Mistakes happen to the best of us. Fortunately, though, the majority of us don't have our gaffes and accidents broadcast on live television and preserved for posterity. These bloopers, collected from a variety of news and entertainment sources, show just how easily things can go wrong during a live broadcast - especially if children or animals are involved! From startled studio producers who have wandered into the frame to field reporters who contend with unruly passersby, here's our roundup of some of the best bloopers ever.
An Unflattering Technical Error
After all the time this newscaster spent in hair and makeup, we're guessing she wasn't too happy about having an on-screen graphic positioned directly over her face! Technical slip-ups like this one are common, but it's rare to see one that's so coincidentally positioned! Hopefully, things were straightened out after they cut to a commercial break.
Cutest Suspect Ever
This news report on an unsolved investigation (or a "cold case" as they're known in crime journalism) appears to have accidentally swapped in an adorable stock photography shot of a hamster holding a movie slate. The real Rodney Stanger, who was identified as a person of interest in the 2000 murder of Massachusetts woman Molly Bish, was not ultimately charged in the case.
Pirates of the Caribbean 6: Assaulting Reporters
This news reporter doesn't look too happy about being interrupted in the middle of her broadcast. Given this guy's disruptive, attention-seeking tactics, we can't say we blame her, even if he is an uncanny Johnny Depp celebrity look-alike. From the looks of it, someone manages to drag this Jack Sparrow impersonator away before the reporter takes a swing at him herself.
Too Much Nature
Animal demonstrations on live news broadcasts are a prime venue for hilarious bloopers. We can't tell whether this anchor has more anxiety about the tarantula slowly crawling up her chest or the huge frog that's poised to jump right towards her. Next year, she might want to call in sick on "nature day!"
Try Again, Fox!
No, this isn't an assault perpetrator who has a celebrity look-alike in Barack Obama. In 2015, a local Fox affiliate made a pretty flagrant error when they accidentally showed a picture of then-President Obama instead of a suspect in an indecent assault case. Given the network's conservative reputation, we can't help but wonder whether this "mistake" was planned!
A Smooth Exit
There's nothing quite like the look of panic on someone's face when he realizes he's being watched. In this case, a newsroom employee is in the sightline of thousands on viewers; once he becomes aware of it, he tries to get out of the frame as quickly as possible. Hopefully, the faux pas wasn't so serious that it put a dent in this guy's earnings!
Butt Out!
Accidents can happen anywhere, but the risk is especially high when animals are involved. This reporter, who may have been more prepared for a mellow outing at a petting zoo, is caught by surprise when an aggressive goat doesn't take too kindly to being caressed; he butts her so hard, she topples over! We're shuddering to think about how dirty the floor is in that pen...
Santa? Is That You?
Props to this intrepid journalist for keeping her cool when she's grabbed and kissed without consent by a boisterous bystander. If this guy is looking for a little company, he may have better luck on a dating app; maybe he'll find someone as impulsive and spontaneous as he is!
Move Over, Mary Ann
In this clip from an NBC Chicago broadcast, reporter Mary Ann Ahern is totally upstaged in the midst of a report on a local elementary school. If you ask us, the little girl breaking it down in the background deserves an appointment with a career coach who can help channel her creativity and spontaneity!
A Perfect Flip
If this reporter hadn't placed himself directly in the paths of some fun-loving snow tubers, he might have had a shot at getting a personal injury attorney to take his case. As things stand, though, he seems to be directly responsible for any injuries he might have sustained in this direct hit. Winter sports can certainly be dangerous!
A Fight or Flight Moment
Whether the girl in the background of this blooper is an unpaid intern or a long-term employee with vested stock options, she certainly looks mortified to find herself caught in a live shot. After stalling for several seconds, the young lady ducks and scrambles around on the ground for a bit. Talk about a bad day at work!
Wait, This Isn't The East Wing!
In order to have the authority, experience, and bank account of a White House employee, one needs to have an unflagging sense of responsibility and self-awareness. Unfortunately, it looks like this guy had a momentary lapse of judgment when he stumbled into the background of a press conference. Hopefully, Obama and Biden weren't too hard on him.
Don't Expect Compassion From A Reporter
On the air since 1996, Joe Torres of ABC's New York City affiliate has been doing his job for a while. That explains why he barely misses a beat when a young woman takes a spill directly behind him. We'd like to think that Joe would lend a hand if the fall was more serious, though; considering the way she recovers and keeps on walking, she probably didn't sustain anything more than a scrape or a blister the next day.
Overly Excited
This Australian Apple fan was so excited to show a Today reporter his brand new iPhone 6 that he dropped it directly onto the sidewalk -- he hadn't even had a chance to put a protective case on this expensive piece of technology! Pro tip: if you're in the position to buy an iPhone, it's worth picking up a bit of protection as well.
A Lawsuit Waiting To Happen
It's too bad that the personal trainer in the foreground of this blooper was so distracted by the reporter who was interviewing him; he might have been able to prevent the nasty fall that the guy in the background suffers on a moving treadmill. Notice how the reporter doesn't even react to the incident, maintaining eye contact with the subject of his interview.
Dashing Out Backwards
This anchorman at a Fox affiliate appears to be providing an update on the 2011 indecent assault case against French bank executive Dominique Strauss-Kahn when he's interrupted by a crew member who accidentally walks into the shot. While the way this guy quickly jogs backward is pretty funny, we're even more amused by the difference in wardrobe between onscreen and offscreen network employees.
