As a long-time movie enthusiast with a knack for uncovering hidden gems, I find it fascinating to delve into the intricate world of film marketing and its unique ways of engaging audiences. One such tactic is the use of real phone numbers in movies, which not only adds authenticity but also offers an immersive experience that transcends the screen.
It’s common knowledge that in movies and TV shows, most phone numbers start with the prefix 555, and you’re not alone in noticing this. The reason behind this practice is straightforward: filmmakers aim to avoid using real phone numbers that could potentially be dialed by viewers. An instance of this happening is evident in Tommy Tutone’s 1982 hit single “867-5309/Jenny,” which resulted in numerous unwanted calls for people with that number.
Using the digit sequence “555” at the start of a phone number is common practice for avoiding real numbers, since very few U.S. phone numbers begin with this combination. However, authentic phone numbers may still show up in films and TV programs, either intentionally or unintentionally. This deliberate inclusion might serve promotional purposes by directing callers to project-related information, or it could occur due to oversight during production.
Occasionally, a film or series breaks the norm by disclosing an authentic phone number within its narrative. Enthusiasts frequently dial these numbers in anticipation of receiving a connection related to their viewing experience, and quite often, they get through. Here are some movies and TV shows that have done this throughout history, each with their unique motivations.
Squid Game
Filmmakers in America often employ 555 numbers for scenes involving phones in movies and TV shows. However, this practice isn’t universal across all countries. South Korea has unique ways to prevent viewers from dialing numbers shown on screen, but “Squid Game” seemingly didn’t follow this rule. In the first episode of the series, Seong Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae), receives a card from The Salesman (Gong Yoo) that contains a phone number.
As a gamer, I’ve got to clarify something about the Squid Game: the number isn’t part of the show’s narrative, it’s completely unrelated. Fans who dialed that number were essentially joining in on the action, which got thousands hooked. However, calling that number in real life doesn’t lead you to the deadly games – instead, it disturbs a woman named Hanna Kim.
Kim and others found themselves bombarded with countless phone calls and messages, many inquiring if it was indeed Squid Game they were watching. This overwhelming situation became untenable, and Netflix recognized the predicament. Although the secret had already been leaked, Netflix decided to take action and alter the scene to conceal the actual number.
Scrubs
In the 2004 episode “My Malpractical Decision” of “Scrubs,” Dr. Turk (Donald Faison) receives a new phone number that he is extremely pleased about because it spells out 916-CALL-TURK. Throughout the episode, Turk often says, “If you dial Turk, you’ll reach Turk.” Curious viewers tried calling the number to see if they would actually connect with Turk, and they were not let down.
Faison wasn’t idle, expecting calls, instead he prepared a message. When callers dialed, they would hear Faison in character expressing gratitude: “I couldn’t answer your call at this moment, but you’ve reached Turk. And let me tell you, that’s a wonderful thing.” Moreover, the message announced the new schedule of our series and encouraged viewers to keep tuning in for more episodes.
For a long time now, “Scrubs” has been out of production, making the phone number inactive. However, when it was running, some lucky callers managed to talk to an actual cast or crew member. One such caller even spoke with Dr. Kelso (Ken Jenkins), who humorously replied, “You’ve dialed Turk, Dr. Kelso speaking.” The purpose of the phone number was to entertain fans and provide information that probably kept them hooked on the show.
Gilmore Girls
In the first episode of the fifth season of “Gilmore Girls,” titled “Say Goodbye to Daisy Miller,” it was revealed that Luke (played by Scott Patterson) had a new contact number. Interestingly, this number was functional during the show, and calling it would play a voice message recorded by Patterson himself, although it is no longer connected to the series now.
In the episode, instead of using a fictional character, Patterson simply asked viewers to donate to the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Since Amy Sherman-Palladino dislikes using 555 numbers in her productions, she bought the phone number mentioned in the episode as an alternative. Sherman-Palladino allowed Patterson to decide what he would record, and he opted for a charity that he personally supported.
