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Some of the most compelling TV series strategically launch with a captivating pilot, recognizing the crucial importance of immediately engaging viewers. Yet, certain ambitious writers elevate this approach by introducing a jaw-dropping plot twist right from the start.
As we eagerly acquaint ourselves with new characters and immerse into their world, an unexpected twist takes us by surprise, leaving us with numerous unanswered questions that compel us to stay tuned for resolution. Executed with masterful precision, these plot twists serve as the ultimate hook, ensuring the audience’s commitment throughout the entire season.
While these shows have gained widespread popularity, the familiarity with their narratives might obscure the brilliance of the storytelling technique that initially captivated audiences. To rekindle the appreciation for these satisfying surprises, here’s a compilation of 15 TV shows that skillfully incorporate a major plot twist in their very first episode.
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15 TV Shows With A Major Plot Twist In The Very First Episode
Dead to Me (2019 – 2022)
“Dead to Me” is a captivating dark comedy series that revolves around Jen, a sarcastic widow and real estate agent on a quest for justice after her husband’s fatal hit-and-run. The story takes a twist when she forms an unlikely bond with Judy, a carefree woman also grappling with loss. Despite their contrasting personalities, the two connect over shared experiences of grief and wine. However, beneath the surface, both harbor secrets that could jeopardize their friendship. Throughout the three seasons, the show keeps viewers on their toes with numerous plot twists, but none is as impactful as the revelation in the first episode. The unexpected moment occurs when Judy, in a storage unit, unveils a vintage Mustang with a damaged front, revealing that she was the one behind the wheel in the accident that claimed Jen’s husband’s life.
Mad Men (2007 – 2015)
Mad Men, a period masterpiece, unfolds the story of Donald Draper, portrayed by Jon Hamm, the creative director at Sterling Cooper in New York. On the surface, Draper appears to have it all – a thriving career, wealth, and the charm to captivate women effortlessly. However, beneath this polished facade lies a man concealing profound anguish and secrets. The show meticulously depicts the tumultuous journey of Draper as he grapples with the complexities of balancing his professional and personal relationships.
One of the pivotal twists in the series involves the revelation of Draper’s double life. Despite projecting the image of an ideal bachelor, unapologetic alcoholic, and charismatic womanizer, the show doesn’t shy away from delving into the morally ambiguous world of advertising in the ’60s. The creators skillfully crafted scenes that immerse viewers in this extravagant yet morally complex era. While Draper engages in flirtations with a client and encounters Midge, the stark contrast is unveiled when he returns home and shares a bed with Betty, his wife. This pivotal scene vividly illustrates the dichotomy of Don Draper’s dual existence.
Superstore (2015 – 2021)
At Cloud 9, a prominent retail store in St. Louis, Missouri, the staff faces challenges with customers, inventory, and interpersonal dynamics, all while navigating through each day with as little hassle as possible. This outstanding workplace comedy, featuring stars like America Ferrera, Ben Feldman, Nico Santos, and Lauren Ash, has garnered attention for its humorous take on the daily struggles of the employees.
In a notable plot twist, Superstore, a sitcom on NBC, captivated viewers right from the beginning with its memorable characters and the unique atmosphere of their workplace. The show introduced subtle rules, such as the prohibition of wearing jewelry by the workers. This detail adds a surprising element when, at the end of her shift, Amy discreetly puts on her wedding ring, creating an unexpected shock that hints at a budding romance between her and Jonah.
Only Murders in the Building (2021 – Present)
At Cloud 9, a prominent retail store in St. Louis, Missouri, the staff faces challenges with customers, inventory, and interpersonal dynamics, all while navigating through each day with as little hassle as possible. This outstanding workplace comedy, featuring stars like America Ferrera, Ben Feldman, Nico Santos, and Lauren Ash, has garnered attention for its humorous take on the daily struggles of the employees.
In a notable plot twist, Superstore, a sitcom on NBC, captivated viewers right from the beginning with its memorable characters and the unique atmosphere of their workplace. The show introduced subtle rules, such as the prohibition of wearing jewelry by the workers. This detail adds a surprising element when, at the end of her shift, Amy discreetly puts on her wedding ring, creating an unexpected shock that hints at a budding romance between her and Jonah.
