10 TV Shows So Iconic You Have To Watch Them In Spite Of Their Flaws

Aug. 3, 2024, 7:10 p.m.

Movies

10 TV Shows So Iconic You Have To Watch Them In Spite Of Their Flaws

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Summary Game of Thrones was a cultural phenomenon for nearly a decade, setting the standard for epic fantasy TV.

The Simpsons' influence is widespread despite some of its jokes being in bad taste and a handful of episodes banned in various countries.

Lost transformed fandom culture with its mysteries being discussed online, despite some storylines never being fully resolved.

Some iconic TV shows are so important in the history of pop culture that anyone wishing to be well-versed in this regard needs to watch them, despite their flaws. Certain series that are considered to be some of the best TV shows of all time haven't aged well, featuring outdated jokes and problematic storylines. However, their unprecedented popularity or influence on other shows and the way that people consume TV cannot be reversed.

Some of these classic TV shows went on for too long, resulting in repetitive and bland storylines as the writers contrived ways for the series to drag on. Others are nearly perfect but have one catastrophic storyline that ruins everything or are weighed down by one of the most hated TV show finales of all time. Yet these TV shows' place in the cultural zeitgeist is unshakable, demanding that people watch them for context. Many people are still able to enjoy them as audiences did when they first aired.

Related 10 Recently Ended TV Shows That Are Unlikely To Ever Be Revived It’s natural for viewers to want a TV show to continue beyond its ending, but these recently concluded series are unlikely to ever get a revival.

10 Lost (2004-2010)

Lost's Mystery Got Too Convoluted, But It Changed Fandom Culture

Lost is one of the shows that changed the way people watch TV, as its run coincided with the rise of online forums. The series played a huge role in the inception of modern fan culture, especially because of its mystery-driven story. This is one of the earliest cases of numerous viewers taking to the internet to discuss theories with fellow fans online, creating an online community that would later transfer to newer social media platforms.

Lost became a pop culture phenomenon due to the storylines that demanded people come back every week to find out what happens next, and how viewers engaged with the story. Even if Lost set up a lot of mysteries that were never completely resolved, creating a puzzle that was too complicated to have a satisfying solution, people clung to the promise of a final answer for years. While re-watching Lost, the focus should be on how viewers 15 to 20 years ago would have reacted to each cliffhanger.

Lost Where to Watch stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Lost is a mystery drama series created for TV that follows a group of survivors of a plane crash and tells its story between the past, present, and future via flashbacks. When Oceanic Airlines Flight 815 crashes and lands on a mysterious island in the pacific ocean, the castaways discover their new temporary home may have a mind of its own, as strange supernatural events keep them locked to the island. From an unknown black smoke creature to dangerous islanders, the passengers must work together to survive the island's seemingly deadly intentions. Cast Evangeline Lilly , Naveen Andrews , Henry Ian Cusick , Daniel Dae Kim , Harold Perrineau , Dominic Monaghan , Emilie de Ravin , Jorge Garcia , Josh Holloway , Michael Emerson , Terry O'Quinn , Matthew Fox , Ken Leung , Elizabeth Mitchell , Yunjin Kim Release Date September 22, 2004 Seasons 6 Expand

9 Stranger Things (2016-2025)

Stranger Things Gave Rise To The Age Of Streaming With An Intriguing If Weird Story

Stranger Things is one of the flagship shows of the streaming era, which spearheaded Netflix's original series department. While the streaming giant had produced other original series before, none had the widespread appeal of Stranger Things or garnered as many viewers. It also launched the careers of the young Stranger Things cast, who have since led some other Goonies-type adventures with a plucky band of young protagonists.

This constitutes one of the biggest cultural moments of the 21st century that no one could miss. Since the wild success of its early seasons, Stranger Things has dragged on for just a little too long. At any rate, the final season is coming soon and will hopefully be the epic finale the milestone series deserves before the debut of its spinoff. Additionally, the show has such a unique aesthetic that blends classic 80s pop culture with new horror concepts that it will be forever ingrained in people's minds.

