plenty of anime that begin slowly but end up being fantastic. I would suggest Gintama - as it's almost entirely comedy for 50+ episodes - entertaining, for the most part, but definitely qualifies as a slow start. They ramp up the comedy too - but once they get into the drama - it's a real treat. After laughing for several seasons, when you're hit with life-or-death moments and tense confrontations, it has all the more impact. I can see why people would stop watching if something was really BAD in the first few episodes, but that in my opinion is seldom the case for most.
never heard of this rule but I can usually tell from the first episode, the first episode doesnt have to be great but as long as there is something that pulls me in on a first episode then it usually ends up being an anime i enjoy unless it runs way too long and get clogs with filler like one piece
I completely disagree with this. First off, one piece or naruto for example have a lot of filler but you can just skip it. And most anime do not get good off the first episode and need more time to develop their characters, concepts, and plot. So please try not to drop off the first episode.
What do YOU believe the 3 episode rule is and do you think it's real??
( Also sign up for free crunchyroll got.cr/YT_FreeTrial )
Yes
Didn’t know there was such a rule. I really do just binge the shit outta anime (thank you, Crunchyroll for simultaneously ruining and making my life better)
i'm a pretty good judge of what i'm most likely to like so when i watch a new series (new to me. most of the series i watch are stuff that have been around for a good while but i'm only now getting to them) i normally watch the first ep and judge it based on if that first ep seemed like something i'd like. that said,i HAVE had rare times when i watched more of a series (even a whole season) before deciding that i didn't actually like it all that much and stopped (such as with soul eater where i tried to watch the series,but couldn't get over the fact that witches are just straight up killed on site and how fucked up that is) but i'm normally in it for the long haul. there are also series like naruto and dragonball that i don't keep up with the series (because DAMN they are long) but i try to keep up to date on important events within them.
Yeah
Yeah I think it’s real
I'd never HEARD about the 3 episode rule but ended up developing it myself. I can distinctly remember when the rule crystalized for me too: My Hero Academia episode 3 - I distinctly remember thinking "you really do need to give an anime 3 episodes"
I formed it before I ever got into anime
I did too. It must be real. Hunter X Hunter took me 3 episodes. Original Jojo to me 3 episodes also.
Same here. It's a personal rule for me. I needed it to really get into Bojack.
Trigun for me. It’s when his powers started to manifest. I realized watching others that it’s when things start to get more complex
Great job on this video, super fascinating. I was giving the 3 episode rule a lot of thought at the start of this season. I stick with too many crappy shows to the end and wanted to prune my watching better. I decided to stick to it this season and was able to drop some shows. If the plot, characters, animation just don't grab me after 3 episodes its gotta go. I can't rely on Reddit karma charts for example. If I miss a a gem that season, it will come up in discussion after the season is over.
The rule of 3 is appicable to anything..
Kids, marriges, divorces..
wow.... i cant believe the three episode rule is THIS real..........
@@timlyu8326 I don’t get what it is
Oh wait nevermind i get it now, I always do this 😂
I can testify that what you wrote is true.
@@timlyu8326 could you please cover the anime composer Hiroyaki Sawano, who is known for making the Attack On Titan soundtrack?
I generally go by a 5-episode rule - if an anime does not have me hooked by the 5th episode, I drop it. The only exception I ever made was for Stein's Gate. I wanted to drop it after 5 episodes, but my brother told me to stick with it and it was painful until the half-way mark of the series.
@@alainchristian I was in graduate school at the time, but really, I only sample 2 or 3 new series a season so it isn't really much if they are coming out weekly. I am not binge watching shows. With Stein's Gate, the entire series was already out and it is only like 26 episodes or something like that so it isn't a huge time investment. Not my proudest moment, but I started watching One Piece in February 2018 and then caught up to the Luffy vs. Katakuri fight during the Whole Cake Island arc by the second week of December 2018. I skipped all of the filler and clip show recap episodes.
