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

So again, credit to the writing that it wasn't done in a very special episode and no one cried.

From Salon • Feb. 14, 2023

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

But of its generation of network comedies, none carried off the very special episode with the bold, unapologetic conviction of “black-ish.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 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