The Last Man on Earth (2015 – 2018)
In the aftermath of a devastating virus that wipes out humanity, Phil Miller finds himself as the sole survivor, grappling with loneliness in a desolate world. The Last Man on Earth, a brilliant creation by Will Forte spanning four seasons, takes an unexpected turn with a twist that challenges our assumptions. Despite montages depicting Phil’s solitary journey across the ravaged United States, the show surprises us by revealing that he isn’t truly the last man. Kristen Schaal’s entrance as Carol Pilbasian shatters Phil’s isolation, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the uncharted territory of episode 2 and sparking a cascade of questions and curiosity.
Severance (2022 – Present)
In the distinctive science fiction thriller, Severance, the narrative centers around Mark, a team leader at Lumon Industries, where employees undergo a unique “severance” procedure that separates their work and personal memories. As a glitch occurs in the system, Mark embarks on a quest to unravel the company’s secrets and the enigmatic program. The gripping opening scenes provide a glimpse into the unsettling aftermath of the severance procedure. The pilot episode introduces two significant plot twists, with a crucial revelation unfolding: Mrs. Selvig, Mark’s neighbor, is unveiled as his boss, clandestinely observing him throughout. This revelation adds depth to the show’s exceptional world-building.
The Boys (2019 – Present)
In a universe where super-powered individuals are revered as celebrity heroes, Vought, a multibillion-dollar organization, plays the dual role of managing these heroes and concealing their dark secrets and abuses of power. The Boys, a group of vigilantes, stumble upon a disturbing truth about The Seven, the most renowned superhero team, and make a solemn pledge to expose their misdeeds and bring them down.
The unexpected twist in Amazon’s subversive superhero narrative unfolds when Hughie, the protagonist, witnesses the tragic demise of his girlfriend. However, it is the climax of the first episode of The Boys that truly alters the game, as Homelander orchestrates the destruction of the mayor of Baltimore’s plane, unveiling the chilling and malevolent nature of the world’s mightiest superhero.
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Modern Family (2009 – 2020)
The immense popularity of Modern Family has cemented its status, making it difficult to imagine a time when the Pritchett-Dunphy clan wasn’t united. However, the show’s inception featured distinct introductions for each family member—Jay with his much younger Colombian wife, Gloria; Phil and Claire as a typical couple with three children; and Mitch and Cam, the quirky gay partners.
The Family Twist
The first episode concludes with a significant revelation—they are all part of the same family. Despite not cohabitating, they share more commonalities than one might initially think. Through ABC’s mockumentary-style sitcom, the series unveils the relatable and humorous escapades of the interconnected families as they navigate everyday life and grow together in subsequent episodes.
How to Get Away with Murder (2014 – 2020)
Annalise Keating, a criminal defense attorney instructing a group of exceptionally bright law students, handpicks five individuals to mentor closely in the legal profession. However, the narrative takes a gripping turn when Annalise becomes entwined in a murder plot, compelling her to go to great lengths to safeguard her firm and the hidden secrets of her students.
Conceived by Shonda Rhimes, “How to Get Away with Murder” intricately spins a tale of falsehoods and duplicity, forming the foundation for an engrossing legal thriller. Viola Davis delivers a captivating performance in the lead role, complemented by the dynamic energy of the fresh-faced supporting cast, sustaining the show’s riveting momentum and continuous suspense. The pivotal plot twist unfolds from two distinct angles: one involving Annalise’s extramarital affair, and the other where the students contemplate disposing of a body, only to discover it is Annalise’s husband.
The Good Place (2016 – 2020)
The Good Place, a beloved TV series from the past decade, revolves around Eleanor Shellstrop, who unexpectedly finds herself in the afterlife’s idyllic realm known as “The Good Place.” Despite being praised for her virtuous deeds by Michael, the cosmic architect, there’s a shocking twist—Eleanor is actually a bad person, mistakenly admitted. The show, led by the stellar duo of Ted Danson and Kristen Bell, ingeniously explores this afterlife revelation, delivering a unique and innovative take on the concept.
