Understanding The Filler Episodes In Bleach: What You Need To Know

Understanding The Filler Episodes In Bleach: What You Need To Know

Filler can be a real drag when you’re binging an anime and sadly Bleach is truly plagued by it. The iconic Shonen series launched at a time when filler was standard for ongoing shows, and now it means you’ve got a ton of content to skip on your next binge. As fans of anime, we often look for the best viewing experiences, and understanding how much filler exists in a series can significantly enhance our enjoyment. So let’s dive into the world of Bleach and uncover the truth about its filler episodes.

Bleach, known for its captivating story and dynamic characters, spans an impressive 366 episodes. However, not all of these episodes contribute to the main storyline. It’s essential to know how many episodes are considered filler, as this can save you time and keep your binge-watching sessions focused on the most exciting content. With many viewers eager to jump straight into the action, knowing what to skip can enhance the overall viewing experience.

In this article, we’ll explore the extent of filler content in Bleach, discuss its impact on the series, and offer guidance on how to approach watching the show. Whether you’re a newcomer to Bleach or a long-time fan considering a rewatch, understanding the filler will help you navigate the series more effectively.

How Much of Bleach is Filler

Bleach Filler Episode scene of cast on the beach
Screenshot via Studio Pierrot

While Bleach is 366 episodes long, only 203 of these are considered canon. That means almost half of the series is filler which won’t surprise anyone who has undergone the task of binging the whole thing. The filler episodes are included to give the manga time to progress, a common practice in the anime industry.

Bleach has a filler problem for the same reason many other shows do, stalling time until the manga can progress further. Most weekly anime series have run into this problem where the anime starts to catch the manga. While the author is working on more of the original story, animation studios use filler as a way to still give fans their fix. More recently, we’ve seen this issue seriously impact shows like Boruto.

The good news for Bleach fans is that they’re still getting more canon material now. In fact, all of Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War is considered canon and adapted directly from the now-completed manga run. If you include all 26 of the current TYBW episodes, your Bleach canon watch-through will be increased to 228, which is a decent chunk of Shonen greatness to enjoy.

If it’s your first time watching Bleach and you have the time, keeping the filler in might be worth it. While some of it is very bad, other parts are a lot of fun and it will give you an experience closer to what initial fans felt while it was being broadcast. However, if you’re looking to rewatch the show, or don’t have a lot of spare time, then we’d suggest sticking to only the canon and skipping the filler.


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