very special episode

American  

[ver-ee spesh-uhl ep-uh-sohd] / ˈvɛr i ˈspɛʃ əl ˈɛp əˌsoʊd /

noun

1. an episode of a television series that deals with a serious issue, usually something controversial or socially difficult to talk about.

   When I’m unwinding with a favorite sitcom from the 80s, the last thing I want to see is a very special episode about teenage alcoholism.

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Etymology

Origin of very special episode

First recorded in 1940–45 as a term used in art history; its current sense first appeared in 1980–85 and was used in television program advertising

Example Sentences

I want feathered hats, scraping the “Call Her Daddy” studio ceilings, and Terry Gross counting the number of sequins on a bodysuit during a very special episode of “Fresh Air.”

From Salon • Aug. 20, 2025

Satinder Kaur, collections manager for Dumfries House, said: "At The Prince's Foundation, we are very proud to have partnered with The Repair Shop for this very special episode."

From BBC • Oct. 12, 2022

‘Well, we weren’t going to make a very special episode out of it or anything.’

From Seattle Times • Dec. 1, 2021

We have a very special episode this week!

From Slate • Jun. 12, 2020

But more than its occasional resemblance to a very special episode of “Hoarders,” Wolf’s strange, sad and finally exhilarating portrait is one of radical consumerism turned into a searchable legacy — the viewer as activist.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 27, 2019