The Five Most Controversial TV Series

Certain TV shows have always pushed the boundaries and caused debate. Here are the five most controversial in recent times:

5. The Simpsons

The arrival of shows like South Park and Family Guy have made The Simpsons look rather tame. However, it was divisive in its time.

Conservative organisations in America saw Bart as a bad role model and were unhappy with the portrayal of a dysfunctional family. 

There were also criticisms about stereotyping. In particular, the Apu character caused some offence.

4. Family Guy

Often compared to The Simpsons, Family Guy goes much further in terms of risqué topics. Seth MacFarlane has never shied away from controversy, and the show has poked fun at race, religion, celebrities, topical events and disability.

The episode ‘"Partial Terms of Endearment” caused a particular storm. Centring on Lois having an abortion, it hit a sensitive nerve in America. 

3. Skins (UK)

The Channel 4 series was aimed at teens. This partly explains why it inspired panic amongst some. With frequent depictions of underage drinking, sex and drug use, some accused it of glamorising destructive behaviour.

The show even lent its name to a trend. A ‘skins party’ was used to describe a house party which ballooned out of control, leading to massive damage.

2.  Game of Thrones

The fantasy show has become a worldwidehit, with millions of dedicated fans. At the same time, though, it has also generated an awful lot of controversy.

Nudity is commonplace in the show, especially female nudity. This has led to accusations of exploitation from both conservatives and women’s rights groups.

The show also has torture and gore in spades. Some felt that the storyline of Theon’s capture at the hands of Ramsey Bolton took this too far. Over the course of an entire season, Theon was repeatedly beaten, tortured, humiliated and then castrated.

Further complaints were made about season 5 episode 6, where Sansa Stark was raped by Ramsay Bolton.

1.       South Park

Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s cartoon series has consistently lampooned some of the most sensitive topics. The show attacks beliefs from all political backgrounds, as well as religion, celebrities and popular culture. The use of toilet humour has also led to some parents’ groups calling for it to be banned.

One episode above all has caused controversy, though. A season 14 episode depicted the Prophet Mohammed, as well as a range of religious figures. This led to death threats against the creators.

Parker and Stone remained unapologetic. Comedy Central did broadcast the episode, albeit censoring some of the most controversial content.