10 TV Franchises With Completely Broken Canon

April 29, 2024, 7:30 p.m.

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10 TV Franchises With Completely Broken Canon

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Summary TV shows like Doctor Who and Supernatural have faced challenges in maintaining their canons due to time-traveling plots and long story arcs.

Franchises like Star Trek and Avatar have struggled with consistent storytelling due to spinoffs and changing creative teams.

Series like The Vampire Diaries and Pretty Little Liars have faced plot holes and inconsistencies in character development over multiple seasons.

Most TV shows and franchises have made mistakes with plot holes or continuity errors, but some have gotten so off-track that their canon's are completely broken. This doesn't make the show any less enjoyable to watch, and when a series has gotten big enough to be considered a franchise, there are so many episodes and characters that smaller changes and rewrites can go unnoticed. However, a broken canon can come back to haunt writers and creators of a show when the dueling plot points come into conflict.

When a TV show’s internal canon starts to break down, the timelines don't match and retcons are implemented, making it difficult to follow the storyline

Large franchises like Star Wars or Marvel are juggernauts, incurring so many movies and television shows, it was inevitable that the canon would become confusing. However, changes to MCU canon can happen because the universe is so far-reaching that it's plausible everything exists at once. Unfortunately, not every TV show has the staying power and influence of the MCU or Star Wars. When a TV show’s internal canon starts to break down, the timelines don't match and retcons are implemented, making it difficult to follow the storyline

10 Doctor Who (1963 - Present)

After traveling through time and space for over 50 years, there are some mistakes

Doctor Who Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available Originally premiered in 1963, Doctor Who is a sci-fi series that follows a powerful being known as a Time Lord, referred to as the Doctor. Using an interdimensional time-traveling ship known as the TARDIS, the Doctor travels time and space with various companions as they solve multiple problems and help avert catastrophe as much as they almost cause it. Though the Doctor is always the same character, they experience regenerations, allowing them to be recast every few seasons as a unique immortal being with new personality traits. Cast Jenna Coleman , Jodie Whittaker , Alex Kingston , David Tennant , Matt Smith , Peter Capaldi Release Date November 23, 1963 Seasons 26 Franchise Doctor Who

Few science fiction franchises are as successful and long-running as Doctor Who, and part of that is because the series continues to reinvent itself and surprise the audience. Since the Doctor can travel anywhere and anytime across the universe, this opens the door to practically infinite adventures. However, as the writers are only human, there's been some overlap and rewriting of the rules. When the series was first revived in 2005, the Doctor was already on their ninth regeneration, this was a challenge as a time lord only gets 12.

Most recently, it was revealed that the Doctor isn't a Time Lord at all, and many audience members are wondering if this storyline will be retconned in the coming seasons.

However, through a throwaway plot point, the Doctor gets a whole new string of regenerations so the show can continue. Most recently, it was revealed that the Doctor isn't a Time Lord at all, and many audience members are wondering if this storyline will be retconned in the coming seasons. Outside the Doctor as a character, there have also been many occurrences of episodes creating intricate time paradoxes that never come back to haunt the characters with little to no explanation. Many of the most egregious errors occurred during Matt Smith’s tenure as the eleventh Doctor.

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9 The Big Bang Theory (2007 - 2019)

Because of the prequel show, Young Sheldon, the original canon is up for debate

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buy Not available Not available Not available The Big Bang Theory first premiered on CBS in 2007 and became one of its era's most popular and longest-lasting network sitcoms. Running for 12 seasons, The Big Bang Theory focuses on a group of self-proclaimed nerds, Leonard (Johnny Galecki), Sheldon (Jim Parsons), Howard (Simon Helberg), and Raj (Kunal Nayyar), who form an unlikely friendship with their new neighbor Penny (Kaley Cuoco). The series became a ratings giant and took home multiple Emmys. The Big Bang Theory was so successful that it ended up spawning a spinoff titled Young Sheldon, which has also become one of CBS’ most popular sitcoms. Cast Kaley Cuoco , Johnny Galecki , Jim Parsons , Melissa Rauch , Mayim Bialik , Kunal Nayyar , Simon Helberg Release Date September 24, 2007 Seasons 12 Franchise(s) The Big Bang Theory Directors Mark Cendrowski

One of the most popular characters on The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons), was such a compelling character, that the franchise creators decided to give him his own spinoff show. However, the choice to make this series, Young Sheldon, a prequel, has caused some problems with the canon of the original show. When audiences meet Sheldon in The Big Bang Theory he still has a lot of developing to do, and he has a strained relationship with his family. However, Young Sheldon couldn't keep its characters stagnant just to remain true to the canon.

