As an avid watcher of TV shows, you might have noticed how props make or break a scene. Props are like unsung heroes of the TV industry, adding life to the characters and their stories. Props have a special place in every TV show, and they sometimes have their own secrets. In this blog, we’ll talk about some of the fascinating stories of props from the sets of your favorite TV shows.

The power of a prop 👑

Props are not just objects that fill up a scene; they’re powerful storytelling tools that engage the viewer’s imagination. A prop can symbolize an emotion, a character’s backstory, or even serve as a plot twist. For example, the TARDIS from “Doctor Who” is not just a time machine; it’s also a symbol of the Doctor’s home and his longing to return.

A picture of the TARDIS from "Doctor Who"

The prop master, the magician đŸŽ©

Behind every fascinating prop, there’s a person or a team who brings it to life. The prop master is a magician who comes up with innovative ideas to create props that fit the script’s requirements. They’re responsible for selecting, designing, and creating the props that enhance the scenes and the characters. Moreover, prop masters have the crucial responsibility of ensuring consistency throughout the TV series. Can you imagine how many “Friends” props the prop master had to keep track of?

A team working on the creation of a prop

Props are objects, but with a fictional story 📖

Props have a life beyond the set. They’re designed to make the viewers believe that they’re real objects that existed before the show. The props’ backstory may not get mentioned in the script, but they exist- in the prop master’s mind. For example, in “The Big Bang Theory,” the prop master created a superhero costume for Sheldon Cooper which is based on the DC Comics character ‘Flash.’ Even though it’s never mentioned in the show, the costume’s backstory adds value to its significance.

A picture of Sheldon from "The Big Bang Theory" in his superhero costume

Props, the unintentional stars đŸ’«

Sometimes, props can become a scene-stealer without intending to. A prop can unexpectedly become a fan-favorite, attract memes and parodies, or even get its spin-off show. For example, the mustard-colored sweater that Ted Mosby wears in “How I Met Your Mother” became so popular that it had its spin-off show, “The Mosby Boys.”

A picture of Ted Mosby in his iconic yellow sweater

Props, the money-savers 💰

Creating an entire production set from scratch is costly. Props can save money by making an existing location feel more realistic and fleshed out. For example, in “The Office,” the prop master integrated real-life objects, such as a stapler in Jell-O, a report cover page, and several pictures, to make Scranton’s Dunder Mifflin feel like a real office that already existed.

A picture of Dwight Schrute from "The Office," dressed as his popular character, Recyclops

The beauty of props lies in the details. They’re meticulously crafted, lifelike, and uniquely designed to represent something. Every prop tells its story, and it deserves our appreciation. The next time you watch your favorite TV show, pay attention to the props, and you’ll notice how they give a new dimension to the story. đŸ“ș🍿

A picture of various props from different TV shows