TV Series That Filmed Alternate Endings for DVD Extras

When DVDs and Blu-rays became popular, they changed how people watched TV shows, offering more than just the original broadcast episodes. Show creators started adding extras that let fans see how the shows were made, including ideas and storylines that didn’t make the final cut. The most fascinating of these extras are alternate endings – they show us completely different versions of events and what could have happened to our favorite characters. These “what if” scenarios, found on shows from comedies to dramas, range from small changes in tone to major plot twists that would have drastically altered the show’s story.

‘How I Met Your Mother’ (2005–2014)

The final episode of this popular sitcom is famously controversial, ending with the mother’s death and Ted choosing Robin. Due to strong negative reactions, a different ending was included on the DVD release that many viewers actually liked better. This version removes the mother’s illness and Ted’s shift in romantic interest. Instead, it shows a touching meeting between Ted and Tracy at a train station, suggesting they enjoyed a long and happy life together – a classic, fairytale ending that felt more true to the show’s original premise.

‘Breaking Bad’ (2008–2013)

The final episode of Breaking Bad showed a dark and violent end to Walter White’s story, but the DVD release includes a surprisingly funny alternate ending. This version reveals the entire series was just a bad dream experienced by Hal from the show ‘Malcolm in the Middle.’ He wakes up next to his wife, Lois, shaken by a nightmare about being a drug dealer and committing terrible acts. It’s a clever and unexpected joke that lightens the mood after the intense drama, and it quickly became popular online with fans. This ending is reminiscent of the famously quirky finale of the show ‘Newhart’.

‘Seinfeld’ (1989–1998)

As a huge fan of the show, I always found the finale pretty shocking – the idea of Jerry, Elaine, George, and Kramer going to jail was a bold move! But did you know they actually filmed an alternate ending? Instead of prison, the jury found them not guilty. It would have meant they walked free to just…keep being themselves, without any consequences. It’s included on the DVDs, and honestly, it’s a little unsettling. Seeing that version really highlights how powerful the original ending was – the one where they do get punished. That alternate take shows a world where they learn absolutely nothing from their actions, and it’s a pretty big contrast to the finale we all know.

‘Sex and the City’ (1998–2004)

To keep the show’s ending a secret from the media, the creators of the popular HBO series filmed three different conclusions. The version viewers saw had Carrie Bradshaw ending up with Mr. Big in Paris. However, the DVD release includes two alternate endings. In one, Carrie returns to New York and happily embraces single life with her friends. The other shows her choosing to stay in Paris with the artist Aleksandr Petrovsky. These extra scenes demonstrate just how undecided Carrie’s love life was right up until the final cut of the show.

‘The Hills’ (2006–2010)

The reality show was frequently suspected of not being genuine, and the alternate ending on the DVD release only fueled those rumors. While the aired finale showed Kristin Cavallari parting ways with Brody Jenner in what seemed like a real breakup, the alternate ending revealed the entire scene was staged on a soundstage using actors and special effects. This completely broke the illusion, confirming to viewers that the show wasn’t as real as it appeared. It was a clever way of admitting the long-standing rumors about the show being fabricated.

’24’ (2001–2010)

The first season of this fast-paced thriller originally ended with the heartbreaking death of Jack Bauer’s wife, Teri. But the filmmakers actually shot a different version where Teri lives. This alternate ending on the DVD shows Jack and his daughter, Kim, happily reunited with her, offering a classic, feel-good Hollywood conclusion. Ultimately, the producers chose the tragic ending because they felt it better highlighted the show’s intense drama and established Jack Bauer as a flawed, heroic character. This darker choice shaped the tone for the entire, action-packed series.

‘Lost’ (2004–2010)

Okay, so the season four finale of this show really threw us for a loop. They showed someone in a coffin, and that mystery fueled the entire next season. But here’s the crazy part: to keep it a secret, the producers filmed three different versions of that scene! The DVD extras reveal they actually shot takes where it was Desmond or Sawyer in the coffin, not John Locke like we eventually saw. It was a smart move, honestly – back when internet spoilers were a huge threat, these fake-outs were essential. Watching those alternate takes now is just…weird. It gives you this strange ‘what if?’ feeling, imagining how totally different the show would have been if a different character had been the one to go.