A TV show is only effective if the characters learn and grow, and if the relationship dynamics do the same. Many key characters in Young Sheldon, like Sheldon's mom, Mary, are unrecognizable compared to who they are in The Big Bang Theory. While this makes Young Sheldon a better show, it also changes the perception of Sheldon in The Big Bang Theory because the positive dynamic he had with his family has disappeared. The two shows illustrate how difficult it can be to maintain the integrity of an original show when making a prequel.

Related Young Sheldon’s Season 7 Retcons Hurt The Big Bang Theory Spinoff’s Upcoming Death As Young Sheldon season 7 sets up George Sr's death, the show's changes to The Big Bang Theory's canon are making the impending tragedy even sadder.

8 Star Trek (1966 - Present)

Many shows and movies have created contradicting events

Beginning in 1966 with Star Trek: The Original Series, the films and TV shows have chronicled the adventures of different spaceship crews exploring the universe and defending it from evil.

Two of the newest shows in the Star Trek canon are Star Trek: Discovery and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, and they each take a different approach to expanding the franchise’s universe. Beginning in 1966 with Star Trek: The Original Series, the films and TV shows have chronicled the adventures of different spaceship crews exploring the universe and defending it from evil. Some of the most notable characters like Captain Kirk and Spock have appeared in many stories and maintained their longevity.

Star Trek: Discovery has brazenly broken canon the most in recent years. The series created the character, Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) and made her the adopted human sister of Spock, even though she didn't exist before the new show. Additionally, one of the main antagonists of the Star Trek universe, the alien race the Klingons, are constantly being rewritten and changed to suit whatever story they're being introduced in. Since many timelines are being juggled across the stories, there are still opportunities for Kirk to break canon in Strange New Worlds to further differentiate it from The Original Series.

7 The Vampire Diaries (2009 - 2022)

Canon is frequently thrown out the window for the sake of plot armor

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buy Not available Not available Not available Based on the novels by L.J. Smith, The Vampire Diaries is a story about the developing love triangle between Elena Gilbert and two vampiric brothers, Stefan and Damon Salvatore. Set in the town of Mystic Falls, Virginia, the show follows the trio from high school through college as they battle for one another's affection. Cast Nina Dobrev , Ian Somerhalder , Steven R. McQueen , Paul Wesley , Kat Graham , Michael Trevino , Michael Malarkey , Zach Roerig , Candice King , Matthew Davis Seasons 8 Network The CW Directors John Dahl Showrunner Julie Plec Franchise The Vampire Diaries

Throughout the seasons and spinoffs, there are many The Vampire Diaries plot holes fans can't overlook, and that's only in the first series of the franchise. After the success of The Vampire Diaries, the network developed the first spinoff, The Originals, and the additional one, Legacies. During the initial run of The Vampire Diaries, certain rules were established about the magic systems, the vampire's powers, and their limitations. However, Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev), one of the show’s protagonists, was frequently exempt from these rules to keep her alive for the sake of the story.

In The Vampire Diaries season 1, Damon (Ian Somerhalder) can do much more than compel humans, with strange abilities to control animals or summon mist. This is disregarded after the pilot, as are the rules of life and death. Death is only permanent for minor characters, as many main characters die and come back to life several times across the series. In one of the most shocking twists, Elena is put to sleep and can't wake up until Bonnie (Kat Graham) dies, but just in time for the series finale, Bonnie finds a way to wake her up without perishing.

6 Supernatural (2005 - 2023)

The well-established history of Sam & Dean's parents is rewritten in The Winchesters

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buy Not available Not available Not available Created by Eric Kripke, Supernatural is a fantasy/drama series that premiered in 2005. The series follows the adventures of Dean and Sam Winchester - two men wronged by supernatural beings as children who now spend their days investigating and hunting demons, ghosts, and monsters across the United States. Cast Jensen Ackles , Misha Collins , Jim Beaver , Jared Padalecki , Katie Cassidy , Lauren Cohan , Mark A. Sheppard , Mark Pellegrino , Alexander Calvert Release Date September 13, 2005 Seasons 15 Directors Philip Sgriccia , John F. Showalter , Robert Singer Showrunner Eric Kripke

It's not surprising that the network and creators of Supernatural wanted to continue capitalizing on the series’ success, as the show became a breakout hit while it was airing. Originally only meant to tell a complete five-season arc, Supernatural went on for ten more seasons after that. Since so much of the truth surrounding heaven and hell was shrouded in mystery throughout the story, it was reasonable that changes in the canon would occur as the show progressed.

The Winchesters was meant to expand the world of Supernatural by looking into the story of how John and Mary Winchester met, and their demon-hunting days before their sons were born.