Lost (2004 – 2010)
J.J. Abrams’ groundbreaking series in the survival drama genre captivated audiences with its intricate world-building, breathtaking visuals, and nuanced character development. The narrative unfolds as survivors of Oceanic Flight 815, grappling with the aftermath of a devastating crash, must navigate the challenges of finding refuge on a mysterious tropical island. As the storyline progresses, the island gradually unveils its ominous secrets, compelling the survivors to unite and collaborate for their survival.
The Revelation of the Mysterious Island In the inaugural episode of Lost, presented in two parts, crucial revelations shape the foundation of the series. Initially, viewers learn that the plane crash didn’t occur on an ordinary landmass but on an ostensibly deserted tropical island housing an unseen creature and perplexing mysteries. Additionally, a pivotal element surfaces with the discovery of a longstanding French transmission, translating loosely to “kill them all,” which has been broadcasting for 16 years.
This Is Us (2016 – 2022)
“This Is Us” is acclaimed for its portrayal of a profoundly emotional family drama centered around the Pearson family, comprising Jack and Rebecca Pearson and their three children. The series intricately weaves together the past and present of the Pearsons, exploring the dynamics of parents, children, in-laws, and careers in both poignant and humorous ways.
One of the show’s notable twists involves the revelation of adoption within the Pearson family. In the pilot episode, Jack celebrates with Rebecca as they anticipate the arrival of their biological children, Kevin and Kate. However, the narrative takes a heart-wrenching turn by jumping to the future, where three individuals navigate their own challenges on their 36th birthday. The emotional impact deepens when viewers discover that, in addition to Kevin and Kate, the Pearsons also adopted Randall, adding layers of complexity to their family dynamics.
Game of Thrones (2011 – 2019)
Developed by HBO creators David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, Game of Thrones stands out as a groundbreaking series filled with unexpected plot turns and dramatic betrayals. The narrative revolves around nine noble families vying for control of the expansive Westeros, while an ancient enemy lying dormant beyond The Wall prepares to unleash havoc on the land.
In a pivotal moment from the pilot episode, young Bran engages in playful climbing on the Winterfell towers. Amidst the introduction of various characters, the focus remains on Bran, who stumbles upon the shocking incestuous relationship between twins Cersei and Jaime Lannister. However, the climax intensifies when Jaime, realizing Bran’s presence, callously pushes the young boy from the tower with the intent to eliminate him.
Fleabag (2016 – 2019)
From the very beginning, Phoebe Waller-Bridge captivated us with her fearless and unapologetic portrayal of Fleabag, a young and unkempt woman struggling to cope with a tragic event while navigating dysfunctional relationships in London. As she breaks the fourth wall, her brutally honest dialogue mesmerizes us.
A particularly shocking moment occurs in this Emmy-winning premiere when Fleabag confesses to a cab driver that her best friend, Boo, tragically ended her own life after discovering her boyfriend’s infidelity with Fleabag. This revelation leaves us not only saddened but also unsettled, adding another layer of complexity to the already captivating show.
How I Met Your Mother (2005 – 2014)
“How I Met Your Mother” stands as a quintessential sitcom that not only defined a generation of romantics but also set standards for many others in the genre. The series follows the life of Ted Mosby, who recounts to his teenage children the series of events that led him to meet their mother. Throughout the journey, Ted is accompanied by his unwavering best friends Marshall, Lily, and the eccentric Barney as they navigate the bustling world of dating in New York City.
One of the most significant twists in the series involves the introduction of the infamous French Blue Horn in the very first episode. Simultaneously, the character of Robin, played by Cobie Smulders, makes her stunning entrance as a newcomer to the group. The show leads audiences to believe that Robin is destined to be the mother of Ted’s children, creating a sense of anticipation. However, the narrative takes a sharp and unexpected turn when Ted reveals, “That’s how I met your Aunt Robin.” This unconventional twist propels the storyline into a sprawling saga, raising compelling questions that viewers eagerly awaited answers to.
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