Naruto Hot Take

Hey everyone! So, I recently finished a full rewatch of Naruto Shippuden, and wow, it really brought back some memories! But honestly, I can't shake off my 'hot take' – the amount of filler episodes really makes it feel bloated and, dare I say, sometimes hinders it from being the absolute best of the 'Big Three' shonen animes. Has anyone else felt this way? It's a common discussion among fans, isn't it? You get so invested in the incredible main storyline, the intense battles, and the character development of Naruto, Sakura, and Kakashi, then suddenly you're thrown into an arc that feels completely detached. I get why anime studios include fillers – they need to give the manga time to get ahead so the anime doesn't catch up too quickly. But for a series as long as Shippuden, it meant a significant chunk of the episodes I watched weren't essential to the main plot, which often takes place in the iconic Hidden Leaf Village. My biggest frustration was how the Naruto Shippuden filler often broke the pacing. You'd be on the edge of your seat after a major battle or a crucial revelation, only for the next few episodes to be about a random side quest or a flashback that didn't add much. It really pulled me out of the immersion, and honestly, sometimes I just wanted to fast-forward. I remember thinking, 'Is this really necessary right now?' So, the big question: should you skip filler episodes in Naruto Shippuden? Personally, for a rewatch, I'd lean towards skipping most of them. If you're watching for the first time, it's a tougher call. Some people like to experience the whole package, but if you're like me and prefer a tight, fast-paced story, then knowing which Naruto Shippuden episodes are filler can be a game-changer. There are plenty of online guides and lists that meticulously detail which episodes are canon and which are full filler, mixed canon, or anime-canon. For example, many of the 'filler characters' introduced in these arcs often don't reappear, making their stories feel a bit inconsequential in the long run. While some fillers can be fun or offer lighthearted breaks, the sheer volume in Shippuden sometimes felt overwhelming. If you want to experience the core story of Naruto's journey to become Hokage, his rivalry with Sasuke, and the epic Fourth Great Ninja War, focusing on the canon episodes will give you a much more impactful experience without the 'bloat'. I'd recommend new viewers to perhaps watch a few of the highly-rated filler episodes or arcs, especially those that add some character backstory or world-building without completely derailing the plot. But for a smooth narrative, knowing 'how many episodes without filler' is key. It can drastically cut down your watch time and keep you hooked on the incredible main story. Even with its filler problem, Naruto Shippuden remains a monumental anime, but for me, managing those fillers is crucial to truly appreciating its greatness.