While many TV episodes are infinitely rewatchable, some are too tough to watch more than once. It’s easy to want to revisit clever classic sitcom episodes like Seinfeld‘s “The Chinese Restaurant,” and some dramas reveal new insights about favorite characters upon a second viewing. That’s one reason why it’s so enjoyable to watch the cozy Gilmore Girls each fall.
Unfortunately, not every show can be rewatched the entire way through. Despite their high quality, these episodes from a popular sitcom, a dark comedy, an impressive medical drama, and a shocking thriller can only be seen once, thanks to their off-putting, disturbing, or emotional nature.
The Office, “Scott’s Tots”
Season 6, Episode 12
Many of The Office‘s best episodes are cringeworthy, including the fan-favorite “Dinner Party,” but “Scott’s Tots” is particularly awkward. The premise is simple: Erin (Ellie Kemper) and Michael (Steve Carell) have to tell high schoolers that he can’t actually cover their college tuition, even though he said he would when they were in grade 3.
The episode title comes from the program he starts, and while it’s catchy, it’s hard not to shudder at all the anxiety-inducing moments in this episode. It’s awful to see the teenagers get upset, and it’s even worse that Michael thinks that giving them laptop batteries is going to smooth everything over. After all, they don’t even have computers.
Michael’s “Scott’s Tots” program is even more upsetting because these kids come from lower-income backgrounds. Sure, The Office is the best mockumentary sitcom because of its typically funny portrayal of boring corporate life, but this episode isn’t humorous at all.
When Michael shrugs and says “Well” when Pam Beesly (Jenna Fischer) tells him, “this is aterrible, terrible thing you‘ve done,” he becomes even more unlikable than usual. However, the episode remains important because it highlights Michael’s financial struggles and his tendency to act impulsively without thinking.
In The Office season 4, episodes 7 and 8, “Money,” Michael has a side hustle as a telemarketer because Jan (Melora Hardin) wants to renovate their condo, and he has debt. Based on this backstory, it’s even stranger that he would expect to get so rich.
The Bear, “Fishes”
Season 2, Episode 6
Whether you’ve watched the darkly funny Hulu/FX series The Bear, or it’s on your list, you’ve likely heard the critical and commercial praise for “Fishes.” It’s one of the best episodes of The Bear, even though it’s so challenging to watch — even for the first time around, let alone twice.
Set approximately five years in the past, the first part of “Fishes” is a masterclass in backstory and character development. It’s clear that while the Bear characters gather for Feast of the Seven Fishes each year, this is no cozy, heartwarming family dinner.
As Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White) suppresses his anxiety to help his mom, Donna (Jamie Lee Curtis at her absolute best), cook, some important side characters are introduced, including supportive Cousin Michelle (Sarah Paulson) and Richie’s ex-wife Tiffany (Gillian Jacobs).
Although there are some humorous moments, including Pete (Chris Witaske) getting in trouble for bringing fish, Donna’s disturbing breakdown is the focal point of the episode. Curtis won an Emmy for her performance here, and watching her drink too much, ruin the meal, sob, and then yell at Natalie (Abby Elliot), it’s clear why.
Despite how anxiety-inducing it is, “Fishes” explains both why the Berzatto siblings avoid their mom and the painful wounds they carry around. More than other TV portrayals of mental health and addiction, “Fishes” shows that Donna and her family are all suffering.
The Pitt, “2 P.M.”
Season 1, Episode 8
Every episode of The Pitt season 1 is nerve-wracking and emotional. Still, none matches the devastation of episode 8, “2 P.M.” The main storyline follows the doctors’ hard work to save a young girl named Amber Phillips (Hadley Smith), who drowned in her family’s pool when she rescued her younger sister Bella (Olivia Fokova).
On Grey’s Anatomy, Amber’s death scene might be melodramatic and likely set to a cheesy pop song. On The Pitt, one of 2025’s strongest new series, death is portrayed coldly and clinically while also being raw and messy. When Dr. Robby (Noah Wyle) calmly says, “Amber has died,” he’s an experienced doctor trained to hide his true feelings.
Then, the episode kicks into high gear, and it’s a gut-punch. When Mel King (Taylor Dearden) gives Bella a stuffed animal and talks to her about grief, it’s an important scene because it helps develop Mel’s character. Since she has taken care of her autistic twin sister for a long time, Mel knows how to connect with kids.
“2 P.M.” is so painful and realistic that it’s definitely an episode to skip when rewatching the incredible HBO Max medical drama. It’s tough to wrap your mind around a child dying in such a terrifying manner, and it’s awful imagining how Amber’s sister, grandma, and parents are going to move forward.
Yellowjackets, “Edible Complex”
Season 2, Episode 2
In the pilot episode of Yellowjackets, the infamous cannibal scene is teased, and in season 2, episode 1, “Friends, Romans, Countrymen,” Shauna Shipman (Sophie Nélisse) eats Jackie’s (Ella Purnell) ear. While it’s clear what is coming next, “Edible Complex” is a shocking and stomach-turning episode.
Blood and gore in a slasher story is one thing, but cannibalism is much more intense, and even the biggest horror lovers likely had a tough time seeing these teenagers consuming their former teammate and friend.
The episode is particularly chilling and unforgettable because it moves between two scenes: the girls eating Jackie in the woods… and the girls imagining themselves eating Jackie, dressed up at a Greek-inspired feast. This proves how much their mental states have been affected by their starvation and trauma, and how they’ve lost their grip on reality.
Like the best horror TV shows and movies, Yellowjackets touches on serious themes, like trauma, the ongoing bonds of friendship, power, and competition. “Edible Complex” is so significant because it emphasizes the terrible, unimaginable choices the girls make while in the Canadian wilderness, which affects their challenging adult lives. However, it’s not a particularly enjoyable episode to revisit.
