10 Classic TV Shows That Still Challenge First-Time Viewers Today

Article Overview

Despite its widespread popularity, Friends presents a number of troublesome storylines and jokes that may pose challenges for new viewers when it comes to enjoyment. Examples of such issues include Ross' inappropriate infatuation with his cousin, as well as instances of fatphobic and transphobic humor.

Glee, once praised for its groundbreaking portrayal of same-sex relationships, now elicits discomfort due to its depiction of violence and bullying, inappropriate behavior from characters, and the unfortunate scandals involving certain cast members.

Shows such as Scrubs and How I Met Your Mother suffer from elements that have not stood the test of time, with J.D.'s objectification of women and Ted's unsettling behavior resembling that of a stalker. As a result, these shows have become cringeworthy and unappealing to many viewers nowadays.

Few TV shows can attain the coveted status of a cult classic, and even fewer can maintain relevance for decades after their initial release. Times change, and what may have been a cult series for one generation can easily become cringeworthy and unwatchable for the next. During the 1990s and 2000s, numerous high-quality sitcoms emerged that were generally lighthearted and can be considered timeless sources of comfort. However, there is a caveat: for those discovering these shows now, they may not be perceived in the same way due to various reasons such as outdated humor, questionable plotlines, or problematic cast members.

Take "Friends" for example, a cozy sitcom that appears to offer solutions to every problem, whether it's resolving conflicts with friends, ending toxic relationships, or feeling underappreciated by a boss. Yet, for some viewers, the same series may evoke discomfort and a strong urge to immediately switch it off upon hearing Joey's famous catchphrase, "How you doin'?" Ultimately, the perception of these shows depends on the viewer's generation and their current worldview. Aside from "Friends," there are numerous legendary shows that would not achieve the same level of success if they were aired today.

10. Friends

Ross' Crush On His Cousin Wouldn't Fly Today

9. Glee

Friends, the groundbreaking sitcom that revolutionized the genre, continues to captivate audiences twenty years after its final episode aired. However, for newcomers, the show may present some challenges due to its problematic storylines. These include Ross' uncomfortable attraction to his cousin Cassie, Monica and Richard's unconventional relationship despite their age difference, the tumultuous journey of Ross and Rachel's love, and the controversial Ugly Naked Guy gag, among others. Furthermore, Friends did not shy away from insensitive jokes targeted at Monica's weight and Chandler's father being transgender, which would be met with criticism in today's industry. Even Courteney Cox's portrayal in a fat suit may be viewed differently by today's standards.

New Directions Aren't So New Anymore

8. Scrubs

Glee, once hailed as a representation of 2010s culture, has thankfully retreated into the past. While the show was notable for its groundbreaking portrayal of same-sex relationships, it also carries a weight of discomfort when reflecting on its instances of violence, bullying, and the inappropriate behavior of Will Schuester towards his students. The character of Rachel Berry also adds to the cringe-worthy aspects. Unfortunately, the series takes an even darker turn with the troubling Mark Salling child pornography scandal and subsequent suicide. Tragically, Salling's demise was not the only premature and sorrowful loss among the cast.

Some Of J.D.'s Fantasies Are Gross

Zach Braff's portrayal of Dr. John Dorian in Scrubs captivated audiences, making him a beloved character. However, it is important to recognize that J.D. occasionally crosses the line into inappropriate territory with his vivid and explicit fantasies involving attractive women. The show's difficulty to watch now stems not only from J.D.'s oversexualization of women but also from the problematic nature of other characters, such as Todd. Moreover, it requires us to acknowledge that even Dr. Cox, who is known for his strong personality, often engages in behavior that can be classified as outright harassment. Nevertheless, it is crucial that we address these issues.

7. How I Met Your Mother

Ted's Stalkery Tendencies Would Be A No-Go

Even if How I Met Your Mother followed in the footsteps of Friends, it has become lackluster and cringe-worthy for those who can't overlook its problematic aspects. Whether it's Barney's mistreatment of women, Lily's overbearing nature, the unsettling Slap Bet joke, or Ted's unhealthy obsession with Robin, there are numerous reasons why How I Met Your Mother can easily be deemed unwatchable. Additionally, the series occasionally pushed the boundaries of metaphorical storytelling, particularly when it excessively portrayed Ted's repeated attempts to let go of Robin as her literally flying away into the sky.