Regrettably, “Gilmore Girls” hasn’t been on TV since 2007, but the phone line still operates, receiving calls from various individuals. Over the years, the person handling these calls has dealt with some frustrating ones, while others have given him a chance to play along as Patterson for amusement.
Bruce Almighty
In early 2003, during the movie “Bruce Almighty,” Bruce (played by Jim Carrey), receives multiple messages on his pager to call a number he isn’t familiar with. He attempts every means possible to steer clear of this pesky interruption until eventually making the call. Unbeknownst to him, it turns out that he’s dialing God (portrayed by Morgan Freeman) himself.
In simpler terms, the number provided didn’t have an area code, nor was it one of those fictional 555 numbers often seen in movies. When viewers saw this number, they collectively decided to call it, as if it were a number from a movie scene. However, since the film is set in Buffalo, New York, the actual number provided didn’t exist there. Unfortunately, adding any area code to it would make it a valid phone number, leading to an influx of calls coming in from all across the country.
In Florida, a man received approximately 20 calls per hour from people seeking to talk to God, as the movie gained popularity. Similar incidents were reported, leading Universal Pictures to offer an apology. Since the film had already been released, they were able to change the number in later home video and TV versions. Now, if you watch “Bruce Almighty,” the number on Bruce’s pager is 555-0123.
Terminator: Dark Fate
In “Terminator: Dark Fate,” the series timeline was rewritten, resulting in the demise of John Connor (Edward Furlong). His mother, Sarah (Linda Hamilton), is left to cope with this loss. By the end of the 2019 movie, Sarah encounters the Terminator responsible for her son’s death, but it’s not the same mindless assassin. Instead, it’s an advanced T-800 model named Carl (Arnold Schwarzenegger), who has aged significantly since eliminating John. In Laredo, Texas, Carl runs a drapery business and lives with a family.
In a particular scene, the principal characters step out of Carl’s van adorned with his phone number (800) 555-0199. This number served as an homage to “Terminator: Dark Fate,” and for some time, it would play a message from the Terminator himself if dialed: “Hello, this is Carl’s Draperies. We offer exceptional drapes and curtains throughout Texas; I promise you that. Regrettably, we are not presently available to take your call, but we will get back to you. Until then, see you later.” Sadly, the number is no longer in service, but the message can still be heard on X.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
For a long time, the 555 number was widely utilized, but eventually, it got overused to the point that filmmakers stopped using it. To counteract this, Universal Studios bought the phone number (212) 664-7665 for their movies. Although it doesn’t work as a real number, you can still dial it if you wish, but all you’ll get is a message saying the line isn’t active.
In various films produced by Universal Studios, such as “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” from 2010, they’ve included a unique feature where viewers can dial a phone number associated with a character, like Ramona Flowers (played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead). This innovative practice started in the early 2000s, making its debut in “Munich” released in 2005, followed by appearances in “The Adjustment Bureau” in 2008 and “Definitely Maybe” in 2011.
As a gamer, I understand that Universal deliberately employs numbers to sidestep the 555 trope, possibly acquiring it following the debacle known as “Bruce Almighty,” which generated a wave of unfavorable media coverage. Regardless, this strategy seems to be gaining traction among studios, with filmmakers increasingly opting for numbers other than 555 in their productions.
Magnolia
In the movie “Magnolia,” there were two real numbers that were featured, and during its release, these numbers allowed viewers to listen to intriguing messages. However, these numbers are no longer linked with Paul Thomas Anderson’s film, which premiered in 1999. But while they were active, one of the numbers was (818) 775-3993, which was dialed by Phil Parma, a character portrayed by Philip Seymour Hoffman in the movie.
If you dial that number now, all you’ll hear is an automated request to input a number. However, if someone calls back later, they will hear a woman asking for a message to be left at the tone. The movie shows another phone number associated with it, which when written out, spells TAMEHER. This number can be seen in Frank T.J. Mackey’s (Tom Cruise) infomercial.