@@warblade044 hmm, I liked Steins Gate right away it just got even more interesting after the first half.
by the data presented, this seems more like a "2 episode" rule. By the time 3 is reached, the great majority has decided to stick with the anime.
This is your best improv persona yet. You have the acting bug. Go with it.
I WILL WILLIAM. I WILL NEVER STOP!
Usually by episode 3 I know whether or not I'll like the rest. I have dropped shows sooner, early as 6 minutes in. Of course some shows aren't that straight forward, Princess Tutu comes to mind.
The first three episodes of Princess Tutu still establish the over all tone, the meta-aspects and the characters. They don't go as hard with the plot twists but I'd say the basic appeal of the show is in there.
@@catherineknight I think that's why so many people have dropped it early on, it either is or isn't your thing. It was very much mine.
the "these datas" absolutely killed it for me
I'm going to go watch some anime
I think Tanya the Evil is a good example of something you should give three episodes. It's extremely good, but the first episode kind of just throws you into the mix and leaves you a little lost on who the characters are and who they're fighting, and it isn't until the second episode that it backtracks and sets up the plot.
His demon slayer example is why I give every show I’m bold enough to start more of a 24-26 episode watch.
I’ve found that a lot of shows have some strong hooks further out in the story. That’s not to say the rest of the beginning is boring. Maybe it’s age, but I generally enjoy most shows once I’ve watched enough of them. It usually boils down to wether or not I’ve spent the time to engage in the story and/or character along with their worlds.
I followed the rule of 3 for my boi Tim here and I'm still watching.
THANK YOU CLAUDIO
I just found out about anime awards this year, I just learned about Tim this year…. And I was instantly obsessed with this beautiful ass man and his fly ass hair. I’m obsessed
I feel this generally extends to any nerd culture stuff. I had always heard about this concept for comic books. A normal comic book arc is 3 issues in length. Issue 1 is introduction, issue 2 is the bridge, issue 3 is the climax.
I generally will stick around for at least 3 episodes, but there are some shows so bad I bail before the credits roll on 1.
Pretty much how it is for me.
Loved the intro and outro - skipped the middle as I expected spoilers. Thanks for the heads up
NO WORRIES! THANK YOU FOR WATCHING!!!
More videos with this dude pls💕
oh we got plenty planned!
dont worry. i got hired to do this full time.
The rule of 3 is definitely a thing, though I believe it's a combination of the definitions you mentioned; 3 episodes to hook you in and get you to the episode that keeps you coming back. It took me 3 tried to get into my favourite anime, and after episode 3 I was hooked. :D
I use the 3 episode rule for all TV/Streaming shows. I use the 5 issue rule for comics. It has to be really, really bad to not get 3 episodes or a full arc.
Rule vers 1
For me, it's always been the 2nd episode (Thanks to Evangelion )
I usually drop after the first episode and sometimes I don't even make it to the end of the first episode. If I get to episode 3 I'll stick with it.
The best and most binge-worthy? Glad you asked.
Gintama. Hozuki. Exactly the same as Deidara and Sasori. Art of the moment vs art for the ages. Incredible minds behind both masterworks.
(And from the Dark Side of the Force (AKA not streaming on Crunchyroll)
Level E. Samurai Champloo, Michiko and Hachin (Manglobe hit dai pachinko with those), House of Five Leaves, and, especially, Hyouge Mono.
Any of these wonderful artworks is binge-worthy, in my humble opinion.
Anime was a mistake.
-Hayao Miyazaki.
-The internet.
I think 3-4 is good.. I've watched enough now though i can tell where it's headed for shonen in the 1st.
First time I ever heard of this rule was when I was the club president of my highschool's anime club. I got a list of recommendations from members on anime to show in the club (since we did that sometimes) and there was one in particular I really wanted to like. Don't remember the name. But I watched 7 episodes because the synopsis made it sound great and episode one was really interesting. But episodes 2-7 were expository world building and as a result incredibly dull. Mentioned it to a friend in the club to get their opinion on if I should show just that first episode or the first two, maybe it was just me, if I should bother finishing it. He told me about the 3 episode rule, though his main logic was "when we went and watched episodes past years, did we ever watch more than 3 episodes anyway?"