‘Jericho’ (2006–2008)

When this post-apocalyptic drama was nearly canceled after its first season, the creators filmed two different endings. The first was a bleak finale showing the town’s defenders likely being defeated. However, after a strong fan campaign saved the show, a more hopeful ending aired, hinting at a second season with the arrival of a new flag. The DVD release includes the original, darker ending, revealing how close the series came to being cut short. It’s a great example of how much impact fans can have on a show’s fate.

‘Veronica Mars’ (2004–2007)

When it wasn’t clear if the show would continue for another season, creator Rob Thomas filmed a short presentation that also served as a possible ending, jumping the story forward in time. This footage, included on the DVD, showed Veronica as a new FBI agent, moving her away from the familiar town of Neptune. Thomas hoped to convince network executives to take the series in a new direction. Even though the show was cancelled, this ‘FBI ending’ allowed fans to see an older, more experienced Veronica years before the eventual movie and revival.

‘Friends’ (1994–2004)

As a huge fan of the show, I always found it fascinating learning about how they handled big moments. Apparently, when Ross messed up Emily’s name at the altar in season four, they actually filmed a version where he didn’t! They did this to keep the audience and the press from finding out the twist before it aired. You can actually see this alternate wedding on the DVD/Blu-ray releases, and honestly, it’s…fine. But it doesn’t have the same impact at all. It really shows how carefully the showrunners guarded their major storylines, ensuring those big reveals stayed a surprise.

‘Psych’ (2006–2014)

To celebrate its 100th episode, titled ‘100 Clues,’ the show cleverly mirrored the movie ‘Clue’ by letting viewers on both coasts decide who the killer was. The DVD version is special because it includes all three possible endings, each with a different killer and explanation. You can choose to watch the ending where the butler is guilty, the one where the groupie did it, or the original ending that aired on TV. Each ending was fully written and filmed to work with the live voting idea, making the DVD a complete and interactive mystery experience.

‘The Simpsons’ (1989–Present)

The two-part “Who Shot Mr. Burns?” episode was a huge cultural moment, and the writers were determined to keep the shooter’s identity a secret. To mislead the cast and prevent leaks, they created and animated several different endings, each showing a different character committing the crime. The DVD extras include footage of these fully animated scenes featuring Smithers, Apu, and even Santa’s Little Helper as the shooter. These segments were made only to maintain the mystery and are a unique example of animation being used to create deliberately misleading footage.

‘Dawson’s Creek’ (1998–2003)

As a huge fan of Dawson’s Creek, I always found the finale so interesting! Everyone talks about Joey choosing Pacey, but did you know that originally, the plan was for her to end up with Dawson? You can actually see hints of that original idea in some of the filmed scenes. They even talked about it on the DVD commentary and included some of those ‘what if’ moments as deleted scenes. The creators eventually realized that Pacey and Joey just made more sense for the story, even if it meant going against what everyone expected. It’s fascinating to see how close we came to a totally different ending on the home release – it really shows how much they wrestled with who Joey’s true soulmate was!

‘Hannah Montana’ (2006–2011)

The final episode of the Disney Channel series has two different endings. The version that aired on TV shows Miley and Lilly happily going off to college together, reinforcing their close friendship. However, the DVD includes an alternate ending with a flashback of young Miley Cyrus singing to her toys, hinting that the whole series was actually a childhood dream or a cherished memory. This DVD version is more unusual and touching, and it emphasizes the idea of the young star maturing and looking back on her experiences.

‘The Killing’ (2011–2014)

To keep the identity of Rosie Larsen’s killer a secret until the very end of the first season, the show’s creators filmed multiple versions of the murder, each with a different suspect. These alternate scenes, included as bonus content on the DVD, weren’t just for the audience – they deliberately misled the actors and crew as well, giving the editors flexibility. This demonstrates how far the show went to build and maintain its intense suspense. Watching these different versions of the reveal makes you question what each character was capable of.

