Television Mishaps That Aired
TV shows transport us into different worlds, but sometimes, reality crashes in at the worst moments. These slip-ups amused fans for years. But how do these blunders happen? More importantly, how many have you caught?
The Changing Apartment Numbers That Defied All Logic In Friends
Sitcom fans are known for their attention to detail, and this is why this Friends blunder became infamous. Monica’s apartment number used to be 5, and Chandler’s was 4. Suddenly, their numbers changed to 20 and 19, probably to reflect a high-rise setting. But eagle-eyed viewers never let it slide.
Friends: The Girls Take Their Apartment Back (Season 4 Clip) | TBS by TBS
The People Of Westeros Had Their Own Starbucks In Game Of Thrones
In one of the biggest mishaps in TV history, Game of Thrones—a show known for dragons and medieval grit—accidentally left a modern-day Starbucks-style coffee cup in a scene. Yes, Westeros got its first latte! Maybe Daenerys needed a caffeine boost before burning down King’s Landing?
Game of Thrones Season 8 Episode 4 | Starbucks Cup Scene Brightened 2 stops by Jay Downey
Chidi’s Accent Didn’t Make Sense In The Good Place
The Good Place had plenty of philosophical twists, but one inconsistency stood out. Chidi, a native French speaker, magically had a perfect American accent—even in flashbacks from his childhood in Senegal. The show later justified it by saying that he attended American schools.
Chidi Goes Insane and Eats Peeps Chili - The Good Place (Episode Highlight) by The Good Place
A Crew Member Became An Accidental Extra In The X-Files
In a show packed with government conspiracies and alien encounters, you wouldn’t expect to see an ordinary bystander. Yet, in The X-Files episode “Paper Clip,” a group of random people, including someone with a dog, is visible in the background of a supposedly secret government site.
Paper Clip S3E2 - The X-Files Revisited by JB's Spooky Review
A Time-Bending Christmas Timeline Confused Fans In That '70s Show
“The '70s” apparently lasted a little longer than expected. That '70s Show supposedly covers four years, yet the gang celebrates five Christmases—a mathematical impossibility. Did Red Forman secretly invent time travel? Or did the writers just prioritize festive episodes over logical continuity?
1X12 Christmas parties That 70S Show funny scenes by Dutch.series
Haley Dunphy’s Phone Was Upside Down In Modern Family
Phones in movies and TV shows often seem to follow their own rules. Take Modern Family, for example. In the episode "Rash Decisions," Haley Dunphy (played by Sarah Hyland) takes a call while driving—except there’s one tiny problem: her phone is upside down. Yep, full-on flipped.
MODERN FAMILY | Haley Loses Alex by clipzz.vidzzz
Doug Ross’s Forgotten Son In ER Proved Even Doctors Make Mistakes
Dr Ross, played by George Clooney, once admitted to having a long-lost son he’d never met early in ER. Strangely, the show never referenced this child again, even when Doug started a family with Carol Hathaway. Was it an abandoned storyline or just a case of fatherly amnesia?
Doug Defends Himself | ER by ER - Emergency Room
Captain Holt’s Medals Are All Wrong In Brooklyn Nine-Nine
A man as meticulous as Captain Holt shouldn’t have a uniform inconsistency—but here we are. Throughout Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Holt’s medals are usually in the wrong order. Although this is a little detail, a production consultant should have noticed it.
ULTIMATE Best of Sassy Holt | Brooklyn Nine-Nine by Brooklyn Nine-Nine
The Mandalorian Accidentally Included A Crew Member In The Star Wars Universe
A galaxy far away wasn’t far enough to keep this mistake out of sight. In The Mandalorian, during a tense scene in Chapter 12, a crew member is wearing jeans in the background. Fans immediately dubbed him “Jeans Guy” and turned him into a meme before Disney edited him out.
The Van In The Walking Dead Defied The Laws Of Physics
Car stunts are impressive, but The Walking Dead delivered one that defied logic. In one episode, Carol and Daryl’s van tips forward off a bridge, flipping nose-down—only to land perfectly upright on all four wheels. Even Fast & Furious would have had trouble justifying that landing.
Carol and Daryl car falling down (The Walking Dead S05E06) by fyras1
A Disappearing Straw Confused Viewers In Mad Men
Period-accurate details were Mad Men’s specialty, but even Don Draper couldn’t smooth-talk his way out of this one. In “The Inheritance,” Betty Draper is seen drinking from a Coca-Cola bottle with a bright red straw. In the next shot, the straw is completely gone—then it suddenly reappears.
