Hidden Gems or Terrible TV? How Some Popular Shows Maintain Popularity Despite Criticism
It is a common phenomenon in the television landscape that some of the most popular and culturally relevant shows are also considered poor quality or problematic by many viewers. Despite these widely acknowledged shortcomings, these shows continue to attract strong viewership and influence public opinion and entertainment culture.
Popular TV Shows Considered Poor Quality
One such example is The Big Bang Theory. This long-running sitcom has been criticized for its reliance on offensive stereotypes and caricatures of nerdy and socially awkward characters. Many viewers feel that the humor is overly simplistic and fails to meaningfully explore the complex themes it purportedly delves into. Nevertheless, the show continues to maintain a significant following, demonstrating the enduring power of its brand and the loyalty of its dedicated fanbase.
Another example is The Walking Dead. Initially, the show was praised for its gritty take on the zombie apocalypse genre. However, recent seasons have been widely criticized for repetitive plotlines, underdeveloped characters, and a lack of narrative direction. Despite these shortcomings, the show remains one of the most-watched on television, indicating that the brand recognition and established fans continue to draw in new viewers.
The reality TV series Keeping Up with the Kardashians is another example of a popular show that has faced significant criticism. Many viewers find the show vapid and materialistic, and argue that it contributes to harmful celebrity culture. Despite these criticisms, it continues to be one of E!'s highest-rated programs, suggesting that the Kardashian-Jenner brand has immense appeal to audiences who are interested in celebrity lifestyles and gossip.
Two and a Half Men is yet another case in point. The show, particularly in its later seasons, was widely panned for its reliance on crude humor and sexist portrayals of women. However, it retained a sizable audience throughout its 12-year run, highlighting the enduring power of established media franchises and the loyalty of long-time fans.
Guilty Pleasures vs. Restraint in Admitting Terribleness
Interestingly, nowadays, many people are happy to admit that their favorite shows are "guilty pleasures" that they know are terrible but still love. While some viewers may attempt to justify shows like The Great British Baking Show (Bakeoff) or American Idol, a larger number of people feel that these shows are even more objectively terrible but still enjoy them. Take American Idol as an example: the show has been criticized for producing formulaic and forgettable pop stars, favoring marketability over true artistic merit. Yet, it still has a dedicated following.
Similarly, The Flash is a show that, while not at the peak of TV programming, still resonated with a wide audience. The show's intentional embrace of retro-styled humor and the introduction of strange character angles (like Iris introducing 'Wally West' as her cousin in a nonchalant manner) made for entertaining viewing but not high art. Despite this, many viewers were happy to engage with the show's simpler form of entertainment.
This phenomenon is not unique to The Flash. Many pop culture phenomena exist in a gray area where they are objectively poor quality but still immensely popular. The continued popularity of these shows, despite widespread critical panning, speaks to the power of brand recognition, viewer nostalgia, and the ability of media companies to shape and influence public taste.
Conclusion
While some popular TV shows may be criticized for their flaws, their enduring popularity demonstrates the complex relationship between quality, brand recognition, and fan loyalty. Whether it's The Big Bang Theory, The Walking Dead, or Keeping Up with the Kardashians, these shows have found a unique place in the hearts of many viewers, who may admit their terribleness but still enjoy them.