‘Dallas’ (1978–1991)

When the show “Dallas” exploded with the “Who Shot J.R.?” mystery, the creators needed to keep the real shooter a secret over the summer break. To do this, they filmed several different endings with various actors playing the culprit. These alternate scenes, which later appeared on home video releases, showed everyone from main characters like Sue Ellen to minor characters committing the crime. These clips are now considered a landmark moment in television, as they were the first time filmmakers deliberately created fake scenes to prevent spoilers. They offer a compelling glimpse into how the mystery could have unfolded differently.

‘Homeland’ (2011–2020)

The first season ended with a tense moment: Nicholas Brody’s bomb vest failed to explode, letting his story continue. But the creators weren’t sure if the network would allow Brody to live, so they secretly filmed a different ending where the vest did detonate. Had that happened, Brody’s character would have been killed off after only one season, completely altering the direction of the show. The DVD release includes details about this alternative, which would have turned the series into either a collection of separate stories or a different kind of thriller altogether. Ultimately, keeping Brody alive proved to be a key factor in the show’s early success.

‘Magnum, P.I.’ (1980–1988)

Originally, the seventh season of Magnum, P.I. was meant to be the last, and a final episode was filmed showing Thomas Magnum dying and going to heaven. However, the network decided to bring the show back for an eighth season. While they reworked the ending to show Magnum surviving, the original ‘heaven’ scene is still well-known among fans and often discussed on home video releases. The show ultimately concluded with a more realistic finale a year later. The unused ‘death’ ending serves as a reminder of the behind-the-scenes contract issues that occurred during the series.

‘Gilligan’s Island’ (1964–1967)

Many people believe the show’s characters were never rescued from the island, but a rescue scene was actually filmed. The network almost cancelled the show after its first season, so the creator filmed the castaways returning to civilization as a just-in-case ending. Luckily, the show was renewed, so the rescue scene was never shown on TV and the characters stayed on the island. However, the footage is available as a bonus feature and offers a look at what would have happened if the show hadn’t continued.

‘Sledge Hammer!’ (1986–1988)

The first season finale of this comedy was originally meant to be the show’s last episode, ending with the main character mistakenly causing a nuclear explosion. However, when the show was surprisingly picked up for a second season, the writers had to retroactively explain the finale as a flashback, happening before the events of season one. The DVD includes the original, intended ending – a darkly humorous conclusion meant to be the show’s final joke. It’s considered a very bold way for a sitcom to end a series, and the unexpected renewal created a confusing storyline that fans still talk about today.

‘Twin Peaks’ (1990–1991)

The first episode of David Lynch’s mysterious show was originally filmed with a complete resolution for viewers in Europe, in case the series wasn’t renewed. This version quickly solves the mystery of Laura Palmer’s death, identifying and eliminating the killer. Found on some DVD collections, it essentially turns the episode into a self-contained movie. This ending clashes sharply with the intricate, layered story the series becomes known for, and can be quite confusing for fans who are used to the show’s open-ended style.

‘The Mentalist’ (2008–2015)

For six seasons, the biggest question in the show was who Red John really was. To keep the secret, the filmmakers shot multiple endings, each revealing a different suspect. These alternate scenes are available on the DVD sets, letting fans see how the story could have gone in a different direction. They were filmed just as carefully as the final episode, showing how easily the show could have had a different villain.

‘Pretty Little Liars’ (2010–2017)

Like many mystery shows, the identity of the villain, “A,” was kept a closely guarded secret. The DVD and streaming releases include extra scenes that reveal different characters as the tormentor. These scenes were filmed to keep the cast in the dark until the very end. They offer fans who guessed different outcomes a fun “what if” scenario and highlight how cleverly the show’s mystery unfolded.

‘Gossip Girl’ (2007–2012)

Okay, so the big reveal that Dan Humphrey was Gossip Girl? It definitely divided fans, but it wasn’t a foregone conclusion. As a viewer, it’s fascinating to learn the producers actually considered other characters for the role! You can find little hints of these alternate ideas in the DVD extras and anniversary features – they even show some of the concepts they tossed around. While we never got full scenes of a different reveal, the deleted scenes do suggest different character pairings that could have led to completely different outcomes. It really makes you wonder ‘what if?’ and compare the path they did take with these other possibilities. It’s interesting to see how much thought went into that ending!