Previously, dialing that specific number would play a recording featuring Cruise’s character discussing his “Seduce and Destroy” program details from the movie. He also hinted at helping you obtain what you desire quickly, referring to it as “the naughty sauce.” However, this number is no longer associated with “Magnolia”, instead connecting you to a sex chat line – thus, the toll-free area code is not disclosed here.
The Office
In the third season episode titled “Women’s Appreciation” of “The Office”, Phyllis (Phyllis Smith) is exposed inappropriately in the parking lot, prompting Pam (Jenna Fischer) to draw a sketch of the offender. Remarkably, the drawing bears a striking resemblance to Dwight (Rainn Wilson), particularly without his glasses, and is labeled, “THIS MAN IS A PERVERT!”. Posters displaying this artwork are distributed, and unsurprisingly, Dwight isn’t amused. Interestingly, the phone number listed beneath the drawing, (800) 984-3672, is authentic and can be found on various episodes throughout the series, as it represents Dwight’s phone number that appears on his business cards.
During the show’s airtime, if you dialed that particular number, it would play a message from WB Jones Heating and Air Conditioning, providing tips on setting your thermostat for both winter and summer seasons. After approximately 30 seconds of music, the call would terminate. Presently, dialling this number connects to a sex hotline, with no apparent link to “The Office”.
Supernatural
Across the 15 seasons of “Supernatural,” Dean Winchester (played by Jensen Ackles) encountered a myriad of sinister creatures, demons, and even deities. Despite this, he consistently had multiple cell phones, yet one specific device would always display a message, “This is Dean’s other, other phone… so you must know what to do.” Most fans would jump at the chance to call Dean, who was known for his witty comebacks in “Supernatural.
In the episode titled “Phantom Traveler” and various others, the phone number (866) 907-3235, which is Dean’s, is conspicuously shown. You can dial this number right now, but you’ll only hear a sex hotline greeting instead: “Welcome to our nation’s most popular chat line.” This message is identical to the one you would receive if you tried calling Dwight’s number from “The Office.
If you phoned during the broadcast, you’d receive an extra treat: snippets from Dean on the show. Once dialed, Dean greets you, “This is Dean Winchester. If this is an emergency, kindly leave a message. If your call pertains to 11-2-83, I’ll be paged with your location details.” This date holds significance as it was when Dean’s mother, Mary (Samantha Smith), met her end, thereby tying the viewer into “Supernatural” in a playful manner.
Better Call Saul
The television show “Better Call Saul” revolves around lawyer James M. McGill, who later adopts the name Saul in a creative play on words for his professional identity. In the series, Saul frequently uses commercials and park benches for advertisements, with his phone number prominently displayed. During the show’s run, there was even an actual billboard erected in Albuquerque, New Mexico, displaying the phone number (505) 842-5662 as part of a marketing campaign, similar to what is depicted on the screen.
In late 2024, if you dial that active number, you’ll receive a message from Saul, who is promoting his legal services and requesting you to provide your information after the tone. At first, the message would have been from McGill, but since the series progressed, it now reflects Saul as he concluded the show in this role.
Toward the end of the series, the messages corresponded better with the characters depicted in “Breaking Bad.” The show provided several phone numbers that viewers could call, such as (505) 503-4455 for Saul, (505) 242-7000 for Davis & Main (which is no longer operational), (505) 242-6087 to reach Nacho, and (505) 842-5325, a spa number where Saul maintained his hidden office.
Stranger Things
Although the plot of “Stranger Things” takes place in the 1980s, its promotional techniques are decidedly modern. In season three, when Hopper (David Harbour) gives out the phone number 618-625-8313 as belonging to Murray (Brett Gelman), dialing it produces a message from Murray himself! The message is quite lengthy and includes mentions of his mother and Joyce (Winona Ryder). However, it concludes with an unusual greeting, labeling you as a “parasite.