Mad Men - Don and Betty Argument by adreon
A Sunroof Reflection Revealed A Boom Mic In Frasier
Frasier Crane prided himself on class and sophistication, but even he couldn’t predict this slip-up. While standing up through his SUV’s sunroof, the back window reflection clearly shows a boom mic hovering above him. This high-brow sitcom wasn’t immune to production blunders after all.
Frasier - Best Moments #1 by Frasier - Best Sitcom Ever
A Murder Suspect Repeated A Scene In Law & Order: SVU Like A Bad Alibi
Nothing gets past Olivia Benson—except this editing mistake. In Law & Order: SVU, a suspect angrily storms off from an argument with Stabler. But in the next shot, he’s back at the starting point, walking away again, mouthing lines from the previous scene. Maybe it was just an advanced interrogation technique?
Best of Elliot Stabler | Law & Order: SVU | Hulu by Hulu
Pacey’s Birthday Changed Seasons In Dawson’s Creek
Time is fluid in Dawson’s Creek, at least when it comes to birthdays. In Season 2, Pacey celebrates his 16th birthday during the summer, yet in Season 4, his 18th birthday takes place in the middle of winter. Since Dawson’s Creek thrived on drama, maybe time just moved differently there.
A Television Antenna Appeared In 1912 In Downton Abbey
Historical accuracy was one of Downton Abbey’s biggest strengths—until it wasn’t. In one episode set in 1912, the show revealed a TV antenna on the roof of the Crawley estate, decades before television was even invented. The anachronism was quickly pointed out to become one of the show’s famous mishaps.
Downton Abbey's Battle Against Technology | Downton Abbey by Downton Abbey
A Flashback In Friends Contradicted Rachel And Chandler’s First Meeting
Friends’ timeline was shaky at best, but one contradiction was too obvious. In the pilot, Rachel meets Chandler for the first time through Monica. However, in later flashbacks, we see they had already met multiple times in college. The writers probably hoped everyone was too busy laughing to care.
Friends: Monica and Rachel dancing HD by FriendsHD
A Stunt Mat Magically Disappeared In The Mandalorian
Even the best bounty hunters need safety precautions. In The Mandalorian, during a fight sequence, a cream-colored stunt mat is clearly visible as Cara Dune throws a thug to the ground. A few seconds later, when the camera cuts back, the mat is gone.
We Finally Know How Mandalorian Is Proceeding With Cara Dune by Looper
Severance Couldn’t Keep The Time Right
Apple TV’s Severance has a mind-bending premise. However, in the very first episode, Mark (played by Adam Scott) wears a watch that seems to have its own severance program. One moment, the date reads 4. Then, suddenly, it’s 5. Then, like a glitch in the Matrix, it’s back to 4.
Mark Scout promoted to department head Severance Season 1, episode 1 by Mark movie scene
Will And Carlton Aged In Reverse In The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air
In the early seasons of The French Prince of Bel-Air, it’s mentioned that Carlton is a year younger than Will. But later, both characters are treated as if they’re in the same grade. But let’s be real—if anyone could manipulate time, it was Uncle Phil making sure they graduated together.
Carlton being Carlton | The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air by Warner Bros. TV
A Baby’s Name Changed Without Explanation In Vikings
History is brutal, but apparently, so is continuity. In Vikings, Ragnar Lothbrok whispers to his unborn child, calling him Sigurd before he’s even born. Fast forward a few episodes, and when the baby finally arrives, Ragnar asks what the child’s name is, acting as if he had never chosen one.
The Heartbreaking Moment Lagertha & Bjorn Leave Ragnar | Vikings by Amazon Prime Video UK & IE
A Wedding Contract Contradicted Claire’s Memory In Outlander
In Outlander, Claire claims that she doesn’t even know Jamie’s full name before their wedding. However, in a previous episode, she had already read their official marriage contract, which clearly listed his full name. Despite being a time traveler, she wasn’t great at remembering paperwork.
Deleted Scene: Contract Of Marriage | Outlander (The Fan Carpet) by The Fan Carpet Extra
Timmy Forgot He Was A US Citizen In Rules Of Engagement
For a man who prided himself on intelligence, Timmy had a major lapse in memory. In Rules of Engagement, he agrees to a fake marriage with Russell because he needs a green card. However, two seasons earlier, he had explicitly stated he was already a naturalized US citizen.