8 Grey's Anatomy (2005-Present)

Grey's Anatomy Is A Genre-Defining Drama, Even Though Everyone Breaks Up Eventually

Grey's Anatomy transformed the landscape of soap opera-adjacent dramas and medical procedurals, with its couples quickly becoming some of the most talked-about fictional romances. The show's approach to romance can be disheartening, since almost every couple except for Meredith and Derek break up eventually, as the story needs more drama to keep going. The current seasons have their highlights but are nowhere near as iconic as the days of Meredith and Cristina's shenanigans and the interns gossiping about "Dr. McDreamy."

Meredith and her friends' casual attitude about relationships and passion for their careers is something everyone should see.

Still, it is worth it to watch Grey's Anatomy (or at least the first 10 seasons) for context concerning some of these relationships and the series' best recurring jokes. Meredith and her friends' casual attitude about relationships and passion for their careers is something everyone should see. Grey's Anatomy is a tear-jerking experience that reached the heights of its heyday for some very good reasons.

Grey's Anatomy Where to Watch stream

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A high-intensity medical drama which follows Meredith Grey and the team of doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial, who are faced with life-or-death decisions on a daily basis. They seek comfort from one another, and, at times, more than just friendship. Together they discover that neither medicine nor relationships can be defined in black and white. Cast Ellen Pompeo , Chandra Wilson , James Pickens Jr. , Justin Chambers , Kevin McKidd , Jesse Williams , camilla luddington , Patrick Dempsey , Sara Ramirez , Jessica Capshaw , Sandra Oh Release Date March 27, 2005 Seasons 19

7 SpongeBob SquarePants (1999-Present)

SpongeBob SquarePants' Mean Humor Is Still A Staple Of Many Childhoods

SpongeBob SquarePants recently celebrated its 25th anniversary at San Diego Comic-Con, with people as enthusiastic as ever to learn what the future holds for these iconic characters. Despite one of SpongeBob SquarePants' controversies being the debate over whether the show is suitable for children, many look back on the show fondly as something they watched growing up. Every episode starts with Painty the Pirate asking, "Are ya' ready, kids?" before launching into the theme song, implying something about the show's premise is appealing to children.

SpongeBob SquarePants’ biggest flaw is that the humor is often mean-spirited and violent, with some insults coming closer to reality than older, even more exaggerated cartoons. However, TV aficionados should watch a few episodes and decide for themselves which side of the debate they are on. It is such a staple that Phineas and Ferb once included a meta-joke about SpongeBob SquarePants being “ridiculous,” challenging the show as its biggest rival in the world of 21st-century cartoons.

SpongeBob SquarePants Where to Watch stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Spongebob Squarepants is an animated comedy created by Stephen Hillenburg and starring voices from Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke, and Rodger Bumpass. The series revolves around a sea sponge that goes on many misadventures with his friends Patrick, Squidward, and Sandy Cheeks in the lands of Bikini Bottom and the surrounding sea. Cast Tom Kenny , Bill Fagerbakke , Rodger Bumpass , Clancy Brown Carlos Alazraqui , Paul Tibbitt , Dee Bradley Baker , Jill Talley , Tim Conway , Sara Paxton , Mark Fite , Mary Jo Catlett , Tom Wilson , Sirena Irwin , Lori Alan , Ernest Borgnine , Mr. Lawrence , Carolyn Lawrence Release Date May 1, 1999 Seasons 14 Expand

6 Friends (1994-2004)

Despite Some Bad Jokes, People Still Laugh Out Loud At Friends

There are a lot of jokes that haven’t aged well in Friends, mainly concerning gender stereotypes and some of the characters’ perceived or real sexualities. Most fans of Friends are willing to accept this as a byproduct of the decades in which the show was made, which doesn’t completely negate the presumptions the show enforces. Newer sitcoms inspired by Friends hopefully do better in this regard. Additionally, some people may consider the Ross and Rachel storyline to not be the happy ending the characters needed.

