Critics often argue that Naruto contains too much filler (non-canon episodes) to be considered "high quality." This is a misunderstanding of the medium. The filler arcs—such as the "Kakashi Anbu Arc"—actually provided necessary depth to side characters that the manga rushed through. Furthermore, the sheer volume of content (720 episodes across two series) offers a "comfort food" aspect. For a fan undergoing a difficult time, turning on Naruto is like coming home. Consistency of vibe often trumps consistency of plot when it comes to long-form popular media.