40+ Funny And Surprising TV Mistakes You Never Noticed

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By James Loftus - June 15, 2021

Thanks to the rise of online streaming services, fans can now watch – and re-watch – their favorite shows, and spot some mistakes that have previously been missed. No show is immune to plot holes, gaffes and continuity errors, and some of them are just incredibly funny. From invisible objects to plastic cups in ancient times, to stand-ins finding themselves on camera – we’ve compiled a list of the funniest TV mistakes, that will make you see these shows in a whole different way.

Game of Thrones Actors Just Love Their Starbucks

40+ Funny And Surprising TV Mistakes You Never Noticed

Although the Game of Thrones epic is set in a world of ancient kingdoms and mythical creatures, keen-eyed viewers were quick to spot a modern-day anomaly. During a scene featuring Daenerys Targaryen, a coffee cup that bore a striking resemblance to a Starbucks takeout cup made an unexpected appearance on the table in front of her.

“The latte that appeared in the episode was a mistake. Daenerys had ordered an herbal tea,” was HBO’s funny response to the gaffe.

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The Simpsons: Opening Sequence

The opening sequence of The Simpsons is hailed as one of the most iconic in television history. However, despite gracing the show for over two decades, there has been one unnoticed continuity mistake throughout its entirety. In this sequence, we witness Homer’s arrival home, where he skillfully parks his car in front of the Simpsons’ garage.

When he opens its door we see a bike, some open boxes and random tools – but when Marge arrives and Homer runs in, there are suddenly only two closed boxes inside.

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Big Bang Theory – Penny’s Dad

During an early episode of the Big Bang Theory, Penny engages in a conversation with Leonard’s mother and casually mentions her father, referring to him as Bob.

However, in a subsequent episode, we are introduced to her actual father, whose name is revealed to be Wyatt, creating a noticeable inconsistency in the show’s continuity. Seems pretty strange that she doesn’t remember her own dad’s name, no?

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That 70s Show: Donna’s Sister

Donna Pinciotti’s little sister, Tina, appeared in one episode of the show. She is attending a party with the rest of the gang and even flirts with Fez, despite being only 14-year-old.

However, Tina never made another appearance in any subsequent episodes, and interestingly, Donna is later referenced as being an only child, leaving Tina’s existence and role within the show unaddressed.

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So is She, or Isn’t She Wearing a Necklace

In a particular episode of the show’s second season, Jennifer Aniston’s character, Rachel Green, adorns a peculiar necklace. At first glance, it appears to possess some enchanting qualities as it mysteriously vanishes and reappears throughout the scene, captivating the attention of keen-eyed viewers.

The fact that Aniston is wearing a white V-neck only emphasizes the necklace’s apparent time travel abilities.

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Grey’s Anatomy: Dangerous MRI

In the episode Band-Aid Covers the Bullet Hole, a patient arrives at the ER who has a fork stuck in her neck. Despite their expertise and knowledge, the doctors make a baffling decision by ordering an MRI scan to be performed, disregarding the potentially dangerous consequences. The powerful magnetic strength of the machine would typically attract and pull out the fork lodged in the patient’s neck, posing a significant risk to her life.

This oversight raises questions about the medical accuracy portrayed in the scene.

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Sex and the City: Wedding Announcement

Upon Charlotte York’s marriage to Harry Goldenblatt, their nuptials receive recognition in the esteemed pages of The New York Times through a published wedding announcement. However, for some reason the announcement includes some strange plot holes. “She is writer and editor at Fashions Magazine in Manhattan”, reads Charlotte’s description. Throughout all six seasons of Sex and the City, Charlotte’s professional life never intersects with the magazine industry. At the show’s onset, she holds the esteemed position of an art gallery director.

However, as the series progresses, she transitions into the roles of a dedicated stay-at-home mother and an enthusiastic museum volunteer.

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How I Met Your Mother – Real Location

In the episode Subway Wars, when the gang teases Robin about not being a ‘real’ New Yorker, they all set out on a New York race. During an episode, Ted utilizes his laptop to access a map for race directions.

However, the search engine he employs mistakenly displays Los Angeles as his location instead of New York, where the show is set, despite being filmed in the latter city.

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They Missed Melisandre’s Necklace

During season 6, a pivotal moment occurs when Melisandre unveils her true identity by removing her distinctive necklace. This simple act unveils her as an elderly woman, illuminating the magical essence concealed within the necklace that has been preserving Melisandre’s youthful appearance all along.

However, in season 4, Melisandre is seen taking a bath without the necklace – but still looks like her normal, young self.

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Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Vampire Breath

In season 1, Angel the vampire is seen unable to perform CPR on Buffy, and we learn that vampires have no breath.

