10 Mind-Bending TV Shows with Utterly Confusing Timelines

Article Overview

Several TV shows have unnecessarily confusing timelines, with non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, and flash-forwards contributing to the confusion.

Shows such as The Witcher, Lost, and Westworld distinguish themselves with their intricate timelines, seamlessly transitioning between various periods and timelines. While certain shows effectively render their complex timelines gratifying once comprehended, others could enhance their narratives by streamlining and concentrating on one timeline or universe at a time, much like Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and Fringe.

Many TV shows incorporate complicated timelines, but there are a select few that unnecessarily confuse their audiences even more. The utilization of non-linear narrative structures has become increasingly prevalent, leading to unnecessarily complex timelines. While this storytelling technique can heighten the drama in some cases, it often bewilders viewers, making it challenging to comprehend even in exceptionally well-crafted TV shows.

Flashbacks and flash-forwards can further muddle the already intricate timelines of TV shows. Regardless of the method employed, the demand for intricate narratives has inadvertently resulted in perplexing or illogical timelines for many TV shows. Among these, certain shows go above and beyond in their confusion, such as the enigmatic world of The Witcher or the time-traveling adventures of The Flash.

10. The Witcher

The Witcher, a fantasy series, was released on December 20, 2019. The cast includes Tom Canton, Maciej Musial, Björn Hlynur Haraldsson, Anna Shaffer, MyAnna Buring, Lars Mikkelsen, Royce Pierreson, Eamon Farren, Wilson Radjou-Pujalte, Joey Batey, Jodhi May, Therica Wilson-Read, Anya Chalotra, Mimi Ndiweni, Henry Cavill, Freya Allan, Adam Levy, and Amit Shah. It falls under the genres of adventure, drama, action, and fantasy. The series has two seasons.

The Witcher possesses a reputation for its unnecessarily convoluted timeline, particularly in season 1. Even in season 3, The Witcher openly acknowledged its confusing timeline, although indirectly. Season 1 of The Witcher proves to be even more perplexing than the following two seasons due to its frequent jumps between three different timelines without adequate explanation of their chronological placement. Admittedly, The Witcher does offer hints about its timeline, but it would have been significantly easier to comprehend if the show had divided the season into three parts and presented the events in a more linear fashion.

9. Lost

Lost

Release Date: September 22, 2004

Cast: Evangeline Lilly, Naveen Andrews, Henry Ian Cusick, Daniel Dae Kim, Harold Perrineau, Dominic Monaghan, Emilie de Ravin, Jorge Garcia, Josh Holloway, Michael Emerson, Terry O'Quinn, Matthew Fox, Ken Leung, Elizabeth Mitchell, Yunjin Kim

Genres: Adventure, Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Supernatural

Rating: TV-14

Seasons: 6

Lost presents a timeline that stretches across centuries, adding to its intentionally perplexing nature. The complexity arises from the constant shifts between the present time on the island, flashbacks, and flash-forwards. The introduction of time travel further complicates things, resulting in four different timelines. While some may argue that the show would have been better off focusing solely on flashbacks and omitting the infamous flash-forwards, it is difficult to dispute the immense success of Lost.

8. Westworld

Westworld is a television series that premiered on October 2, 2016. It stars actors such as Anthony Hopkins, Evan Rachel Wood, Shannon Woodward, Ed Harris, James Marsden, Jimmi Simpson, Jeffrey Wright, Tessa Thompson, Thandie Newton, and Rodrigo Santoro. The show falls under the genres of science fiction, thriller, and western. It is rated TV-MA and has a total of four seasons.

Westworld creates a convoluted narrative structure that becomes increasingly perplexing as the series unfolds. Throughout season 1, Westworld's timeline jumps between three different periods, leaving viewers in the dark until near the end of the season. Initially, this intricate storytelling method proves effective, but it starts to unravel in season 2 of Westworld. Subsequent seasons introduce even more puzzling elements to the timeline, and the show may have been better served by maintaining a single past and present rather than constantly leaping between timelines.

7. Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles

Release Date: January 13, 2008

Cast: Lena Headey, Thomas Dekker, Summer Glau, Brian Austin Green, Garret Dillahunt, Richard T. Jones, Leven Rambin, Stephanie Jacobsen

Genres: Sci-Fi, Action

Seasons: 2

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles delves into the complex realm of time travel, although it can be challenging to grasp due to contradictions with the Terminator movie series. While Terminator 3 supposedly exists in an alternate reality compared to The Sarah Connor Chronicles, this distinction is not easily discernible while watching the show. Additionally, the show picks up immediately after the events of Terminator 2, yet alters the timeline to 1997 instead of the established 1995. A more cohesive alignment with the movie series would have enhanced the overall comprehension of The Sarah Connor Chronicles.

6. Dark

Dark is a mystery, drama, and crime series with three seasons. It features an ensemble cast including Tamar Pelzig, Louis Hofmann, Moritz Jahn, Stephan Kampwirth, Christian Hutcherson, Karoline Eichhorn, Andreas Pietschmann, Maja Schöne, Deborah Kaufmann, Oliver Masucci, Jordis Triebel, and Peter Benedict. The release date of the show was December 1, 2017.

The German thriller series, Dark, is an exceptional show. However, the intricate time travel aspects can create confusion within the timeline. Dark is renowned for its ambitious storytelling, which is mostly effective, but can be challenging to unravel. The series seamlessly transitions between the years 2019, 1986, 1921, and 2053. Although Dark provides some explanation, it would have been easier to comprehend if one of the timelines had been omitted. Nevertheless, once the perplexing narrative structure is deciphered, it becomes highly satisfying, making it superior to other shows with complicated timelines.

