Ever watched a TV show and thought, “There’s got to be more to this than meets the eye”? You’re right! Behind the scenes and within the scripts are hidden secrets that enrich the viewing experience. Ready to dig a little deeper? Here are 15 secrets concealed in your favorite TV shows that will leave you seeing your screen in a whole new light.
Friends — The Frame
A seemingly random frame around Monica’s apartment peephole wasn’t so random in Friends. Initially holding a mirror, the frame broke during production, and instead of tossing it, the producers left it as a quirky, memorable set piece.
Breaking Bad — Walter White’s Clothes
Walter White’s wardrobe in Breaking Bad isn’t just a random sequence of events because the colors of his clothes track his moral descent. The initial seasons start with light greens and beiges; then, as he becomes more sinister, his wardrobe darkens to deep reds and blacks.
Game of Thrones — Coffee Cup Gaffe
In Game of Thrones, modern items aren’t supposed to appear based on the medieval setting. Yet, a coffee cup famously made its way into a scene in Winterfell. This blunder became a massive meme, leaving fans wondering how that cup made it past editing, with speculations that it might have been an accident or a deliberate Easter egg.
The Office — Real-Life Cameo
Fans of The Office love the relatable, quirky characters enacting the reality of offices. But did you know a real-life cameo snuck in? In the episode “Branch Wars,” Creed Bratton’s son plays the angry trucker Michael fights.
The Simpsons — Number Gag
The highly controversial Simpsons often hide clever gags within the scenes. In “Homer the Heretic,” the number on Reverend Lovejoy’s speed dial for “God” is 736-3737, which spells “PEE-SEE-PEE-SEE.” This tongue-in-cheek joke shows the writers’ knack for blending humor and subtlety.
Stranger Things — Dungeons & Dragons Parallels
Kids and adults alike loved the Netflix sensation Stranger Things, but has anyone noticed the hidden references to Dungeons & Dragons? Like the Demogorgon battle, the kids’ adventures mirror their D&D campaigns.
Seinfeld — Superman Easter Eggs
Seinfeld features Superman in nearly every episode (yes, every episode). Whether it’s a figurine in Jerry’s apartment or a reference in the dialogue, the Man of Steel is ever-present. This hidden homage stems from Jerry Seinfeld’s love for the superhero.
How I Met Your Mother — Countdown
The “Bad News” episode in the How I Met Your Mother series hid a countdown from 50 to 1. Numbers appear subtly in the background, leading to a significant plot twist. This creative detail adds a layer of suspense and uniquely engages viewers.
Lost — The Numbers
Lost has gone down in history as a famous piece full of mysteries. One discovery that will have you scratching your head is the enigmatic numbers 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42. What do they mean? Well, these digits appear throughout the series, from lottery tickets to hatch codes, and fans keep theorizing their meaning.
Arrested Development — Foreshadowing Gags
Arrested Development’s creators are masters at intricate plotting, often including subtle hints and foreshadowing gags that only make sense when you rewatch an episode. For example, the recurring chicken dance, the stair chair, and the cornballer.
Futurama — Mathematical References
In this sci-fi, number 42, a nod to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, appears frequently, while the Planet Express ship’s model number “C-1337” playfully alludes to “leet” speak. The show pays homage to classic sci-fi with designs like the “Planet Express” building, reminiscent of the “Starship Enterprise,” and subtle details in the opening credits.
The Good Place — Philosophy Lessons
The Good Place is quite an exciting watch, giving you a glimpse of the afterlife. But beyond that, you might notice a few sneak peeks into actual philosophical concepts in its storylines. Chidi and Michael are two characters who reference famous philosophers and ethical dilemmas.
Westworld — QR Codes
All the hidden QR codes on Westworld scenes are not random but intentional. Scanning them leads to secret websites or additional content that expands the show’s universe beyond the screen. The most visited code led to the Delos Destinations website. You’ll find it in season 2, episode 2, timestamp 30.18, on a tablet held by the Delos representatives; go look!
Sherlock — Hidden Clues
The number 221B, Sherlock’s address, often appears subtly throughout the series. For example, in “The Great Game,” the number appears on a phone number dialed by one of the characters, which connects to the episode’s central mystery. In “The Sign of Three,” Sherlock receives a text from “saved by the bell,” a reference to a detail that becomes significant later.
The Walking Dead — Hidden Walker Faces
The Walking Dead’s hidden tidbits start with the opening credits, which hide Walker’s face in the letters of the show’s title. Then, several comic characters appear in the show, with others like Daryl Dixon (who wasn’t in the comic) creating a new character. There are also a few subtle nods to Breaking Bad, where Merle Dixon’s drug stash includes blue meth and a red Dodge Challenger (similar to Walter White Jr.’s car).
