Bottle episode


In episodic television, a bottle episode or bottle show is an episode produced cheaply and restricted in scope to use as few actors, effects and sets as possible. Bottle episodes are usually shot on sets built for other episodes, frequently the main interior sets for a series, and consist largely of dialogue and scenes for which no special preparations are needed. They are commonly used when one script has fallen through and another has to be written at short notice, or because of budgetary constraints. Bottle episodes have also been used for dramatic effect, with the limited setting and cast allowing for a slower pace and deeper exploration of character traits and motives.

Use

The term "bottle show" was coined by Leslie Stevens, creator and executive producer of the 1960s TV series The [Outer Limits |The Outer Limits], for an episode made in very little time at very little cost, "as in pulling an episode right out of a bottle like a genie".
Bottle episodes are sometimes produced to allow as much of the budget as possible to go to the more expensive episodes of the season. Scott Brazil, executive producer of The Shield, described bottle episodes as "the sad little stepchild whose allowance is docked in order to buy big brother a new pair of sneaks".

Examples

Star Trek: The Next Generation used bottle episodes so that it could spend more on special effects in other episodes.
The popularity of the Friends bottle episode "The One Where No One's Ready" led the producers to create at least one bottle episode in each season.
The premiere of the The [West Wing season 3|third season of The West Wing] was delayed by the September 11 attacks in the United States. When the series did return, "Isaac and Ishmael" offered a bottle episode where the main cast paid tribute to those affected by the attacks and informed viewers about what to expect from the delayed premiere. Set almost entirely in the White House Mess Hall, the main characters explore the motivations and nuances of terrorism.
Other notable shows that have shown bottle episodes include Mad About You, Parks and Recreation, Doctor Who, Breaking Bad, Archer, Girls, Community, Frasier, BoJack Horseman, Grey's Anatomy, and Chicago Fire.