Live TV has a unique way of capturing spontaneous moments that often turn into unforgettable, hilarious events. From surprising interruptions to embarrassing mistakes, the most entertaining moments are usually the ones that happen by accident. Here’s a list of the top 10 funniest live TV moments that will have you laughing out loud.
#10: A Giant Seagull Takes Over the News
Australia is home to some pretty bizarre wildlife, but one Melbourne news broadcast took it to a whole new level. While Peter Hitchener was presenting the news on Nine News Melbourne, a giant seagull decided to make a surprise appearance in the live shot. The bird, curious as ever, poked its beak into the camera, creating an unforgettable moment when the serious anchor was “outshined” by the enormous bird. It’s safe to say this hilarious moment flew under his radar!
Watch the hilarious moment a seagull attacks news anchor Peter Hitchener!
#9: Alison Hammond Accidentally Sends Her Assistant Into the Canal
Alison Hammond, known for her over-the-top antics, delivered another classic moment during a live broadcast. While on a floating weather platform, she accidentally clotheslined her assistant, sending him straight into the canal. While this might be confusing to those outside the UK, it’s a perfect example of Hammond’s ability to keep her audience entertained, even in the most unexpected situations.
Watch Alison hilariously make a splash on the This Morning weather map!
#8: Work and Play Don’t Always Mix
Sometimes, pets are the secret ingredient to making work more fun, and Mike Sobel from Global News learned this firsthand. During a live segment promoting the station’s “Adopt a Pet” campaign, Sobel brought in a rambunctious Shepherd-Mastiff puppy named Ripple. The energetic dog had no intention of letting Sobel focus on his weather report and instead distracted him with playful wrestling. Despite the chaos, Sobel carried on, and Ripple was adopted as a result of the exposure—talk about a win-win!
Watch Ripple the dog steal the spotlight during a weather forecast!
#7: A Little Too Comfortable on Air
Working from home comes with its perks, but it can also lead to some awkward moments—especially when you’re live on TV. Will Reeve, son of the legendary Christopher Reeve, learned this the hard way during a broadcast from his home. The camera was poorly positioned, so Reeve appeared on air looking professional from the waist up in a suit, but wearing only his underwear below. This wardrobe malfunction quickly became a viral moment, leaving viewers to wonder how no one caught it before it aired.
See the moment Will Reeve went on GMA with no pants – and why it happened!
#6: The Bug That Stole the Show
On live TV, anything can happen, and sometimes it’s a bug that steals the spotlight. Brad Wills, reporting for Fox 5 in San Diego, had a close encounter with a massive bug during a live broadcast. His panicked reaction as the creature flew into his face had the audience laughing out loud. While Wills was understandably freaked out, his dramatic response turned this mishap into a moment of pure comedy.
Experience the hilarious moment a big bug gives a FOX 5 reporter a scare: ‘Are we live?!’
#5: Tucker Carlson Takes a Nap on the Job
Tucker Carlson, the well-known Fox News personality, is no stranger to viral moments, but nothing quite compares to the time he fell asleep during a live broadcast. In 2013, during a Fox and Friends segment, Carlson was caught snoozing at his desk during a commercial break. When the show returned, his co-hosts tried to subtly wake him up, but Carlson remained blissfully unaware, thinking the show was still on break. His laid-back reaction to the whole situation made for a hilarious and lighthearted moment on air.
Experience the funny moment Tucker Carlson dozes off on set!
#4: Tiny Dancer Steals the Spotlight
Sometimes the best moments come from the most unexpected sources. In 2013, while reporting live from the streets of Chicago, Mary Ann Hearn had her broadcast hijacked by a young girl named Akira Gordon, who burst into the frame and began dancing. Her spontaneous moves quickly went viral, and the clip became a sensation across social media. Hearn later tracked down the little dancer and got her to perform again, proving that even the smallest stars can shine the brightest.
Check out the moment a dancing girl hilariously trolls NBC Chicago 5 on live TV!
#3: Rob Leth’s Epic Flip
Live TV can be unpredictable, and Rob Leth experienced one of the most physically dramatic moments during a toboggan race broadcast. While timing the racers, Leth was sent flying into the air after a collision, flipping a full 420 degrees before landing back down. Though painful, Leth managed to finish the segment, making this an unforgettable and hilarious moment for viewers.
See the unexpected moment a reporter gets flipped by a sled during a live report!
#2: The BBC Interviews the Wrong Guy
Mistakes can sometimes lead to hilarity, and that’s exactly what happened during a live BBC broadcast in 2006. The producers went to interview Guy Kewney about downloading music, but they accidentally picked up the wrong Guy—Guy Goma, who was actually there for a job interview. Goma quickly realized the mix-up but decided to go along with the interview, delivering a surprisingly insightful and funny response. This mistake became a viral sensation, with viewers laughing at the absurdity of it all.
Honorable Mentions
- Something’s Fishy Here: Carley Gordon was caught off guard when a silver carp made a surprise appearance during her broadcast, creating an awkward yet entertaining moment.
- Kent Molgat Misses the Obvious: Kent Molgat was so desperate for an answer that he forgot to look up during a live report.
- Karl Dall Watches His Co-Star Fall: Legendary German comedian Karl Dall had no choice but to watch his co-star fall into the blue bayou during a live segment.
Relive the iconic moment of Guy Goma’s live TV mistaken identity on BBC News!
#1: Interview With My Family
Taking the top spot is a live TV moment that turned into an instant classic. American professor Robert Kelly was giving a serious interview about Korean politics when his children decided to make a surprise entrance. First, his four-year-old daughter marched into the frame, followed by his toddler son in his baby walker. Kelly’s wife frantically tried to pull them out, creating a hilarious scene. This pure comedy gold went viral, and the Kelly family has since become stars, with the daughter continuing to steal the spotlight during follow-up interviews.
Enjoy the hilarious moment when children interrupt a BBC News interview!
These top 10 funniest moments from live TV remind us that sometimes the most memorable moments are the ones that happen by accident. Whether it’s a surprise guest or a wardrobe malfunction, it’s these unexpected moments that make live TV so entertaining.