However, certain aspects of the series, like Sam's (Jared Padalecki) and Dean's (Jensen Ackles) parents’ origins seemed fairly set in stone. The Winchesters was meant to expand the world of Supernatural by looking into the story of how John and Mary Winchester met, and their demon-hunting days before their sons were born. However, the series was poorly received, in part due to how much it changed the fabric of Supernatural. John's history with demons and hunting is altered, as is his future, since Dean travels to the past to give him a letter, something never mentioned in Supernatural.

5 Friends (1994 - 2004)

Silly mistakes and series extensions make the timeline convoluted

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buy Not available Not available Not available Friends is the popular sitcom created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, released back in 1994 and ran for ten seasons. The show follows a group of six twentysomethings through their lives in New York City and their time spent between their two apartments and their local coffee shop. The show features the group navigating tricky relationships with one another and comical misadventures. Cast Jennifer Aniston , Courteney Cox , Lisa Kudrow , Matt LeBlanc , Matthew Perry , David Schwimmer Release Date September 22, 1994 Seasons 10 Franchise(s) Friends Directors David Crane , Marta Kauffman Showrunner Marta Kauffman

Though Friends is one of the most successful sitcoms of all time, running for ten seasons, the spinoff, Joey, was such a plot that Joey may no longer be part of Friends canon. Joey would've expanded the universe of Friends had it remained on the air, and likely would've altered the show’s canon by providing alternate endings for the beloved characters. Fortunately, most of the happy endings the titular friends got in the series finale are set in stone. However, bigger questions surrounding the series' timeline and continuity have been raised.

The four characters whose lives are the most intertwined are Ross (David Schwimmer), Monica (Courteney Cox), Rachel (Jennifer Aniston), and Chandler (Matthew Perry). Their relationships are well established, except for the key plot hole that Chandler and Rachel are reintroduced to each other in conflicting flashback episodes several times over the seasons. Additionally, the ages of the characters make no sense compared to the way time is supposed to be passing in the show. It takes many years for them all to turn 30, and their ages change based on what's convenient for an episode.

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4 Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005 - Present)

While the initial series might be a tight story, additional lore changes the fabric of the story

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buy Not available Not available Not available Avatar: The Last Airbender is an Animated Fantasy and Adventure series that appeared on Nickelodeon and was created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko. The series featured voices from Zach Tyler Eisen, Jack DeSena, Dante Basco, and Mae Whitman. The premise follows a young boy named Aang, an Air Bender who is set to be the next Avatar, master of all elements, in a bit to unite the nations together and bring peace. Cast Mako , Dee Bradley Baker , Jack De Sena , Michaela Jill Murphy , Zach Tyler , Dante Basco , Mae Whitman Release Date February 21, 2005 Seasons 3 Franchise(s) Avatar Directors Dave Filoni Showrunner michael dante dimartino

Not all the lore is completely fleshed out and explained, which left room for the spinoff series, The Legend of Korra to expand the franchise's world.

Though Avatar: The Last Airbender was only on the air for three seasons, it changed animation forever and introduced the world to a universe audiences will never forget. These first three seasons of the original show tell a cohesive story with a timeline that can easily be followed. Not all the lore is completely fleshed out and explained, which left room for the spinoff series, The Legend of Korra to expand the franchise's world. However, The Legend of Korra and the new live-action Avatar on Netflix have run into problems keeping the canon intact.

The live-action adaptation of Avatar had to leave out certain plot points and dedicate more time to others because this is what an adaptation does. While nothing major has been changed, the subtle character and story alterations will inevitably have bigger impacts on the story's ending. Conversely, The Legend of Korra was able to tell its own story. However, in explaining the Avatar’s origins and jumping forward in time, changes were made that didn't fit the franchise's integrity. Aspects of bending that was supposed to be impossible or rare, like metalbending and lavabending, suddenly became commonplace skills in Korra.

Related Netflix’s The Last Airbender Show Will Make Avatar’s Canon Way More Complicated Netflix's live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender series is on the way, and it has the opportunity to expand the lore far beyond the original show.

