Factual error: The briefer on the oil platform mission says the platform is 12 stories, and 80 million square feet. Doing the math, that makes it half a mile per side if completely square. It is nowhere near that size as shown. The largest oil rig in the world - Berkut in Russia's Far East - has a combined deck area of only 342,000 square feet. (00:13:35)
Factual error: In the opening sequence when Maddie is supposedly driving from Michigan through Ohio and back to Pennsylvania, you can very briefly spot the reflection of a "TD Canada Trust" in the car window. This is because the show is actually shot in Vancouver. In the United States the company is simply known as "TD Bank", which doesn't operate any branches in either Michigan or Ohio. (00:01:55)
Episode #1.7 - S1-E7
Factual error: Lorna uses the word 'okay'. The first recorded usage of this word in America was not until 1839 and in Britain not until the 20th century. The series is set in 1814 and generally uses language contemporary to its setting.
The Disappointment of the Dionne Quintuplets - S1-E4
Factual error: When Midge is moving to her parents' apartment there is a stack of books on the table while her son is watching TV. On top is a Nancy Drew book (the back of the book which is yellow). However publisher didn't introduce the editions with the yellow back covers until the 1960s.
Factual error: In several different episodes characters are escaping on foot to Canada, as evidenced by Ontario license plates. But the show is set in New England, and the only way to get to Ontario through the Eastern United States is by crossing a major body of water: The St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, The Niagara River, or Lake Erie. You can't walk there.
Factual error: The show has a BMW X5 (2007 - 2012) appearing when the media goes to the brother's house. (00:27:50)
Factual error: In season 1, there is an Egyptian woman wearing ornate jewellery around her head. Unfortunately, at least 3 components are old UK currency coins from the latter half of the 20th century. Clearly visible are copper 2p pieces and one old silver 10p coin. (00:38:40)
Episode #2.1 - S2-E1
Factual error: Season 2 is set in 1979. Bill Tench and his wife are leaving the church and going to their car. Behind their car is parked a 1981 Chevrolet Celebrity.
Factual error: In the disturbing assault scene, after having his head smashed into a mirror and banged against the sink multiple times, there is no way Tyler would be conscious for the rest of the scene.
Factual error: When Detective Inspector Sara Lunt's photograph in uniform is shown on the TV news she is wearing a double row of silver lace below her hat badge. Only chief constables wear this insignia, well above the rank of inspector.
Episode #1.3 - S1-E3
Factual error: Billy is called up into a specific unit of the Royal Artillery. This didn't happen. He would first have been sent to a Royal Artillery training depot and only after training would he have been assigned to a unit.
Factual error: The provincial police is always described as the Ontario Police Department (OPD) instead of the correct Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
Factual error: The Navy Seals call in air support and provide a fire mission to given coordinates. The targets are engaged with rockets and gatling/chain guns. The UH-60 Black Hawk is shown leaving after the air strike. This UH-60 however only had mini-guns in the doors. The type of UH-60 needed for this action would be the UH-60 DAP, which is configured as a gunship and has no troop carrying capacity. The DAP can carry chain guns, mini-guns, missiles and or rockets. (00:03:00 - 00:03:23)
Episode #4.9 - S4-E9
Factual error: Renate escapes from the prison in a Morris Ten Four, with the badge visible on the bonnet. However, this designation was not introduced until 1935 and the episode is set in 1931.
Factual error: ACC Pat Gallan wears the ribbon of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. The medal was issued in 2012. Her medals would be correct for 2017 when the series was made, but not 2007 when it is set.
Episode #1.2 - S1-E2
Factual error: The settlers prepare to burn Verity at the stake as a witch. Witches were never burned in England or her colonies; they were hanged.
Episode #1.5 - S1-E5
Factual error: The senior police officer's name tag reads "Assistant Commissioner" but he wears the rank insignia of a Deputy Assistant Commissioner.
Factual error: Ruth applies to have her criminal record expunged. She meets with the judge privately to discuss the matter. This is an ex parte meeting and would not be allowed. The state's attorney needs to be present for this meeting. The judge also says she will check up on Ruth to make sure she is living right, again without any input from the state. It should be the state's attorney checking up on Ruth, not the judge.
Factual error: Everyone, including other police officers, addresses the detectives as "Detective" rather than using their ranks of "Inspector" or "Sergeant" as they actually would.
Factual error: Johann Eck is dressed as a cardinal and Albrecht von Brandenburg addresses him as "Your Eminence" and kisses his ring. In reality, Eck was not a cardinal. Albrecht, however, was. It should be Eck showing deference to him, not vice versa. Albrecht was also only thirty, half the age of the actor playing him.