10 Worst CGI Moments in Otherwise Great Shows

As a movie enthusiast, I must admit that even critically acclaimed and beloved shows aren’t immune to slip-ups, especially when it comes to computer-generated imagery (CGI). Even in series that have swept awards and captivated fans, there have been instances of visual flaws that shattered the illusion, diluted the emotional intensity of crucial scenes, and, in some cases, became Internet memes. Regardless of the cause, these moments tarnished the production’s overall excellence, standing out all the more due to their occurrence in highly praised works. When the visual effects fail to impress, even a compelling narrative can’t mask the flaw for viewers.

In this list, you’ll find 10 instances where the computer-generated imagery (CGI) fell short in popular TV series that are usually praised for their high quality. These particular scenes, unfortunately, ended up doing more damage to the overall viewing experience instead of enhancing it.

1) The Walking Dead

Initially, “The Walking Dead” was widely acclaimed and discussed for quite some time due to its captivating storyline, intricate characters, and blend of drama and horror. However, a memorable misstep occurred in Season 7 with the notorious CGI deer scene that backfired, turning into an internet meme instead of the intended dramatic moment. The crude representation of the animal, seemingly slapped onto the screen without attention to lighting, depth, or scale, was a stark contrast to the series’ previous success in creating convincing digital creatures like Ezekiel’s Shiva. This oversight made the deer appear comically out of place and undermined the episode’s emotional impact.

2) Lost

Another fantastic series, “Lost,” captured the hearts of many generations, partly due to the ongoing debate about its finale. However, while it consistently aimed high, the technical execution didn’t always live up to its ambition. A notable example was the submarine scene in Season 5, which was crucial to the narrative at that point. Unfortunately, the vehicle appeared more like a creation from a PlayStation 2 game, with its plastic texture, stiff movements, and unconvincing integration with the water. This diminished the impact the scene should have had. When the illusion of the island started to appear artificial, it was easy for viewers to lose their sense of immersion. And given that this show always placed great emphasis on the visual impact of its significant moments, this lapse is particularly disheartening.

3) House of the Dragon

In the context of Game of Thrones, these issues can also be observed, but they are particularly noticeable in House of the Dragon given its emphasis on dragons. Despite boasting a substantial budget and cinematic aspirations, the series encounters challenges when depicting scenes involving Targaryen characters riding their dragons. However, it’s not the dragon models that are at fault – they are generally detailed and impressive. Instead, the issue lies in how these models interact with the actors. The integration between the actor and the dragon often appears unnatural: camera movements can be overly smooth, the background may not react as expected to physics, and lighting inconsistencies frequently occur between the rider and the dragon. Moreover, certain aerial maneuvers seem rigid, suggesting a lack of seamlessness between the animation and editing.

4) Supernatural

In the television series on The CW, moments of great triumph were experienced, such as with the show Supernatural. Regrettably, the arrival of the creatures known as Leviathans in Season 7, which could have expanded the universe’s mythology, was mishandled through one of the most poorly executed uses of CGI. The characters’ mouths gaped open in a grotesque and unnatural manner, revealing digital jaws that resembled a glitch from a video game rather than a terrifying transformation. This only served to create a comical effect and undermine the grim atmosphere intended for the season. To add insult to injury, the Leviathans’ visual effects were repetitive and lacked substance, making each appearance increasingly difficult to take seriously.

5) Doctor Who

As a movie critic, I must say that the revival of “Doctor Who” featuring Ncuti Gatwa brought fresh concepts and invigorating vibes, yet introduced an unusual element – CGI babies that were, to put it mildly, peculiar. In the Season 14 episode titled “Space Babies,” the endeavor to digitalize animated faces on infant talkers resulted in one of the most unsettling visuals ever witnessed in this series’ chronicles. Granted, incorporating such elements is not uncommon in the audiovisual production realm; however, here, the expressions seemed detached from the dialogue, with floating mouths and eyes that failed to react naturally, thus giving the characters an eerie vibe. Known for its knack for handling absurdity gracefully, this peculiar appearance surpassed what even the most lenient fans could tolerate. The scene aimed to blend humor and cuteness, but it fell flat, feeling more weird than amusing.

