32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

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32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

As a long-time enthusiast of storytelling and a connoisseur of pop culture, I find it intriguing to observe these continuity errors that even the most beloved series sometimes stumble upon. It’s almost as if the creators, in their relentless pursuit of captivating narratives, occasionally overlook the smallest details that, to us fans, can feel like a gaping chasm in the fabric of their fictional worlds.

Televisions play a significant role in shaping modern pop culture, consistently producing viral and unforgettable moments, both intentional and accidental. These can range from subpar writing to on-screen blunders that catch the public’s attention. Off the cuff, I can think of 32 such TV flubs that stand out, covering scripted, reality, and live television broadcasts. Let’s delve deeper into this topic.

This collection isn’t limited to continuity mistakes or on-screen blunders made by newscasters. It encompasses both types of errors, along with storyline issues that have persistently affected the credibility of well-known TV series. Some of these instances are particularly iconic for each show. Keep in mind, there are spoilers ahead for scripted programs:

32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

Warren Beatty And Faye Dunaway’s Oscars Flub

As a fervent admirer, I’d recount that the most sensational moment at the 2017 Academy Awards was when Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty mistakenly announced La La Land as the Best Picture winner, when in reality it was Barry Jenkins’ masterpiece, Moonlight. The confusion made for an unforgettable conclusion to the glitzy event, a memory that has lingered vividly since then – until, of course, the notorious Will Smith slap incident stole the spotlight.

32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

Jeff Varner Outs Zeke, Survivor 

The reality show “Survivor” has been a favorite among viewers for many years, and continues to be popular today. One reason for its enduring appeal is that each season offers a fresh and distinct experience due to the diverse cast of characters involved. However, the social experiment aspect of the show took a negative turn during Season 34 when Jeff Varner revealed Zeke Smith’s transgender identity as a means of discrediting him.

32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

Kathie Lee Forgets Martin Short’s Wife Had Died

Over a substantial television career, Kathie Lee Gifford held her own segment on NBC’s The Today Show for many years. Alongside Hota Kotb, they garnered numerous fans; however, their tenure was not without incident. One such instance involved an interview with Martin Short, during which Kathie Lee inadvertently mentioned his late wife who had passed away two years prior, unaware of the fact. The moment was undeniably awkward, yet Martin Short, star of Only Murders in the Building, handled it with poise and grace.

32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

Dany Burns King’s Landing, Game Of Thrones

In the television series “Game of Thrones,” Emilia Clarke’s character Daenerys Targaryen stood out as one of the main protagonists. Viewers eagerly awaited her arrival in Westeros to claim the Iron Throne. However, they were taken aback and dismayed when she suddenly chose to incinerate King’s Landing, resulting in the deaths of countless innocents. Fan dissatisfaction with this storyline development and the rapid descent into madness of her character has persisted for years.

32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

Asking the Models To Change Races, America’s Next Top Model

For several years, America’s Next Top Model remained popular, but some of its challenges, especially from Cycle 4, have become problematic over time. One such challenge, which predated the term “cultural appropriation,” involved models mimicking other races for a photo shoot. This daring task, now widely seen as inappropriate, is still remembered vividly as one of reality TV’s most memorable moments.

32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

The Faithful Trusting Cirie, The Traitors

The initial run of “The Traitors” US was a daring trial, which later seasons transformed into an Emmy-winning blockbuster. The debut season blended celebrities with everyday people, among them Survivor star Cirie Fields. Regrettably, her associates appeared unaware of her standing, placing their trust in her without hesitation, enabling her to effortlessly win and claim the prize at the end. And the reunion was quite uncomfortable to watch.

32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

Miss Teen South Carolina’s Map Question

Occasionally, beauty pageants become widely popular, often for less than favorable reasons. One such instance that stands out is Miss Teen South Carolina Caitlin Upton’s interview from 2007. In this case, she was asked why many young Americans struggle to find their country on a map, and her response – a seemingly random stream of thoughts – has become legendary for its peculiar word salad quality.

32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

Netflix Canceling Mindhunter

As the streaming wars heated up, it became evident that these platforms were churning out an excessive amount of original content. Among the many shows that got the axe, none stirred up as much fuss as “Mindhunter.” This David Fincher-crafted drama was a riveting tale, but sadly, Netflix isn’t allowing Fincher to carry on with Season 3.

