monster of the week

English

Noun

monster of the week (plural monsters of the week)

1. (informal) Any of the antagonists that briefly appear in episodic forms of fiction, especially television series.
   • 2005, David Okum, Manga Monster Madness, page 66:

     The appearance and abilities of the creatures can be changed from story to story to create the standard “monster of the week” that is found in popular magical girl, sentai manga and anime.

   • 2008, Michael Karol, The ABC Movie of the Week Companion:

     He felt it [The X-Files] should've been more like The Fugitive, with Kolchak chasing the undead, as opposed to the 'monster of the week' format.