10 TV Series That Underwent Significant Transformations After the Pilot (& the Reasons Behind Them)

Article Overview

In order to enhance the show and meet the demands of the audience, TV shows frequently undergo significant modifications following their initial pilot episode. These modifications can include changes in casting and alterations to the plot.

Examples like

Bob's Burgers

,

The Big Bang Theory

, and

The Office

showcasing these changes, which include gender-swapped characters and complete remakes of the original pilot. These modifications have proven to be instrumental in the achievement and widespread acclaim of a television series, as exemplified by the transformations implemented in

Family Guy

,

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

, and

Game of Thrones

, which resulted in significant improvements and audience appeal.

TV shows often undergo gradual changes over time, driven by factors like audience demand or production limitations. However, there are instances where shows experience significant transformations right after their pilot episode. These changes can manifest in various ways such as casting, locations, and even plot, but the underlying theme and message of the show typically remain intact. These alterations often result in a considerable improvement in the quality of the show, which explains why many initial pilot episodes remain unaired.

It is important to highlight that some concepts introduced in pilots are completely discarded, particularly when it comes to the portrayal of characters. If a character does not fit the overall rhythm or style of the show, it often becomes easier to create a brand new character instead. Regardless of the reasoning behind these changes, major transformations following the original pilot episode usually indicate a show's effort to enhance its quality. This was the case for several TV shows that ultimately went on to achieve immense popularity.

10. Bob's Burgers

Pilot air date: January 9, 2011

9. The Big Bang Theory

The popular animated series, Bob's Burgers, made its debut in 2022 with its first feature film. Additionally, fans can rejoice as the show has been officially renewed for its fifteenth season. However, the original pilot episode had a different storyline. In this initial version, the character of Tina was a boy called Daniel, still voiced by Dan Mintz. The writers, however, decided to switch Daniel's gender to Tina. They were concerned about the similarity between Daniel and Gene, Bob's other son, and wanted to ensure that each child stood out on their own. Besides this change, the animation style underwent alterations as well. Presently, the characters of Bob's Burgers no longer have their noses continuously extending over their mouths.

Pilot air date: September 24, 2007

The original pilot of The Big Bang Theory underwent several changes, including the absence of Penny and the inclusion of another female character named Katie, who had a slightly rougher demeanor. Additionally, Sheldon's character underwent some characterization changes. While he remained focused on science and knowledge, he was initially portrayed as more socially competent compared to the later development of Jim Parsons' character. In the unaired pilot's opening scene, Sheldon and Leonard visit a sperm bank, similar to the official pilot. However, the notable difference is that Sheldon successfully completes his deposit, rather than feeling too awkward to do so.

8. The Office (US)

Pilot air date: March 24, 2005

The Office's success can be attributed to the changes made in comparison to its UK counterpart. Interestingly, the initial US pilot of the show was an exact replica of the UK version. Although The Office UK received praise on its own, it became evident that the original's sarcastic humor didn't resonate with American viewers. Nonetheless, once the writers discovered that the show had been commissioned for a full season, they decided to revise it to better suit the US market.

Although the initial pilot remained similar to the UK original, the modifications implemented contributed to the show's future success. Subsequent to the official pilot of The Office, the series underwent further alterations and largely deviated from the decision to replicate elements from the UK version. By the second episode, The Office began embracing original storylines and jokes tailored for its US characters.

7. Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Pilot air date: September 17, 2013

Brooklyn Nine-Nine witnessed a change in its cast following the pilot episode. Initially, Hitchcock, Scully, and a female character known as Daniels formed a trio. According to Terry (Crews), Daniels excelled at making coffee but her character vanished after the premiere and was never mentioned again. It is regrettable that audiences were deprived of the opportunity to witness Daniels' further interactions with Hitchcock and Scully, who eventually became two of the most cherished comic relief characters in the show.