So... yeah, dropped that series, and actually sort of stuck with that rule outside of anime as well. 3 episodes of a non-anime show before I decide if I like it. But even then its not a hard set rule, I've had some series where episode 1 I knew I wouldn't like it (with anime, episode 1 ended up being too gory for me, making me nauseous even, so clearly not worth a second episode, and some shows that have hour long episodes... Well, if an hour long pilot is boring, there's a problem). But still, overall useful as a way of cutting myself off so I don't force myself to watch too much of a series I wasn't enjoying, since doing that was killing my enjoyment of anime in general.
First 3 episodes? There's so much anime out there that if you don't have me within the first 15 minutes I'm out!
Aspects like tone, characterization, shot composition, pacing, etc. are much more important than if a show has revealed its twist or something.
Drop it like a hot potato if it sucks. I don't have time for the 3-ep-rule nowadays anyways tho.
yeah for me it's a 1 episode rule for the most part. sometimes it's even a 5 minutes rule...
I always do the 3 Episode rule when it comes to shows weither it's Anime, cartoons or TV shows to see if I like it or not then I just go from there, sometimes I do a 5 Episode rule though that's rare
I will usually give a show 3 episodes to hook me. With that said, there have been numerous time when a show (that has 23+ episodes) doesn't seem to hit its stride until after the 5th episode, causing me to binge watch it as quickly as possible.
Also, filler episodes/arcs are enough to lose me as a viewer sometimes.
0:13 Oh man, Ctenosaur Video, there’s a blast from the fansubbing past 😄
I have followed this rule, but never knew it was a rule that many in the community followed. I thought I just came up with it one day and just stuck with it. Good to know.
I'd personally believe the batch rules for several shows, going back and looking at several anime teasers it's definitely something I noticed randomly somewhat. Not *every* show does that, but I can see that
yeah, im almost finished with like 3 different Gundam series, that i started like 2 weeks ago. im almost ashamed of myself, its so hard not too though with pretty much unlimited anime with little/no ads for only $10.00 a month _ Evangelion not incuded
Some shows are story heavy and take their time to reveal the plot while others tell you what they're all about on the first episode. Once you watch a lot of anime though you start predicting the direction shows will go before they actually hint at it by noticing tropes and story patterns for those genres
I used to have an episode rule but now if it doesn't hit after that ending starts I am out
Tim is they guy to break yar myths,
& ur confidence in your hair ever being that much perfect!
I've known of this for quite some time, but I've never really used it since I wait until a show is done and then binge it. Watching/reading reviews and being somewhat picky with what I choose to watch helps when it comes to avoiding shows that may end up boring me. All of that's true, but with the amount of anime that's out there to watch, even if I have ways to get around watching boring shows, they won't always click with me. I'm thinking that I should drop shows if they don't grab my attention within 3-5 episodes, but at the same time, it's possible that I could end up missing out on a show that simply takes time to get good.
Keep this guy, he's like his own TH-camr and you sometimes even forget you're on Crunchyroll
The 3 episode rule kicked in for Angel Beats and it's my favorite isekai. However, for long arcs in One Piece, I grinded through episodes because I know Oda's style of writing is about building tensity and expectations
When I was actively watching new anime as it came out, I started using the three-episode rule. I'd list the shows that sounded like they might be interesting, and would jot down a checkmark after watching an episode. If I made it to three, as some shows don't deserve that much attention, I'd ross off the show's name if I wasn't interested, or the checks to make sure I kept checking the show out (if its title in Japanese wasn't easy to remember).
Dr. Stone broke the 3episode rule to pieces! I knew by the end of the first ep it wasn't for me, but I watched ep 2 anyway and I was right. 😁
It's people seem to like it so it's popular, but to me it's hot garbage, so I stopped watching.
