#VIDEO: Does the Three Episode Rule Exist in Anime?

Back in October of last year, we ran a poll to determine whether or not our readers followed the Three Episode Rule. The gist is that, at around Episode Three of any given show, you’ll fully understand it or its appeal. Give the first three episodes a shot and you’ll know whether to stick with the series or drop it off your ever-growing watch pile. Simple, right?

But a big question remains: Is this a real thing? Does the Three Episode Rule exist, or is it just another anime legend that was taken as fact due to its prevalence in the fandom? Rather than simply wondering if the first three episodes really make or break a show, Crunchyroll decided to I N V E S T I G A T E. 

Watch as host Tim Lyu dives into this popular notion to find out if there’s anything to it or not in the video below, using examples ranging from Puella Magi Madoka Magica to BEASTARS, Hunter x Hunter, and beyond. The results, and the info revealed along the way, may surprise you.  

Do you follow the Three Episode Rule? Let us know, and tell us what you thought about these findings in the comments! 

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Joseph Luster is the Games and Web editor at Otaku USA Magazine. You can read his comics at subhumanzoids. Follow him on Twitter @Moldilox.