Specials

Specials on SIMKL (Episode Page Feature)

Specials on SIMKL are a dedicated episode-type feature designed to properly represent non-standard episodes such as specials, OVAs, bonus content, behind-the-scenes material, and related extras without breaking your main watch progress.

Still in works: This feature exists for both TV shows and anime and is currently part of SIMKL’s v2 beta development.

Latest Update on SIMKL Discord Server (On, 21st March 2026) https://simkl.com/tv/9157/hannah-montana/season-0/episode-6/

---

What Are “Specials” on SIMKL?

Specials are officially released episodes or content that do not belong to the regular episode numbering of a season.

Common examples include:

• TV specials (holiday episodes, bonus episodes)

• Behind-the-scenes episodes

• Featurettes and making-of content

• Anime OVAs and ONAs

• Special broadcast episodes

• Promotional or recap specials

• Side stories and bonus arcs

SIMKL groups all of these under a single, clearly labeled Specials section.

---

Where to Find Specials

Specials appear directly on the Episodes tab of a title page.

Key characteristics:

• Available on TV shows and anime

• Displayed as a dedicated “Specials” row or section

• Separate from standard seasons

• Clearly labeled to avoid confusion with regular episodes

Image Source: https://simkl.com/anime/38636/one-piece/season-0/episode-5/

---

Why Specials Are Handled Separately

Special episodes behave very differently from regular episodes:

• They may release at irregular times

• They may not follow strict chronology

• Their numbering can change frequently

• New specials may be added retroactively

Because of this, SIMKL intentionally treats specials as non-progress-affecting content.

---

Specials Do NOT Affect Your Progress

This is a key design decision.

On SIMKL:

• Specials are not counted as regular episodes

• They do not affect season completion

• They do not change your watch progress

• They do not impact stats, streaks, or completion percentages

You can track specials independently without worrying about breaking your main series progress.

This is especially important for anime, where OVAs and specials are often optional.

---

Specials Are Part of the Anime / Show Universe

Although they do not count toward progress:

• Specials are still part of the same title

• They are associated with the main show or anime

• They appear alongside seasons for context and discovery

For anime in particular:

• Specials, OVAs, movies, and related arcs are closely linked

• SIMKL keeps them connected while preserving clean progress tracking

---

Notifications for New Specials and Related Content

When new related content is added such as:

• A new anime season

• A special episode

• An OVA, ONA, or movie

• A continuation arc or sequel

SIMKL will:

• Send you a notification

• Keep your library up to date automatically

This ensures you never miss newly released bonus or related material.

---

Current Limitations for Specials (v2 Beta, Still on to-do)

The Specials feature is actively evolving and currently has some intentional limitations.

a) No Dedicated Details Page (Yet)

• Specials do not have individual detail pages

• Clicking on a special currently redirects to:

  • A VIP / v2 placeholder page

  • Or a to-do v2 development page

This behavior is expected and part of the beta.

Why?

Specials:

• Change frequently

• Are often re-ordered, renamed, or expanded

• May be added years after the original release

b) Ongoing Improvements

SIMKL is actively improving how specials are displayed and recognized.

Current Improvements in Progress

• Titles are being added directly to special checkmarks

• Clearer labeling to distinguish specials from regular episodes

• Improved visual recognition in the episode row

These changes make it easier to:

• Identify what each special represents

• Avoid confusion with numbered episodes

• Understand context at a glance

Further refinements are planned as part of the v2 rollout.

c) Why SIMKL Took This Approach

Many trackers struggle with specials because they try to force them into:

• Regular seasons

• Episode counts

• Completion logic

Instead, SIMKL prioritizes:

• Clean progress tracking

• Long-term data stability

• Flexibility for changing metadata

• Clear separation between core episodes and optional content

This approach scales better for:

• Long-running shows

• Anime franchises

• Series with extensive bonus material