The 10 Most Controversial Sitcoms That Sparked Outrage

TV sitcoms often face criticism if their humor is problematic, but some shows have been wrongly targeted. Backlash can occur not only for currently airing shows but also for older ones that stir controversy retrospectively. Sometimes, the once-adored reputation of a TV show can be tarnished when reevaluated in a modern context. For instance, the chauvinistic aspects of Entourage have not aged well, greatly impacting its popularity.

While it may be tempting to criticize The Big Bang Theory for its use of familiar joke formulas, few shows match its broad appeal, which contributed to its immense success. The divisive finale of How I Met Your Mother has overshadowed the show's earlier seasons, erasing the greatness of its characters and storylines. Both Family Guy and South Park have faced significant backlash for their provocative and potentially offensive humor. From Girls to the later seasons of The Simpsons, not all polarizing sitcoms deserve the level of criticism they receive.

10 Two And A Half Men

9 The Cleveland Show

Two and a Half Men is often criticized for its portrayal of women, mainly due to the protagonist Charlie Harper's tendency to objectify them. However, it is important to remember that Charlie's behavior was constantly challenged and balanced by the presence of strong women in his life, such as his no-nonsense housekeeper Berta, his embittered former sister-in-law Judith, and most notably, his quick-witted mother Evelyn. While the show occasionally makes light of serious issues like stalking, as a whole, it is a hilariously entertaining series with outstanding performances that surprisingly offers a heartwarming story about two brothers finding their connection.

Upon Cleveland Brown's departure from Family Guy to lead his own spin-off, The Cleveland Show faced criticism for being a mere copy of the original series. Although The Cleveland Show did incorporate Family Guy's use of cutaway gags, it relied on them less frequently and prioritized character-driven narratives. Moreover, Cleveland proved to be a more appealing character compared to Peter Griffin. Additionally, the show delivered a plethora of exceptional stand-alone episodes (including an impeccable spoof of Die Hard) and featured a talented voice cast including beloved stars like Jason Sudeikis, Sanaa Lathan, Kevin Michael Richardson, and David Lynch as a bartender.

8 The Big Bang Theory

Any sitcom that appeals to a broad audience through the use of archetypal characters is inevitably bound to face criticism. The Big Bang Theory, for instance, received a particularly negative reception when it deviated from its initial focus on satire of geek culture and transformed into a sitcom reminiscent of the popular show Friends. However, successfully creating a sitcom that appeals to the masses like The Big Bang Theory is actually much more challenging than it may appear. Undoubtedly, Sheldon Cooper has become an iconic character, and the cast's strong chemistry compensates for some of the show's weaker writing and predictable humor.

7 Girls

Lena Dunham’s HBO series Girls faced criticism for its lack of diversity in depicting New York City through an all-white main cast. However, some critics argue that this critique extends beyond just Girls and reflects a larger issue within the television industry. Despite the backlash, Girls deserves recognition for its authentic and honest portrayal of female friendships, surpassing the conventional sitcom. Rather than addressing sensitive topics like abortion, body image, and street harassment in isolated episodes, Girls seamlessly integrates them as recurring, everyday challenges.

6 Family Guy

5 South Park

Family Guy has always been a source of controversy, presenting a darker and more edgy alternative to The Simpsons. The show is known for its preference for shock laughs, which has often led to criticism from organizations such as the Parents Television Council. Additionally, Family Guy has been accused of relying on cutaway gags and random non-sequiturs instead of character-based humor, which some consider to be lazy writing. However, it is refreshing to watch a show that prioritizes making its audience laugh above all else. Family Guy sets aside storytelling and consistent characterization to focus solely on delivering humor.

South Park has consistently courted controversy since its first broadcast. The unconventional premise of foul-mouthed eight-year-olds sparked immediate uproar, regardless of the show's accurate portrayal of schoolyard banter. Despite its explicit content, South Park exceeds expectations with its intelligent storytelling, defying its crude comedic sensibility. Creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone are renowned for their incorporation of current issues, providing a satirical perspective on various social and political debates.

4 The Simpsons (Post-Golden Era)

3 New Girl

Once regarded as a groundbreaking accomplishment in television history, The Simpsons experienced a decline in both critical acclaim and fan reception after its first eight or nine seasons. With over 30 seasons under its belt, The Simpsons no longer enjoys the same level of esteem as it did in its earlier years. However, despite this shift, the more recent seasons of The Simpsons still manage to elicit plenty of laughter. Every now and then, the show even delivers an exceptional episode that evokes the peak of its success, such as the thought-provoking season 25 episode titled "The War of Art" or the cleverly self-aware season 34 episode, "Lisa the Boy Scout."

Despite facing initial criticism for portraying a stereotypically twee and ditzy character, Zooey Deschanel's portrayal of Jess Day in New Girl proved to be more than just a simplistic stereotype. With her unwavering commitment to the role, Deschanel brought depth and dimension to the character, challenging the notion of what it means to be "girly." Alongside a talented cast including Jake Johnson and Max Greenfield, New Girl captivates viewers with its charming humor and heartwarming relationships, making it a delightful choice for a binge-watch.

2 Derek

Throughout its two-season run, Ricky Gervais’ dramedy series Derek received a mixed reception. Gervais’ portrayal of the title character sparked controversy, as some interpreted it as a representation of a developmental disability by an actor who is not disabled. However, in the show, Derek is never explicitly identified as disabled. Despite this debate, Derek is a heartfelt show that aims to be sympathetic rather than mocking. Gervais delivers a nuanced performance, creating a well-rounded character instead of a caricature. He is accompanied by talented supporting actors like Karl Pilkington and Brett Goldstein from Ted Lasso.

1 How I Met Your Mother

Despite the controversial series finale, which resulted in the unexpected death of the mother and Ted rekindling his relationship with Robin, How I Met Your Mother faced substantial criticism. However, prior to the final season's focus on a short-lived marriage, the sitcom was renowned for its comedic brilliance and emotional depth. The character of Marshall Eriksen evokes endless adoration, in contrast to the lackluster tearjerking moments seen in Friends. Moreover, How I Met Your Mother stands out as a truly unparalleled addition to the sitcom genre, thanks to its unreliable narrator, nonlinear storytelling, and effective use of visual motifs.