Anything may happen on live television, which makes it exciting, but occasionally “anything” goes horribly, hilariously, or excruciatingly wrong. Live TV has provided viewers with unforgettable experiences, from unplanned wardrobe catastrophes to technological glitches, frequently leaving all parties embarrassed.

Celebrities stumbling or missing their cues during live broadcasts, sports pundits caught mid-rant, and news anchors fumbling their lines are some of the most well-known accidents. The only options available to home viewers are to rewind, laugh, or gasp to confirm that they indeed witnessed what just transpired. Live TV really shines—or fails miserably—in these spontaneous, unplanned moments.

With videos of live TV gone bad going viral in a matter of minutes, social media exacerbates the pandemonium. One admirer remarked, “This is why we need a delay button for everything!” while another wrote, “I can’t believe this aired live!” These accidents, which occur during award events and reality shows, serve as a reminder that live broadcasts are always one unplanned moment away from disaster, regardless of how well-executed a production appears.

Live TV gone wrong keeps viewers coming back for more, whether it’s funny, jaw-dropping, or cringe-worthy. It demonstrates that the joy of television lies not just in flawless performances but also in those spontaneous, unplanned moments that leave us gasping, laughing, and even dumbfounded.