However, the show appears to deviate from its established logic, and in subsequent seasons, the vampires inexplicably blow out smoke, experience fainting spells due to choking, and endure torture by drowning—actions that contradict their inherent inability to breathe.

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Sons of Anarchy: Car Break-In

When Opie Winston is caught attempting to break into a random car using a slim Jim, his actions seem superfluous upon realizing that the car is, in fact, unlocked, as evident from the visible position of the lock button captured in the shot from inside the car.

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Stranger Things Needs to Get The Demogorgon Correct

The immensely popular Netflix series strongly focused on authentically capturing the essence of the 1980s, given its setting in 1983. However, amidst its meticulous attention to detail, there was one particular aspect that was inaccurately represented: One of the boys’ favorite pastimes is playing Dungeons & Dragon, which was very popular in the 1980s, and they give the monster the name Demogorgon.

Nevertheless, a minor flaw in the show’s commitment to historical accuracy arises when it comes to the D&D Demogorgon figurine, as it was not actually introduced until 1984.

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The OC: Junior Year

When we are initially introduced to the OC gang in the first season of the show, they are depicted as high school juniors enrolled at the prestigious Harbor School.

However, it is not until the third season that they transition to being seniors, raising an intriguing question: They were all held back and repeated their junior year in season 2? This question remains unanswered.

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The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: The Changing House

In the initial season of the show, the Banks’ living room was portrayed as a compact space with a predominant color scheme of deep brown. However, in a surprising shift, the second season presented a larger, brighter room with the unexpected addition of a staircase.

Another funny fact is that the Banks’ white mansion, seen in the show’s famous opening sequence, is actually located in the Brentwood neighborhood – and not in Bel-Air.

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Seinfeld: The Parked Car

In the episode titled “The Parking Garage,” the entire gang embarks on a comical adventure as they spend the duration of the episode tirelessly searching for their car within a perplexing parking garage. The episode was meant to end with them finding the car and driving off, but in real-time, the car just didn’t start.

Recognizing its comedic potential, the Seinfeld crew ultimately made the clever decision to retain this scenario as the ending, realizing that it added an extra layer of humor to the episode.

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But That Game of Thrones Actor Was Just Thirsty

During a pivotal moment in the series finale, as the Great Council convenes to determine the destiny of the Iron Throne, an unforeseen attendee graces the proceedings, adding an element of surprise:

a modern-day water bottle, tucked behind Samwell Tarly’s foot – which was probably used by the actor between takes.

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Malcolm in the Middle: Crew Member

In the memorable “Red Dress” episode, a comedic twist unfolds when Malcolm’s mom emerges from the corridor clutching a charred dress that she had discovered in the bathroom.

Funnily enough, viewers can actually see a crew member kneeling down and handing Lois the dress, straight from a bucket full of water.

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Modern Family: Tightrope

In the episode “Phil on Wire,” Phil Dunphy’s excitement soars as he triumphantly masters the art of walking a tightrope, presumably marking his first successful attempt at the daring feat.

However, in an earlier Modern Family episode, Phil proudly states that he knows how to walk a tightrope – because he went to trapeze camp.

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Pretty Little Liars: Upside Down Phone

This amusing mishap gains an extra touch of humor when it’s revealed that the actress herself, Lucy Hale, who portrays Aria on Pretty Little Liars, was the first to notice it.

Lucy Hale took to Instagram to share the entertaining anecdote of a phone conversation she had on the show. “Aria, girl your phone be upside down in last night’s episode”, wrote the actress.

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This X-Files Star Forgot to Take Something Off

In the episode “Travelers,” an intriguing inconsistency arises as David Duchovny’s character, Special Agent Mulder, is depicted wearing a wedding ring, despite never being married on the show. Curiously, no explanation is provided for the presence of the ring, adding an enigmatic element to the scene.

Turns out, Duchovny had just married actress Tia Leoni in real life, and wanted to keep wearing his wedding ring during the shooting.

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Boy Meets World: Topanga’s Parents

Topanga had a challenging time with her parents constantly changing. Throughout the show, Topanga’s parents were portrayed by a total of five different actors. Her father, Jedidiah Lawrence, was played by Peter Tork, Michael McKean, and Mark Harelik, while her mother, Rhiannon Lawrence, was portrayed by Annette O’Toole and Marcia Cross.

It must have been quite an adjustment for Topanga to have such variation in her on-screen family. Talk about a stable home.

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Firefly: Invisible Steering Wheel

In the thrilling premiere of the beloved series, the legendary spacecraft Serenity skillfully eludes a relentless pursuer, showcasing its remarkable prowess. Amidst the crew’s jubilant revelry in their triumph, our attention is drawn to the unwavering presence of Wash, who remains resolute in the pilot’s seat.

