Top 10 Funniest Bloopers in Serious TV Shows
#10: Prop Malfunction
The Vampire Diaries (2009-17)
During a flashback episode from season 1, Nina Dobrev assumes the role of Katherine Pierce, a shadowy figure from the Salvatore brothers past. In one particularly flirtatious scene, Katherine and Stefan Salvatore are running through a garden. As it exists in the final cut, its a seamless and romantic sequence. But one outtake sees Dobrev getting a little too into the scene. Getting too close to a prop statue, she knocks it clear off its pedestal. Actor Paul Wesleys reaction, a hilariously deadpan Oh my God, is the cherry on top of the on-set mishap.
#9: Flipping the Script
Dead Like Me (2003-04)
Showtimes cult dramedy about a woman chosen to be a grim reaper was canceled after two seasons. Although there was some conflict on the set, the shows heavy subject matter and dark humor had some light moments as well. For example, this scene from the shows second and final season. Actor Callum Blues threats to guest star Eric McCormack dont go according to script. He accidentally flips his vulgar dialogue around, just spouting nonsense instead. McCormacks response, a reference to his years on Will & Grace, adds a layer of meta humor over the screw-up.
#8: Did You Just Record That?
White Collar (2009-14)
Theres a lot of downtime on a set. Before every shot, the lighting, the makeup, and the sound all have to be in sync. During what looks like a sound check between takes, White Collar star Matt Bomer decides to sing into the boom mic dangling above him. He seems to be just goofing around. But that voice is no laughing matter. Its only after he belts out Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing, with some mumbling to cover the lyrics he forgets. He doesnt notice the camera slowly pushing in on him, or that theyre recording him at all, until he hears cut.
#7: Family Jewels
Supernatural (2005-20)
One of the shows more emotional episodes sees supernatural demon hunters Sam and Dean Winchester accidentally resurrecting their father, John, with the help of a mysterious pearl. But the time comes to repair the timeline rift this causes and send John back to the other world. Tears are shed, but all's right with the world. And as one blooper shows us, theres always time for a crackup. The emotional scene when Jared Padalecki goes to crush the pearl sending the prop flying at actor Jeffrey Dean Morgans groin. Padalecki and co-star Jensen Ackles fall to the floor laughing, and the entire scene comes to a screeching, gut-busting halt.
#6: Waking Up Vecna
Stranger Things (2016-)
Joseph Quinn won millions of fans and hearts when the English actor appeared as the lovable headbanger Eddie Munson on season 4 of Stranger Things. But that good-naturedness seems to carry off-screen as well. In one blooper between him and co-star Joe Keery, Quinn trips over a piece of the creepy forest set. Namely, one of Big Bad Vecnas creepy vines. He manages to stay in character, improvising a line about waking up Vecna. Honestly, it might have been worth keeping in the episode if Keery hadnt cracked up so much. Who can blame him, though?
#5: Dancing Into Court
Game of Thrones (2011-19)
Theres something kind of surreal about seeing people laugh amid the severe, high-budget fantasy sets like the ones on Game of Thrones. Peter Dinklage brought charm and humor to his role as the whip smart and resourceful Tyrion Lannister. Its apparent he brought those same qualities to the set as well. In one now-legendary outtake from Tyrions dramatic trial scene, Dinklage and on-screen brother Nikolaj Coster-Waldau entered leading an attempted sing-along. The supporting cast and extras are completely perplexed at first. But sometimes, especially when a scene is as tense as this one, you just have to laugh.
#4: Im Acting Here!
Sons of Anarchy (2008-14)
The cast of characters on this FX drama are some of the toughest, meanest, and scariest people on TV. Even seeing them laugh can be kind of eerie. While shooting a scene from Sons of Anarchys 6th season, Chibs actor Tommy Flanagan cant quite get his lines right. The line is supposed to be, Well, Jackie Boy, you just advanced race relations in Ireland by 50 years. Flanagan cant quite manage it. Co-star Charlie Hunnam eventually breaks, too. And when the actor playfully tries to check him, Hunnam is not having it. Theyre both just trying their best.
#3: Culinary Crackups
Hannibal (2013-15)
Hannibal Lecter is many things, but clumsy is not one of them. Sometimes, it takes a lot of takes for his cool and calculating culinary renegade to come off so self-assured in the kitchen. Several bloopers reveal just how much work goes into making him seem so talented. A neat trick where Lecter catches a potato on a knife took several attempts to get right. Outtakers from a dinner party in the first season reveal a funner, more relaxed side to actor Mads Mikkelsen. Except, of course, when you insult his salad. Dont ever insult his salad.
#2: I Am Standing Here
The X-Files (1993-2002; 2016-18)
The gag reels for this sci-fi classic are uniquely hilarious. Whether David Duchovny cant quite sink a shot or Gillian Anderson is trying to stay in character, the set of The X-Files doesnt seem to be all that tense a place. In a seemingly endless blooper from the pilot, Anderson is trying to get out her lines, but keeps getting distracted and having to backtrack. All this while rain is pouring on her and she has to stay locked in to the characters frustration. Like Scully herself, maybe Anderson needed some time to adjust to the spooky world of Agent Mulder and his belief in extraterrestrials.
#1: Im the One Who Knocks
Breaking Bad (2008-13)
When Walter White finally explains the depth of his criminal empire to his wife, its one of the most infamous and thrilling monologues in modern TV history. Bryan Cranstons acting in the now-iconic scene is a masterclass. Thats why its so surprising, and ultimately so amusing, to see him cracking up while filming it. Cranston gets a little too serious during one take. His dramatic pause just starts to make him chuckle. Co-star Anna Gunn cant help but lose it, too. Its refreshing to see the fun side to such an intense and notorious moment.
Which of these outtakes was your favorite? Tell us in the comments.
