Why was original Desperate Housewives never aired? And what's the difference between it and the aired one?

Answer 1

Often, after a pilot episode is shot and pitched to the network, the network says it will give the series a shot on its schedule but that changes must be made. Some changes are also required after they have a test audience watch the pilot. The episode is tweaked according to test audience reaction.

The differences between the unaired pilot and the one that aired:

- In the original pilot episode the role of Rex Van De Kamp played in this episode was actor Michael Reilly Burke but was let go after the series was picked up by ABC.

- In this orignial pilot of Desperate Housewives the role of gardener John was played by actor Kyle Searles. After the series was picked up by ABC he was released from the role.

- In this original pilot of Desperate Housewives actress Sheryl Lee played the lead role (and narrator) of dead Mary Alice Scott. When the series was picked up she was released from the role. This would've been her second dead character after her famous role of Laura Palmer in Twin Peaks.

Answer 2

Different actor plays Rex and Mary Alice. Also Bree has different hair style. Plus a few minor script changes

Answer 3

as above