On the other hand, pretty much all the characters in Friends can be referenced by their first names alone and people will know the context, illustrating its unwavering status in pop culture. Friends’ running gags are highly quotable, and its most iconic episodes are filled with hilarious and heartwarming moments. Friends’ strength is in the storylines that cemented the friend group sitcom, with a group of (sometimes) single professionals in their 20s and 30s supporting each other through everything.

Friends Where to Watch stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Friends is the popular sitcom created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, released back in 1994 and ran for ten seasons. The show follows a group of six twentysomethings through their lives in New York City and their time spent between their two apartments and their local coffee shop. The show features the group navigating tricky relationships with one another and comical misadventures. Cast Jennifer Aniston , Courteney Cox , Lisa Kudrow , Matt LeBlanc , Matthew Perry , David Schwimmer Release Date September 22, 1994 Seasons 10

Related 8 Controversial TV Show Couples That Almost Ruined Their Shows Sometimes, an unexpected TV relationship can be an exciting development. However, certain couples are so bad they almost ruin their shows.

5 Sex And The City (1998-2004)

Sex And The City Was Considered Empowering In Its Time But Less So Today

Sex and the City is an unofficial forerunner to Grey’s Anatomy in terms of its approach to its female characters and their love lives. Carrie Bradshaw became an icon for her showstopping fashion choices and her and her friends’ casual attitude about sex. However, fans choose to ignore things about Sex and the City that are less indicative of the show being a valuable milestone. The exhausting yet foundational romance between Carrie and Big can be critiqued for any number of reasons.

More importantly, Sex and the City’s main characters are selfish and materialistic, its inclusion of marginalized demographics is problematic, and there is a lot of slut-shaming even though the show is supposed to be about sex. The best way to watch Sex and the City, still one of the most iconic shows ever, is to focus on the times when the characters are independent and free-thinking women and to take the times they are not as lessons in harmful behavior.

Sex and the City Where to Watch stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Sex in the City follows Carrie Bradshaw, a New York writer who finds inspiration for her column from the genuine, emotional, and often humorous exploits of life in the city. Joined by best friends Miranda Hobbes, Charlotte York, and Samantha Jones, Sex and the City follows the ups and downs of the characters' romantic relationships, being single, sex, and friendship as 30-something women. Cast Kim Cattrall , Cynthia Nixon , Sarah Jessica Parker , Kristin Davis Release Date June 6, 1998 Seasons 6

4 Seinfeld (1989-1998)

Seinfeld's Finale Ruins The Comedy Viewers Had Come To Love

Seinfeld demonstrates some of the typical problems of this era of TV: a cast lacking in diversity, outdated jokes, and mean humor. Seinfeld set the stage for Friends with another New York-based friend group, speaking casually about sex and doing their best with their careers. The mean-spirited humor of Seinfeld is less of a glaring issue because that is the whole point: the characters can go around doing whatever they want without consequences.

This is why Seinfeld’s controversial finale disrupts the reality the show had created when the main characters all end up in jail. If people watch Seinfeld up until the finale and stop before then, it might be a stronger story that adheres to its implicit world-building rules. In any case, Seinfeld showcases some great comedy icons who defined the sitcom genre while (and after) they were on this show.

Seinfeld Where to Watch stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Seinfeld stars Jerry Seinfeld as a stand-up comedian whose life in New York City is made even more chaotic by his quirky group of friends who join him in wrestling with life's most perplexing yet often trivial questions. Often described as "a show about nothing," Seinfeld mines the humor in life's mundane situations like waiting in line, searching for a lost item, or the trials and tribulations of dating. Co-starring is Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Jerry's ex-girlfriend and current platonic pal, Elaine Benes; Jason Alexander as George Costanza, Jerry's neurotic hard-luck best friend; and Michael Richards as Jerry's eccentric neighbor, Kramer. Cast Jerry Seinfeld , Julia Louis-Dreyfus , Jason Alexander , Michael Richards Release Date July 5, 1989 Seasons 9

3 Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

Buffy Takes On All Kinds Of Monsters Despite Ending Up In Some Bad Relationships

Buffy the Vampire Slayer and many of Joss Whedon’s most iconic projects were scrutinized following the major controversy surrounding the director. The show broke ground in positive ways, despite its flaws. Buffy is a headstrong female lead who was intentionally written to challenge the trope of a blond who gets killed in horror movies. The show also includes what was then unheard-of LGBTQ+ representation with Willow and Tara’s relationship.