‘Castle’ (2009–2016)

The final episode of season eight was made while the show’s future was unclear. The writers actually filmed two different endings: a dramatic cliffhanger where Castle and Beckett were seriously wounded, and the version that aired, which jumps forward seven years to show them happily together. The DVD and streaming releases include the happy montage that resolves the shooting. If the show had been renewed – potentially with some cast changes – the cliffhanger ending would have been the one viewers saw. The quick change to the happy ending happened because the show was unexpectedly canceled.

‘Chuck’ (2007–2012)

This comedy-spy show was always at risk of being cancelled, so the writers often created possible series finales each season. For example, the season two finale had a version where the main character, Chuck, gave up spying altogether and didn’t receive a vital update. These alternate endings and extended scenes are often included on DVD sets as backups. The popular ending with the famous line, “Guys, I know Kung Fu,” only happened because the show was unexpectedly renewed at the last minute. Otherwise, the character would have faced a much more ordinary life.

‘Prison Break’ (2005–2017)

The series initially ended with a TV movie called ‘The Final Break,’ which showed Michael Scofield dying. However, the DVD version of that movie included extra scenes not shown everywhere, giving more detail about his sacrifice. Later, a new season completely changed this ending. As a result, the original DVD release remains the only place where Michael’s death feels truly final. The difference between the DVD ending and the later season creates two different versions of the story.

‘Desperate Housewives’ (2004–2012)

The first season’s central mystery – Mary Alice’s suicide – was carefully guarded by the show’s creators. The DVD release features extra scenes related to Mrs. Huber’s blackmailing and the finding of the hidden notes. These unused scenes show how the editors crafted the most dramatic reveal. Though the main storyline stayed the same, small details and conversations were changed to perfect the show’s characteristic, over-the-top style.

‘Heroes’ (2006–2010)

A writers’ strike shortened the second season of this superhero series, but the creators filmed a different ending. This unused footage reveals that the deadly Shanti virus actually escapes and causes a widespread plague. Had this ending been used, the third season would have been a post-apocalyptic survival story. The show’s producers chose to have the virus contained to maintain a familiar world. This alternate ending offers a glimpse into a much grimmer take on the show’s overall story.

‘Doctor Who’ (2005–Present)

This sci-fi show frequently films extra scenes for its season finales, often including deleted or alternate takes. For the fourth season finale, “Journey’s End,” a scene was shot where the Doctor shared a part of himself with the new human Doctor so he could be with Rose. Though the main idea made it into the final broadcast, the DVD release features extra dialogue and different moments for Donna Noble’s sad farewell. These deleted scenes can sometimes provide more satisfying endings or stronger emotional impact than what viewers saw on TV. Fans of the show often look for these bonus features on DVD box sets to get a more complete story.

‘Two Guys and a Girl’ (1998–2001)

The sitcom starring Ryan Reynolds created four different endings for its fourth season finale, which unexpectedly became the series finale. Viewers were asked to vote online on whether one of the three female leads should be pregnant, or if none of them should be. The writers filmed each possible ending based on the poll results. The DVD set includes the endings that didn’t win, letting fans see how the show could have concluded. This was a groundbreaking way to involve the audience in deciding the show’s final scene.

‘Everwood’ (2002–2006)

As a big fan, I remember when the show was almost cancelled during a network merger! The producers were smart and actually filmed two endings for the season four finale. One left things open for another season, and the other wrapped everything up completely. We ended up getting the series finale on TV, which is honestly a really great, satisfying ending – one of those that feels complete. But if you’re a collector like me, the DVD extras are amazing. They show you the scenes they had planned to kick off season five – it’s a little sad to see what could have been, but fascinating to see their original plans.

‘Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles’ (2008–2009)

The second season ends with John Connor unexpectedly traveling to a future where he’s a complete stranger. Bonus content on the DVD, like audio commentaries, reveals the writers considered different versions of this ending – ones where John wasn’t entirely unknown, or where the time travel worked differently. Although the cliffhanger shown on TV is famous for leaving viewers hanging, the DVD extras explain what the writers were aiming for and highlight how deliberately dark they made the ending.

