The Jaw-Dropping TV Shows That Astonishingly Predicted The Future!

TV shows that accurately predicted future events can be found in various genres of fiction. However, comedy shows tend to have a higher occurrence of such predictions, often using ridiculous prophecies as a comedic element. Sci-fi, fantasy, and comic book-based series are also known for making eerily accurate predictions, especially when utilizing plot devices like time travel and alternate history. These predictions range from minor details to significant events that could potentially alter the course of history. These uncanny predictions have left audiences with a sense of both awe and frustration, as they only become apparent in hindsight. While some explanations for these accurate predictions can be attributed to thorough research and analysis by television writers, there are instances where the sheer accuracy and relevance of these forecasts defy scientific reasoning. In this article, we will explore some of the most unsettling, hair-raising, and astonishing predictions about the future from twelve different TV shows.

12 Watchmen (2019)

11 Late Night with Conan O'Brien (1993-2005)

Watchmen, a critical examination of American history and racial politics, draws remarkable parallels with reality. In a chilling coincidence, late in 2019, the series depicted an alternative America where citizens donned masks for self-protection, and the streets were engulfed in civil unrest. This was just months before the declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic and the subsequent riots sparked by the tragic murder of George Floyd. Although the actual circumstances surrounding the use of masks and the violent protests may differ significantly in real life, it is uncanny how Watchmen's central imagery seamlessly manifested in the aftermath of its conclusion.

Late Night with Conan O'Brien might not be the first show that comes to mind when thinking about TV shows that predicted the future. However, in 2000, during an interview with Harrison Ford, Conan made a joke about the actor continuing to portray Indiana Jones until he reached the age of 80. Conan's imagination took the form of a movie titled Indiana Jones and the Comfortable Bed, where Indie would enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle with the treasures delivered to him instead of him having to search for them. Remarkably, 23 years later, at the exact age of 80, Harrison Ford reprised his iconic role one final time as the leading star in the cast of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.

10 Parks And Recreation (2009-2015)

In 2015, Parks and Recreation season 7 took place in 2017. In episode 2 of the season titled "Ron and Jammy," Tom (played by Aziz Ansari) made a trip to Chicago to visit Lucy (played by Natalie Morales). During their conversation, Lucy informed Tom about the jubilant atmosphere in the city due to the Cubs winning the World Series. This prediction had been a recurring theme in various TV shows and movies, but it was only Parks and Recreation that accurately foresaw the event. This accuracy can be attributed to series co-creator Michael Schur, who happens to be a genuine baseball analyst (via Washington Post).

9 Person Of Interest (2011-2016)

The TV series Person Of Interest delves into the world of political intrigue, centered around the Machine, an algorithm created after the tragic events of 9/11. This innovative program not only predicts crimes but also identifies the individuals involved, commonly referred to as POIs (persons of interest). In the thrilling season 1 finale, titled "No Good Deed," the spotlight falls on Henry Peck (played by Jacob Pitts), an NSA agent who stumbles upon the existence of the Machine and makes a bold decision to expose this groundbreaking information to the public. Interestingly, this particular episode of Person Of Interest aired in 2012, just over a year prior to the real-life exposure of classified NSA documents by Edward Snowden, a former subcontractor and employee of the agency. As the storyline mirrors reality, it becomes evident that, much like the fictional NSA in Person of Interest, the actual intelligence agency had been employing unconventional and advanced surveillance methods on its own citizens.

8 Chappelle's Show (2003-2006)

7 The Simpsons (1989-present)

Arguably one of the most iconic sketches from Chappelle's Show is the one featuring Clayton Bigsby, the unique case of a Black white supremacist. In this short mockumentary-style segment from season 1, episode 1, we are introduced to Bigsby – a staunch advocate of white supremacy and nationalist ideologies, who remains unaware of his own racial identity due to his blindness. Almost two decades later, the world discovered Daniel Sims, a Black man who passionately protested against the removal of Confederate symbols in Albertville, Alabama. In a similar vein to Clayton Bigsby, Sims was adopted by a white family and now fights to preserve their Confederate heritage.

The Simpsons is well-known for its ability to predict future events, but one particular prophecy stands out as the most chilling. In the 2000 episode "Bart to the Future" from season 11, there is a glimpse into the future where Lisa Simpson, now the President of the United States, mentions inheriting a budget crisis from the previous administration led by former President Donald Trump. The episode's writer, Dan Greany, explained that the depiction of Trump as president was a reflection of a society on the brink of chaos, as it seemed like the inevitable outcome. This eerie prediction has since become a topic of discussion and fascination among fans of the show. (Source: The Hollywood Reporter)

6 Arrested Development (2003-2019)

In Arrested Development season 4, episode 2, "Borderline Personalities," George (Jeffrey Tambor) and Lucille (Jessica Walter) come to know that Stan Sitwell (Ed Begley Jr.) had planned to erect a 5-mile high border wall between Mexico and the U.S., a concept he had actually borrowed from Lucille. This particular episode was broadcasted in 2013, and two years later, Donald Trump commenced his presidential campaign, vowing to construct a similar wall. Additionally, a substantial portion of Arrested Development season 4 delved into the corruption and bureaucratic hurdles associated with the construction of this particular structure, eerily foreshadowing the controversies surrounding the current U.S.-Mexico border wall.

