A late style that has been appearing in many popular movie andTV showsis the idea of substitute cosmos ; that is , different realities which contrast heavily with the accomplished public thanks to at least one key change pass somewhere in the past . film likeEverything Everywhere All at OnceandDr . Strange in the Multiverse of Madnesshave dedicate themselves to dive late into the theme , explore numerous alternate realitiesthat could have existed just as easily as the unity the lineament know in .

However , while many major motion pictures have been alone focalize on this idea , there are also numerous television set shows that have vary from their main story to study substitute realities as well . After all , it can be very enjoyable for the Godhead and actor of the show to regard how different the lives of their theatrical role could have been . While they all approach the field in different way , these " what if … " installment creatively consider how tiny event could have drastically shift the tale of their shows .

10"Turn Left"

Doctor Who - Series 4, Episode 11

Because the iconic British sci - fi serial , Doctor Who , pass off on such a colossal scale , every ostensibly minor decisiveness made by the grapheme could show to have universe - change effect . The series dramatically explore this approximation with its 2008 episode , " grow Left , " which primarily center on the Tenth Doctor ’s fellow traveler , Donna Noble .

I love it when television shows inclose a parallel cosmos that is different from a common installment , but there were some I wish that we ’d seen a second more of .

In the episode , Donna have what would have happened if she had chosen a unlike path long time before , entail she would never have met the Doctor . The option quickly proves monumental , with the world deign into a dystopia after Donna is n’t there to help save the Doctor . " Turn Left " is an impressive showcase of the creativity of the team behindDoctor Who .

Characters from Supernatural and Umbrella Academy

Your Rating

Your comment has not been preserve

Cast

An extraterrestrial being from the planet Gallifrey travels through time and outer space to explore , solve problem and fight unjustness while also making friends with human beings . His starship , called TARDIS , resembles a police box , but it is much more than it seems to be .

Even in an episode in which the Doctor hardly appears , the show deal to catch its audience , effectively demonstrate an full new version of the populace . to boot , even though the installment in the first place explores a different reality , it still dally a lively role in the overarching narration of the serial publication , tie like a shot into episodes that get along before and after it , evenculminating in a cliffhanger ending that like a shot builds up to the serial finale .

9"Lebanon"

Supernatural - Season 14, Episode 13

As one could generalise from the deed , the CW series , Supernatural , is no stranger to fantastical element . In the show ’s 14th season , one of these elements offer spectator a glimpse into analternate version of the universefor Sam and Dean . The installment , " Lebanon , " followsthe strange events that unfold after the brothers inadvertently come up their deceased father .

The episode ’s unusual premiss allowed them to temporarily bestow a democratic character back onto the show , serving as a meet testimonial to celebrateSupernatural ’s 300th instalment .

They quickly strike that the figure they summoned was actually pull justly out of his natural timeline , drastically altering the past , and creating a reality in which Sam and Dean are altogether different people than the characters the consultation has bed . " Lebanon " gave the creators ofSupernaturala unique opportunity .

Collage of Willow and Clash of the Titans

Created by Eric Kripke , Supernatural is a phantasy / drama series that premiered in 2005 . The serial publication follows the adventures of Dean and Sam Winchester - two man wronged by supernatural beings as children who now expend their days investigating and hunting demons , touch , and giant across the United States .

The episode ’s unusual premise allowed them to temporarily land a pop fictional character back onto the show , serving as a fitting tribute to celebrateSupernatural ’s three-hundredth episode . It also pave the way for one of the show ’s most emotional moments , as Sam and Dean would finally have to say goodbye to their father once again in lodge to fix the timeline . " Lebanon " offers a creative , excited geographic expedition of how one person can completely exchange the humanity .

8"Remedial Chaos Theory"

Community - Season 3, Episode 4

As far as situation comedy go , Communitydefinitely featured many off - the - wall plots over the line of its six - time of year ravel . In terms of unadulterated creative thinking , however , the sequence that guide the patty is " Remedial Chaos hypothesis , " the fourth episode of the show ’s third season . The setup of the episode is simple ; the friend assemble for a dark of pizza and circuit board game .

When the pizza pie arrives , Jeff rolls a dice to determine who should be the one to answer the threshold . What ensues isa chaotic presentation of the seven different timelinesthat could be create based on how the die lands . Many goggle box shows have dedicate installment to exploring alternate timelines , but few have usurp the comedic voltage of the idea quite as efficaciously as " Remedial Chaos Theory . "

community of interests is a comedic television series that chronicle the aliveness of diverse students at Greendale Community College , a fictional and notoriously underperforming educational institution in Colorado . Released in 2009 , the show explores the quirky interactions and kinship among the eclectic group navigating their pedantic and personal challenges .

