10 TV Show Misconceptions People Always Have (& How To Correct Them)

Summary Doctor Who can be called "Doctor Who", despite usually being referred to as The Doctor, due to historical use in credits and episode titles.

Lost characters were not "dead the whole time", as the flash-sideways events took place for those who had died to reconnect before moving on.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer's line did not call a new slayer in season 5 because Buffy's line had already ended and passed to Faith.

TV show misconceptions are very common among fans of any series, and correcting them can fix a decades-long misunderstanding between the show's canon and the audience's perception. Often, these miscommunications don't detract from the overall quality and enjoyment of a series. However, they can be confusing and alter the meaning of an exchange between characters. They can be small things, like what a character meant by an offhand remark, or deal with broader issues, like how best to refer to a character and what their correct name is.

The truth is often more straightforward than fans believe, but the show's usual tone makes it seem unlikely that the answer is as simple as it is.

When TV shows have complex and confusing storylines, it's understandable that viewers might misconstrue the true nature of a scene. The truth is often more straightforward than fans believe, but the show's usual tone makes it seem unlikely that the answer is as simple as it is. When a series has a lot of seasons or has been off the air for a long time, it's easy for misconceptions to crop up, and for the show's creator not to address every single issue that arises. Having many misunderstood moments can make it hard to track them down.

Related 10 TV Shows Whose Timelines Are Way More Confusing Than They Need To Be A lot of TV shows have confusing timelines, but some of them in particular are way more convoluted than they really needed to be.

10 You CAN Call Doctor Who's Main Character "Doctor Who"

Though they are usually referred to as The Doctor

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The name of the show, Doctor Who ​is usually viewed as a tongue-in-cheek reference to how the show's title character merely goes by the name "The Doctor." This makes it seem as if it's incorrect to call them "Doctor Who," even though that isn't the case. While it would be strange for a character to earnestly call them that in the more recent seasons, they were referred to as "Doctor Who" in the credits for many seasons. There are also different episodes, like "Doctor Who & The Silurians," indicating it's correct to call them Doctor Who.

The point of a show like Doctor Who is to be available for all audiences to enjoy and relate to.

Throughout its many seasons, Doctor Who has evolved a good deal, and when it first premiered in 1963, the creators couldn't have imagined it would turn into a phenomenon. Being a new viewer joining such a large and historical fanbase makes it easy to struggle with the interconnecting timelines and frequent paradoxes, but calling the Doctor "Doctor Who" is something no fan or casual viewer should be embarrassed about. The point of a show like Doctor Who is to be available for all audiences to enjoy and relate to.

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 Network BBC Franchise Doctor Who

9 They Weren't "Dead The Whole Time" At The End Of Lost

Despite the reunion at the church in the series finale

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Although the flash-sideways plot point was a Lost moment that made viewers quit the show, it's proof that the characters on the show weren't dead the entire time. Lost season 6 was disappointing for many audience members because it appeared that the show had occurred in purgatory and that the events had never happened. This would have been decisive and upsetting, but luckily it wasn't the case. As different characters died at varying points in the series, they went to the flash-sideways timeline and waited for the other survivors to move on together.

Though Lost wasn't afraid to confuse viewers and throw them off track of the main timeline, the stories and character's lives were important until the very end. Whether the survivors were dead or not is still a hotly debated topic among Lost fans, but there is a definitive answer. How and when the characters die is part of the show's canon. When Sun (Yunjin Kim) and Jin (Daniel Dae Kim) die, they go to the flash-sideways and live out the life they always dreamed of together.

Lost Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available Lost is a mystery drama series created for TV that follows a group of survivors of a plane crash and tells its story between the past, present, and future via flashbacks. When Oceanic Airlines Flight 815 crashes and lands on a mysterious island in the pacific ocean, the castaways discover their new temporary home may have a mind of its own, as strange supernatural events keep them locked to the island. From an unknown black smoke creature to dangerous islanders, the passengers must work together to survive the island's seemingly deadly intentions. Cast Evangeline Lilly , Naveen Andrews , Henry Ian Cusick , Daniel Dae Kim , Harold Perrineau , Dominic Monaghan , Emilie de Ravin , Jorge Garcia , Josh Holloway , Michael Emerson , Terry O'Quinn , Matthew Fox , Ken Leung , Elizabeth Mitchell , Yunjin Kim Release Date September 22, 2004 Seasons 6 Network ABC Directors Jack Bender , Stephen Williams Expand

8 The Sopranos Aren't The Crime Family In The Sopranos

Tony is part of the DiMeo family

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Though Tony's father was a member of the DiMeos before him, he wasn't a boss like Tony, who proved himself to be smart and ruthless enough to maintain the top spot for many years.

