A pilot episode is the first episode of a television series, created to showcase the show's concept, characters, and overall tone. It serves as a prototype, allowing networks to evaluate whether the series should be picked up for a full season. The pilot often features a self-contained story that introduces key elements of the series. Pilot episodes are crucial in the television industry, as they help producers and networks gauge audience interest. Successful pilots can lead to long-running series, while unsuccessful ones may never air beyond the initial episode. Examples of famous pilots include Friends and Breaking Bad.