Curiously, despite the absence of a physical steering wheel, he maintains a steadfast grip as if it were still present before him.

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Good Place: Janet’s Help

During the episode titled “What We Owe to Each Other,” a pivotal moment unfolds as Janet, the unwavering assistant, finds herself in need of assistance while delivering crucial documents to Eleonore and Michael. Viewers can clearly see a crew member hand Janet a stack of papers, and she catches them behind her back.

Curiously, despite the absence of a physical steering wheel, he maintains a steadfast grip as if it were still present before him.

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Jane the Virgin’s Crew is Off Point

In a poignant episode of the final season of “Jane the Virgin,” Magda, Petra’s mother, finds herself hospitalized, and a particularly impactful scene captures her lying in a hospital bed, adorned with a respiratory mask.

But then, the breathing mask somehow disappears in the next shot. Miraculous recovery? We hope so, for Magda’s sake.

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Gossip Girl: Black Sweatpants

In the sixth season of the series, we witness Blake Lively’s Serena van der Woodsen enjoying a lunch outing at a restaurant, clad in a figure-hugging coral dress. However, in a curious moment, a shot reveals her departing the establishment while unexpectedly sporting a pair of black sweatpants discreetly concealed beneath her dress.

The obvious explanation is that Lively was wearing comfy pants since the scene was meant to be framed from the waist up, but luckily the funny combo was caught on camera.

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Supernatural: What’s in a Name

In the episode “Provenance,” Sam and Dean undertake a harrowing investigation into a heinous crime. The nature of this crime proves to be so shocking that, in a particular scene, Dean earnestly endeavors to capture Sam’s undivided attention.

But instead of calling him Sam, he calls him Jared, i.e. actor Jared Padalecki, who plays Sam.

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Family Matters: Judy Winslow

During the initial seasons of “Family Matters,” Judy served as a recurring character, playing a significant role as a cherished member of the Winslow family.

However, in season 4, when Judy is just 14, she mysteriously disappears after Mama’s Wedding episode – never to be seen or heard of again, with other family members acting as if she’s never existed.

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The Crown Writers Need to Get Their Dates Straight

As the third season of “The Crown” unfolds, set in the 1970s, Olivia Colman gracefully assumes the role of an older Queen Elizabeth II, bringing her own distinct portrayal to the iconic character. But the trailer for the much-awaited new season included a fundamental mistake:

it got the Queen’s Jubilee Day wrong, saying it happened 25 years after her coronation, when in fact it took place 25 years after she ascended the throne (1952), and not since her coronation (1953).

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The Sopranos: Kitchen Burn

In a gripping moment, Tony Soprano inflicts a fatal blow upon Ralph in his own kitchen, triggering a visceral reaction. Overwhelmed by the intense emotions, actor James Gandolfini, in an authentic display, experiences a bout of nausea and struggles to regain his composure.

While seeking support, he inadvertently leans against the kitchen counter, unintentionally burning his hand on the stove, adding an unexpected real-life element to the scene. Being the incredible actor that he was, he did not break character even despite the pain, and the director understandably decided to leave the burn in the scene.

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ER: Dr. Ross’s Baby

Did Dr. Doug Ross have a child before starting a family with nurse Hathaway? Amidst a haze of uncertainty, one intriguing revelation surfaces within the first season of “ER.” The captivating pediatrician confesses to having a son, a tender revelation shadowed by the fact that he has never crossed paths with the child and remains oblivious to even the son’s name. However, in later episodes he says that he himself has never had kids.

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Glee: Rachel’s Dads

A notable transition occurs within the portrayal of Rachel’s fathers on the TV series “Friends.” In the initial season, a different set of actors is featured in the photograph, while in the subsequent third season, the roles are assumed by acclaimed actors Jeff Goldblum and Brian Stokes Mitchell.

In addition, in season 2 we were told that Rachel was given up for adoption as a baby, but in a later episode her dads say that she was in fact a surrogate baby.

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Orange is the New Black Actors Need to Learn Their Spices

In an inventive twist during the fifth season, Flaca and Maritza collaborate on a beauty tutorial vlog within the confines of their prison. In this unique tutorial, Maritza shares her resourceful technique of utilizing various spices to contour her face, ingeniously substituting conventional makeup products that are inaccessible behind bars.

She mentions three spices: cinnamon, cumin and finally Sazon Goya – but she’s mistakenly pointing at Sazon Adobo, a completely different spice. This tiny mistake actually caused quite a bit of internet stir, and Netflix responded by tweeting a re-shot version of the scene – this time with the correct spice.