I normally followed the 3 episode rule for a new anime that I'm watching. And I never count the first episode
I generally wait until a series is complete (at least the first season), and have some reviews to go by before even starting to watch something.
I agree with this. But only for the type of shows I like to watch. If its a mech anime I tend to not watch them at all cause its just not my style. but if its something I like to watch, Id rather have the start, middle, and end to judge if its good or not lol. But i think whats being said here is like., Even if you don't have an opinion on it... if you just don't watch the show cause its not what you thought it was in the first few epsiodes. Then you drop it and forget about it.
@@OmnieStar I'm the other way around. I use the three episode rule for anime within my preferred genres, but wait for shows to end and read/watch reviews for shows outside my ken.
Same.. but I want to change it into this 3 episodes rule cause I feel like I don't want to miss good animes I would like but didn't watch based on reviews-
I'm a strong believer that you can generally tell if a show is good for you within a single episode. I wouldn't waste my time watching two additional episodes of something I wasn't enjoying. There are exceptions, and even when those exceptions happen three episodes won't generally cut it. My recent example is Attack on Titan. I dropped Attack on Titan in one episode because I hated Eren and it didn't feel like the characters were going to shine. Given all the excitement about it I gave it a second chance and got ten episodes in before dropping it again because I didn't care about any of the characters. Far more than three episodes and my initial read of the show on episode one was dead on. It wasn't until I gave the show a third time, once again in response to the hype on the show (and picked up where I left off instead of trying to get through those opening episodes again) that I finally got past the first story arc and experienced the tone shift the series goes through at that point. Now I love Attack on Titan, but it didn't take three episodes to realize I was wrong, and in fact I don't think I was wrong. If Attack on Titan had continued to be the show it was during the training and initial attack that made up the first thirteen or fourteen episodes I wouldn't have liked the series. You can usually make that read on a single episode unless the show has a massive tone shift part way in, and if it does that's usually way more than three episodes down the line.
didn't used to be a thing, I remember when first getting into anime 13+ years ago it wasn't uncommon to recommend an anime to someone and be like you gotta invest 10+ episodes to get into it. Like bleach until soul society arc, yu yu hakusho and the tournament arc, naruto and zabuza, one piece i wasn't into for at least 20+ episodes. I'm sure some of you were hooked from episode 1 though but its a lot more common on todays anime to hook you in from the start.
Some pretty good points actually
While the 3 episode rule is generalized, I will usually use it UNLESS 1- You've read the manga and you KNOW it's going to be good/worth the wait. 2- It's a short anime where there's not much left to go through, usually the 12-13 episode shows/seasons where it probably gets good half way so you wouldn't get there after just 3. 3- It's a long anime BUT everyone loves it and the best parts are much later so you go past 3 to get caught up to it (One Piece, Keroro Gunso, etc). Personally, for Vinland Saga I would have left after episode 3 BUT it was finally worth it to me after episode 10. Alternatively, Soul Eater NOT was so bad that I had to drop it after episode 6. I should have left after if not before episode 3 and rarely ever drop shows so that 3 rule would've helped. Demon Slayer picked up by episode 3 onwards which is DEFINITELY worth the full watch!
Never heard of this rule before and never practised it if I decide to watch an anime I'll just power through which is why I do a bit of research and get recommendations before diving in
The anime rule that I have used since the mid 2000s. Usually start the season with 20 shows and by week 3 I'm down to 10-15 depending on the season.
I'm a firm believer that a good show needs to be able to hook me from episode 1. Even if it needs 3 episodes or more to fully explain it's premise or to get to the main story, it needs to do something before then to grab my attention and to keep me wanting more (Steins;Gate, Madoka Magica and Violet Evergarden are excelent examples this done right imo). And that graph seems to suggest a lot of people agree with me, since viewer "droppage" after 1 episode is by far the highest.
