The Ultimate Guilty Pleasure: Top TV Shows That Elicit Love-Hate Relationships

Summary

Certain TV shows, such as The Big Bang Theory, have faced criticism due to their mockery of nerd culture and reliance on negative stereotypes.

Riverdale, on the other hand, has attracted significant backlash for its subpar writing, cringeworthy performances, and a series of increasingly absurd and implausible storylines that strain credibility.

Despite being an iconic sitcom, Friends attracts its fair share of critics who deem it unfunny and dull, perhaps fueled by its overwhelming popularity.

Not every TV series can please everyone, and there are those that achieve immense fame within a short period, as well as those that flourish despite being despised by audiences. From historically adored dramas to long-standing sitcoms, these shows may have viewers, but many watch simply out of disdain. In fact, even the most popular TV series eventually gather a group of detractors, but this appears to be a natural cycle in the realm of television.

To become a series that is both loved and hated by everyone, it doesn't necessarily have to be truly awful. Surprisingly, even well-liked and highly acclaimed shows can attract a lot of hate. On the other hand, certain shows have aspects that are less appealing, causing the hate bandwagon to kick off in the first place. Additionally, there are shows that are incredibly popular, inevitably attracting a cohort of critics to balance things out. All things considered, the series presented below are those that, regardless of their content or widespread popularity, are widely loved and hated by many.

10 The Big Bang Theory

The Big Bang Theory, a much-debated television series, often falls into the category of most disliked shows. This sitcom successfully aired for 12 seasons, revolving around a group of nerdy scientists and their attractive female neighbor. The essence of the show relied on the characters' complete lack of social skills and their extreme nerdiness, which some viewers found endearing and humorous, while others detested it greatly. The primary reason behind the widespread dislike for The Big Bang Theory is its mockery of nerd culture and its usage of negative stereotypes, such as making Raj's Indian background a subject of old-fashioned jokes or presenting Penny as a "dumb blonde."

9 Riverdale

Shows targeted at teenagers and revolving around their lives often undergo intense scrutiny, but Riverdale stands out as an exceptionally extreme case. Riverdale is a high school drama that delves into the lives of the beloved characters from the Archie Comics. Despite running for a remarkable seven seasons, the series has faced a deluge of criticism since its very first episode. Viewers have seared the show for its subpar writing and cringe-worthy acting. Furthermore, many perceive Riverdale's incorporation of alternate universes and timelines as increasingly absurd as the series progresses. Although it continues to captivate audiences, the show has veered into such peculiar and unrealistic territory that it struggles to be taken seriously.

8 Family Guy

Despite facing criticism, certain television shows continue to thrive and carry on without being affected. Take for instance Family Guy, an animated sitcom that has successfully aired for 22 seasons and shows no signs of stopping. The series revolves around the turbulent and politically incorrect lives of the Griffin family. While the show has undeniably achieved iconic status in the world of animated television, it still attracts its fair share of criticism for its offensive jokes, stereotypical portrayals, and excessively long gags. Although the humor may have resonated with audiences when the show first premiered in 1999, current viewers are not as enthusiastic about supporting it.

7 Friends

Friends may be one of the most popular sitcoms from the 1990s, but that doesn't mean it is immune to criticism. Spanning 10 seasons, the show revolves around a tight-knit group of friends residing in New York City. Each character brings their own unique traits, and together, they have become cherished by many, continuing to attract new fans even after almost a decade since its conclusion. Nevertheless, there exists a faction of individuals who find the series lacking in humor, characterized by mundane characters and a generally predictable comedic style. Oftentimes, it appears that those who dislike Friends do so simply because of its overwhelming popularity.

6 Lost

An additional popular series that experiences a fair amount of criticism is Lost. Initially aired in 2004, this mysterious series revolves around a plane crash that leaves its survivors stranded on an uninhabited island where strange events unfold. Over the course of six seasons, the show captivated its audience with its science fiction enigmas and emotionally-driven storylines. However, there are still those who reduce the entire series to its disappointing conclusion. Despite having a dedicated fanbase, Lost ultimately had a simple and widely despised series finale that turned many viewers against the show. Additionally, many criticize the series for its lack of clarity and tendency to wander aimlessly.

5 Star Trek: Discovery

It may appear logical that being part of a franchise would assist in increasing the popularity of a series; however, this is not necessarily the case with Star Trek: Discovery. This prequel series is set four years prior to the events of the original Star Trek from the 1960s and focuses on the crew of the U.S.S Discovery. Despite its efforts to incorporate themes and ideas from previous Star Trek iterations, the show failed to resonate with many fans who deemed it overly dramatic, excessively emotional, and devoid of the optimism that Star Trek is renowned for instilling. Furthermore, the main character was often perceived as unlikable and the writing was criticized for lacking the characteristic wit that defines Star Trek.

4 Gilmore Girls

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For some, Gilmore Girls offers a glimpse into the cozy and amusing world of Stars Hollow. However, there are those who find the series to be overly pretentious and uninteresting. Gilmore Girls, a dramedy from the 2000s, revolves around the lives of Lorelai, a single mother, and her teenage daughter Rory, in their charming Connecticut town. While some admire the clever banter and the close-knit bonds within the family portrayed in the show, others argue that Lorelai and Rory's relationship sets a harmful example for young viewers. Additionally, many dislike the show's characters for their excessive privilege and reluctance to address their more problematic qualities.

3 Gotham

2 Glee

: Despite featuring superheroes, a franchise alone cannot always salvage an unpopular television series. Gotham, serving as a prequel, delves into the early life of Bruce Wayne, before he transforms into Batman, and explores the experiences of a young Detective Gordon. Although the aim of the show is to shed light on a fresh side of Batman, uncharted by previous adaptations, fans were not particularly thrilled with this DC comics-based TV show. Primarily, the series deviates from the comics, which can prove problematic for ardent fans. Furthermore, viewers found the pace slow, the storyline unengaging, and perceived a lack of genuine focus on Batman.

Glee revolutionized television when it first aired, captivating some viewers while dividing others. Following the journey of a group of outcasts in a midwestern high school's acapella club, Glee fearlessly tackles pressing issues intertwined with the world of musical theater and popular music performances. Its unique blend of humor and heartfelt emotions, along with surprising celebrity appearances, make it a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Yet, even the most devoted Glee fans have their reservations regarding the show. Over time, the series struggled to maintain narrative consistency, and as subsequent seasons unfolded, its quality noticeably declined, leaving a mere semblance of its former glory.

1 The Office

While widely regarded as one of the top sitcoms of the 2000s, The Office may not appeal to all viewers, and its detractors make that abundantly clear. Spanning nine seasons, The Office is a mockumentary centered around the mundane happenings of a paper company's office. What truly sets the show apart is its dry wit and outlandish characters, particularly the portrayal of Michael Scott by Steve Carrell. Regrettably, what draws in the show's devoted fans is often what turns away its critics. Many individuals find The Office uninteresting and devoid of humor, finding the characters too cringeworthy or awkward to tolerate. Despite its widespread popularity, The Office certainly fails to captivate every viewer.