Why do errors in movies and TV shows happen?
The complexity of audiovisual productions
Producing a film or series involves hundreds — sometimes thousands — of professionals, from directors to costume designers, lighting technicians, and editors. With so many variables at play, small errors are practically inevitable. Scenes are filmed out of order, objects are repositioned between takes, and script changes can generate visual inconsistencies. Even with continuity supervisors responsible for maintaining coherence between scenes, some details slip through.
The role of editing and post-production
Editing is a crucial step in narrative construction but can also be responsible for errors. Quick cuts, scene overlaps, and visual effects can mask — or even create — inconsistencies. In modern productions, the use of CGI adds another layer of complexity. A poorly inserted digital element or perspective error can catch the attention of observant audiences.
The keen eye of fans
With advancing technology, viewers have access to pauses, zooms, and detailed reviews. Social media platforms like TikTok and specialized forums amplify these discoveries, turning errors into viral phenomena. Today, finding a flaw in a movie or series can earn thousands of views and comments, creating a new form of content engagement.
Iconic errors that went viral
Emily in Paris and the "omnipresent" Eiffel Tower
One of the most recent and discussed examples comes from the series Emily in Paris. In the third episode of the third season, the character Emily, played by Lily Collins, walks through a hotel room in Paris. The curious detail? The Eiffel Tower appears visible through two different windows at angles that wouldn't make sense in the real world. The error quickly went viral, with users joking that the monument "transcends space-time."
Why did this happen? This type of error usually occurs due to aesthetic choices. The production may have opted to include the Eiffel Tower at different angles to reinforce the Parisian setting, even if this compromised spatial logic.
Gladiator and the gas cylinder in the Roman Empire
Directed by Ridley Scott, Gladiator is an acclaimed historical epic, winning five Oscars and starring Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix. Despite its grandeur, the film presents a curious error: during a battle scene in the Coliseum, a carriage overturns, revealing a modern gas cylinder — clearly out of period.
The slip-up doesn't compromise the narrative, though it momentarily breaks immersion. Still, the film remains widely respected, showing that great works can survive small mistakes.
Downton Abbey and the forgotten bottle
The British series Downton Abbey, known for its meticulous attention to historical detail, has also had its share of continuity errors that fans have caught and discussed online.
