Although live television is notoriously unpredictable, one show in particular has gained the distinction of being the most painful live broadcast ever. What started out as a typical program swiftly descended into mayhem, leaving viewers cringing and the hosts in a state of confusion.

It began with a clumsy interview in which a famous guest appeared utterly unprepared—or unwilling—to respond to any questions. As the interview went on, the host and guest’s tension became more apparent, and responses were abrupt. When the teleprompter malfunctioned due to a technical issue, things got worse, and the hosts were clearly upset as they tried to save the day. When the guest finally left mid-broadcast, the studio audience sat in stunned silence, allowing the other hosts to awkwardly fill the airtime.

Clips from the terrible broadcast circulated online, and viewers dubbed it “the most cringe-worthy live moment in TV history.” The episode swiftly went viral. It was a reminder of the inherent unpredictability of live broadcasting, even though it could have been an uncomfortable experience for those involved. Since since, broadcasters have used the episode as a case study on how to handle on-air accidents professionally—or at the very least, with a sense of humor.