You might have loved certain shows in the 80s, but modern critiques have shown that many set problematic precedents. Shows are being canceled left, right, and center for their diversity issues, so let’s look at those who might not be getting a modern reboot anytime soon.
Friends
It was one of the biggest sitcoms ever made, and it had a fanbase that exceeded those before it. Nowadays, a group of six individuals of white-American heritage wouldn’t go down too well. The lack of representation is alarmingly obvious and has become a common critique of the show.
Seinfeld
Seinfeld would struggle to get the green light in the modern era with its lack of diversity and occasional insensitive humor. White privileged males with no jobs yet affording expensive Westside apartments amidst a lack of diverse characters and unapologetic masculinity isn’t the best advert for inclusivity.
The Dukes of Hazzard
General Lee’s Confederate flag painted on the car? Yeah, that wouldn’t fly in today’s climate. They said it was merely a part of the Southern culture. We say it screams of white supremacy.
Charlie’s Angels
It once looked like a display of female empowerment, but now it strikes us as nothing more than female objectification. The excessive cleavage and lack of depth in its characters would likely be criticized in today’s feminist movement.
I Dream of Jeannie
The show was a lighthearted fan favorite, but it painted Arabs and Muslims in a less-than-flattering light, particularly with Jeannie serving her new ‘master.’ There were a few too many harem outfits to allow this series to fit into modern culture.
I Love Lucy
While Lucille Ball’s comedic genius is undeniably timeless, some of the gender roles and stereotypes depicted in the film are definitely outdated. When Lucy’s husband offered her an allowance, modern audiences cringed.
The Cosby Show
Bill Cosby’s legacy has been tarnished by sexual assault allegations, making a revival of this wholesome family sitcom highly unlikely. While it may have been a firm favorite of the time, it raises the question of the reality behind the famous family show.
All in the Family
Archie Bunker’s (Carroll O’Connor) politically incorrect rants would cause a stir in today’s politically charged climate. It might have painted a picture of a working-class family, but many of the racist and bigoted rants are now considered unacceptable.
The Honeymooners
Ralph’s (Jackie Gleason) threats of domestic violence against his wife Alice would not be tolerated in today’s TV landscape. While he never raised a hand to her, he frequently flashed his fist and offered a passive-aggressive comment that hinted at domestic abuse.
Married with Children
This dysfunctional family sitcom pushed a few buttons with its crude humor and questionable content. While many felt it pushed boundaries in the sitcom landscape, it also objectified women, fat-shamed, and gave us a wife-hating Al Bundy (Ed O’Neill).
MAS*H
It was hailed for its anti-war message and humor, but the show’s portrayal of women and minorities might not meet today’s standards for representation. A man dressing in women’s clothes to falsely claim discharge and women as the catalyst for sexist jokes is a painfully tired objective.
That ’70s Show
It was deemed acceptable to watch a bunch of underage kids drinking alcohol and taking drugs. Arguably, there are plenty of similar shows and movies around, but it isn’t likely to be deemed an attractive viewing proposition by modern parents.
The Jeffersons
While groundbreaking for its portrayal of a successful African-American family, some of the racial stereotypes and language used would be considered offensive today. Certain black viewers regarded Sherman Hemsley’s depiction of his character as demeaning.
Bewitched
Despite its popularity at the time, the show’s portrayal of Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery) as a submissive wife to her overbearing and often outspoken husband depicts themes of marital inequalities.
Scrubs
Scrubs was an immediate hit when it reached our screens, but a rewatch raises questions surrounding a doctor’s insensitive humor and criticism of patients and their health conditions. Dr Todd (Zach Braff) was both sexist and highly offensive and unlikely to catch a bite in today’s culture.
Baywatch
Gregory J. Bonann, the show’s producer, struggled to pitch it back in 1989, so it’s highly unlikely he’d have much luck today. It might have been every man’s Saturday night dream, but the portrayal of scantily clad women in revealing red swimsuits was nothing but gratuitous.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
While a beloved classic starring movie A-lister, Will Smith, some of the jokes and themes surrounding race and class might be seen as problematic today, it might have been regarded as groundbreaking with its portrayal of an African-American family. Still, many of the jokes surrounding racism and racial profiling were considered demeaning to certain races.
Three’s Company
The story centered around a heterosexual man living with two women and pretending to be gay, a premise that would be deemed distasteful and manipulative by contemporary standards.
