Way overdue, I'd like to start working on the "better handling of specials" (https://www.tvmaze.com/threads/1888/better-handling-of-specials, https://www.tvmaze.com/threads/865/doctor-who-christmas-special-not-displaying-as-next-episode) in the near future. This is a complex change, so I'd love everyone's feedback before actually starting on it. My plan so far:
The policy to define whether an episode is a special or not will be rewritten to something like: An episode is a special either when the original network/webchannel explicitly declares it as "special", or when they do not designate an episode number in a show where episodes are ordinarly numbered.
Instead of "special", there will be three episode types next to "regular episode" (naming suggestions not final):
- "Special within story arc". This is for episodes that - while being a special - take place within the regular show/season's story arc. If you don't watch the episode, you will miss out on relevant story development. Example: the Doctor Who christmas specials.
- "Special outside of story arc". This is for episodes that have the same premise as regular episodes in that show (e.g. for a scripted show, the episode is scripted), but take place outside of the show/season's regular story arc. You can safely skip the episode without missing out on anything in the future. Example: still have to find one - particularly common with reality/etc shows I think.
- "Insignificant special". This is for episodes that do not even follow the same premise as regular episodes. For example; recap episodes, sneak previews, behind the scenes, director interviews, etc.
Just like right now, specials will always be part of a season on TVmaze. If the network/webchannel doesn't explicitly list a season, the closest (either previous or upcoming) season is to be used.
So what will be the effect of this change on the UX?
- "Special within story arc" will always be shown in the watch list
- Whether to show "Special outside of story arc" and "Insignificant special" in the watch list will be a user preference
- "Special within story arc" will be used in previous/next episode links (if deemed technically feasible)
- "Special within story arc" will be displayed together with the regular episodes in that season in the episode list. "Insignificant specials" will remain listed separately. Where to place "Special outside of story arc" is to be determined.
So what will not change?
- Some people have asked us to calculate some kind of number ("lifetime number"?) for specials, even though networks/web channels never assign specials a number themselves. I fail to see the use of adding an arbitrary and non-official number benefits any usecase. But if anyone has a good argument in favor of it, let's hear it!
After all of this is set and stone and implemented, this will also have a bunch of implications for the API, but we'll discuss these separately later. :)
Thoughts?