32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

Anne Hathway And James Franco Hosting The Oscars

Finding the right host for ceremonies like the Academy Awards is easier said than done, and there have been some stinkers over the years. Back in 2011 James Franco and Anne Hathaway hosted together, and it was an extremely awkward viewing experience. While the Les Miserables actress was seemingly trying to make it as perfect as can be, that stood in juxtaposition to Franco’s laid-back stance.

32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

Separating Lorelai And Rory, Gilmore Girls

For seven seasons, Gilmore Girls held its ground, maintaining popularity with new viewers streaming it (alongside its revival) on Netflix. Yet, Season 6 remains a point of contention among fans since Lorelai and Rory spend most of it without speaking to each other. This period showcased one of the instances where Lorelai’s behavior was particularly poor.

32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

Season 2, Heroes

Initially, the first season of Heroes was a massive triumph for NBC, presenting an original perspective on superhero tales. Sadly, the Writers Guild of America strike in 2007-2008 occurred during Season 2, causing a less impressive and abridged version to be released. Although the series persisted, it never regained its initial brilliance, and several characters and storylines introduced in Season 2 were ultimately discarded.

32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

Fonzie Jumps The Shark, Happy Days

This significant instance revolutionized the television realm and spawned a fresh wave of pop culture for the general public. The term “jumping the shark” is often employed to denote a TV series veering off course, but it was an actual event that occurred during the broadcast of Happy Days, marking a regrettable misstep.

32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

Killing Off McDreamy, Grey’s Anatomy

Grey’s Anatomy,” a television series renowned for its lengthy run, has seen some of its initial fans and original cast members step away from it. Despite Sandra Oh’s character Cristina Yang leaving, the show persisted, but the departure of Patrick Dempsey’s character Derek Shepherd was more challenging. The writers had to let go of Derek by tragically ending his life, which left many viewers feeling that the show hasn’t been the same since then.

32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

The Grape Stomping Lady

Reporter Melissa Sander gained widespread recognition due to a news mishap that turned into one of YouTube’s first viral sensations. In this clip, she inadvertently steps on grapes, leading to her unexpected fall and losing her breath. The distinctive sounds she makes and the timeless lesson of instant karma have kept this video memorable over the years.

32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

Ralph Bohner, WandaVision

The TV series WandaVision generated widespread acclaim when it debuted on Disney+ during the pandemic lockdown, captivating audiences worldwide. However, a surprise twist occurred when Evan Peters, known for his role as X-Men character Mystique’s brother Quicksilver, appeared as “Pietro” in the show. This was unexpected since Aaron Taylor-Johnson portrayed the MCU’s version of Quicksilver. It turned out that this plot point served as a joke, but some viewers felt that Ralph Bohner’s character may have been the series’ only misstep.

32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

Lisa Barlow’s Hot Mic, The Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City

Over the span of The Real Housewives series, several unforgettable instances caught on microphone have occurred. However, none has been as memorable as Lisa Barlow’s heated outburst directed at Meredith Marks in RHOSLC, when her mic was accidentally left on during a private conversation.

32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

Ashlee Simpson’s Performance, SNL

In the first decade of the new millennium, Ashlee Simpson was a well-known star on reality TV and as a recording artist. Later, she was given an opportunity to perform on Saturday Night Live. However, it was revealed that she was lip-syncing, an incident which has since become notorious and has followed her ever since that controversial performance.

32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

Robert Durst’s Bathroom Confession, The Jinx

True crime documentaries are super popular, and The Jinx is one of the best true crime shows on streaming. In the Season 1 finale, after denying having killed anyone, subject Robert Durst went to the bathroom with a hot mic on, where he seemingly confessed to “killing them all.” 

32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

Flash Sideways, Lost

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reminisce about the captivating journey that was “Lost” during its time on TV. There’s been some heated discussions about how its quality seemed to wane in later seasons, but there’s no denying its initial impact. The show masterfully employed flashbacks to fill us in on the characters’ pasts, but the last season introduced the divisive “flash sideways,” a parallel world where Flight 815 never crashed. This twist, while intriguing, stirred up quite a bit of controversy. The contentious finale of “Lost” did eventually clarify this plotline, but it left many fans feeling agitated in the meantime.

32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

Killing Tara Offscreen, True Blood

Many series often falter in their last seasons, and True Blood on HBO is no exception, with a contentious ending joining the ranks of other shows. However, one of the most significant missteps the show took was writing off Rutina Wesley’s character Tara, who had been there from the beginning, off-screen. Fans held out hope that she might survive for part of the season, but it eventually became clear that her character would not return.