6. Family Guy

Pilot air date: January 31, 1999

5. The Inbetweeners

Seth McFarlane created a initial version of Family Guy in 1999 that differed greatly from the show known to audiences now. Although the plot of the aired pilot, titled "Death Has A Shadow," was taken from this original concept, the two episodes were significantly different. In the initial version, Lois was portrayed as a blonde, Meg wore a blue hat instead of pink, and rather than being despised by the other characters, Meg received love and respect. Additionally, the character of Quagmire, who was introduced later, was absent in the initial concept.

Pilot air date: May 1, 2008

British comedy series The Inbetweeners garnered consistent acclaim for its employment of dark humor and its relatability to contemporary teenagers. However, the initial pilot of the show significantly deviated from its final form. Originally titled Baggy Trousers, the series was set in the 1980s and featured a different cast lineup. Instead of Jay, the fourth member of the group was named Lee. Remarkably, James Buckley, renowned for his portrayal of Jay in The Inbetweeners, appeared in both the final show and the pilot of Baggy Trousers, albeit initially playing the character of Neil.

4. 30 Rock

October 11, 2006

Inspired by Tina Fey's tenure on Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock stands out as one of the most highly-regarded sitcoms ever to be helmed by a woman. While the primary concept of the show remains intact in the original pilot, there is one major divergence: the absence of Jane Krakowski. Initially, the character of Jenna, portrayed by Rachel Dratch, carried the name Jenna DeCarlo instead of Maroney. After the unaired pilot, it was determined that 30 Rock should embrace its sketch comedy elements more fully, resulting in the casting of Krakowski. Nevertheless, Dratch continued to make numerous appearances throughout the show's seven-season run, often assuming different roles.

3. Sherlock

Pilot air date: July 25, 2010

A number of alterations were made to BBC's Sherlock compared to its original pilot. After being commissioned, the BBC opted to elongate the episodes from a 60-minute duration to 90 minutes, resulting in a remake of "A Study In Pink". Most of the variances were subtle, such as a replacement of actors for certain minor characters and modifications in the filming locations. However, there are a few noteworthy changes that deserve mentioning, one being the non-appearance of Mycroft, who considered himself the most intelligent Holmes sibling, in the initial pilot.

2. New Girl

Pilot air date: September 20, 2011

New Girl gained popularity for its talented ensemble cast, all residing together in a shared home. However, in the pilot episode, there was a notable absence of Winston among the main group. Initially, another character, Coach (Damon Wayans Jr.), occupied Winston's room in the spacious loft. During the pilot's filming, Wayans was also involved in the show Happy Endings, which he believed would not be renewed. Surprisingly, Happy Endings received a season 2 renewal, prompting Wayans to choose that show over New Girl. As a result, Coach departed after the first episode, making way for Winston to assume his role in New Girl. Nonetheless, fans were thrilled when Coach eventually made a comeback in the show's third season.

1. Game Of Thrones

Pilot air date: April 17, 2011

Another massive show that underwent significant adjustments after its original pilot was Game of Thrones. Prior to the premiere of "Winter Is Coming" on HBO in 2011, an unaired pilot was shot in 2009 that featured various changes in the cast, lacked essential character details, and had certain scenes removed. The initial pilot failed to reveal the fact that Jaime and Cersei were twin siblings, had Tamzin Merchant portraying Daenerys Targaryen (later replaced by Emilia Clarke), Jennifer Ehle as Catelyn Stark (later replaced by Michelle Fairley), an appearance by author George R.R. Martin, and included flashbacks to past events. The unaired pilot received negative feedback from those who viewed it, resulting in the extensive modifications seen in "Winter Is Coming."

Editor's P/S

1. As a passionate fan of TV shows, I find it fascinating to learn about the transformations that some series undergo after their pilot episodes. It's clear that the networks and showrunners are willing to make significant changes in order to improve the show and meet the demands of the audience. It's also interesting to see how some shows completely change their direction, while others make more subtle tweaks.

2. Overall, I think these transformations are a positive thing. They show that the networks and showrunners are willing to listen to feedback and make changes that will improve the show. It also gives the show a chance to find its footing and develop its own unique identity. I'm excited to see how these shows continue to evolve in the future.