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- 5 Nostalgic TV Series That Now Raise Eyebrows
By: Jordan Reed
Updated: March 1, 2021
Originally Published: March 11, 2018
Television has always held a special place in my heart, coming in just after my love for books. Though my viewing time has significantly decreased—thanks to the joys of motherhood—I still cherish the medium. However, many of my once-beloved shows now feel antiquated and out of touch, primarily due to their age and the evolving standards of 2021.
While some series were once seen as innovative, their narratives often reflect outdated perspectives that clash with contemporary values. This doesn’t mean we have to abandon them completely; rather, we should recognize that not all beloved shows withstand the test of time. Below are five shows that, despite their past popularity, have become problematic in today’s social climate:
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Glee
Glee had aspirations of becoming a cultural phenomenon, but as it progressed, it frequently fell short of its initial promise. Designed to celebrate “outsiders” in a small-town high school setting—like LGBTQ+ youth and various minorities—it often relegated these characters to the sidelines, with their struggles being trivialized as jokes. For instance, the character Sue Sylvester often made derogatory comments about the leads, whose experiences with bullying and identity were treated with a lack of sensitivity. The representation of trans characters was particularly clumsy, making it clear that while Glee aimed to be progressive, it often stumbled badly.
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7th Heaven
I never grasped the appeal of 7th Heaven, yet it was a favorite among many friends. The show featured a seemingly idyllic white, Christian family led by a reverend and his dutiful wife. However, the portrayals of moral dilemmas were overly simplistic and lacked depth. When dealing with serious issues—like addiction or teenage rebellion—the resolutions felt forced and unrealistic. For example, a character’s alcoholism was handled shockingly poorly, raising questions about the show’s understanding of real-life problems.
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Gilmore Girls
This series is tough to critique due to its popularity, but upon closer inspection, the characters Lorelai and Rory exhibit problematic traits. The clever dialogue and quirky supporting cast can distract from the underlying issues, including transphobia, homophobia, and fat-shaming. Rory’s character, initially likable, devolves into someone self-absorbed and inconsiderate over time. Despite its charm, the show’s treatment of various social issues is troubling.
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Sex and the City
While I adored Sex and the City during my younger years, it’s difficult to overlook the glaring flaws as I’ve matured. Carrie Bradshaw, the protagonist, is portrayed as a fashion icon and a romantic, but her actions often reveal her to be a selfish friend and partner. The show frequently indulges in slut-shaming and fails to represent diversity authentically, particularly in its treatment of LGBTQ+ relationships. The films that followed only exacerbate these issues, reinforcing the need for critical reflection on the series.
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Will and Grace
This groundbreaking show for gay representation harbored its own set of issues. While it brought gay characters into mainstream conversation, it frequently relied on stereotypes and lacked genuine diversity. The character Jack often made jokes at the expense of lesbians, while Karen’s addiction issues were treated humorously rather than seriously. The revival attempted to tackle contemporary issues but often did so in a superficial manner.
In an age where many classic series are easily accessible on streaming platforms, it’s crucial to acknowledge their shortcomings. Younger audiences are increasingly vocal about the problematic aspects of these shows, prompting a necessary reevaluation of their legacy.
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Summary
This article highlights five beloved TV shows that, while once considered groundbreaking, have revealed problematic themes and representations over time. It emphasizes the importance of critical reflection on past media as societal norms evolve.