Most awkward moments on TV ever

There’s nothing like watching someone else in an unbearably awkward situation to make you feel better about your own life, and for this reason TVGuide.co.uk has compiled a list of the most cringe-worthy moments in television history for you to enjoy. Join us as we take a look at scenes from scripted TV shows to get you squirming on your sofas…

1. The Inbetweeners – Nemesis Inferno

The Inbetweeners series is the very epitome of British awkwardness and so it is only right that at least one scene made it onto the list. The sitcom follows the life of four of the most socially inept schoolboys to grace the earth as they struggle through the various tortures of teenage life.

In this scene, Will, Simon, Jay and Neil enjoy a day trip to Thorpe Park and, after waiting all day to ride Nemesis Inferno, Will convinces the lads to get into the extra long queue to ride on the front.

However, when it finally gets to their turn it turns out there is only spot is available. Will, being Will, makes a massive scene shouting at the “inconsiderate a**eholes” occupying the seats. Of course, it isn’t long before he discovers the front row was specially reserved for a group of disabled passengers.

Nice one, Will.

2. Breaking Bad – “Happy Birthday, Mr. President”

I dare you to watch this scene without flinching. Yep, it’s that infamous Breaking Bad scene where Skyler White sings “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” to Ted Beneke for his Birthday. The public display of sexual tension between Skyler and her boss is not only highly inappropriate given the circumstance of her current marriage to Walt and Ted’s recent divorce, but it’s also just plain weird to watch.

Imagine being one of the onlookers in that office… Ergh.

3. Friends – Phoebe and Chandler kiss

It’s ‘The One Where Everybody Finds Out’ and Monica and Chandler’s secret relationship finally surfaces among the gang. After spotting the pair getting it on through their flat window, Phoebe and Rachel decide to have some fun of their own by seducing Chandler.

Everyone eventually comes to realise the game they are playing, but it instead turns into a competition over who will break first. The buildup to the kiss is hilariously awkward; so much so that Chandler simply has to pull away and confess his love for Monica.

4. IT Crowd – The disabled toilet scene

This gem from IT Crowd is guaranteed to get your skin crawling. During a work outing to a musical, Roy and Moss’ quest to find a toilet ends up having some slightly extreme consequences. Roy fakes an accident in the disabled toilet which results in his being loaded into a van travelling back to Manchester with other disabled play-goers. Meanwhile, Jen eventually discovers the geeky Moss working behind the bar after resorting to the staff toilet.

5. Peep Show – Jeremy eats a dog

To be honest, the entire nine series of Peep Show could easily feature on this list. However, the dog-eating scene certainly stands out as one of the most memorably cringe moments from the whole series.

Only Mark’s stag do could end with the accidental murder of a pet dog. Naturally, the boys decide that the only logical solution is to barbecue the animal and when Mark tries to make a pitch for a job with the dog’s owner, of course, Jez spoils it all by eating the barbecued carcass in front of everybody.

…Seriously. Watch it for yourself.

6. The Office UK – The David Brent dance

The British ‘mockumentary’ was considered a work of genius when it was released to television screens in 2001 and it was the self-absorbed David Brent that made the comedy such an utter success. The character held the incredible ability to make the whole room feel uncomfortable simply by entering it, and his charity dance has stood out as an iconic moment in awkward TV history.