32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

Jennifer Hudson’s Early Elimination, American Idol 

Although Jennifer Hudson is widely recognized as one of the most successful contestants from American Idol, her journey didn’t go quite as far as many might think. Surprisingly, she placed seventh in Season 3 of Idol. However, this setback ultimately led her to become a renowned recording artist and actress instead. What a remarkable twist of fate!

32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

Turok-Han Power Levels, Buffy The Vampire Slayer

In the seventh season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a formidable new breed of bloodsuckers entered the scene: the Turok-Han, also known as Uber Vamps. Initially, they were far stronger than your average vamp, giving even Buffy herself a run for her money. Yet, by the end of the series, even characters like Giles and Wood were holding their own against these powerhouses, not to mention the newly activated Potentials.

32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

Will Smith’s Oscars Slap

One unforgettable incident at the Oscars in recent years is undeniably when Will Smith struck Chris Rock on stage, an act that has cast a long shadow over his career since then. The Academy and the broadcast network have faced criticism for their handling of the situation, particularly regarding Smith’s quick return to receive the Best Actor award shortly after the on-stage altercation.

32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

Valentina Asks To Keep Her Mask On, RuPaul’s Drag Race

Season 9 of Drag Race was a memorable one, and contestant Valentina quickly became a fan favorite. But her most memorable moment was definitely a flub, where she asked to keep her mask on during a lip sync against Nina Bo’nina Brown. Ru insists that she take it off, and it soon becomes clear Valentina simply doesn’t know the lyrics to her song. 

32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

The Infamous Starbucks Cup, Game Of Thrones

HBO’s “Game of Thrones” created quite a stir during its broadcast, despite some mixed feelings about the last season. It also gained massive attention for unexpected reasons, like the infamous “Game of Thrones” blunder where a Starbucks cup was accidentally left in the Westeros scenes. Whoops!

32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

Various Stand-Ins, Friends

For nearly a decade, friends graced our screens with an impressive ten seasons. This lengthy run brought immense recognition to the show’s talented ensemble cast. Juggling schedules during the peak of its fame must have been quite challenging, as evidenced by certain scenes where understudies for some actors can be spotted. Remember, this was all before high-definition filming became commonplace.

32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

The Demogorgon, Stranger Things

It’s widely agreed that “Stranger Things” is one of the most successful original shows Netflix has produced since its beginning. However, it’s not without its flaws, particularly in the way it incorporates “Dungeons & Dragons” lore. In Season 1, characters mention the Demogorgon and have a figure of this creature, but unfortunately, such a figure wouldn’t be available in the year 1983. Considering how dedicated “D&D” fans are, it seems Netflix might not have anticipated this potential issue.

32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

Maggie’s Picture, The Simpsons

Even animated shows could have some goofs, and The Simpsons isn’t excluded from this. During the Sixth Season episode “And Maggie Makes Three” we see Marge and Homer talk about her being pregnant with the titular baby. But despite her not being born yet, we can see a photo of Maggie on the wall. 

32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

Bin Ladin Reference, Breaking Bad

The television series “Breaking Bad” is frequently praised as one of the greatest dramas ever produced and remains a series worth revisiting. However, it’s not flawless, particularly when it comes to its portrayal of events surrounding Osama Bin Laden’s death in 2011, which occurred much later than the show’s timeline set around 2007.

32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

Erica Hahn’s Story, Grey’s Anatomy

Over the course of its lengthy broadcast, many characters have joined and left the series Grey’s Anatomy. However, none experienced as much unfair treatment as Brooke Smith’s character, Erica Hahn – one of the most memorable LGBTQ+ figures on the show. Following her relationship with Callie and delivering a moving speech about acknowledging her homosexuality, she was swiftly removed from the series to make room for Arizona Robbins.

32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

Rose’s Education Level, The Golden Girls

One of television’s finest sitcoms, The Golden Girls, has remarkably improved like a bottle of premium wine over time. Yet, there were inconsistencies during its broadcast, notably concerning Betty White’s character, Rose. In certain episodes, she boasts about being the valedictorian from her high school, while in others it’s suggested that she left without graduating and instead earned a GED.

32 Big TV Mistakes That Are Still Memorable Years Later

Josh’s Age, Boy Meets World

Boy Meets World is a beloved part of ’90s pop culture that numerous millennials grew up with. However, the comedy series had some puzzling inconsistencies, particularly concerning Cory’s younger brother Josh’s age. One season he appears as an infant, and then rather suddenly, he seems to be around 5 years old without any characters addressing this rapid growth.

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2024-09-11 20:09