5. Fringe

Fringe

Release Date: September 9, 2008

Cast: Joshua Jackson, Blair Brown, Anna Torv, John Noble, Leonard Nimoy, Jasika Nicole, Lance Reddick, Mark Valley, Seth Gabel

Genres: Sci-Fi, Horror, Drama, Mystery

Fringe, a mind-bending TV show created by J.J. Abrams, features a parallel universe that creates a complex timeline. The series revolves around an FBI division that utilizes "fringe science" to unravel a series of inexplicable mysteries. As the story progresses, the focus increasingly shifts towards the concept of a parallel universe. By season 3, the show begins to alternate between these universes, leading to a convoluted timeline that can be challenging for viewers to follow. Perhaps, Fringe would have been better off by concentrating on one universe at a time instead of introducing multiple timelines across different universes.

4. Legion

Legion, a television series, was released on February 8, 2017. The cast includes Dan Stevens, Rachel Keller, Aubrey Plaza, Bill Irwin, Jeremie Harris, Amber Midthunder, Katie Aselton, Jean Smart, Navid Negahban, and Jemaine Clement. It falls under the genres of drama, sci-fi, supernatural, and thriller, with a TV-MA rating. The show consists of three seasons.

Legion is a Marvel superhero show set in an alternate timeline within the X-Men franchise. It tells the story of David Haller, the son of Charles Xavier and a psychic mutant, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia at a young age. The show presents Haller as an unreliable narrator, blurring the lines between perception and reality in a way that can be puzzling at times. Additionally, time travel is introduced, further adding to the complexity. A more straightforward narrative could have possibly improved Legion, making it easier for viewers to follow.

3. Doctor Who

Doctor Who

Release Date: November 23, 1963

Cast: Jenna Coleman, Jodie Whittaker, Alex Kingston, David Tennant, Matt Smith, Peter Capaldi

Genres: Adventure, Mystery, Sci-Fi

Seasons: 26

Doctor Who is an incredibly popular series with a vast storyline. However, due to its constant time jumping, it can sometimes be confusing, especially for new viewers. Since the show revolves around time travel, it's impossible to completely eliminate the jumps in its timeline. However, there are instances where providing a clearer explanation of the timeline during specific seasons could greatly enhance the viewing experience. Despite its complex narrative, Doctor Who has remained successful for decades, which speaks to the franchise's enduring appeal.

2. This Is Us

This Is Us is a TV show that was released on September 20, 2016. It features a talented cast including Susan Kelechi Watson, Lonnie Chavis, Justin Hartley, Melanie Liburd, Hannah Zeile, Mandy Moore, Eris Baker, Sterling K. Brown, Milo Ventimiglia, Logan Shroyer, Faithe Herman, Niles Fitch, Parker Bates, Chris Sullivan, Chrissy Metz, Alexandra Breckenridge, Jon Huertas, Lyric Ross, Asante Blackk, Griffin Dunne, Caitlin Thompson, Chris Geere, Ron Cephas Jones, and Mackenzie Hancsicsak. The show falls under the genres of romance, comedy, and drama, and has a TV-14 rating.

1. The Flash

Similar to Lost, This Is Us adds complexity to its storyline by incorporating flashbacks and flash-forwards, making it occasionally challenging to follow the timeline. The audience can typically grasp the flashbacks effortlessly due to the characters' younger ages. However, as the show introduces flash-forwards, it becomes more difficult to determine the timeline of a particular scene. Even when the timeline is evident, understanding the interconnections between each timeline can be perplexing. This Is Us may have benefited from reducing the frequency of its flash-forwards.

The Flash

Release Date: October 7, 2014

Cast: Rick Cosnett, Jesse L Martin, Candice Patton, Tom Cavanagh, Grant Gustin, Danielle Panabaker

Genres: Drama, Action, Adventure, Superhero

Seasons: 9

The Flash extensively explores the concept of time travel, leading to a level of confusion. In season 1, Barry Allen confronts the Reverse-Flash, a villain who travels back in time to assassinate Barry's mother when he was a child. Later on, Barry himself ventures into the past to save his mother, resulting in significant repercussions for the future. The issue lies in The Flash's inconsistency in establishing its time travel rules, and the additional complexities created by the show Legends of Tomorrow. Despite coming full circle in season 9, The Flash still leaves unanswered questions regarding its intricate timeline.

Editor's P/S

1. In my opinion, unnecessarily confusing timelines can detract from the enjoyment of a TV show. While some shows, such as The Witcher and Lost, have managed to create intriguing and captivating stories despite their complex timelines, others have struggled to maintain coherence and clarity. The constant jumping between different periods and timelines can be disorienting and make it difficult for viewers to follow the narrative. In some cases, it can even lead to frustration and confusion, as viewers may feel lost or disconnected from the story.

2. I believe that TV shows should strive to present their timelines in a clear and straightforward manner. While non-linear storytelling and flashbacks can be effective techniques for building suspense and creating intrigue, they should be used judiciously and with a clear purpose in mind. Overly complicated timelines can alienate viewers and make it difficult for them to engage with the story on a deeper level. By streamlining their narratives and focusing on one timeline or universe at a time, shows can improve their overall coherence and accessibility, making them more enjoyable for a wider audience.