Paul Wesley as Kirk in Star Trek Strange New Worlds

The episode go to uproarious distance to show justhow drastically a simple dice axial rotation could change the course of one night , even include one timeline in which a character ends up being film and killed as the total apartment catches on fire . fortuitously , the group terminate up following a incontrovertible timeline , one in which they mirthfully party the night out together .

7"iChristmas"

iCarly - Season 2, Episode 7

One of the most iconic " what if " narration in medium history is Frank Capra ’s 1946 vacation classic , It ’s a fantastic Life . The heartwarming floor of George Bailey is so iconic that TV shows still make up court to it decades after its initial release . One such homage actually comes from the Nickelodeon situation comedy , iCarly . In the season two episode , " iChristmas,“Carly wishes that her eccentric brother , Spencer , was normal .

To her surprisal , the wish is granted by an holy person . Carly before long realizes how much worse her life would be if Spencer was " normal , " relieve oneself her grateful for her brother ’s singularity . " iChristmas " not only acts as a unequaled episode of the serial publication , but it also serve as an in force way to introduce unseasoned audiences to a timeless holiday narrative .

iCarly follows Carly , Sam , and Freddie , three 8th - grader navigate school and adolescence while care a pop web show . As they balance their quotidian lives with newfound celebrity , they meet various challenges and adventures , offering a glimpse into the dynamics of friendship and the develop world of online media .

Imagery from Doctor Who and Supernatural

Custom Image by Yeider Chacon

The episode has the same grade of humor on show throughoutiCarly , but it also addsa touching , out of the blue devout feeling not commonly found in teenager sitcoms . The outline of the story may be practically very to that ofIt ’s a Wonderful Life , but it is presented with a merriment , forward-looking twist that is bound to keep modern audience engaged from beginning to finish .

6"The Cooper Extraction”

The Big Bang Theory - Season 7, Episode 11

When a sitcom runs as long as 12 time of year , it makes sentiency for the characters to start wonderinghow different their lives could have been had the issue of the series play out otherwise . This musical theme set up the scene for " The Cooper Extraction , " a holiday - themed installment of the democratic CBS sitcom , The Big Bang Theory . During the episode , Sheldon has gone to Texas to be with his menage while his sister gives birthing .

While he is out , the rest of the friend group gather and begins to reflect on what their spirit would be like if they never met him . Like any of thebest episodes ofThe Big Bang Theory , " The Cooper Extraction " offers a hearty blend of humor and heart .

The Big Bang Theory : This situation comedy follows a group of socially inapt scientist and their interaction with each other and the the great unwashed around them . Centered on physicists Sheldon and Leonard , the series humorously explore friendly relationship , romance , and the quirks of life among an eclectic mathematical group of academics .

doctor who 2005

An alien from the planet Gallifrey travels through time and space to explore, solve problems and fight injustice while also making friends with human beings. His spaceship, called TARDIS, resembles a police box, but it is much more than it appears to be.

Although Sheldon oftentimes push them wild , it is touching to see the friends recognize how important his mien is to all of their lives . Of course , the installment does n’t shy away from the humorous sideof imagining life without Sheldon either , showing various comically exaggerated alternate world that could only exist without Sheldon there to talk sentience into the type .

5"Anthology Of Interest I"

Futurama - Season 2, Episode 16

When it come to " what if " episodes , no idiot box show has taken the idea more literally thanFuturama . The alive sitcom ’s second time of year sport an episode title " Anthology of Interest I " ( given the name because the assumption was also used in a later episode ) . The episode begins with Professor Farnsworth introducing the Planet Express crew to his new invention , the what - if automobile , which keep the power to simulate any hypothetical position the character can reckon .

The remainder of the episode is dedicated to show three brusque , ego - contained " what if " floor base on questions from Bender , Leela , and Fry . The concept of " Anthology of Interest I " absolutely pave the way for the Divine ofFuturamato show off several buggy melodic theme they would ’ve been ineffectual to show otherwise .

Futurama follows the exploits of Philip J. Fry , a pizza deliverance boy from 1999 who is cryogenically frozen for 1000 years . arouse up in the year 3000 , Fry befriend a cyclops name Leela and a rascally robot named Bender , and the three find employment with Planet Express , an interplanetary delivery service . Their piece of work takes them to all corner of the universe , exploring outer space and the future as ideate by Matt Groening and the creators of The Simpsons .

Headshot Of Jodie Whittaker

What gain the sequence even more interesting is the fact that each of the three segments of the anthology were written by a different someone , and yet they still wangle to flow together seamlessly . Professor Farnsworth ’s invention truly open up the door to eternal hypothesis , as well as endless amounts of comedy .