Being called The Sopranos and having the entire series revolve around a man named Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) would easily become confusing when watching the show. Especially since Tony quickly rises through the ranks to become the family's boss, and his Uncle Junior (Dominic Chianese) briefly acts as the boss as well. All of this would lead the viewer to conclude that the Sopranos started the family and have always been in charge. However, this isn't the case, as the man who started the syndicate was a DiMeo, making it the DiMeo family.

All the family bosses in The Sopranos are in charge of different groups at different periods, and they each play pivotal roles as allies and enemies alike. However, the DiMeo family is who the audience thinks of when Tony's organization is brought up, and that's how the FBI refers to them. Though Tony's father was a member of the DiMeos before him, he wasn't a boss like Tony, who proved himself to be smart and ruthless enough to maintain the top spot for many years.

The Sopranos Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available Considered to be a quintessential drama series to watch, The Sopranos is a crime-drama series that follows Tony Soprano, who tries to manage the expectations of an Italian-American patriarch while acting as the head of a prolific New Jersey crime family. Burdened by the stress of the expectations thrust upon him, Tony regularly visits a therapist throughout the series run. This helps give context to Tony's actions as a ruthless boss with violent tendencies. Cast James Gandolfini , Lorraine Bracco , Edie Falco , Michael Imperioli , Dominic Chianese , Steven Van Zandt , Tony Sirico , Robert Iler , Jamie-Lynn Sigler Release Date January 10, 1999 Seasons 6 Network HBO Max Showrunner David Chase

7 Don Doesn't Mean It When He Says "I Don't Think About You At All" In Mad Men

He has been thinking about Ginsberg since he started at the firm

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Don (Jon Hamm) is not a happy or easy man to get along with in Mad Men, and even when he starts his own firm with his partners, he's plagued by insecurity and feelings of inadequacy. Though on the surface it seems as if things like this would never touch him, Don is particularly bothered when a bright young copywriter, Michael Ginsberg (Ben Feldman), joins the team and starts to be perceived as more talented and relevant than Don. This comes to a head when Don spends an entire episode trying to outdo Ginsberg and prove his idea is better.

In the end, Don sabotages Ginsberg's pitch and ensures that his own is the one chosen by the client. When Ginsberg subtly confronts him about this in the elevator, Don says "I don't think about you at all." While this moment has frequently been referenced on the internet in meme format, it takes the quote out of context and completely misinterprets the true meaning. Don has been thinking about Ginsberg nonstop, and the fact that he says this is a thinly veiled attempt to recover his pride.

Mad Men Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available Mad Men is the award-winning show created by Matthew Wiener that stars Jon Hamm as Don Draper, a masterful ad man in the high-speed advertising world. Set between the 1960s and 70s; Mad Men explores this "Golden Age" of advertising, where everyone has something to sell, and those who don't score a quick win are out of the game. The series also examines the world from a few other character's perspectives, such as Peggy Olson (Elisabeth Moss), a young woman who starts as a secretary for Don despite the difficulty for women to be taken seriously in business during this time, rises to the challenge to become an ad woman of her own. Cast Jon Hamm , Elisabeth Moss , Vincent Kartheiser , January Jones , Christina Hendricks , Bryan Batt , Aaron Staton , Rich Sommer Release Date July 19, 2007 Seasons 7 Network AMC Showrunner Matthew Weiner

6 It Doesn't Matter If Nora Went To The World With The 2% In The Leftovers

Like the show itself, the answers don't matter, the journey does

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The Leftovers season 3 is a whirlwind of changes and tying up loose ends as the philosophical roller coaster of a show wraps up its many plot lines. Two of the essential characters, Nora (Carrie Coon) and Kevin (Justin Theroux) start a relationship to make sense of the 2% of the population that disappeared. Toward the end of the show, Nora and Kevin are separated and when they reunite after a significant time jump, Nora claims that she's been to the parallel world where the 2% went. There, 98% of humanity disappeared and they remained in Nora and Kevin's timeline.

Watch The Leftovers on Max.

