X-files comes to my mind as a great example. The episodic nature is built into the format - a weird thing happens, x-files are called in. Next episode, new myst

X-files comes to my mind as a great example. The episodic nature is built into the format - a weird thing happens, x-files are called in. Next episode, new mystery. Its then a coin flip for whether its self contained or has a link to the broader conspiracy arc. I found that satisying as a kid. I wanted more of the big arc but it almost certainly wouldn't have worked if it was the central theme of every show.