4"The Abominable Bride"

Sherlock - Episode 10

TheBritish whodunit seriesSherlock , follow the life and study of Sherlock Holmes , one of the most celebrated literary detectives of all metre . While the character inSherlockare straight off inspire by the level indite by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle , there is one all-important remainder between the modern TV serial publication and the nineteenth - century stories : the scope .

This unique episode in the end gives viewer a long - awaited glimpse into how this modern version of Holmes , as impersonate by Benedict Cumberbatch , would come in the era in which he was first project .

The show is set in present - day London , while the original stories take place during the Victorian era . However , this did not stop the show ’s Divine from seizing an opportunity to research the original mise en scene . " The dreadful Bride , " which appeared asa limited episode ofSherlock , institute the characters all the means back to their Victorian roots .

Headshot Of Christopher Eccleston

In this personification of Sherlock from creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss , Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman assume the roles of Sherlock and Watson as they establish their partnership and commence work strange mysteries throughout the U.K. and beyond . lay in a more 2010 ’s modern stage setting , Sherlock ’s off-the-wall and complex nature is accentuated as he solves on the face of it supernatural crimes with alone reason while struggling to connect with others on a human level . Meanwhile , Watson blogs the stories summarise their cases while building a agonistic but caring friendly relationship with his unexampled partner .

This alone installment finally gives TV audience a long - look glimpse into how this modernistic version of Holmes , as portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch , would fare in the era in which he was first see . " The Abominable Bride " maintains all the clever mystery story chemical element viewers get laid about the serial publication , while also satisfying the desire for a more accurate tribute to Doyle ’s writings .

3"Bowling"

Malcolm In The Middle - Season 2, Episode 20

When it come to parenting , tons of diminutive decision have to be made every single daytime . A second - time of year episode ofMalcolm in the Middlecreatively demonstrates how one specific decision can lead to hugely different results . entitle " Bowling,“the sequence revolves around the question of which parent should take the kid bowling . Viewers are then shown the two evenly crazy outcome that could occur depending on which parent volunteered for the task .

Malcolm in the Middle tells the story of an average dysfunctional American kinsperson . When Malcolm , one of four children , learns that he possesses a genius - level mind , his whole young world is turned upside down . Still urgently adjudicate to fit in with his friends and sept despite his extraordinary talent , Malcolm find oneself that though his life might have changed , it ’s still just as chaotic as ever .

First airing in other 2001,“Bowling " come well before the idea of exploring alternate reality was really popularizedin movies and TV . The instalment received mellow acclaim for its inventive conception , even earning multiple Emmy Awards . Like anyMalcolm in the Middleepisode , " Bowling " proves that the kids are able to do uproarious bedlam in any situation , although the details may change based on which parent is there to watch them .

Supernatural TV Series Poster

Created by Eric Kripke, Supernatural is a fantasy/drama series that premiered in 2005. The series follows the adventures of Dean and Sam Winchester - two men wronged by supernatural beings as children who now spend their days investigating and hunting demons, ghosts, and monsters across the United States.

2"Dick’ll Take Manhattan” (Parts I And II)

3rd Rock From The Sun - Season 6, Episodes 4 And 5

3rd Rock from the Suncertainly has one of the most unusual concepts of any situation comedy from the last few decades . Running for six season from 1996 - 2001 , the quirky clowning serial publication abide by a group of four aliens gravel as a human family and read about life on Earth . Needless to say , the show was no stranger to go bad outside the box seat . One prime example of this was " Dick’ll Take Manhattan , " the first two - part episode from the sixth time of year .

3rd Rock From the Sun is a sitcom about a grouping of extraterrestrials on an undercover foreign mission to meditate human behavior on Earth . Posing as a human sept , the Solomons get by with the complexities of human life , led by their high-pitched commander Dick Solomon , played by John Lithgow . The serial publication explores their comedic adventures and misunderstandings as they attempt to pilot and grok the intricacy of human smart set .

The entire two - part installment is dedicate to exploring one intriguing question;what if the aliens had landed in New York City?While the idea of have the same characters living in the crowing city instead of the suburbs may seem like a somewhat bare change , " Dick’ll Take Manhattan " really make the most of the idea , exhibit off how drastically unlike the life of each character could have been .

Headshot Of Jensen Ackles In The Los Angeles Premiere Of Disney+ Original Movie ‘Zombies 3’

The installment even get hold of the opportunity to cite another major goggle box show , showing the alternate variant of Tommy live on life as a star onSaturday Night Live , an theme made even more comical by the fact that the alternative Harry is now the President of NBC .

1"The One That Could Have Been”

Friends - Season 6, Episodes 15 And 16

The ever - popular sitcom , Friends , offer a cagey spin on the mind of a " what if " installment during the show ’s 6th season . " The One That Could Have Been " is a two - part episode thatexamines how dissimilar the lives of the beloved friend group would be if various change had occurred . astonishingly , the episode end by take in the characters wind up in basically the same situation as the ones they presently live in .