Rules of Engagement - Timmy: World's Greatest Assistant by CBS
A Car Window Reflection Revealed Crew Equipment In That '70s Show
Nothing breaks 1970s nostalgia like modern filming gear. In That '70s Show, during a scene in a hardware store, a shiny metal pot in the background reflects stage lights and part of the film crew. Fans with sharp eyes caught the mistake.
Red Forman Best Moments That 70s Show by Sierra
Sasha Repeated Girl Scout Cookie Sales In The Office
Toby Flenderson told the Dunder Mifflin crew that it’s his daughter Sasha’s first year selling Girl Scout cookies in Season 8 of The Office. The only problem is that he had already bought cookies from her in Season 4. Looks like Sasha had a delayed career in cookie sales.
The Best of Toby Flenderson (Without Michael) - The Office by The Office
A Flashback Scene Created Two Different First Meetings In Scrubs
Even best friends can’t remember everything the same way. In Scrubs, J D and Turk recall meeting for the first time as college roommates, with JD nervously introducing himself. However, another flashback shows Turk entering the dorm to find JD, who has already moved in and is wearing a wizard hat.
Scrubs J.D. and Turk's Best Moment by Jeff Beck
A Plane Passenger Appeared And Disappeared In Lost Without Explanation
Considering all the mysteries in Lost, this one was subtle—but baffling. In the pilot episode, a background survivor of Oceanic Flight 815 is clearly visible in the wreckage. A few episodes later, the same survivor completely disappears, never to be mentioned again. Has the island claimed another victim off-screen?
Lost 01x01 | Opening Scene (HD) by covvens
A Character Vanished And Returned As A Different Actress In Boy Meets World
Disappearing without explanation is one thing, but coming back as an entirely different person is another. In Boy Meets World, Cory’s little sister Morgan vanished for a full season, with no mention of her whereabouts. When she returned, she was played by a different actress.
Boy Meets World - Cory's Sister in the Car by Top Clips
Sam Malone’s Office Door In Cheers Changed More Than His Love Interests
In Cheers, Sam Malone’s office door was almost as inconsistent as his relationships. Sometimes, the frosted glass had "Manager" written on it; other times, it was mysteriously blank. No one mentioned the change, and the bar regulars never seemed to notice. Fans, however, did.
Cheers - Sam Malone funny moments Part 17 HD by Roxy Cakes
An Elevator Timeline Didn’t Add Up In The Big Bang Theory
The elevator in The Big Bang Theory became a running joke, but its backstory didn’t quite check out. In early seasons, Leonard states that it broke two years before the series began. However, later flashbacks of the event occur several years earlier. Fans realized the show had rewritten its own history.
The Elevator Works?! | The Big Bang Theory by Big Bang Theory
A Crew Member’s Hand Helped With A Scene In
Behind-the-scenes assistance is useful—except when it’s in the final cut. In Three’s Company, Terri enters the kitchen carrying two cans, but a crew member’s hand sneaks into the frame to place a bag on the counter. It’s one of those classic sitcom bloopers that, once seen, can never be unseen.
Terri Alden (Three's company) - what the hell by technicolordreams
A Rock-Solid Memory Gap Contradicted Vampire Lore In Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Vampires may be immortal, but apparently, their rules aren’t. In Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel claims that vampires don’t breathe, which is why he can’t perform CPR. However, throughout the series, vampires smoke, talk, and even get choked—things that require breathing.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Buffy meets Angel for the first time by VICTOR HUGO
A Forgotten Name Swap Turned David Into Kevin In Roseanne
Name changes happen, but usually not mid-series. In Roseanne, Darlene’s boyfriend was originally introduced as Kevin, but soon after, his name mysteriously changed to David. The show never explained the switch, though later on, Roseanne joked that Darlene had simply “decided” to start calling him David.
Roseanne 10x05 Promo Darlene v. David (HD) ft. Johnny Galecki by TV Promos
A High School Flashback Changed Phil’s Age In Modern Family
Even Phil Dunphy couldn’t joke his way out of this one. In Modern Family, a flashback shows Phil and Claire as high schoolers, revealing that Phil was a senior when Claire was a freshman. Nevertheless, earlier episodes had already established that they were the same age.
