We all have those TV shows everyone keeps raving about, but when you finally sit down to watch them, you can’t help but wonder what the hype is all about. Sure, these shows have legions of fans, but are they truly deserving of all the praise? Sometimes, the most popular shows are not necessarily the best. Below are 17 of the worst popular TV shows that people keep talking about, even though they’re just not that impressive.
1. Gilmore Girls
At first glance, 'Gilmore Girls' seems like a charming small-town drama about a mother-daughter duo. But the more you watch, the more you realize how irritating and unrealistic it can be. The mother, Lorelai, comes off as immature and self-centered, while her daughter, Rory, is just as whiny. The show’s overuse of rapid-fire dialogue can quickly become grating, and some of the storylines feel downright offensive.
Instagram | gilmoregirlsnews | Beneath its charming exterior, "Gilmore Girls" reveals a series of unrealistic and irritating plot points.
2. This Is Us
Sure, this show tugs at the heartstrings, but how much emotional manipulation is too much? 'This Is Us' has built a reputation for turning every episode into an emotional roller coaster. While some viewers love the emotional payoff, others find it exhausting. If you’re not in the mood for constant tearjerkers, this one might feel like an unrelenting emotional workout.
3. The Big Bang Theory
Many consider 'The Big Bang Theory' a sitcom masterpiece, but it relies on offensive stereotypes and outdated humor. The portrayal of socially awkward geniuses as bumbling fools can feel forced, and the characters often seem more like caricatures than fully developed personalities. It's hard to understand why this show gets so much love when it doesn’t seem to offer much beyond predictable punchlines and shallow character arcs.
4. Young Sheldon
A spin-off from 'The Big Bang Theory', 'Young Sheldon' tries to capitalize on the popularity of the quirky character of Sheldon Cooper. Unfortunately, the charm doesn’t quite transfer. The show often feels like it’s trying too hard to evoke laughter and emotion without delivering on either front. Despite the widespread praise, 'Young Sheldon' often falls flat with viewers who expect more from their TV time.
5. Friends
Sure, 'Friends' is a classic for many, but it’s not for everyone. The characters are often selfish, and their antics can become tiresome. The group dynamic that some find endearing comes off as overly dramatic and juvenile to others. The humor can feel dated, and the lack of diversity in the show is hard to ignore, making it difficult for some viewers to relate to the so-called "friends."
6. The Office (US)
Despite its massive popularity and a seemingly endless stream of memes, 'The Office' is not for everyone. The mockumentary style can feel forced, and while the characters are quirky, they often fall into predictable patterns that lack real development. The humor relies on awkward situations that can be more cringeworthy than funny, leaving many viewers questioning the widespread adoration of the show.
7. Game of Thrones
Instagram | balerioneditz | 'Game of Thrones' traded early promise for excessive violence and sexual content, tarnishing its reputation.
While it started strong, 'Game of Thrones' quickly became infamous for its over-the-top violence and unnecessary sexual content. Many fans were drawn in by the fantasy setting and complex characters, but as the show progressed, it started feeling like an exercise in shock value rather than a well-thought-out narrative. The series finale, in particular, left many viewers with a bitter taste, proving that sometimes the journey is more important than the destination.
8. The White Lotus
Despite the rave reviews and multiple awards, 'The White Lotus' failed to captivate many viewers. The first season began with promise but ultimately fizzled out, as the characters’ actions seemed too contrived and their motivations unclear. What was supposed to be a biting commentary on privilege and dysfunction turned out to be a lot of self-indulgence and not much substance.
9. Seinfeld
Often hailed as the greatest sitcom of all time, 'Seinfeld' is a tough watch for those who don’t find its brand of humor appealing. The show is about nothing, which can be a refreshing concept for some, but for others, it just feels like a series of random events with no real substance. The characters can be insufferable at times, and the plotlines tend to repeat themselves.
10. Stranger Things
Sure, 'Stranger Things' had everyone talking when it debuted, but for some, the nostalgia and ’80s references don’t hold up. The storyline feels like a rehash of past horror tropes, and the young cast, though talented, doesn’t always land the emotional beats. After several seasons, the magic of the show starts to wear off, and the predictability becomes hard to ignore.
11. The Walking Dead
There’s no denying the early success of 'The Walking Dead,' but by the time it hit double-digit seasons, the plot became repetitive, and the characters started making the same mistakes over and over. Viewers began to wonder why the survivors couldn’t seem to get their act together, and many ended up rooting for the zombies to take over just to bring some excitement back.
12. Breaking Bad
Though hailed as one of the best TV dramas ever, 'Breaking Bad' is far from universally loved. Its slow pacing and morally questionable characters make it difficult for some viewers to connect with. The show’s descent into darkness isn’t always compelling, and for those who don’t appreciate the tension, it can feel more like a chore to watch than a thrilling experience.
13. WandaVision
Instagram | wandavision | The Marvel series 'WandaVision' generated buzz but had mixed reviews.
As part of the Marvel universe, 'WandaVision' garnered huge attention, but it didn’t meet the expectations of all viewers. The show’s oddball premise and slow buildup left many scratching their heads. While some fans enjoyed its unique take on superhero storytelling, others found it to be a confusing mess of plots that didn’t quite come together.
14. The Bear
Despite critical acclaim, 'The Bear' didn’t fully win over all audiences. The first season had its moments, but as the show progressed, it seemed to lose its original spark. The focus on awards and trying too hard to be “artsy” often overshadowed the storytelling, leaving some fans disappointed by what could have been.
15. It's Okay Not to Be Okay
This K-drama received praise for its handling of mental health, but for many, the toxic dynamics and manipulative characters overshadowed any potential positive messages. The central relationship, built on manipulation and toxic behavior, made it difficult to watch, especially for those seeking an honest portrayal of mental health struggles.
The TV shows listed above are some of the worst popular TV shows that have captivated audiences for years. While they’ve earned their place in TV history, they’re not always as deserving of the praise as they seem. Whether it’s because of unrelatable characters, excessive melodrama, or overused tropes, these shows often fail to deliver on the promise of their popularity. Ultimately, TV watching is subjective, and what works for one person might not work for another. But, for many, these shows simply don’t live up to the hype.
