When it is executed well, a great plot twist can feel truly rewarding. The best plot twists in television have since changed their shows and gone down in TV history. Some of these include The Good Place’s Season 1 finale, Game of Thrones’ Red Wedding, and a number of Severance’s reveals about just how deep Lumon’s secrets and misdeeds go. Sometimes, though, television shows will prioritize shock value over what makes sense for the story. When a TV show is more concerned with pulling off a major twist than what the show will look like afterwards, this can really hurt the series. Many shows out there have pulled off twists like these that have hurt the series so badly, that fans cannot even go back and rewatch later. This can be anything from killing off a beloved character in a gruesome way, bringing someone back from the dead, or making characters act out of character in a way that can’t be undone. These are 9 TV show plot twists that ruin a rewatch.
Let’s be real for a second—there’s nothing like the thrill of a jaw-dropping TV twist. That “OMG!” moment? Chef’s kiss. But here’s the catch: some twists are so wild, so out of left field, or just plain frustrating that they wreck the magic of watching the show again.
Yeah, we’re talking about those twists—the ones that completely change how you feel on the second go-round. Some leave plot holes so big you could drive a truck through them. Others just kill the suspense entirely. Ready for a trip down memory lane (with a few hard truths)? Let’s break down the top 9 TV twists that make rewatches kinda painful.
What Makes a TV Twist Rewatch-Proof?
Before diving in, let’s clear something up. A good twist should enhance the story—something you can spot breadcrumbs for on a second watch. But if a twist:
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Undermines the entire plot,
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Breaks character logic,
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Or turns into a cheap trick…
…it’ll probably ruin the fun next time.
1. How I Met Your Mother – The Mother Dies
Why It Blew Everyone’s Minds (In a Bad Way)
We spent nine freaking seasons waiting to meet the love of Ted’s life. And then? They kill her off and he ends up with Robin again.
Why It Kills the Rewatch
Knowing the ending sucks the charm out of every cute moment with the mother. Ted’s whole story becomes a weird justification to date his ex again. Yeah… no thanks.
2. Game of Thrones – Daenerys Goes Mad
What Even Was That Character Arc?
After seasons of growth, empathy, and dragons—we get one episode where Dany burns everything because… destiny?
The Rewatch Downside
You can’t look at her the same. Every heroic moment feels fake or pointless. It’s like the writers betrayed you, not just the character.
3. Pretty Little Liars – CeCe Is “A”
Plot Twist or Plot Mess?
After endless twists and red herrings, we find out CeCe Drake is “A”? And she’s also trans? And her motives barely make sense?
Why It’s a Rewatch Nightmare
Knowing the endgame makes all the suspense feel like noise. Plus, it’s hard not to cringe at the problematic portrayal.
4. Westworld – William and The Man in Black Are the Same
Big Reveal, Bigger Problem
It was clever—sure. But once the twist is out, the timelines get more confusing than cool.
Rewatching With This Knowledge? Good Luck.
You spend more time piecing things together than enjoying the story. It feels like homework.
5. Lost – It Was (Kind of) Purgatory All Along
A Spiritual Ending to a Sci-Fi Show?
People tuned in for the mystery. The mythology. The smoke monster! And then we get a half-baked metaphysical ending.
The Big Problem on Rewatch
Once you know the ending, every mystery just feels like filler. No payoff, no fun.
6. Dexter – He Becomes a Lumberjack
From Serial Killer to… Paul Bunyan?
The show built up a brilliant antihero. And then it tossed all that away with a nonsensical final season.
Why You’ll Struggle to Rewatch
Every moment that used to be intense just feels pointless now. Knowing how badly it ends makes it hard to care.
7. Sherlock – Moriarty’s Return Was a Fakeout
The Twist That Made Fans Rage
They teased Moriarty’s shocking return… only to say, “Just kidding!” in the most convoluted way possible.
It Undermines Everything Before It
On rewatch, all that clever build-up feels like wasted time. And the emotional weight? Gone.
8. The Undoing – It Was the Husband All Along
Predictable in the Worst Way
All the red herrings and suspicious characters led us in circles, only to give us the most obvious culprit.
Why Rewatching Feels Like a Chore
It’s not a whodunit if you already know “who did it”—especially when the twist offers zero added depth.
9. The Office (US) – Andy’s Sudden Personality Shift
From Lovable Dork to Total Jerk
Andy was goofy but lovable… until the final season when he basically became the villain.
Rewatch Value? Crushed.
Knowing what he turns into makes it hard to enjoy his earlier charm. It’s like watching a friend slowly turn into someone you don’t like.
Why Some Twists Work… and Others Just Don’t
It’s All About Payoff vs Shock Value
A good twist makes you want to rewatch. It rewards you with hidden details. But a bad twist? It just pulls the rug out and laughs.
Think of it like this:
A great twist is a secret ingredient. A bad one is spoiled milk—it ruins the whole recipe.
Can You Ever Enjoy These Shows Again?
Maybe… With Lowered Expectations
Sometimes you just want to revisit a favorite world, even if the ending let you down. But don’t expect the same joy.
Maybe treat it like a nostalgic road trip. You know where it ends—you’re just there for the ride.
Final Thoughts – Twists Are a Gamble
TV writers love big reveals. But as viewers, we invest our time, emotions, and energy. When a twist disrespects that? It stings. That’s why these 9 shows went from binge-worthy to eh, maybe not again. Still, they sparked huge conversations—and maybe that’s part of the fun.
