Top 10 TV Shows With The Best Small Details & Easter Eggs
#10: “Lost” (2004-10)
Top 10 TV Shows That Lost Their Mojo
Whether or not you believe the show “lost” its storytelling powers over time, it was often the Easter eggs that kept us hooked. Whether that be Sawyer’s extensive and always relevant book collection, spotting the other characters in flashbacks, or countless popular culture references. The writers also had a penchant for wordplay. For example, did you realize that Hoffs/Drawler is an anagram of Flash-Forward? How about that Membata means ambivalence or doubt? Did you also notice the recurring Dharma Initiative logo, Walt’s face on the milk carton , or that the final shot mirrors the first one? The list of noteworthy details goes on and on.
#9: “The Good Place” (2016-20)
Top 20 Small Details You Never Noticed in Seinfeld
If you have an eye for detail, then you’re probably already a fan of this show. There’s plenty of pause-worthy moments throughout the series, including subtle set changes after every reboot and Janet and Michael’s post-it notes. Even the props are incredibly well-thought-out, from magazine covers and posters , to Eleanor’s choice of booze . The mystical Fibonacci sequence was included to keep fans theorizing, while the lack of red in season one prevented them from guessing the big reveal. There are also several clues that connect this universe to that of “Parks & Rec” . With so many amazing blink-and-you’ll-miss-it-moments, you’ll want to go back and rewatch it all.
#8: “Supernatural” (2005-20)
Top 10 Small Details in Supernatural You Never Noticed
Known for its meta-humor, the writers of this fantasy-horror drama ensured that there were plenty of hidden details for the Supernatural family to uncover. Avid Easter Egg hunters will particularly enjoy episodes like, “Hollywood Babylon” “Fallen Idols” , and “The French Mistake”. The series is crammed with references both to other TV shows as well as the actors’ real lives. We particularly enjoyed their good-natured ribbing at Jeffrey Dean Morgan. He played John Winchester before joining the cast of “The Walking Dead” as Negan. This led to a great moment involving a shoutout of the Winchesters’ father and a baseball bat that looks a lot like Lucille and as such, would be instantly recognizable to any “Walking Dead” fan.
#7: “Friends” (1994-2004)
Top 10 Small Details in Friends You Never Noticed
It’s only after countless rewatches that fans started to pick up on some of the smaller details hidden throughout the series. Some have become well-known, like the numerous Magna doodle board notes and the Arquette title sequence from season six. Also, there’s the reserved sign, which finally explains how they always snagged the best seats in Central Perk. Others are lesser-known, like the boxes showing Monica’s 11 towel categories, the return of Joey’s infamous poster, or a reference to Jennifer Aniston’s real Greek last name. You’re probably due for a rewatch by now anyway, so go back and see how many other Easter eggs you can spot.
#6: “Breaking Bad” (2008-13)
Top 20 Hidden References to Breaking Bad in Better Call Saul
There are plenty of hidden elements from this crime drama that we could talk about. There’s the recurrence - whether intentional or not - of the number eight, as well as frequent sightings of oranges. The latter may or may not be a nod to other crime dramas like “The Godfather,” but there are definitely many more. And in season two, the episode titles are clues to whatever crisis is about to unfold. You can also tell a lot about the characters’ developments by their outfits and color schemes. While we’re on the subject of clothes, remember when Walter strips down to his underwear in season one? Well, in season five he seemingly passes the very pair of pants he once abandoned.
#5: “Parks and Recreation” (2009-15)
Top 10 Crazy Parks and Recreation Details You Missed
The thought that went into some of the show's finer details would make Leslie Knope proud - unlike some of Pawnee’s history, which is hidden in The City Hall murals. So, where to begin? How about the fact that Jerry’s real name was teased earlier in the series? Or that Leslie’s triplets were foreshadowed , as was her feud with Ron. Did you notice that Jean-Ralphio is Tom’s top Twitter fan? What about the kid dressed up as “Guardians of the Galaxy’s” “Star-Lord” for Halloween? We also have to mention the return of the slide guy and the resolved mystery of Pawnee’s avid gardener. The list is endless.
#4: “Black Mirror” (2011-19)
Top 10 Best 90s Shows with Black Casts
If you thought that Charlie Brooker’s dystopian series couldn’t get any more mind-boggling, think again. The British host and writer revealed that all the episodes exist in the same “psychologically shared universe” and we have the receipts to prove it. UKN News is probably the biggest easter egg connecting all the episodes, with the fictional news channel appearing in various ways in multiple ones . There’s plenty of other crossovers to keep an eye out for as well. The episode “Black Museum '' is basically dedicated to Easter Eggs, whereas episodes like “Metalhead” and “Crocodile” include features that directly target fans who enjoy searching for hidden details.
#3: “Community” (2009-15)
Top 10 Funniest Community Running Gags
This show is full of amazing Easter Eggs, small details, and references that we could mention. However, there are two in particular that deserve special attention. In season two, there’s a hidden storyline that involves Abed’s various interactions with a couple, whose baby he eventually helps deliver. We also see the same couple back in season one, we guess not too long before the child was conceived. Also “Beetlejuice” is mentioned on three separate occasions over the first three seasons. If you’re familiar with the movie, then you’ll know what that means and right on cue... Now, that’s commitment to a great gag.
#2: “The Simpsons” (1989-)
Top 10 Amazing Small Details in The Simpsons
Airing since 1989, there’s a lot to look out for in this animated series beyond just the opening titles - starting with Matt Groening’s signature, which you can find embedded on Homer’s head . In addition, like with Pixar, A113 is often hidden in episodes, in homage to the California Institute of the Arts. The show also often parodies movies, recreates famous historical images, and if you pieced all the McBain clips together, you’d get a whole film. Another fun one: When asked if anyone has the guts to stop Mr. Burns, everyone looks away, except Maggie. Yeah, just let that one sink in. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “The Office” (2005-13) Did You Notice John Krasinski Sign His Real Name on Meredith’s Cast? “Game of Thrones” (2011-19) This Is the “Holy Grail” of Easter Eggs “Psych” (2006-14) Have You Spotted the Pineapple in Every Episode? “Fringe” (2008-13) In Addition to Being in the Background of Episodes, the Observers Would Also Feature Outside of the Show “Arrested Development” (2003-06; 2013-19) We Have to “Hand” It to Them for This Awesome Foreshadowing Detail (Among Others)
#1: “How I Met Your Mother” (2005-14)
Top 10 Small Details in HIMYM You Never Noticed
This sitcom has become quite famed for its intricate Easter Eggs and foreshadowing moments. By now, you may have spotted the countdown in “Bad News” or pieced together the clues about the titular mother. However, did you also spot the full story that plays out behind the gang? Or how Ted’s clock always seems to be set at 4:20? How about that Zoey may have shopped at lilyandmarshallselltheirstuff.com? Also, Marshall keeps his vow to save his last slap for a rainy day. Even if the finale divided the fans, it’s the hidden messages and symbols that always keep them coming back for more.