That's Enough Out Of You!
This man is in the process of answering a reporter's question when a plastic bag, presumably discarded by someone who'd just gone shopping at English bakery chain Gregg's, hits him square in the face. Just after the incident, the reporter reaches over to help untangle him. We hope he recovered his composure!
Stealing The Moment
This guy decided to bust some of his best moves when he found himself caught in the path of a news camera. Given the fact that he's managed to steal the show and distract from the destructive ATM theft that was the subject of this report, he might very well land a media manager for his five seconds of fame!
Too Much Nature, Part II
No, this anchor isn't modeling an over-the-top hat from the British royal wedding - she's been surprised by a scarlet ibis, the subject of an upcoming San Diego Zoo segment, who's decided to alight on her head. The newscaster, Nichelle Medina, later made light of the incident, calling it "a scalp massage."
In Russia, Dogs Walk You!
What in the world is happening in Russia's television studios? This anchor was clearly shocked to see a dog interrupt her broadcast by jumping, paws first, onto the news desk. While she showed some anxiety at first by cowering away, the woman later warmed up to her new studio guest a bit by cautiously, patting it on the head.
Out Of The Blue
Los Angeles-area reporter Wendy Burch was reporting on the city's efforts to host the Summer Olympics when she was taken by total surprise by an opportunistic onlooker. Fortunately, Wendy was able to get a smile and a good laugh out of the situation. She later joked about it on her Facebook page, saying "I've gone viral, baby!"
"Working From Home"
Balancing work and family life can be difficult; just ask BBC political correspondent Robert Kelly, whose live interview over Skype was interrupted first by his young daughter and seconds later by his toddler son. If you get a chance to watch the whole clip, it's worth seeking out to catch his wife's panicked reaction as she rushes in. Luckily, the Kellys got a good laugh out of the interruption rather than a family counseling session; they discussed the incident in a BBC interview a few days later.
Too Much Nature, Part III
The pair above can't stop laughing because they just narrated a segment involving a very, err, "anatomically unique" pig named Goliath. This feels like one situation where news video editors tried to get a rise out of their on-air co-workers. Pranks: an effective method for treating depression and boredom in the workplace!
For The Birds
While reporting on a bird infestation, this reporter had the misfortune of having his mouth in exactly the wrong place at the wrong time. This guy may want to sterilize his mouth in case of bacterial infection; hell, he may even want to visit a dentist for a proper cleaning! Before you get too concerned, though, note that this blooper was a skit produced by Breaking Bad actor Bob Odenkirk rather than a real piece of live news footage.
Vikings Fans Go Hard
All reporters covering local sports stories, take note: beware of rowdy fans, especially if you're conducting your interviews at a bar. This Minneapolis reporter was just beginning her segment on a big Vikings game when she was completely taken out by a charging bar patron. In the video, you can hear her shout "I'm okay!" leading us to believe that she chalked the collision up to an accident instead of seeking out a personal injury attorney.
She's Going To Need That Wine, Now.
One news blooper to rule them all! This video of Atlanta reporter Melissa Sander falling off of a platform while attempting to stomp grapes went viral back in 2006. As it turns out, Melissa's fall was pretty serious; she broke two ribs and spent some time recovering in the hospital! Said Sander in an interview two years later "I'm trying to move on."
Bugging Out
While some reporters have to conquer their fears by visiting war-torn regions or covering natural disasters, this guy struggles with composure while on assignment at the beach. While broadcasting live, Brad Wills of a San Diego Fox affiliate was palpably freaked out by a very large bug. Hey, Brad: exposure therapy can do wonders for all kinds of phobias!
Horsing Around
Equine-assisted therapy (or horse therapy, for short) is a practice in which horseback riding and other horse-centric activities are used to treat a range of mental health disorders. While the horse who's gently nuzzling this reporter certainly seems to be friendly, he may need to learn some boundaries before he's cut out for equine-assisted therapy.
Too Much Nature, Part IV
Talk about a photo bomb! This reporter was covering a story at a safari-themed animal park when a giraffe decided to get a little up close and personal. After sticking its head in the frame, the animal continued to rub its head against her arm until the segment ended in an explosion of laughter. While a less stable reporter might have suffered PTSD as a result of this encounter, we're glad that CBS San Diego's Ashley Jacobs seems to be doing just fine.
It's Not Your Lunch Break Just Yet...
Whether Australian reporter Natasha Exelby has attention deficit disorder or was simply engrossed by the design of her pen, she was shocked to realize that the camera was broadcasting her every move. Exelby, who has worked as a foreign correspondent in Turkey, said that the clip went viral after it was tweeted out by actor Russell Crowe.
Nice Moves
While a newscaster narrates a segment on gardening in the blooper above, a member of the production crew springs into action. We wonder if this guy is a fitness buff since he appears to execute a perfect "burpee" when diving out of frame. Through it all, the presenting anchor doesn't even flinch.
Off Duty
St. Louis-area reporter Anthony Kiekow was covering a story on an apartment fire when the officer at the scene suddenly got stuck in the direct path of the broadcast. Watch as the officer panics and freezes for a few seconds before turning on his heels and quickly shuffling sideways out of frame.
Flawless
This reporter is trying (and failing) to "saber" a bottle of champagne by cutting the top clean off with a very sharp knife. If you're going to try this at home, keep in mind that alcohol and knives don't mix well; you might want to hold off on attempt if you've already polished off a bottle or two.