6. Sex And The City

Mr. Big Is A Big Disappointment

Sex and the City has brought about a revolutionary change in mainstream television. However, the nostalgia for the 2000s fails to compensate for the significant shortcomings of the series. The central storyline revolves around the romance between Carrie and Mr. Big. Although the creators eventually acknowledged their incompatibility and eliminated Mr. Big from the show due to Chris Noth's real-life sexual assault scandal, the damage had already been done. Mr. Big is a manipulative jerk who has mistreated Carrie for years, and Carrie herself isn't much better. Consequently, it has become almost impossible not to feel cringe-worthy about Sex and the City now. Moreover, the mistreatment of Samantha is equally infuriating.

5. House, M.D.

Gregory House Would Be Fired On His First Day

House, M.D.'s central character remains a cynic with a fondness for intriguing medical mysteries and an uncanny ability to solve them. However, this very facet has become the predicament. Previously, House embodied the enigmatic and alluring archetype, flaws notwithstanding. Presently, he is perceived as nothing more than a disagreeable individual who requires a reality check. It is evident that Hugh Laurie's charisma alone cannot sustain House, M.D.'s status as a cult show. Besides House's blatant shortcomings, the personalities of other characters leave much to be desired. Chase, Cameron, and Foreman have all exhibited troubling behavior throughout the series, rendering them nearly unlikable.

4. Doctor Who

The Classic Who's Designs Are Too Ridiculous

In its 60th anniversary year, Doctor Who has evolved from a low-budget, educational children's series in 1963 to a revered cult show. However, its early shortcomings are evident. The alien costumes and special effects were lacking, and only the most loyal fans can bear to rewatch old episodes which are often grainy, black and white images accompanied by an audio track. Additionally, the Doctor's early female companions were largely reduced to screaming in fear and seeking explanations from the Time Lord. Carole Ann Ford, who portrayed the Doctor's granddaughter Susan, even exited the show due to her character's underutilization.

3. Gossip Girl

Chuck Bass Would Get The Show Canceled After The Pilot

Gossip Girl has offered everyone the chance to experience life as an Upper East Sider, captivating audiences for over six years. However, in the context of 2023, the series would not have been able to launch due to the notorious bad boy, Chuck Bass, who was involved in inappropriate behavior towards two women in the pilot episode. Despite his actions, Chuck somehow emerged as a hero in Gossip Girl's storytelling. This, along with the never-ending drama that destroyed friendships within the group and Taylor Momsen's departure from the show, are all reasons why the series may be better off left in the past.

2. That '70s Show

That '70s Show remains iconic for its immaculate vibe of the '70s and cozy atmosphere. However, first-time viewers may now have a different perception, as the rape verdict against Danny Masterson has forever intertwined the series with a horrific crime. Additionally, the real-life age difference between Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher in 1998 adds another layer of complexity. Nevertheless, it's not just external factors that contribute to the show's controversy. Fez's storyline, starting with his offensive nickname and culminating in constant racist jokes about his foreign nationality, is difficult to watch.

1. The Golden Girls

The Danny Masterson Convictions Are Too Fresh In The Memory

The Golden Girls is known for its dark comedy, but there were times when it went too far. The constant belittling of Blanche for her personal choices and mocking Rose for her innocence doesn't hold up as well as it did in the 1980s. While the sitcom effectively addressed important topics related to aging, it also had underlying misogyny and even racism. The Golden Girls is a product of its time and is generally better than most shows, but there are episodes that are difficult to watch due to cringeworthy moments. The slut-shaming present in The Golden Girls was more accepted back then, but today there is much less tolerance for it.

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan, I feel compelled to express my opinions and feelings regarding the article's assertion that certain classic TV shows may not hold up well for first-time viewers due to problematic storylines, controversial characters, and outdated humor. While I acknowledge that societal norms and sensitivities have evolved over time, I believe that dismissing these shows outright would be an oversimplification and overlook their significant impact on popular culture.

It is essential to recognize that these shows were products of their time and reflected the prevailing attitudes and humor of their respective eras. While some aspects may not align with contemporary values, it is crucial to appreciate them within their historical context. Rather than outright dismissing these shows, I propose a more nuanced approach that involves acknowledging their flaws while still recognizing their contributions to the television landscape. By doing so, we can engage in a more productive dialogue that fosters understanding and encourages critical thinking.