In Season 3 of “Stranger Things”, there was a hidden clue or joke (Easter egg) suggesting the major event of the next season. This was continued in Season 4, where a Surfer Boy Pizza number became visible. When fans call the number (805) 45-PIZZA, they hear none other than Argyle (played by Eduardo Franco). He talks about pizza and its ingredients, even admitting that their pineapple is canned. The phone call concludes with Argyle saying “hello” before hanging up.
In contrast to the Easter egg in Season 3 that contained hidden clues, the one in Season 4 appears to not provide any such indications – apart from suggesting that Surfer Boy Pizza may no longer have fresh pineapple on their menu. Another promotional tactic involved the number for Hawkins Power and Light, which used to offer hints about the show if dialed. However, this number is no longer linked with “Stranger Things” and now directs you to a medical supply company instead.
Young Sheldon
In the show “Young Sheldon,” the main character, portrayed by Iain Armitage, unintentionally discloses his address and phone number on multiple instances. However, the address shown on Sheldon’s Radio Shack Battery Club membership card (5501 Grant Ave, Medford, Texas, 88597) is fictional, as Medford is a made-up town specifically designed for the series.
In contrast, the phone number (409) 356-6049 is genuinely valid. During the show’s broadcast, fans could dial this number and hear a recorded message from the main cast on the Cooper family answering machine: “(Mary) Hi there, we’re the Coopers. (George) We’re not in at the moment. (Georgie) But feel free to leave a message. (Missy) And we’ll get back to you. (Sheldon) I won’t return your call unless you’re Professor Proton, which I can hardly believe I missed!
Regrettably, the phone number associated with the show “Young Sheldon” was inactive during the original series run. However, since the new spinoff series, titled “Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage,” premiered in late 2024, the “Young Sheldon” phone number is functioning again, though it may stop working once more when the spinoff concludes.
Ghostbusters
Ever since 1984, fans have been repeating this catchphrase from “Ghostbusters”: “Who do you turn to when you need help with ghosts? Ghostbusters!” This famous tagline and the phrase “Who you gonna’ call?” have been imitated countless times over the years. In the movie itself, the commercial displays the phone number (216) 555-2368, but, similar to other 555 numbers, it was never functional. So whether you tried dialing it back then or today, all you’ll find is a sense of letdown.
Thankfully, the movie’s triumph encouraged director Ivan Reitman to experiment with marketing strategies. He aired television ads from the film with the phone number altered to (800) 654-1984. Callers could hear a message from Dan Ackroyd and Bill Murray if they dialed this number. Unfortunately, that number no longer works, but following the movie’s expansion into a series, a new number was featured in the 2016 “Ghostbusters” film.
In the promotional strategy of that film, dialing the hotline number linked callers directly to Kevin (Chris Hemsworth). He shared that an increase in supernatural occurrences has kept the Ghostbusters exceptionally occupied. Another number, (212) 897-1964, was presented for the Blu-Ray release commemorating their 30th anniversary. At its active period, calling this number would connect you to Janine (Annie Potts), who inquired via YouTube, “What do Ghostbusters need?” Unfortunately, that number is no longer functional now.
Don’t Look Up
“Avoiding the Sky” – This story revolves around an enormous comet hurtling towards our planet, yet the powerful elite and politicians urge people not to gaze upwards, pretending there’s no imminent peril. The narrative offers a satirical perspective on how governments handle crises such as pandemics, revealing the media’s tendency to minimize facts for the sake of entertainment.
2021’s movie features a public service message where Dr. Randall Mindy (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) clarifies that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has set up a number for assistance. This number is available to anyone who calls, provided they are current Bash customers, to offer them peace of mind.
If you dial (254) 63-COMET right now, you’ll reach the Bash hotline, where you’ll hear a message saying: “Thank you for calling the Bash hotline. The recent comet has caused worldwide chaos, leading to more calls than usual. Hang in there, and a real person will be with you shortly … by ‘real person,’ we mean someone who is still alive… so, it might take a moment,” followed by 15 minutes of tunes and announcements.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-12-21 00:01