10 TV Shows That Blatantly Trolled Viewers
1. The Episode That Never Was - Inside No. 9
Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith's mind-bending anthology is renowned for its perverse humour, sharp writing, and incredible ability to blend horror and comedy.
Since each story is connected to the number 9, fans repeatedly asked the creators to devise an episode centred around a No. 9 bus. Years later, Pemberton and Shearsmith seemingly accepted this proposal, announcing an episode called Hold On Tight!, parodying the 1969 series, On the Buses.
When the episode was about to air, a BBC report suddenly announced it was being replaced with a new gameshow called 3 by 3.
Since Inside No. 9 was known for being unconventional, veterans of the show were wary this announcement could be a wind-up, half-expecting the lead actors to pop up at any moment.
But until the end, 3 by 3 felt like an authentic program, going so far as to cast comedian and gameshow host, Lee Mack, as the quizmaster.
The fake episode seemed so genuine, many frustrated viewers switched it off and complained to the BBC, oblivious they'd fallen for an elaborate joke.
What made this hoax more convincing is the fact Pemberton and Shearsmith created posters, publicity photos, and trailer footage for Hold On Tight!, despite the fact no such episode exists.
In a way, the gag is still going, since some devoted fans are adamant Hold On Tight! is a real episode that will air in the future.
Sorry to break it to you, guys, but it's never gonna happen.