Top 10 Unscripted Sitcom Moments That Were Kept in the Show

With her dramatic personal style, her endless collection of wigs, and her unique brand of family devotion, Moira Rose is a larger than life personality. One of her particular quirks is her unconventional way of expressing herself. This includes an accent that co-star and series co-creator Eugene Levy described as, “Vaguely European,” which opened the door for one of her most memorable expressions. The term has become so iconic that it’s easy to forget it didn’t first appear until season four. According to actress Catherine O’Hara, “bebe” slipped out as a mispronunciation. Once she got a big reaction from the crew, though, she knew she had to keep it.

Eric Matthews has never hesitated to take his many problems to his teacher and neighbor, George Feeny. The original script only called for Eric to shout Feeny’s name. Actor Will Friedle couldn’t just leave it at that, though. Friedle has talked about being given a lot of room to play around and improvise on the set of “Boy Meets World.” With that freedom he apparently took a lot of pleasure in exploring the many ways to deliver what would be known as “The Feeny Call.” Eventually, what started out as a simple directive would become one of the most memorable running gags of the entire series, and gradually evolve from a single line to practically a monologue in its own right.

Given the world class comedic talent of this cast, it’s not surprising that they were encouraged to improvise in front of the camera. During the episode “Special Relationship,” set in London, actors Tony Hale and Matt Walsh got a more unexpected opportunity to show off their abilities to think on their feet. While filming a scene, Hale backed into a table and actually knocked over the tea set on top of it. Rather than call cut, the two actors ran with the accident. Even more hilarious than watching them scramble is seeing their efforts to hide the damage. Knowing that their attempts to keep Selina from noticing are happening in the moment just makes the scene that much more fun to revisit.

Though this show is remembered more for its lovable sense of humor- and its divisive finale- than for its heavier emotions, “How I Met Your Mother” could sometimes get intensely real. By far the most devastating moment of the show comes when Marshall discovers that his father has died. Throughout the episode, aptly titled “Bad News,” we see a running countdown to some uncertain milestone. Wanting to deliver a genuine performance, actor Jason Segal chose to be as oblivious as the audience. When Lily delivers the news, his reaction in the scene is 100% authentic. He even ad libbed the heartbreaking final line. If you don’t feel something watching this, you might be made of stone.

This series kept us hooked with the friendships between its characters, and especially with the bromance between Nick and Schmidt. Even if Nick wasn’t always the easiest person to get close to. In the series finale we see a flashback to their first night in their loft as they are looking forward to their futures. Schmidt sweetly dreams of falling in love. When Nick encourages him to describe his dream girl, Schmidt has an answer ready to go. And it sounds...a little familiar. While the conversation point was scripted, Schmidt’s response was created on the spot by Max Greenfield. His playful ad-lib was the perfect note to reflect the dynamic between Nick and Schmidt. Beanie’s off for great instincts.

Though this show has given us some great cold opens, this is probably one of our favorites. When the fastidious Amy Santiago is late to work, the squad has fun coming up with ideas wild enough to explain how it could happen. As everyone offers their theories, even the stoic Captain Holt can’t resist getting in on the game. When Amy rushes in, Jake is quick to tease her, but Holt is clearly much more invested in the competitive angle. It’s hard not to burst out laughing at this tiny crack in Holt’s measured demeanor. Even better, the passionate outburst turned out to be an off-the-cuff addition by Andre Braugher.

Abed Nadir is not someone to back away from a challenge, and clearly neither is actor Danny Pudi. When the character is presented with a question he’s told has no answer- Is Nicolas Cage a good or bad actor?- Abed devotes himself to cracking the case. Though his presentation was planned for in the script, the performance that Danny Pudi delivers was created as cameras were rolling. Seemingly broken by his quest for answers, Abed’s outburst is unhinged, slightly disturbing, and painfully hilarious. And we’re just as impressed with the rest of the on-screen cast, who managed to keep straight, albeit stunned, faces throughout the entire thing. By the time Abed makes his dramatic exit there’s only one thing that can sum up this scene.

With it’s talented cast and their commitment to their lovable roles, “Friends” had its share of unscripted moments over the years. For fans of the series though, this is a heavy favorite. The scene starts out in classic Chandler fashion. Joey’s unhelpful response is also typical of the character, and apparently the original script for the episode directed Chandler to treat it that way. Instead, Matthew Perry had his own response to the situation. We’re not sure which is better, Perry’s brilliantly snarky comment, or the physical gesture he added to punctuate it. Either way, this moment is held up as an example of “Friends” at its best.

No show has ever done cringe comedy as successfully as “The Office.” When Michael accidentally outs Oscar to the Dunder-Mifflin team, his efforts to make up for his behavior go painfully awry. Things eventually culminate in a seminar that is downright disastrous. Of course, Oscar and Michael are able to reconcile, but Michael being...well, Michael, just has to take it to the next level. In real life it was Steve Carrell who suggested elevating the script’s kiss on the cheek to the excruciatingly awkward kiss on the lips that we see on screen. The reactions of the other cast members are almost better than the act itself. In a show full of unforgettable moments, this stands out as comedic history. No problem there, Michael.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Sophia’s Serenade, “The Golden Girls”
A Planned Performance Became a Brief Duet

Snake Juice, “Parks and Recreation”
The Cast Ad-Libbed Their Own Drunken Shenanigans

An Impromptu Cameo, “Friends”
When Robin Williams and Billy Crystal Unexpectedly Drop By, You Let Them Play

Of all the brilliant celebrity guest spots on “Parks and Rec” this has got to be one of the best ever. Patton Oswalt’s Garth Blunden has an objection to Leslie’s proposed amendment of the Pawnee town charter. In an effort to stave off the vote, Blunden does the only thing he can do: He filibusters with his own fantastically nerdy proposal. Oswalt improvised an entire eight minute spiel about his ideas for an epic Disney branded saga. Unfortunately, most of his speech had to be cut for time purposes, but what’s left still makes for one of the series' best scenes. Also, as it turns out, weirdly prophetic. Maybe somebody WAS listening.