What Are Bleach Episode Fillers? Skip Guide

Bleach is a popular Japanese anime series based on the manga of the same name written and illustrated by Tite Kubo. The series follows the story of Ichigo Kurosaki, a high school student who becomes a Soul Reaper, tasked with protecting humans from evil spirits. With a total of 366 episodes, the anime series includes a mix of canon and filler episodes. In this article, we will explore what Bleach episode fillers are, and provide a skip guide for fans who want to focus on the main storyline.
What are Filler Episodes?

Filler episodes are anime episodes that are not part of the original manga storyline. They are created to provide additional content, usually to allow the manga creators to have more time to develop the story, or to give the anime production team more material to work with. Filler episodes can be entirely new storylines, or they can be adaptations of minor manga chapters or omake (bonus) content. In the case of Bleach, the filler episodes are not considered part of the main canon and do not affect the overall storyline.
Types of Filler Episodes in Bleach
There are several types of filler episodes in Bleach, including:
- Original Story Arcs: These are entirely new storylines that are not based on any manga content. Examples include the Bount Arc and the New Captain Shusuke Amagai Arc.
- Manga Omake Adaptations: These are adaptations of minor manga chapters or omake content that are not part of the main storyline. Examples include the omake chapters that were adapted into episodes.
- Character-Driven Episodes: These episodes focus on the backstory or character development of specific characters, and may not be directly related to the main storyline.
Bleach Filler Episodes Skip Guide

If you’re interested in skipping the filler episodes and focusing on the main storyline, here is a list of the filler episodes in Bleach:
Episode Number | Episode Title | Type of Filler |
---|---|---|
33-37 | Bount Arc | Original Story Arc |
65-72 | New Captain Shusuke Amagai Arc | Original Story Arc |
131-137 | Zanpakuto Unknown Tales Arc | Original Story Arc |
168-189 | Lost Substitute Shinigami Arc | Original Story Arc |
205-219 | Arrancar: The Lost Episode Arc | Original Story Arc |
230-235 | Beachhead Arc | Original Story Arc |

Impact of Filler Episodes on the Main Storyline
While filler episodes do not directly affect the main storyline, they can provide additional context or character development that may be relevant to the overall story. However, they can also disrupt the pacing and flow of the main storyline, which is why some fans may choose to skip them.
What is the difference between canon and filler episodes?
+Canon episodes are part of the original manga storyline, while filler episodes are not. Filler episodes are created to provide additional content, but they are not considered part of the main canon.
Can I skip the filler episodes and still understand the main storyline?
+Yes, you can skip the filler episodes and still understand the main storyline. However, keep in mind that some filler episodes may provide additional context or character development that may be relevant to the overall story.
In conclusion, Bleach episode fillers are a part of the anime series that can be skipped if you’re looking to focus on the main storyline. By understanding what filler episodes are and how they fit into the overall story, you can make an informed decision about whether to watch them or skip them. Whether you choose to watch the filler episodes or not, the main storyline of Bleach remains an epic and engaging tale that explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the struggle between good and evil.