Unaired

Unaired refers to content, typically television episodes, films, or pilot programs, that have been produced but were never officially broadcast or released to the public through conventional channels. This can happen for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, a television show may produce more episodes than are aired due to scheduling changes, creative decisions, or the show being canceled before all its episodes could be broadcast. In other cases, pilot episodes, which are created to pitch a series to a network, may not be picked up and therefore never see a full release. Films can also be unaired, particularly in the case of direct-to-video releases that bypass theatrical distribution, or projects that were intended for a wider release but were shelved due to various business or creative factors.

The status of unaired content can vary. Some unaired episodes or pilots might eventually be released years later through DVD box sets, streaming services, or special fan events. In some instances, the term can also extend to content that was filmed but never completed or was deemed unsuitable for release by the creators or distributors. The existence of unaired material is often a topic of interest for fans and collectors, who may seek out these rare pieces of media. The reasons for content remaining unaired are diverse, ranging from financial considerations and market reception to artistic choices and contractual obligations.