very special episode

[ ver-ee spesh-uhl ep-uh-sohd ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of very special episode¹

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

Part of that is due to its overarching Very Special Episode tone and moralizing treatment of various issues.

From Los Angeles Times

I think everyone knew that CNN's very special episode of The Trump Show on Wednesday night was going to be a fiasco.

From Salon

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

From Salon

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

I think the greatest moment that we’ve had for Ali is in that very special episode that was at the end of 2020 with that famous diner scene.

From Los Angeles Times