Top 10 Controversial TV Shows of All Time
#10: “Family Guy” (1999-2003; 2005-)
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“Family Guy” didn’t actually set out to be highly controversial. In its original run, it was mostly just another animated sitcom, albeit an exceptionally-written one. But ever since its return in 2005, the show has been… different . . . more abrasive. It has been accused of being offensive to both transgender people and the mentally ill. It’s been repeatedly criticized for its mockery of religious institutions and the LGBTQ+ community, and the show’s executive producers have admitted that they are “phasing out” gay jokes. The show’s level of violence and gore has also been the subject of criticism, including a particularly nasty scene in which Peter drives his car through the Boston Marathon. Despite the wholesome title, “Family Guy” takes no prisoners.
#9: “Beavis and Butt-Head” (1993-97; 2011)
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We mean, you shouldn’t really expect high art from a show called “Beavis and Butt-Head.” This show, rebooted briefly in the 2010s, was a precursor to the many controversial animated programs of the late ‘90s and 2000s, and its intellectually-challenged titular characters were often the subject of contention. The show, which was actually mostly a sharp-edged satire, was blamed for at least two separate deaths involving young children, but it was found that in both cases the defendants did not have access to cable TV or the show. The persistent controversy eventually led MTV into creating a tongue-in-cheek disclaimer that stated, “Beavis and Butt-Head are not role models. They’re not even human. They’re cartoons.” This was troublesome stuff back in the day!
#8: “Game of Thrones” (2011-19)
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Yeah, the ending sucked, but that’s not why this is here. This is here because of all the nudity, incest, sexual violence, and, well need we go on? The first couple seasons were not-really-but-sort-of restrained,, although they were criticized for their use of “sexposition” - expositional scenes involving unnecessary sex and nudity. Season three is when the “torture porn” accusations really started getting thrown around, and season four had a horrific scene with Jaime and Cersei. Season five was particularly controversial - not only was the scene between Ramsay and Sansa criticized, but so was the excessively violent and merciless killing of Shireen. It was a great show, but it didn’t make for the easiest of viewings.
#7: “Jackass” (2000-02)
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MTV likes to stir the pot. “Beavis and Butt-Head” ended in 1997, and “Jackass” was soon ready to take its place. “Jackass” was repeatedly criticized for encouraging reckless and dangerous behaviour, especially amongst children and young teens. Despite the fact that “Jackass” did all it could to discourage such behaviour (including numerous disclaimers), the show was still blamed for countless injuries and deaths. It was even the subject of an intense campaign from Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman, who claimed that the show was endangering the youth. Johnny Knoxville pulled the plug, and its TV run didn’t last too long, although of course it became a movie franchise.
#6: “24” (2001-10; 2014)
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“24” was a groundbreaking show, but it has often been the subject of disapproval, particularly in relation to its portrayal of terrorism. Beginning in season four, the show was accused of promoting anti-Muslim sentiment and was often criticized by the Council on American-Islamic Relations. According to them, the show was “contributing to an atmosphere that it’s OK to harm and discriminate against Muslims.” The protagonists’ willful use of torture was also condemned by many institutions, including human rights activisits and the military. A US Army brigadier general even met with the producers of “24” to express his disappointment and to warn that the show’s gleeful use of torture could damage the country’s reputation on the world stage.
#5: “Fear Factor” (2001-06; 2011-12; 2017-18)
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“Fear Factor” was a different sort of reality competition. In order to win $50,000, contestants needed to perform a variety of dangerous, intensely physical, and mentally challenging stunts. The stunts were often the subject of denunciation, as they typically involved eating or drinking disgusting things. These “things” included live insects, blended rats, and donkey semen. NBC refused to air certain episodes, the American Humane Association accused the show of mistreating animals and disregarding animal welfare, and a viewer from Cleveland even sued NBC for $2.5 million. It was basically “Jackass” in game show format, and many people were just not having it.
#4: “Saturday Night Live” (1975-)
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You never know what you’re going to get on live TV! And since it began way back in 1975, “SNL” has accumulated its fair share of controversies. There have been many small incidents throughout the years, many of which involve unscripted swearing. The show has also been forced to ban many performers due to their inappropriate and unprofessional demeanor, like when Adrien Brody insensitively imitated Sean Paul. But some of the wildest moments include the infamous hosting gigs of Andrew Dice Clay and Donald Trump, Rage Against the Machine displaying upside-down American flags on stage, and Sinéad O’Connor ripping a photo of Pope John Paul II. We can’t wait to see what the future brings!
#3: “The Jerry Springer Show” (1991-2018)
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There are tons of syndicated talk shows out there, but “The Jerry Springer Show” was . . . something else. And that’s mainly due to the irate guests. Guests would swear, give the middle finger, moon people, drop their pants, punch, kick - anything to garner a hostile response from the other guests. In 1998, a study conducted by The New York Times found that any given episode contained between 85 to 130 swear words, resulting in comically persistent bleeping and incomprehensible conversations. The fighting also garnered criticism by various religious institutions and the Chicago City Council, who claimed that Springer’s guests should be arrested for their violent behaviour. It’s trashy TV, but it’s entertaining trash.
#2: “Heil Honey I’m Home!” (1990)
OK, so in 1990 the British network Galaxy aired a sitcom in which Hitler and Eva Braun have comical misadventures with their Jewish neighbors, the Goldensteins. It spoofed the typical wacky sitcoms of the ‘50s and ‘70s . . . only the main characters were Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun. We think you see where the controversy lies. And while “Jojo Rabbit” managed to make the whole “Hitler as a main character” thing work, many TV historians and academics argue that “Heil Honey I’m Home!” veered too far into trivialization and crassness. The show was canceled after just one episode, and quickly receded into television infamy. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable — or is it dishonorable? — mentions: “The Ren & Stimpy Show” (1991-95) “13 Reasons Why” (2017-) “Buckwild” (2013) “Dear White People” (2017-) “Skins” (2007-13)
#1: “South Park” (1997-)
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“South Park” has remained so controversial simply because it is so brash and unapologetic. Yes, most of the humor is meant as satire, but does that excuse its offensive nature? “South Park” has done it all and has made fun of nearly everyone, and the careless jokes have resulted in numerous formal complaints, hit pieces, protests, death threats, and bans. And it’s not like the show’s fans constantly defend it, either. For example, the insensitive portrayal of the recently-deceased Steve Irwin earned condemnation from groups, individuals, and fans alike. Censorship of the show has also earned criticism, especially in the episode where Comedy Central — how’s this for irony — , bleeped Kyle’s anti-censorship speech. In short, “South Park” and its network gets it from everyone.
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