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''Very special episode'' is an Advertising term originally used in American Television Commercials to refer to an Episode of a Situation Comedy or Television Drama that dealt with a serious and/or controversial social issue. Although the concept has been in existence for some time, the usage of the term peaked in the 1980s and early 1990s. These episodes are usually a departure from the existing tone of the series. For example, many situation comedies have had a "very special episode" that covers a more serious topic in a dramatic, rather than comedic, fashion. Although the term is descriptive, it is sometimes used in a Pejorative manner, particularly by television critics and pop culture journalists. The phrase has become particularly related to (and nearly synonymous with) the 1990s NBC show '' Blossom '', a Sitcom which more often than not dealt with melodramatic teen issues. The term "a very special Blossom" is understood as a rather scathing remark. GENERAL OVERVIEW OF CONTENT Various very special episodes have addressed such topics as Interracial Marriage , dealing with an unexpected Death , Coming Out , Abortion , Sexual Abuse , Cancer , and the Morality Of Lying . Recurring themes for American Television Program s with younger viewers often include Drug Addiction , Eating Disorder s, Guns and Violence , Pre-marital Sex , Environmentalism , and Teenage Pregnancy . Depending on the nature of the social issue, Television Producer s and Scriptwriters may choose either a Protagonist , Recurring Character , or a Supporting Character written especially for the episode to embody the personal failing, social problem, or controversy at hand. Often these "very special episodes" feature characters suddenly developing problems with drugs (commonly painkillers) when none had existed previously, and after the episode no further consequences are usually shown. A closely related concept is the After School Special , which deals with issues in much the same way. The key difference is that an after school special is a stand-alone story, rather than an installment of a pre-existing series. USAGE Television viewers and critics alike widely regard the phrase ''very special episode'' as Ironic and Melodrama tic; the perception is that use of the term ''very special episode'' is a blatant attempt at a ratings boost or winning an Emmy award. The "very special episode" is occasionally billed as "an episode your family can't afford to miss", again dramatizing the importance of the episode by insinuating the issues presented represent mandatory viewing for the responsible parent and child. Often the "very special episode" concerns a moral issue. Television Website s such as Television Without Pity and Jumptheshark.com deride the phrase. In an episode of '' Friends '', Chandler Bing ( Matthew Perry ) mocked the ubiquitous NBC Commercials that popularized the phrase(a very special Blossom); Perry himself appeared in "a very special episode" of '' Growing Pains '' earlier in his career. The concept of the very special episode was deconstructed in '' Clone High '', as ''every'' episode of that series is referred to as a very special episode. '' The Drew Carey Show '', in its fifth season, also did a similar spoof titled "A Very Special Drew", where numerous examples of Very Special motifs were used. The premise of the show was that the cast, upset about never getting an Emmy, decided to throw together a show so schmaltzy they ''had'' to win the prize. In the course of a half-hour, every possible issue, from Eating Disorders to Homelessness to Illiteracy to Kleptomania , is addressed, while one famous character passes into a coma and dies (but is alive again at the end of the episode). The popular sitcom '' Seinfeld '', famously "about nothing", was also opposed to very special episodes. The on-set motto among writers and cast was reportedly "No hugging, no learning." On the , Teen Pregnancy , Suicide , Alcohol Abuse , Drunk Driving , Mental Illness , Rape , Physical Abuse , Sexual Abuse , Racism , Homophobia , Drug Abuse , Drug Dealing , Disability , Death of friends and parents, Cutting Yourself , Bullying , etc. EARLY EXAMPLES OF SPECIAL EPISODES '' Bonanza '' would commonly use guest stars to illustrate a problem in any given week. In one episode, Hoss's friend Susan (who was never seen before or after) wanted to drive her father's buggy, so she begs Hoss to let her. They end up in an accident with Susan paralyzed from the waist down. A questionable faith healer (played by Ed Nelson from '' Peyton Place '') comes to town and convinces Hoss to let him help her. At first, it was solely an attempt to rob her of her considerable fortune. However, the faith healer becomes brainwashed into believing that he really can heal her. In the end, Susan walked, but not because of the faith healer; her injury wasn't as bad as was previously believed. The problem solved, Susan and the faith healer were never heard from again. On more melodramatic series such as ''Family'' , the stories were more controversial. Arguably, the most notable very special episode of the series is when Buddy (played by Kristy McNichol ) is pressured for sex by her boyfriend (played by teen idol Leif Garrett ). Although she is tempted, she ultimately decides that she is not ready for the responsibility just yet, teaching viewers that they, too, can say no to sex if they are not prepared. ''Family'' was one of the first television shows to deal with very topical subjects in this manner. Both '' All In The Family '' and its spinoff '' Maude '' were examples of situation comedies with topical special episodes. ''All in the Family'' featured a number of serious situations, including Edith being attacked by a rapist, as well as her experiences with menopause and a breast cancer scare; ''Maude'' featured topical stories on alcoholism and abortion. PARODIES OF VERY SPECIAL EPISODES The "Very Special Episode" motif has been featured widely in comedy of the last 20 years or so, and a number of notable shows have devoted an entire episode to parodies of them:
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