TV Shows That Changed Their Names After Filming the Pilot

What’s in a name? Quite a bit, as it turns out, especially when it comes to TV shows. The title of a show can significantly influence its success, and it’s not uncommon for a show’s name to change even after the pilot has been filmed. Some of the most iconic TV shows started with different names before settling on the ones we know and love. Let’s dive into some notable examples.

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Seinfeld (Originally The Seinfeld Chronicles)

When the pilot for “Seinfeld” was filmed, it was originally titled “The Seinfeld Chronicles.” This name change was made to avoid confusion with another show, “The Marshall Chronicles,” which aired on ABC. While Jerry Seinfeld’s comedy might have succeeded regardless of the name, “Seinfeld” certainly rolls off the tongue better and has become iconic.

Ellen (Originally These Friends of Mine)

Ellen DeGeneres’ sitcom initially aired as “These Friends of Mine.” However, with NBC’s “Friends” debuting the following fall, ABC decided to change the name to “Ellen” to avoid confusion. This name not only differentiated the show but also lent itself well to DeGeneres’ later talk show.

NCIS (Originally Navy NCIS)

The procedural drama “NCIS” was initially called “Navy NCIS,” which seems redundant since the “N” in “NCIS” already stands for Navy. The title was simplified to “NCIS” after the first season, a change that fans have embraced ever since.

Saturday Night Live (Originally NBC’s Saturday Night)

When “Saturday Night Live” first premiered, it was called “NBC’s Saturday Night” to avoid conflict with “Saturday Night Live with Howard Cosell” on ABC. Once the ABC show was canceled, NBC adopted the now-famous “Saturday Night Live” title midway through the second season.

The Phil Silvers Show (Originally You’ll Never Get Rich)

Known for its classic comedy, “The Phil Silvers Show” was initially titled “You’ll Never Get Rich.” The reasons behind the change are unclear, but the new title clearly highlights the show’s star, Phil Silvers.

Mister Ed (Originally Wilbur Pope And Mister Ed)

The pilot for “Mister Ed” was originally titled “Wilbur Pope And Mister Ed.” While Wilbur deserved recognition, the simpler “Mister Ed” ultimately proved to be a better fit for the show.

GCB (Originally Good Christian Belles)

“Good Christian Belles” was the original title for ABC’s dramedy “GCB.” The title was shortened to “GCB,” which was less controversial and more marketable, though not necessarily more memorable.

Car 54, Where Are You? (Originally The Snow Whites)

NBC’s “Car 54, Where Are You?” was originally titled “The Snow Whites.” The title was changed to avoid confusion with Disney’s programming, given the show’s proximity to “Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color.”

American Housewife (Originally The Second Fattest Housewife In Westport)

“American Housewife” was initially titled “The Second Fattest Housewife In Westport.” ABC’s then-president Channing Dungey wanted a more universal title, leading to the final, more palatable name.

Friends (Originally Six Of One)

Before becoming the beloved “Friends,” the show was titled “Six Of One.” The title was changed as executives felt it lacked the punch of the final choice, and “Friends” has since become a cultural phenomenon.

Grey’s Anatomy (Originally Complications)

“Grey’s Anatomy” briefly had the title “Complications” after the pilot was filmed. The name was changed due to a book with the same title, and “Grey’s Anatomy” has since become a staple in medical dramas.

Happy Days (Originally COOL)

Garry Marshall originally wanted to call the show “COOL,” but test audiences thought it referred to a cigarette brand. The title was changed to “Happy Days,” which better suited the nostalgic, feel-good vibe of the show.

Last Man Standing (Originally Last Days Of Man)

“Last Man Standing” was initially called “Last Days Of Man.” The name was changed to better reflect the show’s comedic tone, and it proved to be a successful rebranding.

Leave It To Beaver (Originally It’s A Small World)

The classic show “Leave It To Beaver” was first titled “It’s A Small World.” Thankfully, the producers opted for a name that has become synonymous with wholesome family entertainment.

Living Single (Originally My Girls)

“Living Single,” a staple of ’90s Black sitcoms, was originally called “My Girls.” The change to “Living Single” better captured the essence of the show and its characters.

Even Stevens (Originally Spivey’s Kid Brother)

The Disney Channel show “Even Stevens” was initially titled “Spivey’s Kid Brother.” After the pilot, the name was changed to “Even Stevens,” which has a catchier and more memorable ring to it.

Awake (Originally REM)

“Awake” was known as “REM” during its pilot phase. The title was changed to avoid confusion and to better reflect the show’s unique concept.

Scandal (Originally Damage Control)

Shonda Rhimes’ political thriller “Scandal” was initially called “Damage Control.” The final title is more striking and memorable, contributing to the show’s success.

T.J. Hooker (Originally The Protectors)

“T.J. Hooker,” starring William Shatner, was initially titled “The Protectors.” The name change to “T.J. Hooker” helped to focus on the lead character, enhancing the show’s appeal.

The Brady Bunch (Originally The Brady Brood)

“The Brady Bunch” was almost called “The Brady Brood.” The final title better reflected the wholesome, family-oriented nature of the show.

Lizzie McGuire (Originally What’s Lizzie Thinking?)