Featuring one of the most influential heroines who laid the groundwork for later female characters, Buffy the Vampire Slayer at its best is a great show.

Harsh realities about Buffy the Vampire Slayer include some less-friendly character dynamics. The biggest criticism of the show in retrospect is its romanticization of Buffy and Spike’s abusive relationship. When Buffy is on her own, she and the Scooby Gang are unstoppable. Featuring one of the most influential heroines who laid the groundwork for later female characters, Buffy the Vampire Slayer at its best is a great show.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer Where to Watch stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a supernatural comedy-drama series released in 1997. The show follows the exploits of Buffy, a woman born into a line of "Slayers" destined to do battle with vampires, demons, and monsters. Aided by her close group of friends and a Watcher who helps her hone her craft, the crew solves mysteries and battles the forces of evil to protect their town - and the world. Cast Sarah Michelle Gellar , Nicholas Brendon , Alyson Hannigan , Charisma Carpenter , Dan Rubin , David Boreanaz , Seth Green , James Marsters Release Date March 10, 1997 Seasons 7

2 The Simpsons (1989-Present)

The Simpsons Alternates Between Clever & Tasteless Comedy

The Simpsons is renowned as one of the longest-running TV shows ever which set the bar for referential humor and satire. Its influence is seen in everything from Phineas and Ferb to the MCU in terms of pop culture references being used for clever humor. However, it is clear that there are a few or many times when The Simpsons took things too far. Episodes of The Simpsons banned in various countries demonstrate a lot of insensitive and sometimes offensive satire and jokes.

With so much content and an episodic format, it is easy to sample The Simpsons by watching a random episode — most people probably have come across the show at least once this way. The Simpsons features a lot of intelligent comedy that made the show a success. However, some episodes are hard to redeem, and other problematic elements remain within the rest of the show.

The Simpsons Where to Watch stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US The Simpsons is a long-running animated TV series created by Matt Groening that satirically follows a working-class family in the misfit city of Springfield. Homer, a bit of a schmoe who works at a nuclear power plant, is the provider for his family, while his wife, Marge, tries to keep sanity and reason in the house to the best of her ability. Bart is a born troublemaker, and Lisa is his super-intelligent sister who finds herself surrounded by people who can't understand her. Finally, Maggie is the mysterious baby who acts as a deus ex machina when the series calls for it. The show puts the family in several wild situations while constantly tackling socio-political and pop-culture topics set within their world, providing an often sharp critique of the subjects covered in each episode. This series first premiered in 1989 and has been a staple of Fox's programming schedule ever since. Cast Tress MacNeille , Julie Kavner , Harry Shearer , Pamela Hayden , Nancy Cartwright , Hank Azaria , Dan Castellaneta , Yeardley Smith Release Date December 17, 1989 Seasons 35

Related 8 Great Animated TV Shows Everyone Forgot About There are so many forgotten, incredible animated shows out there for old viewers to rediscover and new audiences to uncover for the first time.

1 Game Of Thrones (2011-2019)

Games Of Thrones' Controversial Finale Is Only One Season In Its Game-Changing 10-Year Run

Few things had the same impact as Game of Thrones, a staple of the golden age of TV which had everyone in the world enthralled for nearly a decade. It is almost single-handedly responsible for the proliferation of epic fantasy TV shows and played a huge role in the briefer trend of shows where “anyone could die.” For nearly ten years, Game of Thrones deserved its fame, faithfully adapting George R. R. Martin’s saga of political machinations, campaigns supported by dragons, and the looming threat of death itself.

House of the Dragon illustrates that the source material running out was a major reason that Game of Thrones fell apart. However, no matter what one thinks about the contested final season of Game of Thrones, the rest of it is well worth it for the story and the cultural moment it represents. Few TV shows are completely flawless, and properties like Game of Thrones are still interesting because of how they changed storytelling.