The Sign, Bluey’s long-awaited special episode during 2024, was by far one of the best entries in the series. It had a powerful and moving message about letting go of control and enjoying life that spoke to children and adults alike. It was a viral event that was seen by millions of fans all over the world and is hailed as one of the best episodes in the series.
Nonetheless, even this amazing entry could not surpass the true king of TV specials during 2024, One Piece’s Fan Letter. This emotive filler episode is cherished by millions of fans to this day. Its incredible story helped it become the best-rated TV special, according to Letterboxd’s data.
One Piece Fan Letter Surpasses Bluey’s Special
The Heelers Ended Up in Third Place
There is no denying that Bluey is one of the most popular and beloved TV shows of recent years. When a 28-minute special episode was announced, fans became ecstatic about the idea. Many episodes of season 3 included details regarding this monumental event, which only added fuel to the viewers’ excitement. While the episode did outstandingly well, receiving a solid 4.4 out of 5 in Letterboxd, it failed to surpass One Piece’s special episode Fan Letter, considered one of the greatest in the entire One Piece franchise.
This unique and beloved filler episode allowed fans to see what the world created by Eiichiro Oda looks like from a different perspective. Viewers can see how the actions of the Straw Hats have influenced others, as well as know that even inside the world of the series, Luffy and his friends have loyal fans. It was a loving tribute to this superb franchise that moved many fans to tears. According to Letterboxd, Fan Letter received an outstanding 4.6 out of 5, vastly surpassing Bluey’s special.
What Makes Fan Letter So Special?
The Episode Was Released To Celebrate the Franchise’s 25th Anniversary
Fan Letter was released on October 20, 2024, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the One Piece franchise. It tells the story of various regular citizens of Oda’s world, from a girl who idolizes Nami to a Marine Captain who wants Chopper to be safe. Even though Luffy and his crew are present and are the reason behind the events of the episode, they are not the central focus. It is an alternative look at the series, from the eyes of characters that have been directly inspired by the Straw Hats.
In a way, the special is a gift to the viewers who have followed the series since its beginning. The main characters of Fan Letter are loyal fans of the Straw Hats, with each of them having been motivated or saved at some point by the pirates. Viewers can identify with the protagonists of the special, as many of them have also been accompanied by Luffy and his friends during their darkest moments. The approval rating reported by Letterboxd is proof of how inspiring this episode was for fans all over the world.
Bluey’s special episode is still an incredible experience that cannot be recommended enough. Nevertheless, few special episodes can cause such strong emotions in audiences as One Piece Fan Letter. It is without a doubt a truly revolutionary episode that will be remembered fondly by fans for decades to come.
One Piece chronicles the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, an easy-going young pirate with the power to stretch like rubber, gained from eating a Devil Fruit. Luffy and his diverse crew sail across the Grand Line in search of the ultimate treasure, the One Piece, to become the Pirate King.
- Release Date
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October 20, 1999
- Creator(s)
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Eiichiro Oda
- Writers
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Junki Takegami
, Shoji Yonemura
, Hirohiko Uesaka