Nora talks about this as if it actually happened and Kevin accepts her word, but the show never confirms or denies this. Ultimately, it doesn't matter if it's true and the writer's never intended for the audience to know. The Leftovers is a show about accepting the unknown and taking a leap of faith, and there was never any chance that a definitive answer would be given about the departure. Maybe Nora is telling the truth, or she's making something up to cope with her loss, but the themes and message of The Leftovers wouldn't change regardless.

The Leftovers The Leftovers is a three-season drama that follows a group of people as they deal with the effects of the sudden disappearance of 2% of the word's population. It was created by Lost co-producer Damon Lindelof and Election writer Tom Perrotta, with famous actors such as Christopher Eccleston, Liv Tyler, Margaret Qualley, and Justin Theroux in the ensemble cast. Cast Justin Theroux , Amy Brenneman , Christopher Eccleston , Liv Tyler , Chris Zylka , Margaret Qualley , Carrie Coon , Emily Meade , Amanda Warren , Ann Dowd , Michael Gaston , Max Carver Release Date June 29, 2014 Seasons 3 Showrunner Damon Lindelof

5 A New Slayer Shouldn't Have Been Called In Season 5 Of Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Buffy's line had already ended

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When Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) sacrifices herself in the season 5 finale for her sister, Dawn (Michelle Trachtenberg), within the show's canon her death meant another slayer would've been called. This is what happened after her death at the hands of the Master in season 1, and Kendra (Bianca Lawson) became the Slayer. After Kendra died, Faith (Eliza Dushku) was called, and so on. However, in seasons 6 and 7, no new slayer emerges. This wasn't because the writers forgot the rules of The Slayer, or that the character got lost when Buffy changed networks.

One of the biggest conflicts throughout the show is Buffy and Faith's rivalry and different approach to slaying, and the fact that Faith is the true Slayer in terms of the line of power is an interesting layer to their dynamic.

It's because Buffy's line had already ended when she died in season 1, so the only way a new Slayer would have been called was if Faith died. One of the biggest conflicts throughout the show is Buffy and Faith's rivalry and different approach to slaying, and the fact that Faith is the true Slayer in terms of the line of power is an interesting layer to their dynamic. However, there's still time for a new Slayer to come along through the actors who could play Buffy in a Buffy The Vampire Slayer reboot.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a supernatural comedy-drama series released in 1997. The show follows the exploits of Buffy, a woman born into a line of "Slayers" destined to do battle with vampires, demons, and monsters. Aided by her close group of friends and a Watcher who helps her hone her craft, the crew solves mysteries and battles the forces of evil to protect their town - and the world. Cast Sarah Michelle Gellar , Nicholas Brendon , Alyson Hannigan , Charisma Carpenter , Dan Rubin , David Boreanaz , Seth Green , James Marsters Release Date March 10, 1997 Seasons 7 Network The WB Directors Joss Whedon

4 Twin Peaks Doesn't Have A Singular Called The Red Room

It's part of two larger and more important elements of the show

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In Twin Peaks​​​​​​, many of the biggest revelations and most terrifying events take place in what's called the Red Room, however, this is not one singular place. It's the inside of The Black Lodge and the mirror of The White Lodge, not one entity called the Red Room. This is easy to mistake, as both places look the same and serve similar purposes. However, The Black Lodge is where the embodiment of evil resides, whereas The White Lodge is full of light and goodness.

It's in the Red Room in The Black Lodge where Agent Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) is split into two versions of himself, one of which is trapped in The Black Lodge. This takes place at the end of season 2, and although the follow-up movie, Fire Walk With Me explains some of the events, nothing is fully understood until Twin Peaks: The Return. Since little to no time is spent in The White Lodge, the Red Room is seen in The Black Lodge more frequently. Their difference is still important, as the Red Rooms are often misunderstood.

Twin Peaks Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available Conceived by Mark Frost and David Lynch in 1990, Twin Peaks is a supernatural mystery-drama series that brings FBI Agent Dale Cooper to the quiet town of Twin Peaks to investigate the murder of a young woman named Laura Palmer. As Dale continues his investigation of her death, he learns that Laura's life wasn't as she advertised it, and the town itself is hiding far more secrets than they let on. The show received a revival for a third and final season two decades later to resolve the cliffhanger left at the end of the second season. Cast Russ Tamblyn , Sheryl Lee , Kimmy Robertson , Dana Ashbrook , Grace Zabriskie , Everett McGill , Ernie Hudson , Mädchen Amick , Ray Wise , Kyle MacLachlan Release Date May 23, 1990 Seasons 3 Network Showtime , ABC Directors Mark Frost

Related Twin Peaks: Red Room Origins & Meaning Explained The Red Room is a key piece of mythology in David Lynch's Twin Peaks universe, and here's what it means and how it came to be.