This guy has a spectacular voice 😍🔥
oh shucks. THANK YOU FLASHB07
My Anime list lives and dies by the 3 episode rule
i actually just did this because. i never thought of it as a rule but it has never happen to me if i don't like something by episode 3, to watch more and like it later. i have some shows where i watched 6-10 episodes where i knew after episode 3 that i don't really like it but i thought the premiss is interesting enough to watch more and hope it gets better. its probably something in the direction of that 3 episode are enough time to show the writing stile of the anime and no matter the plot if you don't like how its executed you won't like it.
I more or less follow it though I usually give it about 4 for series around 20+ episodes in length. Also a first episode is still important. If the first episode doesn't interest me enough I'll drop it and maybe come back to it after its finished and there are more finalized scores as well as review available.
I've found a general guideline of 1 episode of anything that seems remotely interesting from it synopsis or even just the poster art or a particular production studio or staff or actor associated with it. Then if the first episode at the least doesn't bore, disappoint, or in some cases disgust, then I will (usually) follow out to 3 or 4 episodes before being mostly committed to finishing the series. OF course there are exceptions. Some first episode are really great or bad but turn out to be a poor representation and the 2nd episode show more of the true colors. Also some series will then proceed to drag on and shift in tone after the first 3-4 and become unbearable to watch despite a strong opening. There are also show like Gurren Lagann which has a very poor 3rd episode that nearly caused me to never finish the series, but I soldiered through as experienced one of the top anime in existence.
So yeah.
The 3 episode rule is a thing and should be considered to some degree for most fans who consume more than a occasional casual amount of the medium.
Knew about the rule yet I prefer to read the synopsis of the work first then watch ep.1 if appeals to me. Usually by the 1st ep I can tell if I like the art style, voice acting and basic quirks the series offers. These aspects matter as much as the narrative imo. Once that first episode is over I usually have a good understanding if I want more or not.
Naruto 2002's third episode ended on him having diarrhea. so can i assume the rest is just as shit?
Could look at it like 1 hour is the equivalent of most common TV shows run time
Ah yes this rule was taught to me by arkada of glass reflections
Seeing the word "Rule" and the number 3 made me think of something else for a second 😏. This the first time I'm hearing about the 3 episode rule though. I usually just switch to the most popular list and just work my way down. Nice vid, I just learned something.
YOU BETTER NOT ADD THE NUMBER 4 NEXT TO THAT 3!!!!!!!
I tend to apply the three episode rule on shows that look good on paper (good synopsis, good author, good director, famous source material, etc) but seem to struggle on its first episode. But if the show feels too boring to me in the first episode I disregard that and drop immediately (like the recent Combatants will be dispatched)
Omg i love your hair lol and your content is awesome :)
I think the rule 3 works especially well for seasonals, while long running shows probably have a different set of rules. (I.e any long running shounen show) Like black clover was alright to episode 20ish, but i was hooked around 40 and in for the long run around 60 or so
I quit Gatchaman Crowds after the first episode of the second season...I still can't believe they got a second season.
I gave season 2 a few episodes, but I don't recall how far I got...
I’ve been using the 3-E rule for years. Never for most animes though. I normally give about 5 before I break out.
okay but tim’s hair is so cool i say this so often
I think for a lot of people for a show to get even a first watch is doing good. I rarely watch a show without knowing something about it beforehand, like seeing a clip in one of those 10 minute compellation videos. I've only had one show that I couldn't even finish watching the first episode.
Sometimes the 3 episode rule can work, but not for something like Attack on Titan. As that picks up its stride past 3. I’d say that 3 episodes is a gauge on if it’ll retain viewership by the person. Factors like:
Word of mouth- long running fans seal of approval that it is good to give the college try to watch it longer.
Or the Hook- a part within the 3 episodes that draw in attention. It can be as simple as: wanting to continue the adventure, exploring the world building, or being enamored or simping so hard for a character that they’re the soul reason for watching.
