Top 10 Cast Breaking Moments That Were Left in the Show
#10: The Nosebleed
“Veep” (2012-19)
Top 10 Saturday Night Live Breaking Character Moments
Fans of this satirical comedy will fondly remember this iconic season three moment. Selina has just discovered some huge news, and Gary is so taken aback that his nose starts bleeding. Not only was this scene acted impeccably by both Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Tony Hale, but they clearly had a blast filming it too. Louis-Dreyfus gets a fit of the giggles as she tries to help her friend and colleague. And her laughter is so infectious Hale’s Gary goes from anxiously sobbing to hysterically chuckling. It’s so entertaining watching these actors seemingly having as much fun shooting the scene as we’re having watching it. We’re glad it was left in.
#9: Squawking
“Murderville” (2022-)
Combining a funny murder mystery with some of the greatest improv talents is a recipe for plenty of memorable character breaks. And this one, featuring guest star Kumail Nanjiani, has to be one of our favorites of the series. He’s a rookie detective working with his superior, Will Arnett’s Terry, on a case involving a deceased tech billionaire. Terry comes up with a “good cop, bad cop” plan that involves Nanjiani inventing an “ugly walk” and making some strange sounds. As they put their plan into action, neither actor can hide their amusement. Nanjiani chuckles openly as he debuts this “signature sound.” Meanwhile, Arnett desperately tries to hide his laughter behind his hand.
#8: Betrayed by the Calzones
“Parks and Recreation” (2009–15; 2020)
Leslie aside, there’s probably nothing Ben Wyatt loves more than a calzone. So we were heartbroken for him when the Neapolitan dish turned on him and his colleagues in this season five episode. He, Ron, and Chris all worry when they haven’t heard from Tom, who was also out dining with them, and decide to give him a call. As Ben rolls over to the phone and dials with his face, pay close attention to Chris. Sure, his exaggerated facial expressions could just be pangs of pain. However, when you look real close, it sure looks like he’s laughing. Oh, and how’s Tom, you ask? Yeah, he’s fine.
#7: Did Rosa... Smile?
“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (2013–21)
Top 10 Unscripted That '70s Show Moments That Were Kept in the Show
Badass cop Rosa Diaz prides herself on her tough exterior. However, unlike her character, when actress Stephanie Beatriz finds something amusing, she seemingly can’t help but show it. We see it in this season two episode when Holt joins the others in guessing why Amy is running late. There’s also an instance where she struggles to maintain composure when Jake screams at his colleagues as part of an undercover ploy. And, pay close attention to her in this scene where Gina won’t look up from her phone. You can see her throw her head back in amusement when Gina throws a stapler at Boyle. Although, in this case, that’s totally something Rosa would find funny.
#6: Interview Laughter
“Martin” (1992-97)
Top 10 Shocking Things We Learned from the Meghan & Harry Interview
One of the things we love about this sitcom is how real its characters feel. After all, what do you do when you find something funny? You laugh. Indeed, many moments where the cast broke character made it to air. Take this scene where Martin can barely speak after his scene mate Tommy Davidson cracks him up. It’s a simple moment, sure, but it epitomizes what makes breaking moments so fun – we get a glimpse into the actors’ inner world, while still remaining immersed in the story. This sitcom was often hilarious, but seeing the cast enjoy themselves makes it so much funnier. After all, it only doubles the joy we get during every viewing.
#5: The Flashing Story
“The Office” (2005-13)
Top 10 Unscripted New Girl Moments That Were Kept in the Show
“The Office” featured way more than its fair share of shenanigans and hilarious quips throughout its run. So we imagine trying to keep a poker-face amid the chaos and hilarity was quite challenging. Take the season three episode “Women’s Appreciation.” Michael arrives at the office while the others reflect on Phyllis’s traumatic ordeal. His reaction is as tactless as you might expect, and he soon tries to shift the focus elsewhere. Now, let’s see what John Krasinski makes of this whole exchange. Yep, he’s laughing! Sure, he tries to conceal it, but it’s written all over his face— well, the part of it we can see.
#4: So... Nobody Graduates?
“The Jamie Foxx Show” (1996-2001)
Another Top 10 Breaking Character Moments on Saturday Night Live
In this season two episode, Jamie and Braxton end up in traffic school, led by the ironically named Sergeant Easy, played by Mark Curry. Curry had us rolling with laughter due to his hysterical delivery and seemingly unintentional physical comedy. At one point, he runs to the front of the classroom only to slip and steady himself on a desk. Several cast members instantly turn away as they seemingly start to break. In another scene, he falls as he enters the room. And sure, they could’ve called cut. But Curry styles it out so well that we totally get why they decided to use this take, even though everyone’s clearly laughing.
#3: Kitty's Dance
“That '70s Show” (1998-2006)
Top 10 Kitty & Red Moments on That '70s & '90s Show
Donna celebrates her bachelorette party with Jackie and Kitty at a club. And no one seems to enjoy the celebrations more than her future mother-in-law. Kitty unleashes her inner party girl while grooving in front of the dancer. According to actress Debra Jo Rupp, the specifics of her routine were unscripted, and she saved her big performance for the taping. Indeed, she certainly took her scene mates by surprise. In the outtake, you can see that no one, not even Rupp, can keep it together. However, in the aired episode, Mila Kunis makes no secret of how hysterical she finds Rupp’s performance. We’re just surprised she didn’t fall out of her chair.
#2: Various (But Mostly Max Greenfield)
“New Girl” (2011-18)
Top 10 Shocking Drag Race Talent Show Moments
There’s always one cast member who struggles to keep it together more than most. And, in “New Girl,” that seems to be Schmidt actor Max Greenfield. In all fairness, we’d also probably giggle through any conversation featuring the word “va-donkey.” Likewise, when Nadia tells him everything she likes about America— and we mean everything— it certainly seems like he’s fighting hard to stay stone-faced. And that’s before she even gets to the whole “Mick Mouse” bit! There’s also the time when Winston, angry at being abruptly woken up, delivers a hysterical dramatic monologue. You know who else clearly found this scene hilarious? Yep, that’s right, Max Greenfield.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
No Laughing Matter, “Arrested Development” (2003-06; 2013; 2018-19)
David Cross Lets Out a Scoff While Jason Bateman Stares in Silent Amusement
A Genuine Reaction, “Supernatural” (2005–20)
We See That Smirk, Jared Padalecki
Car Troubles, “Seinfeld” (1989-98)
This Car Ain’t Going Nowhere, but This Mishap Does Drive the Cast to Break
“Thor & Dr. Jones,” “The Big Bang Theory” (2007-19)
We Thor You Laughing There Kaley Cuoco
#1: Ross Plays the Bagpipes
“Friends” (1994-2004)
Top 10 Monica & Ross Sibling Moments on Friends
Ross actor David Schwimmer seems to be an expert at breaking his cast mates. For instance, did you ever notice Matt LeBlanc laughing behind him during the scene where they confront the dancer over the missing ring? His musical talents, or more accurately Ross’ lack thereof, tend to set them off too— especially Jennifer Aniston. In season four, we’re introduced to his “sound.” Notice how Aniston hides behind her hand? She also had difficulty staying composed when Ross showcased his bagpipes skills a few seasons later. It's so funny that we'd fully believe they couldn't get a single take where no one breaks. But we always celebrate the fact that they ultimately chose to leave it in.
