The 4 Shocking Alternate Endings Of Sabrina Carpenter's 'Tears' Video, Explained

The conversation surrounding Sabrina Carpenter’s "Tears" music video is still dominating pop culture discussions as of December 2025, thanks to its audacious cinematic concept and a clever, fan-engaging rollout that included multiple alternate endings. Released as the second single from her critically acclaimed seventh studio album, Man's Best Friend, the track itself is a playful, self-aware takedown of a mediocre ex-lover. However, it was the accompanying visual—a high-concept, satirical romp—that truly cemented the song's place as a 2025 cultural moment.

This deep dive will explore the video’s cult-classic inspiration, the surprise celebrity cameo, and, most importantly, break down the four distinct, mysterious alternate endings that turned the music video into a *Clue: The Movie*-style murder mystery for her dedicated fanbase.

Sabrina Carpenter: A Brief Biographical Profile

Sabrina Annlynn Carpenter, born on May 11, 1999, in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, is a multifaceted American singer, songwriter, and actress.

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Early Career & Breakthrough:

• Birth Name: Sabrina Annlynn Carpenter
• Born: May 11, 1999 (Age 26 as of late 2025)
• Birth Place: Quakertown, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Initial Prominence: She first gained widespread recognition for her role as Maya Hart on the Disney Channel series Girl Meets World (2014–2017), a spin-off of *Boy Meets World*.
• Musical Debut: Carpenter signed with Hollywood Records and released her debut single "Can't Blame a Girl for Trying" in 2014.
• Recent Success: Her transition to mature pop music has been highly successful, culminating in the 2025 release of her seventh studio album, Man's Best Friend, which features the viral hit "Tears."
• Other Notable Works: Aside from her music, she has appeared in films and on Broadway, showcasing her versatility as an artist.

The Cinematic Concept: A 'Rocky Horror' Homage

The "Tears" music video, which officially dropped on August 29, 2025, is a visually stunning, over-the-top spectacle that immediately garnered attention for its clear, loving homage to the 1975 cult classic, *The Rocky Horror Picture Show*.

The video is steeped in the film’s aesthetic—dark, gothic, satirical, and sexually charged. Carpenter’s character, embodying a modern-day Janet Weiss, finds herself in a mysterious mansion after her car breaks down. The setting and costuming are a vibrant celebration of both satire and LGBTQ+ culture, a theme that resonated strongly with her diverse fanbase.

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A major highlight of the video is the appearance of Emmy-winning actor Colman Domingo, who co-stars as a flamboyant, *Rocky Horror*-inspired drag queen host. Domingo's presence adds a layer of theatrical gravitas and dark humor to the narrative, which centers on Carpenter's character dealing with a series of annoying, useless men—often through gruesome, yet comical, means.

The Mystery Unlocked: Breaking Down All Four Alternate Endings

The true genius of the "Tears" video was its interactive release strategy. Over the course of a week following the initial premiere, Sabrina Carpenter and Island Records rolled out a series of three additional, distinct alternate endings exclusively on YouTube. This move turned the release into a viral 'whodunit' adventure, prompting fans to theorize about the true fate of the male love interest.

The central theme across all versions is a satirical commentary on men who cause "tears" but are fundamentally disposable. Here is a breakdown of the four official endings:

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1. The Original Ending: The "Rocky Horror" Kill

The version initially released with the song is the most direct homage to the video's main inspiration. In this ending, Carpenter's character, along with Colman Domingo's host character, disposes of her love interest (the source of her "tears"). The scene is highly theatrical and suggests a ritualistic, almost celebratory murder, confirming the video’s dark, satirical tone of female empowerment and revenge against toxic masculinity.

2. Alternate Ending 1: The 'Clue' Reveal

The first alternate ending introduced a dramatic twist, leaning heavily into the aesthetic of the 1985 film *Clue: The Movie*. This ending provided a completely different context for the murder, suggesting that the victim's death was part of a larger, pre-meditated scheme involving multiple characters in the mansion. This version was pivotal in fueling fan theories, as it implied a deeper, more complex narrative about the victim's identity and the killer's motive beyond a simple breakup song.

3. Alternate Ending 2: The Gruesome/Comical Twist

This ending was arguably the most talked-about on social media. Carpenter stated that she wanted to give her male lead "another gruesome death," and this version delivered. While the specifics are highly visual, the death is less theatrical and more absurdly comical, playing on the idea of a cartoonish, over-the-top demise. Fan reactions were overwhelmingly positive, praising the star’s commitment to the bit and the sheer audacity of the dark humor.

4. Alternate Ending 3: The Self-Aware Finale

The final alternate ending broke the fourth wall in a way that delighted longtime Sabrina Carpenter fans. This version subtly addressed the meta-narrative of the entire concept, suggesting that the "murders" and the multiple endings were all part of a larger performance or a film within a film. This ending cemented the video’s status as a masterpiece of self-aware pop art, allowing the artist to comment on the nature of celebrity, performance, and the public’s consumption of celebrity drama.

Fan Reaction and Topical Authority

The strategy of releasing four different endings was a masterstroke in generating topical authority and buzz. It kept the song "Tears" trending for weeks after its initial release, driving millions of views across all versions.

By transforming a music video into an interactive puzzle, Carpenter tapped into the community-driven aspect of modern fandom. The multiple endings not only provided fresh content but also incentivized repeated viewing and analysis, with fans creating detailed reaction videos and theories across YouTube and Reddit. This innovative approach to content delivery for the *Man's Best Friend* era solidified Sabrina Carpenter’s reputation as an artist who understands how to leverage digital platforms to create a truly immersive and memorable experience.