An unusual case: peer pressure, sure you may not like it or not like a certain element, but if it can allow you to spend time with your friends, then so be it.
But I think another one, which is rare- to be a Critic. To be the one to analyze the series, realize it’s flaws and strengths, how things can be fixed. Or maybe offer enlightenment to those who might be curious (just don’t be a gate, that is being RUDE). Maybe enjoy when it’s good and roll the eyes when it’s BAD.
There are hundreds of reasons. But yeah, go with the gut. Enjoy what you want to watch. Now I’ll head back to the Digimon remake.
I used the off season rule it works better for me as anime watcher. If I see one guy 3 plus girls on the thumbnail or cover I basically know what it's going to have in it. I'll come back to it in the time when most action anime is on break. Art and if it is over the top has an affect on if I'm staying lol.
Would love to see a video on the history of delinquents in anime
This feels like a GameTheory style video and a good one too. I loke these anime myths about stuff like this. Lime actual anime "rules" it would be cool to see stuff like this more generalized anime rules and the takes. This is pretty cool ^_^
THANKS CHRISTIAN!!!!
In my adult life, I now only have time to use the "1 trailer, 1 synopsis" ..."rule" before deciding whether or not to put it into the "To watch" list, that I've not started watching on since 2011.
I do follow the three episode rule but usually I'll be decided by first episode depending on how much worldbuilding they can squeeze in and if it is intriguing enough to keep my attention even if the characters, writing or direction doesn't feel that interesting. The 2018 series Between the Sky and Sea blew it on every count for me and I stopped watching halfway through episode three. The concept was just too bizarre as if it was created by someone on an LSD trip. KanColle was middle ground for me. Interesting concept and characters, but the worldbuilding left too many unanswered questions as to how things got to where they were and how things worked (still finished the series though). Fire Force and Gate were near perfect for me. Just enough worldbuilding early on and the story and characters kept me interested enough to see the series all the way through to continue to be rewarded with more worldbuilding (as a light novel fan and wannabe writer myself, I'm addicted to worldbuilding in case you haven't realized by now).
I've been using the 3 Episode Rule for years. It allows me to figure out what type of setting, tone and narrative I'm getting.
Sometimes however, there are exceptions: Attack on Titan.
I've attempted to watch it over the years but just now got into it. This leads me to believe that your current state of consuming content does play a huge role in the 3 Episode Rule.
If you aren't mentally or emotionally ready or aligned with the content you are consuming...it'll be passed over. If you come back to it somewhere down the line (Like myself with AoT) you'll find you are actually able to align yourself with the content.
This was very interesting to watch. I didn't know there was a 3 episode rule. I know I personally try to give a show until episode 5 before I drop it though.
more asmr! lol. Great content my man!
So what’s an anime that was bad it’s first three episodes but was ultimately a great anime by the end? I can’t think of anything because the first 3 matter that much.
I'm not sure I consciously follow the three episode rule but I do know that usually after the 8th episode of a show I know if I really like it or not.
I use the 3 episode rule for all my shows not just anime. I used it with the second season of The Mandalorian after the third episode of season two I found myself bored with the series and ended up dropping it.
[the mandalorian flute intro thingy intensifies]
@@timlyu8326 lol 😂
I use this rule often, though if it's a longer than average show, like Black Clover, Bleach, etc., I might give it a few more episodes before deciding if it's a show worth my time.
OMG I did not expect real data and a data analyst to show up. Color me surprised
I don't necessarily follow the rule for every anime, but when I happen to find a show that doesn't fully convince me on the first 1 or 2 episodes, I'll at leat give it until episode 3 to have a better idea of what it's about and decide wether to drop it or not, with very few exceptions where the main character was so annoying I didn't even get to the half of the first one. And I would say the rule may not apply so much for some genres, such as slice of life or comedy, that follow short episodic stories that focus more on the characters' peculiarities or the atmosphere and setting, rather than on longer stories and relationships/challenges that may be fleshed out over multiple episodes.