Disney Channel’s “Lizzie McGuire” was initially titled “What’s Lizzie Thinking?” The change to “Lizzie McGuire” provided a more straightforward and catchy title.

The Munsters (Originally My Fair Munster)

“The Munsters” was originally called “My Fair Munster.” The final title is simpler and has a stronger identity, contributing to the show’s lasting appeal.

One Day At A Time (Originally Three To Get Ready)

The pilot for “One Day at a Time” was initially called “Three To Get Ready.” The name change better reflected the show’s focus on a single mother raising her children.

The Flintstones (Originally The Flagstones)

The iconic animated series “The Flintstones” was originally called “The Flagstones.” The final name is more distinctive and memorable, fitting the prehistoric setting perfectly.

Samantha Who? (Originally Sam I Am, Samantha Be Good)

“Samantha Who?” went through several name changes, including “Sam I Am” and “Samantha Be Good,” before settling on its final title. The chosen name is catchy and fits the show’s theme of self-discovery.

The Outer Limits (Originally Please Stand By)

“The Outer Limits” was initially titled “Please Stand By,” a name that was changed due to its potential to evoke thoughts of technical difficulties. The final title better encapsulates the show’s science fiction themes.

How I Met Your Mother (Originally How I Met Your Dad)

Before “How I Met Your Mother” became a beloved sitcom, it was titled “How I Met Your Dad.” The change to “Mother” created a clearer narrative direction and resonated more with the audience.

Grounded for Life (Originally Related by Family)

The sitcom “Grounded for Life” was initially titled “Related by Family.” The final title is more playful and memorable, better reflecting the show’s comedic tone.

The Wonder Years (Originally The Best Years)

“The Wonder Years” was initially titled “The Best Years.” The final title has a nostalgic feel that perfectly suits the show’s themes of growing up and reflecting on the past.

Will & Grace (Originally Will & Grace & Phil)

“Will & Grace” was almost called “Will & Grace & Phil.” The final title is simpler and more effective, focusing on the central dynamic between the two main characters.

All in the Family (Originally Justice for All)

“All in the Family” was originally titled “Justice for All.” The final title is more inclusive and reflective of the show’s exploration of American family life.

Eight Is Enough (Originally Eight Is Enough, and Then Some)

“Eight Is Enough” was initially titled “Eight Is Enough, and Then Some.” The final title is more concise and memorable, emphasizing the large family dynamic.

Dynasty (Originally Oil)

The primetime soap “Dynasty” was originally titled “Oil.” The final title is more glamorous and better reflects the show’s focus on wealth and power struggles.

Saved by the Bell (Originally Good Morning, Miss Bliss)

Before becoming “Saved by the Bell,” the show was titled “Good Morning, Miss Bliss.” The name change helped shift the focus to the students and gave the show a broader appeal.

Freaks and Geeks (Originally Freaks and Geeks, Weirdos and Losers)

The cult classic “Freaks and Geeks” was initially titled “Freaks and Geeks, Weirdos and Losers.” The final title is more concise and impactful, perfectly capturing the essence of the show.

That ’70s Show (Originally Teenage Wasteland)

Before becoming “That ’70s Show,” the series was titled “Teenage Wasteland.” The final title is more nostalgic and accurately reflects the show’s setting and theme.

Hill Street Blues (Originally Hill Street Station)

The groundbreaking drama “Hill Street Blues” was originally called “Hill Street Station.” The final title, suggested by executive producer Michael Kozoll, was more evocative and captured the show’s tone.

Two and a Half Men (Originally Lenny, The Two and a Half Men)

Before settling on “Two and a Half Men,” the show was called “Lenny, The Two and a Half Men.” The final title is simpler and better reflects the central premise.

Happy Endings (Originally Couples)

The comedy “Happy Endings” was initially titled “Couples.” The final title is more upbeat and reflective of the show’s humorous take on relationships and friendships.

The Middle (Originally The Mike O’Malley Show)

“The Middle” was initially called “The Mike O’Malley Show,” named after the actor playing the father. The final title better reflects the show’s focus on a middle-class family.

Cougar Town (Originally Single Again)

“Cougar Town” was initially titled “Single Again.” The final title, though it eventually became a point of contention, initially grabbed viewers’ attention and reflected the show’s original premise.

The Good Place (Originally Untitled Michael Schur Project)

“The Good Place” was initially known as the “Untitled Michael Schur Project.” The final title is intriguing and accurately reflects the show’s unique concept.

Parks and Recreation (Originally Public Service)

“Parks and Recreation” was originally titled “Public Service.” The final title is more engaging and better captures the show’s comedic take on local government.

30 Rock (Originally Untitled Tina Fey Project)

“30 Rock” was initially known as the “Untitled Tina Fey Project.” The final title, referencing the show’s setting at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, is more specific and memorable.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Originally Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The 99)

“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” was initially called “The 99.” The final title is more descriptive and better reflects the show’s setting and ensemble cast.

These name changes illustrate the importance of titles in shaping a show’s identity and appeal. Whether for marketing reasons, legal issues, or simply finding a better fit, these shows benefited from their final, iconic titles.