'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUH/8QAIRAAAQIGAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDAAQFBhESBxMhYZH/xAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEBf/EABcRAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECADH/2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA/AM0ZuOakqk85LLcafaW2jvQcLG6Tvg+8n7F0chXOkapr9TAHgDuhCCNJqEyPTf/Z'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Viewers often connect deeply with the characters of the shows they like. Their voices become a powerful force influencing the very narratives of they consume. In the world of television, this phenomenon has led to some of the most fascinating instances.
Whether it is a beloved character’s death or the addition of a new character, or even a comment from an actor, when fans get outraged, the showrunners always end up catering to them. This isn't a smooth process, though. To balance the creative vision along with the expectations of the audience is a huge task. These instances offer a unique glimpse into the dynamic relationship between creators and the viewers. So let’s delve right into it.
10 times TV shows changed scripts because of fan outrage
1) The cigarette-smoking man in X-Files
The cigarette-smoking man in X-Files is a perfect example of how fans can change the trajectory of a character. Passionate fans influenced the direction of this TV show by making this character an important one from just a background character. Did you know that he was hired just for being in the background and smoking cigarettes? However, fans were quickly intrigued by his character.
Maybe it was the air of mystery, the way he seemed to be pulling strings behind the scenes, or just his cool and menacing presence that created an intrigue. The love from the audience was a propelling factor in making the character a crucial part of the show. The character made new claims, and his connections were revealed slowly.
2) Nikki and Paulo’s deaths in Lost
Fans can make or break a show. With the love of the fans, a show can go on for days, dead characters can come back to life, and some characters can end up getting killed off as well. This happened with Nikki and Paulo’s characters in the series, Lost. Since their arrival in the show, the fans had a distinct hatred towards the characters.
Fans started to backlash about the two characters very soon. As a result, the creators had to take drastic measures to keep the fans happy. Nikki and Paulo were uninteresting according to the viewers. They served no real purpose and were taking the valuable screen time away from the characters that actually mattered.
Some fans even felt that they were awkwardly inserted into the existing storylines. As the creators faced this strong backlash from the fans, they decided to quickly kill these two characters. However, even though the fans did not like the characters, their deaths were widely praised by the fans.
3) Ewing in Dallas
Bobby Ewing’s character rose to immense fame since his arrival in Dallas. The character was played by Patrick Duffy. However, after years of playing the role, Duffy left the show in the eighth season. The reaction from the fans of the show was nothing short of a tidal wave.
The ratings of the show crashed right after Duffy left. The show faced declining viewership as well. As a result, the show’s creators had to bring him back once again. Though he got a heroic death in the eighth season by saving the life of his wife. The return of Patrick Duffy was met boosted ratings of the show. It is a proof of the fan’s loyalty and the impact of a beloved character.
4) Parks and Recreation
The way Parks and Recreation changed after the first season is a depiction of how fans' reactions can influence a show. After the show was released, Parks and Recreation was constantly getting compared with The Office. Many viewers also felt that Leslie’s character was too similar to The Office’s Michael Scott.
Though initially Leslie’s character created numerous humorous moments, which felt like the viewers were laughing at her and not with her, the fans' reaction led to a change in her character’s nature. The creators were aware of the feedback that the show received. Leslie’s character was changed, and the show received positive reactions once again. As Leslie became more capable, the tone of the show shifted, giving a refreshing take on the show.
5) Aaron Rose in Gossip Girl
Aaron Rose was a significant character in Gossip Girl. However, for the show, it was just not the case. He was introduced as a charming artist. However, viewers found him bland and did not look the part, as was mentioned in the books. Especially when compared to the other characters of the show, which were much more dynamic and had dramatic personalities, his character was not even close.
Aaron did not bring much excitement to the show as well. Many viewers have felt that his character took the screen time away from the more beloved characters. This outrage from the fans was heard quickly, and he was written off from the show as quickly as he arrived. Though the show did not explicitly mention that the fan reaction was the reason behind his removal, it was highly probable.
6) Landry in Friday Night Lights
The storyline involving Landry Clarke in the second season of the show was met with fans' backlash. This out-of-character plotline felt unnecessary to many fans. The murder subplot was jarring and did not fit the established tone of the series.
The cover-up aspect of the storyline further strained the show’s credibility and viewership. Many found it unrealistic. The negative reaction was strong enough for the creators to rethink the storyline. This abrupt abandonment was also not received well. Many viewers have noted that it felt unresolved and ultimately meaningless.
7) Urban Myths
The casting of Joseph Fiennes as Michael Jackson in Urban Myths created a huge outrage among the fans. As soon as the trailer was released, controversy erupted. It was because Michael Jackson was portrayed by a white actor. Critics and fans saw that this role should belong to a person of color.
There have been many other instances in Hollywood where they have often misinterpreted and erased minority experiences. Michael Jackson’s own family members even voiced their anger towards this. When the show faced overwhelming criticism, it was forced to take action. The show quickly took the decision to pull the episode before it aired. This incident is a significant reminder of how fan outrage can influence media. The swift and strong reaction from the public, who demanded an authentic portrayal of the character, was truly a highlight.
8) Su*cide scene in 13 Reasons Why
The graphic scene of the su*cide of Hannah Baker in 13 Reasons Why released with many warning signs. However, many thought that the warnings were not enough. It sparked outrage among the fans, and suicide prevention organizations also noted that the suicide depiction was not right. Initially, the suicide scene had explicit details in a long scene.
Critics have noted that the graphic portrayal could be harmful. They raised concerns about the dangers of suicide contagion. In response to the widespread outrage from the viewers, Netflix added more warnings about the suicide scene. Netflix later completely edited out the suicide scene. The intent was to portray the ugly and painful reality of suicide; however, it raised concerns for the viewers, hence the decision to remove the scene came into action.
9) Roseanne cancelled
Actors have an obligation to check what they comment about, as their words have immense influential value and can affect the viewers. So when Roseanne Barr made derogatory and racist comments, the show got cancelled quickly. Fans were outrageous, and so were the critics.
When the renewal of the show was announced, it created immense uproar among the viewers, as the show was truly an entertaining one. Her comment spread like a wildfire across social media platforms. The controversy regarding her tweet serves as a reminder of the impact social media and fans can have. The impact was huge as it not only changed the script but cancelled the whole show altogether.
10) Vogler in House
This acclaimed drama was also not spared by the fans, and rightly so. Initially, in the first season of House, there was a villain. The character of Edward Vogler was introduced as an opponent of House. He had considerable authority over the institution and the staff. Vogler’s presence was meant to create conflict and challenge House’s methods constantly.
He represented the corporate side of medicine. However, his character was met with significant backlash from the fanbase. Many viewers found him one-dimensional and distracting from the main drama of the series. Fans also felt that Vogler’s attempts to control House and interfere in his team’s work were frustrating. Hence, he was quickly removed from the show.
Trending
For more such interesting pieces, stay tuned to Soap Central.
Reply