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Mad Men: Le Cirque Restaurant

While “Mad Men” garnered acclaim for its meticulous depiction and portrayal of the 1960s era, faithfully capturing even the minutest of details, it unexpectedly encountered one rare—and now widely known—mistake.

In one scene, Joan meets an old friend and offers to make a reservation at Le Cirque restaurant – but the show is set in 1968, and the legendary Manhattan restaurant only opened six years later, in 1974.

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Homeland: The Diplomat’s Reflection

In a luminous room adorned with expansive windows, as Carrie conducts an interview with Saudi diplomat Mansour Al-Zahrani, it becomes evident that more than just his story is unveiled in the process.

Though they are supposed to be alone in the room, Al-Zahrani’s glasses reveal all the show’s crew members in their reflection.

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Friends: Monica and Rachel’s Apartment

At the inception of the beloved series “Friends,” Monica and Rachel found their abode in apartment number 5, while their neighboring companions Joey and Chandler resided in the adjacent apartment number 4. However, the show’s art department felt like number 5 didn’t suit the view from Rachel and Monica’s apartment – which showed it was on one of the building’s upper floors.

Thus, as the second season unfolded, an intriguing shift occurred as the girls seemingly “moved” into a new abode, now residing in apartment number 20.

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Don’t Think They Had Plastic Water Bottles in the Early 1900’s

In a promotional photo capturing the essence of the 1910s costume drama, Lord Grantham and Lady Edith strike a pose by the grand fireplace. However, amidst the vintage elegance, an anachronistic sight catches the eye—an unmistakable modern-day plastic bottle proudly perched on the mantelpiece, creating a jarring contrast.

Plastic bottles were not in wide use in the UK until the 1960s – decades after the show takes place.

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Twin Peaks: The Man in the Mirror

In the initial seasons of “Twin Peaks,” the presence of Killer BOB, a malevolent entity haunting the town’s inhabitants, added an eerie dimension to the storyline. However, it is revealed that the creation of Bob was entirely unintentional, a serendipitous mistake that inadvertently gave birth to this sinister character. Actor Frank Silva wasn’t originally hired to play Bob, but rather worked as an on-set dresser for the show.

During filming, an unexpected occurrence took place when Silva’s inadvertent appearance was captured in a shot, with his reflection visible in a mirror behind actress Grace Zabriskie. Seizing this serendipitous moment, director David Lynch made the creative decision to incorporate Silva’s presence as a new character within the story.

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The Tudors: Violin

In the second season, an intriguing sight unfolds as musician Mark Smeaton showcases his talent by playing the violin. However, the historical accuracy of the show, set in 16th-century England, is momentarily compromised since the modern violin depicted by Smeaton had not yet come into existence during that era.

In addition to the historical inaccuracy, the placement of the instrument and the fingers is also wrong.

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The Simpsons: Baby Maggie

In the episode And Maggie Makes Three, a pregnant Marge tells Homer that they’re going to have another baby – Maggie, their third child.

However, an intriguing inconsistency arises as baby Maggie’s presence is already captured in a photograph adorning the wall behind Marge while she discloses her pregnancy to Homer—revealing that she is expecting none other than Maggie herself.

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Friends: Monica’s Stand-In

A stand-in is someone whose job is to occupy an actor’s place while lights and cameras are readied – but never to be seen once filming starts. In the episode “The One with Rachel’s Date,” a notable continuity oversight emerges during a conversation between Phoebe and Monica.

As the camera alternates between the two, upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that Phoebe is, in fact, engaged in a conversation with Monica’s stand-in rather than Courtney Cox herself.

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Lost: Mysterious Black Object

In the pilot episode of “Lost,” a gripping sequence unfolds as the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815 seek shelter from an exploding jet engine. Just moments before the catastrophic event, a mysterious dark object swiftly streaks through the sky, seemingly triggering the explosive turmoil.

Many theories tried to explain the meaning of this object until the showrunner explained it was just a result of an error in the CG effect.

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Battlestar Galactica: Visible Crew Members

In the episode “Flight of the Phoenix,” an intense fight scene unfolds between Tyrol and Helo, yet they are not alone in their confrontation.

To their left, two conspicuous camera operators can be seen, capturing the skirmish from an alternate angle, inadvertently breaking the illusion of the scene.

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The Walking Dead: Infection

In a gripping revelation, the survivors of “The Walking Dead” come to a gradual realization that evading the virus proves futile, as it is transmitted through the air. They soon discover that each of them has already been infected, meaning that upon their eventual demise, they will inevitably transform into Walkers themselves.

However, the story shows a lack of consistency, when in season 8 the Saviors coat their weapons in zombie-guts, in order to infect their enemies. Who, by the show’s logic, should already be infected.

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