Television has come a long way since the “Golden Age,” swapping out wholesome sitcoms for grittier, more controversial fare. Here are 13 TV shows that would have had sensitive viewers clutching their pearls a generation ago.
“Breaking Bad”
A high school chemistry teacher turned meth-cooking drug lord? Yeah, that would’ve gone down like a lead balloon in the family-friendly viewing times of yesteryear.
“Game of Thrones”
With its gratuitous bloodshed and passionate romantic scenes, it’s safe to say that this fantasy phenomenon wouldn’t have made it past the pitch in the more conservative TV era.
A Quora user wrote, “In addition to the obvious of nud!ty and inc*st, there’s no way something with such a complex, serialized plot and expensive effects would be made back then, or at least it wouldn’t resemble the show of today.”
“Orange Is the New Black”
A women’s prison filled with diverse, complex characters and hard-hitting themes of institutional failings, mental health, and systemic r@cism? It’s a far cry from the “will they/won’t they” sitcom tropes of old.
“The Handmaid’s Tale”
Not only does this dystopian drama tackle issues of reproductive rights and the subjugation of women, but it also showcases LGBTQ+ relationships in a time when they were often censored or ignored on TV.
“Pose”
It explores the drag ball culture of 1980s New York City. This vibrant and emotional series highlights the struggles faced by trans people and people of color. These topics were rarely seen on television in the past.
A Quora user wrote, “Obviously this show is a period piece that takes place in the 80s, but leaving that out, there’s no way a TV show made about/by and starring black/Latino members of the LGBTQ community, who are professional drag queens, some of whom have HIV/AIDS, would ever get made any time before like 2011 at the EARLIEST.”
“Euphoria”
The series is a raw and unflinching look at teenage life. With its depictions of drug use, sexu@l exploration, and mental health issues, it’s safe to say this show would’ve caused quite a stir in less accepting times.
“Queer Eye”
A group of gay men helping straight men improve their lives? That would’ve been a hard sell back in the day. But now, this heartwarming and uplifting show has become a hit for its positive messages of self-acceptance and personal growth.
“RuPaul’s Drag Race”
Not only does it showcase the incredible talent and creativity of drag performers, but it also promotes messages of self-love and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community.
“Broad City”
Broad City is a hilarious and boundary-pushing comedy about two best friends navigating life in New York City. Its unapologetically feminist and s*x-positive humor would’ve raised eyebrows in the more conservative TV landscape of the past.
“Black Mirror”
This series explores the dark side of technology and its effect on society. This show would’ve been deemed too controversial a generation ago with its thought-provoking and often disturbing themes.
“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
A show about a 1950s housewife who becomes a stand-up comedian? That would’ve been a hard sell at a time when women were expected to stay at home and be subservient to their husbands.
“Stranger Things”
A sci-fi horror series that pays homage to 1980s pop culture? It’s a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern storytelling. Still, it would have been considered too niche for mainstream TV.
“Fleabag”
This dark comedy explores themes of grief, love, and family dynamics in a refreshingly honest way. Its biting humor and complex characters would’ve been too much for previous generations’ more conservative TV landscape.
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