5 Black Mirror (2011-present)

The first episode of season 1 of the TV show Black Mirror, titled "The National Anthem," concluded with UK Prime Minister Michael Callow (played by Rory Kinnear) engaging in sexual activity with a pig on live television as part of a deal to ensure the safe return of a royal princess. After the episode aired, a story from the Daily Mail went viral, alleging that then-Prime Minister David Cameron had also been involved in a pig-related incident during his time as a student at Oxford University. When these comparisons between the show and real-life events were brought up, Charles Brooker, the creator of Black Mirror, responded with a Tweet clarifying that he had no prior knowledge of Cameron's alleged involvement with a pig when he came up with the storyline, which left him feeling unsettled. (via Time Magazine)

4 Friends (1994-2004)

3 30 Rock (2006-2013)

: Friends Season 9, episode 17, titled "The One With The Memorial Service," aired in 2003 and surprisingly foreshadowed two significant events. In this particular episode, Ross (portrayed by David Schwimmer) deceivingly staged his own demise on his college alumni website, with the intention of gauging who would attend his funeral. It is worth noting that, only a year later, Facebook was launched in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg, initially conceived as an exclusive platform for college students, but later transforming into a global social media giant. Ross's cunning plan bears a resemblance to a real-life incident involving TikTok user David Baerten, who fabricated his own death in 2023 to impart a lesson to oblivious friends and family members who had been neglecting him, as reported by the New York Post.

In an episode of 30 Rock's sixth season titled "Kidnapped by Danger," Jenna Maroney (played by Jane Krakowski) nonchalantly alluded to her troubling past in the entertainment industry. When speaking with Tracy (portrayed by Tracy Morgan), Jenna confidently declared, "Oh, come on. I fear no one in show business. I rejected Harvey Weinstein's advances on at least three separate occasions. And that's not even counting the other two times." It is worth noting that this particular episode aired five years before the public revelation of Harvey Weinstein's abusive behavior towards women in Hollywood in 2017. While other shows had hinted at rumors of misconduct in the industry, 30 Rock boldly named Weinstein and made explicit reference to his actions.

2 Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In (1968-1973)

1 Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993-1999)

It's not uncommon for comedic TV shows to foresee future events. In a 1969 episode of the NBC sketch comedy, Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In, comedian Dan Rowan made a jesting remark about future happenings. He said, "Berlin: 20 years from now, 1989. There was dancing in the streets today as East Berlin finally tore down the Berlin Wall." The joke revolved around the unlikelihood of the Berlin Wall, much like the Cold War it symbolized, being demolished anytime soon. Remarkably, the joke turned out to be eerily accurate, as the Berlin Wall did, in fact, fall on November 9, 1989, just as Rowan had pessimistically predicted.

In 1995, episodes 11 and 12 of Star Trek: DS9's third season, titled "Past Tense," featured an intriguing storyline. During this arc, Captain Sisko (Avery Brooks) and Dr. Bashir (Alexander Siddig) find themselves unexpectedly transported to the year 2024. As their adventure unfolds in San Francisco, they stumble upon a distressing sight – the city's homeless population being forcibly relocated to the Sanctuary District to shield them from the privileged elite.

Through their experiences, Sisko and Bashir gradually piece together the significance of their arrival in this critical juncture. They discover that their time travel coincides with the days leading up to the famous Bell Riots. These riots erupted in response to the tragic death of Gabriel Bell, a heroic figure who sacrificed himself to protect hostages during a demonstration in the district. The violent turn of events unfolded amidst negotiations between the residents and the city authorities.

In the intricate timeline of Star Trek, the Bell Riots hold immense importance. They serve as a catalyst in shaping public perception towards the marginalized and disenfranchised communities of the 21st century.

The revelation that Gabriel Bell is actually Sisko himself in the episode "Past Tense" is just one example of how Star Trek: Deep Space Nine made eerily accurate predictions about real-world events. In addition to depicting how the San Francisco police forcibly relocated the homeless during the 2016 Super Bowl, the show also foresaw the political unrest that would mark the 2020s in the United States. This unrest, as predicted by the show, would be ignited by the mistreatment of a Black man by authorities. It is worth noting that "Past Tense" primarily addressed economic inequality rather than race politics. However, the fact that Avery Brooks' Captain Benjamin Sisko, the first Black Star Trek captain and lead character, can also be seen as a parallel to both Gabriel Bell and George Floyd further underscores the prescience of the show's predictions. Among all the instances where Star Trek has foretold the future, these particular examples stand out as the most uncanny and accurate.