‘Dollhouse’ (2009–2010)

An episode of Joss Whedon’s sci-fi series, called “Epitaph One,” wasn’t shown on TV when the show first aired. Instead, it was released as a special feature on the DVD. This episode acts as a sort of future epilogue to the first season, showing the long-term effects of the show’s technology. It was so well-received that the second season was built around the events shown in it. For those who bought the DVD, it felt like the real ending long before the show officially finished. It’s unusual for a DVD extra to become such an important part of the story.

‘Fringe’ (2008–2013)

The fourth season ended at a difficult time for the show, as its future wasn’t yet certain. The writers created an ending where the heroes won and everything went back to normal, which could have served as the show’s final conclusion. However, when the show was renewed for a fifth and final season, they opted for a cliffhanger instead. The DVD release includes the original, complete ending where the villains are defeated, avoiding any future conflict. This version provides a more satisfying and upbeat conclusion compared to the darker events of the fifth season.

‘The Odd Couple’ (1970–1975)

The series finale sees Felix getting remarried and leaving, finally ending his living arrangement with Oscar. To keep the audience guessing about who would be leaving, the actors actually filmed a second ending where Oscar was the one getting married and moving out. This fake scene was fully rehearsed and filmed to maintain the surprise for both the studio audience and the media. The DVD release includes information about this clever switch and points out how it uses a common sitcom ending – the roommates moving out.

‘Quantum Leap’ (1989–1993)

As a longtime fan, the finale always bothered me with that title card saying Sam Beckett never came home. But did you know they actually filmed a different ending? It showed Al, as a hologram, visiting Sam’s first wife, Beth, and letting her know Sam was still out there! It would have given us, and the characters, so much more peace. For years, everyone thought the footage was gone, but it started popping up online – images and even script pages in fan communities and behind-the-scenes features. Honestly, for those of us who were devastated by the original ending, this alternate version feels like the perfect fix.

‘Body of Proof’ (2011–2013)

The final episode of season three was created so it could also serve as the show’s finale if needed. The version viewers saw ends with Dr. Megan Hunt choosing to remain in her current role. However, a different ending was filmed where she took a new job and left, which would have concluded her story. Because the show was cancelled, the ending that aired felt somewhat sad, as fans won’t see what happens next. The alternate ending offers a more clear and final farewell to the character.

‘The Fugitive’ (2000–2001)

For the first season finale of this updated series, the creators filmed several different endings to keep the identity of the One-Armed Man’s boss a secret. These alternate endings are included on the DVD, each pointing to a different character as the one responsible. Unfortunately, the show was cancelled after just one season, meaning the mystery was never solved on television. The DVD’s alternate endings are the only clues fans ever received, effectively turning the home video release into an interactive puzzle where viewers can choose their own solution to the conspiracy.

‘South Park’ (1997–Present)

The first season of South Park ended with a big question: who is Cartman’s father? When the show came back, instead of revealing the answer, they surprisingly aired a special featuring Terrance and Phillip. The creators actually considered several possibilities, even creating early versions of episodes with different fathers, like the 1991 Denver Broncos team. These unused ideas, along with how the final answer was revealed, are available on the show’s DVD and Blu-ray releases. It all shows how much of South Park was made up as they went along, and how spontaneous the production process was.

‘Family Guy’ (1999–Present)

The two-part “Stewie Kills Lois” episode features a shocking moment where Stewie appears to kill his mother. However, the episode ultimately reveals this was all a computer simulation. Behind the scenes, the writers considered presenting the story as a standalone “What If” scenario, and early versions of the animation reflected this idea. The DVD release includes options that let viewers watch the story without the framing device revealing it was just a simulation, allowing the dark comedy of the plot to stand on its own.

‘Battlestar Galactica’ (2004–2009)

The final episode, “Daybreak,” is available on DVD and Blu-ray with extra scenes, making it much longer than what originally aired on television. This version doesn’t change what happens to the characters, but it adds important details and scenes that make the ending more impactful. It gives viewers more time with the characters while they’re on Earth and expands on the show’s backstory. Many fans believe this longer cut is the best way to experience the series finale, as it explains some plot points that felt hurried in the original broadcast.

