Basically, when a cliffhanger and it's resolution are the same scene, I'm wondering if the entire scene is filmed on the same day and then it's edited into the end of one season and the beginning of another, or if they actually film the scenes separately and just hope that all the nuanced continuity (hair styles, complexion, weight, etc) matches?

I'm almost certain that both portions of the cliffhanger are filmed in one session. If they've got all the sets assembled and actors gathered, it wouldn't make sense only midway through to say "Okay that's Part 1. See you at this exact spot in three months".

Also, filming an episode in advance before the break for summer means the cast/crew has an extra week of vacation before returning in the fall.

If the concluding script has been written, then to me, it should be filmed right after the beginning has been filmed.

God bless you always!!!

Holly

I think its a combination of both; with Hollywood magic they shoot what they need to up front - sometimes with even the cast not aware of what happens after the cliffhanger - and then splice it in with new footage and edit it together for the next season afterwards


- or they could just get them all blackout drunk afterwards so no one can remember