3 How I Met Your Mother (2005 - 2014)

Early character traits or habits are dropped for the sake of punchlines

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buy Not available Not available Not available How I Met Your Mother is a sitcom created initially for CBS by Carter Bays and Craig Thomas. Five friends living in New York City navigate their twenties and thirties as they try to find love, success, and purpose. The show is framed through one friend's eyes, Ted Mosby, as he retells the story of how he met his wife to his children. Cast Cobie Smulders , Josh Radnor , Jason Segel Neil Patrick Harris , Alyson Hannigan , Bob Saget Release Date September 19, 2005 Seasons 9 Directors Carter Bays Showrunner Craig Thomas

How I Met Your Mother had one of the most divisive series finales of all time, but the ending wasn't the first time that fans were surprised by story changes in the show. Each character changes a lot throughout the show's run, but Robin (Cobie Smulders) is rewritten considerably after the first couple of seasons. In How I Met Your Mother seasons 1 and 2, Robin mentions certain traits and events in her past that are changed in the future seasons.

This is illustrated in that playing hockey was a large part of her childhood, but she mentions to Ted (Josh Radnor) that she never played team sports. Additionally, the timeline surrounding Ted's near misses meeting the future mother of his children is altered considerably. There is an episode when it's revealed that the Mother was at the same St. Patrick's Day party as Ted, but later on, she describes the same party being in April. While this was just a small error overlooked by the creative team, it does draw attention to the other issues of continuity in the series.

2 That '70s Show (1998 - 2006)

Characters disappear and it takes far too long to reach the 1980s

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buy Not available Not available Not available That ‘70s Show was one of Fox’s most popular sitcoms upon its release in 1998. Starring Topher Grace (Eric Forman), Laura Prepon (Donna Pinciotti), Mila Kunis (Jackie Burkhart), Danny Masterson (Steven Hyde), Wilmer Valderrama (Fez), and Ashton Kutcher (Michael Kelso), That ‘70s Show revolves around the teens’ mishaps as they grow up in Point Place Wisconsin in the 1970s. Cast Topher Grace , Laura Prepon , Mila Kunis , Ashton Kutcher , Wilmer Valderrama , Debra Jo Rupp , Kurtwood Smith , Danny Masterson Release Date August 23, 1998 Seasons 8 Directors David Trainer , Terry Hughes Showrunner Gregg Mettler

In some ways, That '90s Show works because of That '70s Show's plot holes, and the spinoff show has been a fun expansion on the original format of the first show. Many TV series don't follow a concrete timeline, and don't start a new year with every new season of the show. Notably, this happened in the hit show MASH, which went on for eleven seasons despite the Korean War only lasting three years. That '70s Show faced the problem that its main characters were in high school.

To solve this, the characters stayed in high school for quite a long time, but their ages didn't always match the grade they were supposed to be in.

This meant it wouldn’t be long before the character's ages became a major issue for the continuity and conflict of the show. To solve this, the characters stayed in high school for quite a long time, but their ages didn't always match the grade they were supposed to be in. Eric (Topher Grace) changes ages several times throughout the show. Additionally, there are more Christmas episodes than there should be based on how time is moving, Donna's (Larua Prepon) sisters disappear, and there are frequent anachronisms and references to things that didn't exist in the 1970s.

Related That '90s Show Season 2's Confirmed Original Actor Return After 20 Years Can't Work Without 1 Huge Cameo An original That ‘70s Show star is returning for That ‘90s Show season 2, but this means another cameo from the original series needs to happen.

1 Pretty Little Liars (2010 - 2017)

Characters escape hospitals, cheat death, and make impossible decisions

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buy Not available Not available Not available Pretty Little Liars is a Teen Drama and Mystery series based on the novel by Sara Shepard. The show was created by Marlene King and stars Troian Bellisario, Ashley Benson, and Holly Marie Combs. The series revolves around four friends who meet back up with one another and begin to receive strange threats from an unknown source simply labeled "A." Cast Troian Bellisario , Ashley Benson , Holly Marie Combs , Lucy Hale , Bianca Lawson , Laura Leighton , Chad Lowe , Shay Mitchell , Nia Peeples , Ian Harding Release Date June 8, 2010 Seasons 7 Network ABC , Freeform Showrunner Ina Marlene King

Trying to follow the complete canon of Pretty Little Liars is nearly impossible, as the series changes villains, heroes, and victims at the drop of a hat. Some of the worst plot holes on the show make it clear that the series creators weren't always planning ahead when it came to the shocking twists and unbelievable events portrayed on screen. What becomes the most confusing as the series progresses is how so many characters can be in two places at once and easily avoid detection.

This flaw becomes extremely obvious in the case of Charlotte/CeCe (Vanessa Ray), who was both visiting and a patient at Radley at the same time. CeCe's character introduces many major issues into the fabric of the story, as the timeline of Marion Cavanaugh's death changes, as she was supposedly killed when CeCe was a child and Toby (Keegan Allen) was a teenager. The show's proposed timeline would've been impossible considering how much older CeCe is than the other characters. Almost every aspect of CeCe's character throws a wrench into the entire show.