3 The Jim Henson Dinosaurs Show Isn't Suitable For Children

Despite incorporating puppets and family friends elements, it's not for kids

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Outside of being dinosaurs and living during the age of Pangea, the series was much like any other sitcom as the characters encountered typical family drama and trouble at work.

The Jim Henson Company is well-known for its amazing puppets and practical effects and the 1991 sitcom Dinosaurs was no exception. Outside of being dinosaurs and living during the age of Pangea, the series was much like any other sitcom as the characters encountered typical family drama and trouble at work. As the central family, the Sinclairs, grew and changed, the series tackled serious subjects that were relevant to audiences of all ages. The series was particularly concerned with environmentalism and contemporary social issues.

Watch Dinosaurs on Disney+.

Though these lessons are important for kids as well as adults, many episodes skewed toward adult themes and discussions that weren't meant for the typical target audience of a puppet show. Additionally, the Dinosaurs series finale is the nail in the coffin for any parent who thinks about showing Dinosaurs to their kids before they're old enough. In the last episode, an environmental disaster causes the world to end and the extinction of the dinosaurs occurs, killing everyone. Though it's a poignant message, it's not for young children to see before they're ready.

2 Ned Stark's Morality Wasn't His Downfall In Game Of Thrones

His goodness kept the Stark line alive

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Ned Stark's (Sean Bean) death in the Game of Thrones season 1 finale was foreshadowed all season, but for many fans, it was when they realized that playing by the rules would only get characters killed in this series. Ned's fate did occur because he was careless with his alliances and refused to play dirty. However, that ultimately was to the benefit of House Stark and his overall lineage. All but one of his children made it out of the war alive and carried on his legacy with Sansa (Sophie Turner) being crowned Queen in the North.

The lessons of kindness, trust, and honor that his children took with them in their journeys and struggles propelled them forward and made them the winners of the game. Characters like Littlefinger (Aidan Gillen) and the Lannisters ended the series dead or alone with no one left to carry on their names. In a series like Game of Thrones​​​​​​, legacy and family longevity are everything, and if this is the metric by which to judge Ned, then he is the ultimate winner of Game of Thrones.

Game Of Thrones Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available Created by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, Game of Thrones is a TV series based on the book “A Song of Ice of Fire” by George R. R. Martin. It tells the story of the ongoing battle between the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros - as they fight for control of the coveted Iron Throne. Friction between the houses leads to full-scale war. All while a very ancient evil awakens in the far north. Amidst the war, a neglected military order of misfits, the Night's Watch, led by House Stark's Jon Snow, is the first to encounter icy horrors that threaten all realms of men. The series premiered on HBO in the United States on April 17, 2011, and quickly became one of the biggest event series in the "Golden Age" of TV. Winner of 38 Primetime Emmy Awards, Game of Thrones has attracted record viewership on HBO and has a broad, active, international fan base. Cast Emilia Clarke , Lena Headey , Richard Madden , Michelle Fairley , Kit Harington , Maisie Williams , Alfie Allen , Peter Dinklage Release Date April 11, 2011 Seasons 8 Franchise(s) Game of Thrones Directors David Nutter , Alan Taylor , D.B. Weiss , David Benioff

1 House Isn't Supposed To Be Watched As A Medical Show

It's a mystery series with House serving as the detective

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Hugh Laurie makes an incredibly unlikable but simultaneously charming protagonist in House, a medical drama that isn't for fans of the hospital procedural. The titular character, Dr. Gregory House is a diagnostician who has a terrible attitude but can diagnose and cure any mystery illness that comes his way. If this sounds too unconventional to be a medical show, it's because it is. House shouldn't be treated like an ordinary series about doctors treating patients because House is written more closely to a detective show, with House being a regular Sherlock Holmes.

House still has its fair share of interpersonal drama and intrigue, but it takes a backseat to the mystery at the heart of every episode that House has to solve.

He shares many attributes with the famous detective, and the way episodes are formatted aligns with a crime drama better than a medical procedural. This is an innovative way to blend the two genres to make something completely new, but it can turn off viewers who are expecting a series like Grey's Anatomy. House still has its fair share of interpersonal drama and intrigue, but it takes a backseat to the mystery at the heart of every episode that House has to solve.