6) Once Upon a Time

Discussing the computer-generated imagery (CGI) in the show Once Upon a Time, it’s clear there’s much to debate. While fans have grown accustomed to its unique visual aesthetic over time, certain aspects warrant attention. For instance, some critics point out that the most glaring oversight might be the season finale with the castle and all the characters within it. However, creatures like dragons, trolls, and other magical elements featured throughout the series often have generic textures and animations, suggesting they were hastily produced. The show garnered a large audience and even received award nominations during its run, but the CGI was of very poor quality, even by contemporary television standards. Regrettably, instead of augmenting the fantastical atmosphere, this often resulted in visually awkward moments that detracted from the intended epic scenes.

7) The Flash

The Flash, a highly popular series within the superhero genre (and one that’s well-known despite its controversial ending), wasn’t free from subpar CGI. In Season 7, the battle between The Flash and Fuerza was particularly criticized. The villain, with her grotesque form and exaggerated musculature, resembled an unfinished video game character due to a confusing design. Textures that didn’t harmonize with the surroundings and stiff movements made it difficult for the character to appear threatening in any way. Given that Fuerza was supposed to embody raw natural power, the final visual presentation ended up being more amusing than intimidating. The limited fight choreography only added to the issue, as certain scenes where Fuerza interacted with or moved The Flash seemed detached, as if they were in different dimensions.

8) Cobra Kai

In the realm of Cobra Kai, digital issues were never an issue, but the uncanny recreation of Mr. Miyagi in Season 6 left many viewers puzzled. The team employed deepfake technology combined with AI, a stunt double’s actions, and another actor’s voice to resurrect Pat Morita’s visage. Despite the family’s approval, the outcome seemed discordant with the series’ overall quality. Many fans felt that the artificial likeness not only disrupted their immersion, but also appeared as an insincere effort to reanimate a character who deserved a more authentic tribute. In essence, the technical execution was questionable and left viewers with an uneasy feeling, sparking heated discussions online.

9) Arrow

Despite consistently delivering high-quality practical action scenes on a limited budget, as demonstrated by the show “Arrow” (and its extended universe), there’s one notable instance that stands out as an example of what can go awry when relying excessively on computer-generated imagery (CGI). In the crossover episode “Crisis on Earth-X, Part 2,” a scene featuring Oliver Queen and Barry Allen is particularly memorable for all the wrong reasons. The issue lies in the fact that the digital models of these heroes, which appear during their rescue sequence, seem more akin to characters from a 2000s video game cutscene than believable action figures.

Barry’s movements are slowed and artificial, while Oliver, holding his bow, remains static, almost like a paused animation. The arrow is rendered with an unrealistic glow and lacks any interaction with the environment. The physics in this scene are questionable, character positioning seems off, and the background lighting doesn’t align. In essence, the CGI used in this sequence failed to create a convincing, immersive experience for viewers.

10) The Sopranos

As a movie aficionado, I must say that “The Sopranos,” a pioneer in TV’s Golden Age, left an indelible mark on television history. However, among its many moments, none were as debatable as the digitally reconstructed Livia in Season 3 following Nancy Marchand’s passing. The actress’s visage was essentially pasted onto another body, with minimal facial expressions and movements that verged on unsettling. The aim was to provide the character with a sense of resolution, but the outcome was so unnatural that it became a technical blunder in an otherwise near-perfect show. Instead of stirring emotions, this CGI creation elicited discomfort and served as a striking example of what not to do when an actor departs during production. Even considering the technology available at the time, the execution was misguided and starkly contrasted with the raw, authentic feel that characterized the rest of the series.

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2025-07-20 22:11