Friends is the popular situation comedy create by David Crane and Marta Kauffman , secrete back in 1994 and ran for ten season . The show follows a group of six twentysomethings through their lives in New York City and their time spent between their two apartments and their local coffee shop . The show features the group navigating tricky relationships with one another and comical misadventures .

While most " what if " episodes are dedicated to highlighting the absurdity of these alternative timeline , Friendswent in a very different direction , and , in doing so , offer a very affecting message to its watcher . " The One That Could Have Been " suggests that , because the bonds between some people are so strong , they are bound to end up by each other ’s side no matter what happens . Of course , the episode is also sealed to admit plenty of the hilarious clowning that fans have intercourse about the serial publication .

Headshot Of Misha Collins IN The 2019 CW Upfront

0324310_poster_w780.jpg

Community is a comedic television series that chronicles the lives of diverse students at Greendale Community College, a fictional and notoriously underperforming educational institution in Colorado. Released in 2009, the show explores the quirky interactions and relationships among the eclectic group navigating their academic and personal challenges.

Headshot Of Joel McHale In The 51st Annual Saturn Awards

Headshot Of Gillian Jacobs In The Fashion Trust U.S. Awards 2023

03148273_poster_w780.jpg

iCarly follows Carly, Sam, and Freddie, three eighth-graders navigating school and adolescence while managing a popular web show. As they balance their everyday lives with newfound fame, they encounter various challenges and adventures, offering a glimpse into the dynamics of friendship and the evolving world of online media.

Headshot Of Miranda Cosgrove

Headshot Of Jerry Trainor

The Big Bang Theory Poster

The Big Bang Theory: This sitcom follows a group of socially awkward scientists and their interactions with each other and the people around them. Centered on physicists Sheldon and Leonard, the series humorously explores friendship, romance, and the quirks of life among an eclectic group of academics.

Headshot Of Johnny Galecki In The Big Bang Theory Series Premiere

Headshot Of Jim Parsons In The 2019 Creative Arts Emmy Awards Day Two

Futurama Season 11 Poster

Futurama follows the exploits of Philip J. Fry, a pizza delivery boy from 1999 who is cryogenically frozen for 1000 years. Waking up in the year 3000, Fry befriends a cyclops named Leela and a roguish robot named Bender, and the three find employment with Planet Express, an interplanetary delivery service. Their work takes them to all corners of the universe, exploring space and the future as imagined by Matt Groening and the creators of The Simpsons.

Headshot Of Katey Sagal

Headshot Of Billy West

Sherlock Show Poster

In this incarnation of Sherlock from creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman assume the roles of Sherlock and Watson as they establish their partnership and begin solving strange mysteries throughout the U.K. and beyond. Set in a more 2010’s modern setting, Sherlock’s eccentric and complex nature is accentuated as he solves seemingly supernatural crimes with unparalleled intellect while struggling to connect with others on a human level. Meanwhile, Watson blogs the stories summarizing their cases while building a strained but caring friendship with his new partner.

Headshot Of Martin Freeman In The London Premiere <code>Black Panther: Wakanda Forever</code>.

Headshot Of Benedict Cumberbatch In The Doctor Strange Premiere

Malcolm in the Middle TV Poster

Malcolm in the Middle tells the story of an average dysfunctional American family. When Malcolm, one of four children, learns that he possesses a genius-level intellect, his whole young world is turned upside down. Still desperately trying to fit in with his friends and family despite his extraordinary gifts, Malcolm finds that though his life might have changed, it’s still just as chaotic as ever.

Cast Placeholder Image

3rd Rock From The Sun

3rd Rock From the Sun is a sitcom about a group of extraterrestrials on an undercover mission to study human behavior on Earth. Posing as a human family, the Solomons grapple with the complexities of human life, led by their high commander Dick Solomon, played by John Lithgow. The series explores their comedic adventures and misunderstandings as they attempt to navigate and comprehend the intricacies of human society.

Headshot Of John Lithgow

Headshot of Jane Curtin

Friends TV Series Poster

Friends is the popular sitcom created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, released back in 1994 and ran for ten seasons. The show follows a group of six twentysomethings through their lives in New York City and their time spent between their two apartments and their local coffee shop. The show features the group navigating tricky relationships with one another and comical misadventures.

Headshot Of Jennifer Aniston In The Emmy FYC Event for Apple TV+&rsquo;s &lsquo;The Morning Show&rsquo;

Headshot Of Courteney Cox In The Los Angeles Premiere Of Warner Bros. Television&rsquo;s &lsquo;Shining Vale&rsquo;