13 times TV shows planned different endings that could've changed the plot

Stephanie MarcusOct 16, 2020, 19:57 IST

"Game of Thrones" had some other endings filmed to avoid having someone spoil the true final episode.Helen Sloan/HBO

Some TV series have filmed or planned alternate endings that totally change the plot of the show.
Warning: Spoilers ahead for some popular TV shows, like "Game of Thrones" and "How I Met Your Mother."
In the alternate "How I Met Your Mother" ending, Ted's wife doesn't die.
HBO filmed multiple endings to the final season of "Game of Thrones" to confuse potential hackers who wanted to spoil the show.
Producers originally planned to have the lead serial killer die at the end of "Dexter," but they faced pressure from the Showtime network.

Wrapping up a TV series after years of storylines is a difficult thing to do, and finales tend to leave viewers divided.

Tons of ideas get thrown around when it comes time to end a series, but producers ultimately have to make a decision — they also tend to give themselves options, just in case.

From "Game of Thrones" to "How I Met Your Mother," read on for 13 TV shows that have multiple endings.

Warning: Spoilers ahead for some popular TV shows.

There's an alternate "Seinfeld" finale where Jerry and the gang don't go to prison.

The alternate ending is on the "Seinfeld" DVD box set. NBC

"Sex and the City" creator Darren Star said the finale "betrayed" the point of the show.

The show's creator isn't happy with this ending. HBO

There's an alternate ending to "How I Met Your Mother" that isn't as depressing.

"How I Met Your Mother" has two endings. CBS

Lauren Conrad makes a cameo in the alternate ending to "The Hills."

There was a version where Lauren Conrad makes a cameo. Getty/Vince Bucci

"Everwood" producers also filmed a cliffhanger ending to the fourth season in case the series wasn't cancelled.

The final scene of "Everwood" involved a Ferris wheel. Warner Bros.

"Greek" would have ended differently if the show wasn't picked up for a fourth season.

There's an alternate flash-forward scene for "Greek." Piller Squared/The Segan Company

"Castle" producers filmed two different endings.

There was a cliffhanger filmed just in case the show wasn't canceled. ABC

Neither "Jericho" ending offers viewers a lot of answers.

Fans were a bit confused by the "Jericho" finale. Junction Entertainment

HBO filmed multiple endings to the final season of "Game of Thrones."

There are multiple endings of "Game of Thrones" that are designed to confuse potential hackers. HBO

Showtime wouldn't let producers kill "Dexter" on the series finale.

Michael C. Hall on "Dexter." Randy Tepper/Showtime

"The Sopranos" shot multiple endings for the series finale, but the footage has never been released.

Fans still wonder about "The Sopranos" finale. HBO

Both Stefan and Damon might have died if Nina Dobrev didn't leave "The Vampire Diaries."

Stefan and Damon might've both sacrificed themselves. Bob Mahoney/The CW

Klaus and Caroline would have ended up together on "The Originals" if "The Vampire Diaries" didn't kill off Stefan.

It didn't work out. The CW

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