Live TV bloopers don't come much more unfortunate than this.
NBC cut into its regular programming on Saturday night (local time) to announce the death of veteran US Senator John McCain, at age 81.
"This has been an NBC News special report," presenter Richard Lui said solemnly. "We will return to our regular programming on the NBC network. Our live coverage continues on MSNBC."
The coverage then switched to two obese men in dolphin masks, prancing about a stage making squeaking noises while a romantic ballad played in the background. The pair eventually come together and kiss, while the music and squeaking noises reach a crescendo.
It turned out to be a rerun of America's Got Talent, featuring comedy duo the Japanese Belly Guys performing their skit Dolphin Love Story.
The reaction on Twitter was a mixture of horror and utter confusion.
"This juxtaposition is pretty much a perfect microcosm of our culture," said @nyc_data_geek.
"Boy if that doesn't scream 'America' I don't know what does," said @DennisLokey.
"You cut from breaking news and a tribute to John McCain straight to AGT and a dolphin love making group! What a joke. Fire the producer," said @JohnnyCrypto69.
Others with experience of the live TV environment said while it shouldn't have happened, it sometimes does.
"You have no idea what's on the air before or after you finish. You start and end when the suits in the control room tell you to," said @IdiotBoxWatcher.
Some still found a place for some black humour, though.
"Did they do this on porpoise?" asked @Beschizza, who uploaded the clip to Twitter.
Newshub.
