Discover the shocking secrets behind some of the most beloved TV shows. We’re giving you a peek behind the curtain and perhaps a new perspective on the shows you thought you knew inside and out.

The Crown

The replica of Queen Elizabeth II’s wedding dress worn by Claire Foy in the show took seven weeks and $37,000 to create, showcasing the show’s commitment to historical accuracy and detail.

Game of Thrones

The horse heart Daenerys eats in season 1 was made of solidified jam but was reportedly so disgusting that actress Emilia Clarke gagged during the scene, making her performance all the more convincing.

Friends

The iconic orange couch in Central Perk was found in the storage room of the Warner Bros. studio lot. It became one of the show’s most recognizable symbols, inviting the audience into the cozy coffee shop setting.

Breaking Bad

The blue meth used on the show was actually rock candy. This detail was not only a prop choice but also became a significant part of the show’s identity and was even sold as merchandise.

The Office (US)

The computers on the set were connected to the internet, allowing cast members to use them for personal browsing, which added to the authenticity of the office setting.

Stranger Things

The series creators, the Duffer Brothers, were rejected by over 15 networks before Netflix picked up the show. The series’ blend of 1980s nostalgia and supernatural elements became a cultural phenomenon.

Lost

The character of John Locke was initially supposed to be killed off in the first episode. The decision to keep him dramatically changed the show’s direction and depth.

The Simpsons

Bart Simpson’s prank calls to Moe’s Tavern were inspired by real prank calls made to a bar in New Jersey during the 1970s, which the show’s creators had listened to on cassette.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

The house shown in the opening credits is actually located in Brentwood, not Bel-Air. This exterior shot became iconic despite the geographical inaccuracy.

Doctor Who

The sound of the TARDIS dematerializing was created by running a key along piano strings, a simple yet effective technique contributing to the show’s unique sound effects.

Twin Peaks

The idea for the show came to David Lynch in a dream. Specifically, the image of a dead woman washed ashore in a plastic wrap. This dream influenced the eerie and surreal atmosphere of the series.

Mad Men

Jon Hamm, who played Don Draper, had to wear contacts to make his eyes look browner, aligning with the show’s 1960s aesthetic and the character’s dark and mysterious persona.

How I Met Your Mother

The final scene with Ted’s kids was filmed during the first season to ensure the actors didn’t age visibly. This early decision locked in part of the show’s ending years before it was revealed.

Sherlock

Benedict Cumberbatch, who played Sherlock Holmes, is actually related to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes – they’re 16th cousins, twice removed.

Seinfeld

Kramer’s character is based on a real-life neighbor of co-creator Larry David. The real Kramer even made a deal to allow the use of his name for the show.

The X-Files

The famous tagline “The truth is out there” was created to counterbalance the show’s skepticism and conspiracy themes, aiming to add a sense of hope and curiosity.

Grey’s Anatomy

The show’s title was almost “Complications,” reflecting the characters’ complex medical cases and personal lives. “Grey’s Anatomy” was chosen for its play on the classic medical text Gray’s Anatomy.

The Twilight Zone

Rod Serling, the show’s creator, wrote over 80 episodes himself, drawing from his interests in science fiction, horror, and social commentary.

Parks and Recreation

The town of Pawnee, Indiana, is fictional, and the show went to great lengths to create a detailed history and culture for it, including a website and a book written by one of the characters.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Sarah Michelle Gellar initially auditioned for the role of Cordelia Chase, but her performance was so compelling that she was cast as the lead, Buffy, instead, shaping the show’s success and Sarah’s career.