‘Revenge’ (2011–2015)

The series finale ends with a puzzling question: did the villain, Victoria Grayson, truly die, or did she receive a heart transplant from the hero’s father? The aired version is intentionally unclear, suggesting a haunting that might be all in the hero’s mind. However, bonus content on the DVD and Blu-ray releases reveals the actual medical details. The creators wanted viewers to doubt the hero’s mental state, and the extra features provide a deeper understanding of this dramatic plot twist.

‘Elementary’ (2012–2019)

The seventh season finale wrapped up the Sherlock Holmes series with a jump forward in time. The creators explored several options for the final showdown with the villain, Odin Reichenbach. As is common with shows like this, bonus features and deleted scenes reveal alternative dialogue and different ways the final confrontation could have played out. Although the main story remained consistent, the emotional impact of the detective’s final farewell was carefully shaped during editing. The bonus content offers a glimpse into how the story could have unfolded differently.

‘Dynasty’ (1981–1989)

The season finale, famously known as the “Moldavian Massacre,” ended with the entire cast seemingly killed in a shooting at a wedding. To build anticipation for the next season, the producers filmed the scene so it wasn’t clear who actually survived. Later, they determined which characters lived or died based on discussions with the actors about their contracts. DVD extras reveal just how brutal the alternate versions of the scene were, showing different characters being ‘killed off.’ It’s a perfect illustration of how a scene can be filmed to accommodate various potential outcomes related to actors’ availability.

‘Blindspot’ (2015–2020)

The series ends with an intentionally unclear conclusion: it’s left open whether the main character, Jane Doe, actually died from ZIP poisoning or is simply dreaming of a peaceful family dinner. The creators wanted this ambiguity. The DVD/Blu-ray release includes bonus content that explores both possibilities. Though they didn’t film an entirely separate happy ending, footage of the dinner scene without the moments suggesting death does exist. Fans can find this ‘Happy Ending’ montage as a separate feature on the bonus materials.

‘Tru Calling’ (2003–2005)

This fantasy series was unexpectedly cancelled halfway through filming its second season. The writers had envisioned a storyline where the hero and villain would trade places. The DVD release features the last completed episode, “Christmas,” which wasn’t shown in the right sequence when the show originally aired. Even more significantly, the creators share details about the scenes and scripts for the six episodes that would have concluded the season. Essentially, the DVD offers a glimpse into how the show was meant to end.

‘Life on Mars’ (UK) (2006–2007)

As a big fan of the show, I always loved how the British version of ‘Life on Mars’ ended with Sam jumping off that roof – it felt so bold and artistic. But apparently, the network worried international audiences wouldn’t get it, or maybe just wanted something a bit more upbeat. So, they actually filmed extra scenes that could be swapped in for a different ending! The DVD extras really dive into that famous ‘test card girl’ ending and all the different ways to interpret it. Honestly, the home release is where you really get the full picture of what the creators were aiming for with all those mind-bending layers, versus just seeing it as some kind of long, elaborate ‘coma dream’.

‘Ashes to Ashes’ (2008–2010)

The final episode of the ‘Life on Mars’ sequel ties together the storylines of both shows, revealing that the entire world is actually a kind of afterlife for police officers. This twist was kept secret throughout production. Behind-the-scenes footage on the DVD shows the lengths the filmmakers went to avoid spoilers while shooting the final scene – filmed in a set designed to look like a railway station, representing heaven. They even recorded extra lines of dialogue to mislead anyone who might be watching. The bonus content highlights just how carefully planned the ending was to ensure it made a strong impact.

‘Kyle XY’ (2006–2009)

The show ended very suddenly, leaving viewers with a major cliffhanger when the main character discovered a surprising secret about their past. Since they weren’t able to film a real finale, the DVD release includes a bonus feature called “Future Revealed.” This segment features the writers and actors explaining the planned storyline for the final season and how the series would have concluded. It’s essentially a narrated version of how the story could have ended, offering a sense of completion for dedicated fans.

2025-12-11 21:23