Modern Family | The Best Advice from Phil Dunphy by Peacock
A Time-Travelling Family Photo Appeared In The Simpsons
For a show that mocks continuity errors, this was a funny slip-up. In The Simpsons episode “And Maggie Makes Three,” a flashback shows Marge and Homer in their living room before Maggie was born. Yet, there was a framed photo of baby Maggie clearly visible in the background.
Do It For Her | And Maggie Makes Three - Season 6 Episode 13 | The Simpsons by Klip5
An Unopened Letter Got Read In Gilmore Girls
Fast-talking dialogue wasn’t the only thing moving at lightning speed in Gilmore Girls. In one episode, Lorelai receives a sealed letter from Christopher and holds it unopened. In the next shot, she’s reading its contents without ever having opened it. Maybe Lorelai’s coffee addiction had granted her superpowers after all.
lorelai & luke (425) by gilmore girls
A Crew Member Became An Accidental Extra In Angel
During a fight scene in a nightclub in Angel, a camera pans too far to show a crew member holding a camera rig at the bottom of the frame. It became a funny example of how even the most polished shows sometimes let real-world elements sneak in.
ANGEL: Season One TRAILER by BuffyverseTrailers
Several Crew Members Were Seen In The Shield
The Shield is a popular 2000s show. However, despite its popularity, fans noted a few mistakes that probably happened due to the camera moving way too fast. For example, many crew members were seen in the pilot, although they weren’t part of the storyline.
The Shield - A Different Kind of Cop Scene (S1 E1) | Rotten Tomatoes TV by Rotten Tomatoes TV
A Forgotten Tattoo Moved Around Jack’s Arm In Lost
Jack Shephard had plenty of scars, but his tattoos were another story. Throughout Lost, Jack’s arm tattoo inexplicably changes size, placement, and clarity depending on the episode. While some blamed lighting and makeup inconsistencies, others joked that Jack’s ink was just as mysterious as the island itself.
Lost - Sawyer, Jack and his father by felipe.flores1
Jerry’s Apartment Magically Redecorated Itself In Seinfeld
Kramer wasn’t the only unpredictable thing in Seinfeld. Jerry’s apartment layout constantly shifted. Sometimes, the hallway outside had doors leading to other units; other times, it led nowhere. Even the furniture moved around as if possessed. But since Seinfeld embraced absurdity, many just laughed it off.
Elaine Needs Five Thousand Dollars | The Apartment | Seinfeld by Seinfeld
Blanche Devereaux’s Birthday Changed When It Suited Her In The Golden Girls
Blanche Devereaux’s age was a well-guarded secret in The Golden Girls, but her birthday was an absolute mystery. Depending on the episode, she gave different dates, proving that vanity was stronger than consistency. Some viewers speculated she was deliberately lying, which fit her character.
Best Birthday Moments 🎂 Golden Girls by TV Land
A Modern Pickup Truck Drove Through The Virginian
Set in the 1890s, The Virginian prided itself on historical accuracy—until a Chevy pickup truck made a surprise appearance. As a character rides away on horseback, a very 20th-century vehicle is visible in the background. Considering how long Westerns dominated TV, a stray truck was bound to sneak in eventually.
The Virginian - Jim and Trampas by CowgirlAtHeart
A Clock Ran Backward In Doctor Who Without Time Travel
Time manipulation is expected in Doctor Who, but not by accident. As the Doctor rushes around Amy’s house, a clock in the background is running backward—and not because of any wibbly-wobbly timey-wimey explanation. People debated whether it was a hidden Easter egg or an overlooked production mistake.
Will’s Birthday Was Forgotten In Stranger Things
Stranger Things is all about mysteries, but here’s one the Duffer Brothers never solved. In Season 2, Joyce Byers tearfully marks March 22 as Will’s birthday. Fast forward to Season 4, and no one—including his own mother—mentions it when that exact date rolls around. The creators admitted they simply forgot.
STRANGER THINGS S4 - THEY FORGOT WILL'S BIRTHDAY by GENZ GIRL
The Walking Dead Featured A Zombie Wearing Sneakers
Apocalyptic survival is tough, but apparently, some walkers had access to modern footwear. In The Walking Dead, a background zombie can be seen wearing very non-decayed Nike sneakers, blending in just a little too well. Given the show’s grim attention to detail, this mistake stood out.
Rick and His Group Take The Prison in The Walking Dead 3x01 by Skybound
