Top 10 Most Iconic Unscripted TV Scenes
#10: Q-Tip “Friends” (1994-2004)
Top 20 Unscripted Friends Moments That Were Kept in the Show
Chandler Bing’s quick wit and sharp tongue are responsible for some of the show’s most memorable and quotable lines. For instance, he delivers one heck of a zinger in the season two premiere when he’s frustrated by Joey’s poor grasp of math. Naturally, it gets a huge laugh from the audience and remains one of the character’s most iconic lines. But would you believe that Matthew Perry came up with it himself? He was reportedly meant to just react and leave, but we think we can all agree that Perry’s last-minute addition was the funnier choice. The actor even picked it as his absolute favorite Chandler quip. Indeed, it’s a classic. Could he BE any funnier?
#9: Brooke’s Finale Monologue “One Tree Hill” (2003-12)
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Much of the cast of this teen drama practically grew up on the show. So, it’s hardly surprising that the final days on set felt a bit like the end of an era. In one of the series’ final scenes, Brooke Davis, played by Sophia Bush, delivers a tear-jerking speech about her high school memories. The actress shared that she was “really emotional” when she delivered this spontaneous monologue, as it was the final scene being shot. She added that she wanted to express both her own and her character’s feelings at this moment. It’s so authentic – no wonder they left it in! She had us weeping buckets the first time we heard it.
#8: Randall & William’s Barbershop Talk “This Is Us” (2016-22)
In this emotional season one episode, Randall and William go on a father-son bonding road trip to Memphis. In one brief moment, the duo stops at a barbershop. As it turns out, the dialogue in that scene was completely improvised. Actor Ron Cephas Jones was sharing a story about his first actual haircut experience, and it appears Sterling K. Brown responded as one might in a normal conversation. But that’s not all. The later water fountain scene was ad-libbed too. This was arguably one of the series’ most impactful episodes, so the extra realness makes everything hit just a little harder.
#7: Rue Fighting with Her Mom “Euphoria” (2019-)
Top 10 Most Heartbreaking Euphoria Moments
Remember that moment in the second episode of “Euphoria”’s first season when Rue gets into a serious altercation with her mom regarding her substance use? Things get pretty heated and even turn physical. At a press junket, Zendaya told audiences that her script simply read, “Rue and her mom have a fight.” But creator Sam Levinson encouraged the actresses to really “go at one another’s necks.” Interestingly, Levinson reportedly modeled much of Rue after his own personal battles. He was so shaken by the rawness of the scene that he returned to his office and cried. It might’ve been a challenging shoot for all involved, but the payoff is tremendous.
#6: True American “New Girl” (2011–18)
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Quick: what are the rules to True American? Don’t know the answer? Don’t worry; no one does, not even the “New Girl” cast or writers. The game first appeared in season one, delighting and confusing viewers and eventually evolving into a beloved running gag. According to Zooey Deschanel, who played Jess, the first time they ‘played’ it, the cast ad-libbed their way through the scene. Apparently, filming it always took a long time and was about as “chaotic” as the game looks. Even though it’s totally fictional and seemingly makes no sense, it hasn’t stopped some fans from trying to play it and even asking the cast for advice on the rules.
#5: “Son of a B****” “Supernatural” (2005–20)
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In one episode of “Supernatural”, con artist Bela Talbot goes to extreme lengths to steal a lucky rabbit’s foot. While she’s ultimately unsuccessful, she does get a last laugh as she drives away with Dean’s winning scratch tickets. Upon realizing this, the character overzealously exerts his frustration in a line made up on the spot by actor Jensen Ackles. It’s not the words per se that make this moment so hilariously memorable but more in the over-the-top way Ackles delivers them. We clearly weren’t the only ones who found it funny, as you can see Jared Padalecki look away as if trying to hide his laughter.
#4: The Filibuster “Parks and Recreation” (2009–15; 2020)
Top 10 Unscripted Parks and Recreation Moments That Were Kept in the Show
The “Parks & Rec” writers are hilarious, but even they have to admit that sometimes the funniest lines are thought up by the actors themselves. However, we have to give props to guest star Patton Oswalt, who played eccentric Pawnee resident Garth Blundin in one season five episode. Garth goes on a long filibustering rant about his ideas for the newly announced “Star Wars Episode VII.” The actor was instructed to do whatever he wanted and did so in full force, even crossing into the MCU and making some fascinating and on the nose predictions. Of course, a lot had to be cut for time, but you can watch the unabridged version on YouTube.
#3: Marshall Gets Bad News “How I Met Your Mother” (2005–14)
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In one of the saddest moments of the show, Lily tells Marshall that his dad suffered a fatal heart attack. According to co-creator Carter Bays, Jason Segel opted not to read the full line that reveals the episode’s titular “Bad News” in order to relay Marshall’s shock authentically. Indeed, when actress Alyson Hannigan gives him the tragic news, Segel’s reaction is one hundred percent real. Apparently, it also felt real to Bays and director Pamela Fryman, who couldn’t bear to watch as Lily and Marshall console each other through this heartbreak. With just five improvised words, Segel created an unforgettable moment that never fails to shatter our hearts.
#2: Elaine's Dance “Seinfeld” (1989-98)
Top 20 Hilarious Elaine Moments on Seinfeld
This classic sitcom gave us countless iconic moments, including Elaine's clunky moves. Julia Louis-Dreyfus told Vanity Fair that her script instructed her to “dance really badly,” so she practiced a few awkward moves in front of a mirror at home. She then showed them to her husband and mother, who helped her choose the winner, and “yada, yada, yada.” Well, it was George Costanza who we think described the final results best. As iconic as it became, Louis-Dreyfus once admitted that she finds it embarrassing to watch back. So, if you ever run into the actress, don't ask her to do the dance. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “You Look Ridiculous,” “The Walking Dead” (2010–22) This Ad-Libbed Line Suited the Character Too Much Not to Include Breaking the Tea Set, “Veep” (2012-19) Julia Louis-Dreyfus Encouraged Her Co-stars Not to Break Character after Breaking the Prop Eleven Collapses, “Stranger Things” (2016–) Millie Bobby Brown’s Exhaustion When Her Character Falls Is Genuine Tormund Makes Eyes at Brienne, “Game of Thrones” (2011–19) Co-Creator Dan Weiss Said They Couldn’t Have Written Anything as Uncomfortable as This “Nine-Nine!” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (2013–21) Terry Loves a Catchphrase & This One Was Inspired by Terry Crews
#1: Michael Kisses Oscar “The Office” (2005–13)
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In the season three premiere, things get uncomfortable when Steve Carell's Michael tries to show he's good with Oscar's sexuality after mistakenly outing him to their colleagues. Carell showed real commitment to his character's awkwardness by improvising this kiss with Oscar Nuñez, who simply went with it. Although, how he got through it without breaking is beyond us. The same couldn't be said for his co-stars, who were laughing off-camera. Luckily, their chortles didn't ruin the take, so the footage could still be used in the episode that ultimately aired. Of course, this moment has become legendary among "The Office" fans, proving that sometimes the most memorable moments can't be planned.
