Buzz
TV series are quickly becoming the future of entertainment. Netflix has fully embraced this shift, while established networks like HBO, Fox, and ABC are continuing to adapt. Many of you have likely spent hours binge-watching your favorite shows, diving into their intricate plots and well-developed characters, a depth that few films can match.
Apart from binge-watching their favorite series, fans also enjoy coming up with creative theories about their favorite characters. Below, you'll find some intriguing fan theories about both timeless classics and fresh hits. Be warned, potential spoilers ahead.
10. Stranger Things 2
Just like the first season, the second season of Netflix's hit Stranger Things has sparked numerous fan theories. These include the possibility that Eleven/Jane's mother is linked to the Upside Down, Steve pursuing a career as a police officer in Season 3, and the Upside Down being a reflection of the past.
One theory that stands out above the rest suggests that Stranger Things and IT exist in the same universe. There have been several nods to other Stephen King novels, including The Mist and Firestarter, and a specific mention of IT in Season 2. Bob recounts a story to Will about a clown that haunted him during childhood and how he eventually managed to stop the clown from appearing in his dreams. Fans are now speculating if a cameo from IT could appear in future seasons.
9. Riverdale
Riverdale quickly became one of the standout new series of 2017. Based on the Archie comic characters, the show focuses on the lives of teenagers Betty, Veronica, Archie, and Jughead as they deal with school, relationship struggles, and the dark secrets lurking within themselves and the mysterious town of Riverdale.
At the conclusion of the first season, Fred Andrews, Archie’s father, is shot at Pop’s diner by a mysterious figure in a black hood. This same figure went on to murder Geraldine Grundy in Season 2 and attack others. It was later revealed in the mid-season finale that the killer was the school janitor, Joseph Svenson. However, a fan theory suggests that this revelation was merely a misdirection. Some believe that the janitor is taking the fall for the true killer, whose identity remains unknown, or that he is, in fact, the Black Hood, but didn’t act alone.
8. Mindhunter
Mindhunter, another gripping Netflix series based on a true-crime book, had viewers hooked in 2017. The series follows FBI agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench as they interview incarcerated serial killers, hoping to understand their modus operandi.
Holden Ford has captivated audiences in numerous ways, leading many to believe the series may ultimately depict the FBI agent as a serial killer himself. A Reddit theory suggests that Ford shows all the traits of the killers he interviews, including an unhealthy sensitivity to sexual topics, a failed relationship with a woman, unresolved maternal issues, and sociopathic tendencies. If this theory holds true, Ford may end up being interviewed by other agents at the series' conclusion.
7. The Librarians
The Librarians is currently airing its fourth season, and while it might not be for everyone, it has earned a dedicated fanbase that enjoys adventure and fantasy series. The show revolves around four individuals who battle supernatural foes, solve mysteries, and retrieve ancient artifacts. In this world, the Library itself is a mystical structure housing not just enchanted books, but also artifacts from legendary tales.
Interestingly, there aren’t many fan theories surrounding this series, but in 2015, a Reddit post speculated that King Arthur could have been the very first Librarian, with Avalon being the Library itself. The idea is that traveling to a place “in the mists” could refer to a realm connected to our own, existing on a different plane. Additionally, many legends say that Arthur doesn’t die in Avalon, but instead prepares to return in the future.
6. Grey’s Anatomy
Grey’s Anatomy is the longest-running series on this list. It has delved into some ridiculous plotlines over the years, but that hasn’t stopped the fans from returning to the new seasons.
It is, therefore, not surprising that the fan theories about the show are sometimes beyond crazy and over the top. Some of fans’ ideas about this much-loved medical series include that the characters are actually superheroes, that the whole show is an elaborate dream, that Lexie Grey wasn’t real, and that a tornado will kill everyone in the series finale.
One of the most popular ones is that Clay Jensen from 13 Reasons Why appeared in Grey’s to get new ears from plastic surgeon Mark Sloan so that he could listen to Hannah’s tapes when he got older. Then this would also mean that Addison is actually Hannah’s mom. Sounds right up Grey’s alley, right?
5. Once Upon A Time
This series has experienced its fair share of highs and lows throughout its seven seasons. While some viewers have abandoned it, others continue to watch in hopes of recapturing the magic that made it so beloved from the start. The concept of fairy tales blending with reality is undeniably compelling, and Once Upon a Time is no stranger to fan-driven theories.
Some of these fan theories are certainly out there, like the idea of a romance between Ariel and Rumple, speculation that Dr. Who might make an appearance, the belief that Green and Blue will eventually clash, and the claim that Emma is, in fact, insane.
A more recent fan theory suggests that the newest character in Storybrooke might be Moana. This theory is based on the fact that Lucy's mother has yet to be introduced, and a Polynesian mask appeared on a door in one of the episodes.
4. Black Mirror
Black Mirror stands as a gripping anthology series delving into dark, satirical themes, capturing the fascination of audiences worldwide. Now entering its fourth season, this thought-provoking show has generated buzz. One popular theory circulating ties Black Mirror to a beloved 1990s TV classic: Friends.
This theory suggests that Ross from Friends might have predicted the plot of a Black Mirror episode. The episode revolves around two women who fall in love at a seaside resort called San Junipero, which is eventually revealed to be a simulated reality, where the elderly or deceased can live on as their younger selves.
In a Friends episode, Ross mentions a book he's reading that predicts by 2030, computers will be as advanced as the human brain. The book suggests people will be able to upload their memories and consciousness into a computer, allowing them to live forever. This bears a striking resemblance to the aforementioned Black Mirror episode.
3. 13 Reasons Why
The Netflix series sparked intense debate due to its portrayal of rape and suicide. Despite the controversy, countless viewers flocked to the show, coming up with wild theories about the characters and their fates.
Some of the wildest theories suggest Alex survived his suicide attempt, is secretly gay and hiding it from his father, or that he wasn’t actually the one in the ambulance. There are also speculations about an alternate Season 2 ending.
The most outlandish theory, though, isn’t about Alex at all. A rumor has been circulating that Tony Padilla is actually a ghost. Although the actor who plays Tony has denied this, fans still insist that Tony may either be a product of Clay’s imagination or a spirit communicating with him from beyond the grave.
2. Game Of Thrones
Game of Thrones is arguably the most viewed show on this list, and it likely boasts the largest number of fan theories circulating online. Among these theories are discussions about cryptic notes and controversial topics like incest.
One of the more fascinating theories posits that Game of Thrones serves as an allegory for climate change. Just as in the show, where people are at odds with one another while the world deteriorates around them, this mirrors the real-world situation where humanity continues to fight each other while climate change escalates.
Furthermore, the GoT narrative is set under the theme of A Song of Ice and Fire. In the series, ice is symbolized by the White Walkers, while fire is represented by the dragons. Cersei Lannister's use of wildfire also supports this theory—one that delves into greater detail to try to convince viewers of its plausibility.
1. American Horror Story
Similar to The Librarians, American Horror Story isn’t for everyone, but it boasts a large and dedicated fanbase. Each season of this series introduces different eerie creatures and chilling narratives, making it an ideal pick for horror enthusiasts. Of course, with such a following, countless fan theories have emerged.
Viewers have speculated that later seasons of the show include numerous callbacks and story arcs that echo earlier seasons. The theory grew stronger that this pattern would culminate in a major crossover event during Season 8. The crossover was believed to involve characters from Murder House and Coven. Ryan Murphy, the show’s creator, has confirmed that this will indeed happen, turning a fan theory into a reality.