Never heard about this.
But, doesn't stop me from watching!
Liked and enjoyed watching this one right here.
I'm old... in my 40's... i've been watching anime since.. ugh... it was expensive... And I have always used the 1/3 rule... how long is the first season? 10 episodes? Watch the first 3 episodes. 24 episodes? Watch the first 8. This gives me time to be sure exposition, world building and character introductions are "mostly" done, then making a decision... because buying anime on videotape was expensive and I wanted to be sure if I liked/disliked a show
where can I get his t shirt?
That’s why my manga The Ascendant following the 3 chapter rule
I never use the 3 episode rule because watching bad anime makes the amazing ones stand out even more, so I just power through it somehow
For me it's a mix of all three definitions. I need to see how the anime "works" and feels before I make my decision to watch or to drop.
For example I once watched to first episode of Attack on Titan and got really disgusted by the scene when the mother is eaten alive and dropped it. But then years later I picked it backup and saw that the anime wasn't just a excuse for splatter effects to be shown.
I absolutely use this rule. Between all the streaming shows, I have no choice but to use this. If you can’t get my attention in 3 episodes then it’s just not worth it.
I usually use the rule of 1/4. Either I think that the first episode of a show is a complete bomb in my opinion and I stop watching it, or most anime arcs have a 3 episode main opening punch to get you in and go for a lull on the fourth episode. If they go for that lull, I'm out as well because I'm not watching ~20-30 minutes of next to no plot happening and the pacing will just be off for the rest of the series.
The only reason I judge a anime by watching the 1st few episodes is because of how I used to buy anime on home video. Anime VHSs were like $40 and came with 3 or 4 episodes. if I didn't like it I am not gonna spend hundreds of dollars more on a complete series hoping it gets good. That's why I do it. I've never even heard of these other reasons why.
I've seen at least two anime that the three episode rule is 100% true especially in one of them where the first two episodes sets up a group of characters that then dies in episode 3 and has absolutely nothing to do with the story from there on out.
I don't do the three ep rule, but TBH, with most season these days being 13 eps, and most series only lasting 1 season, by the time you watch 3 eps, you've seen a quarter of the series.
Maybe a bit different when 26 ep or 52 ep series were more common.
A quarter of the series is more than a fair shake.
I do know someone who dropped Madoka thinking it's a Happy Magical Girl show.
I can boil it down to about two minutes. The opening performance. Every good anime has a good OP.
I do follow the rule, just like he said if i'm on the fence about a show and i'm not hooked y episode 3 i will likely drop it.
I tend to easily engage with anime and will end up watching more than 3 episodes without any trouble. I think 3 episodes is a breeze to get through.
If I where Tim I'd start my own TH-cam channel and run with it so that when Crunchy roll gets brought and inevitably disassembled you'll have something to fall back on with a ready made audience.
Yeah I been following the 3 episode this spring season for sure. So many potential good ones. Had a few that just didn't hit for me already I had to drop.
There are a ton of anime that would be a mistake to call it quits after 3 episodes - there are plenty of anime that begin slowly but end up being fantastic. I would suggest Gintama - as it's almost entirely comedy for 50+ episodes - entertaining, for the most part, but definitely qualifies as a slow start. They ramp up the comedy too - but once they get into the drama - it's a real treat. After laughing for several seasons, when you're hit with life-or-death moments and tense confrontations, it has all the more impact.
I can see why people would stop watching if something was really BAD in the first few episodes, but that in my opinion is seldom the case for most.
never heard of this rule but I can usually tell from the first episode, the first episode doesnt have to be great but as long as there is something that pulls me in on a first episode then it usually ends up being an anime i enjoy unless it runs way too long and get clogs with filler like one piece
I completely disagree with this. First off, one piece or naruto for example have a lot of filler but you can just skip it. And most anime do not get good off the first episode and need more time to develop their characters, concepts, and plot. So please try not to drop off the first episode.