The airing order of the “Olympics” episode of Superstore (Season 2, Episode 1) is a persistent point of confusion for fans because it was broadcast before the narrative events it depicts actually transpired. The primary reason for this seemingly illogical choice was a deliberate marketing decision by NBC to leverage the 2016 Rio Olympics‘ massive viewership to boost the show’s profile, sacrificing narrative coherence for a substantial ratings grab.
The Strategic Play: Olympic Synergy vs. Narrative Consistency
The decision to air “Olympics” first, skipping ahead in the intended sequence, underscores the powerful influence of television ratings on network programming. Superstore, a relatively new sitcom at the time, needed a strong hook to attract viewers and establish itself in the competitive television landscape. Broadcasting the episode during the Olympics, when millions were already glued to their screens, presented a golden opportunity.
The logic was simple: capture the attention of viewers watching the Olympics by offering a lighthearted and thematically relevant episode of Superstore. The episode’s humor, centered around the hype and frustrations surrounding the Olympic Games, was deemed likely to resonate with the audience already invested in the event. NBC gambled that the potential boost in viewership outweighed the minor disruption to the show’s overall story arc.
However, this gamble came at a cost. The subsequent episodes, which should have chronologically preceded “Olympics,” featured characters and storylines that hadn’t yet been introduced or developed. For example, Amy’s pregnancy, a central plot point in later episodes, wasn’t addressed in “Olympics,” creating a disconnect for viewers following the intended story order. Similarly, certain character dynamics felt somewhat underdeveloped compared to their portrayal in later aired (but earlier occurring) episodes.
The Long-Term Impact: A Confusing Legacy
While the Olympic premiere likely did increase Superstore’s initial viewership, the decision to air it out of sequence has created a lasting sense of confusion among fans. Binge-watchers and those discovering the show later often grapple with the seemingly disjointed narrative. The seemingly small decision to move an episode for promotional reasons created a butterfly effect throughout the entire series viewership.
Many streaming platforms and DVD releases now present the episodes in their intended chronological order, further highlighting the anomaly of the original broadcast sequence. This often leads new viewers to discover the “Olympics” episode much later in their viewing experience, allowing the narrative to flow more logically.
Ultimately, the “Olympics” episode serves as a case study in the trade-offs between immediate ratings gains and long-term narrative consistency. While the episode itself is well-written and funny, its unorthodox placement in the broadcast schedule remains a controversial decision among fans and critics alike.
FAQs: Diving Deeper into the “Olympics” Episode
Here are some frequently asked questions about the “Olympics” episode of Superstore, providing further context and clarifying common points of confusion:
Why was the Olympic episode aired first?
The episode was aired first as a promotional strategy by NBC to capitalize on the large viewership of the 2016 Rio Olympics. The network aimed to attract new viewers to the show by offering an episode thematically related to the ongoing Olympic Games.
What specific continuity errors does the episode cause?
The most prominent continuity error involves Amy’s pregnancy. In later (but chronologically earlier) episodes, Amy is secretly pregnant. This is not revealed or hinted at in “Olympics,” creating a disconnect for viewers who watched it first. Also, character relationships and developments, like Jonah’s evolving role at Cloud 9, feel slightly off compared to their presentation in later episodes.
Does the streaming order fix the continuity issues?
Yes, most streaming platforms present the episodes in their intended chronological order, mitigating the continuity issues caused by the original broadcast. Viewing the episodes in the correct sequence allows the character arcs and storylines to develop more naturally.
Did the writers know the episode would air out of order?
Yes, the writers were aware of NBC’s decision to air “Olympics” first. While they couldn’t drastically alter the episode to account for the change, they likely made subtle adjustments to minimize the potential for confusion.
Was the episode written specifically for the Olympics?
Yes, the episode was specifically written to coincide with the 2016 Rio Olympics. The plot revolves around the employees of Cloud 9 dealing with the influx of customers and promotional activities related to the Games.
Did the ratings boost justify the decision?
It’s difficult to definitively say whether the ratings boost justified the decision. While “Olympics” likely did attract more viewers than it would have otherwise, the long-term impact on viewer perception and narrative coherence is a subject of debate.
What’s the intended viewing order for Season 2?
The intended viewing order for Season 2 is as follows:
- Strike
- Shots and Salsa
- Back to Work
- Spokesman Scandal
- Dog Adoption
- Secret Shopper
- Thanksgiving
- Black Friday
- Lost and Found
- Shadowing Glenn
- Valentine’s Day
- Ladies’ Lunch
- Troll
- Super Hot Store
- Bicycle
- Integrity Award
- Wellness Fair
- HR
- Spring Cleaning
- Cheyenne’s Wedding
- Employee Transfer
“Olympics” is meant to be viewed after “Strike,” so as number 2.
Where can I watch Superstore in the correct order?
Superstore is available on several streaming services, including Peacock and Hulu, with the episodes generally presented in their intended chronological order. DVD releases also typically follow the correct sequence.
Are there other episodes aired out of order?
While the “Olympics” episode is the most prominent example, there aren’t any other known instances of Superstore episodes being deliberately aired significantly out of order.
Why didn’t NBC just create a special “Olympics” special instead of disrupting the season?
Creating a standalone “Olympics” special would have required a more significant investment of resources and could have been perceived as less organic or integrated into the show’s overall narrative. By incorporating the Olympic theme into a regular episode, NBC could capitalize on the built-in characters and storylines of Superstore, making the episode more accessible and engaging for existing viewers.
Did other shows do something similar?
Yes, using major sporting events for cross-promotional stunts is a common practice in the television industry. Other shows have aired special episodes or incorporated Olympic themes into their storylines to capitalize on the large viewership of the Games. However, airing an episode significantly out of sequence, as was done with Superstore, is a less common approach.
What do the cast and crew think about the airing order?
While specific statements from the cast and crew regarding the airing order are limited, it’s likely that they recognized the promotional benefits while also acknowledging the potential for confusion. Given that the writers were aware of the decision, they likely focused on mitigating the continuity issues as much as possible within the constraints of the existing script.