Even as the landscape of television continues to rapidly change, the clash between critics and audiences never seems to go away. Critical dissonance is a phenomenon that exists within every art form, with a lot of work creating a polar opposition of public to critical opinion. There are plenty of television shows that have resulted in this, sparking heated debates that never really seem to go away.
It doesn’t matter whether the show is a groundbreaking drama or a quirky comedy, any television show is capable of igniting discord. But the shows on this list in particular showcase the true complexity of the relationship between creators, critics, and viewers, highlighting that there is never truly such a thing as a correct opinion.
20Battlestar Galactica
Battlestar Galactica
Interestingly, the 1970s sci-fi showBattlestar Galacticawas never as widely acclaimed as its 2004 reimagining. The series follows a group of humans aboard Battlestar Galactica, who are fleeing the destruction of their homes. As they search for a new world to call home, they are pursued by robot Cylons, who were created by a reptilian species of the same name. At the time, the show had a devoted fan base, with many people still regarding it as one of the greatest sci-fi shows of all time.
However, the show received a lot of negative feedback from critics at the time. The show also faced a bunch of controversies. Most notably, 20th Century Fox sued Universal Studios, claiming thatBattlestar Galacticahad stolen various concepts fromStar Wars. As a result, many critics, even those working today, find the resemblance to be too much to enjoy the show. Especially when its visual effects are dire in comparison toStar Wars.
Buy on Apple TV
19Family Guy
Family Guy
Since its debut in 1999, the animated seriesFamily Guyhas faced both adoration and harsh criticism. The show was created by Seth MacFarlane, and follows a family called the Griffins, who are a dysfunctional family with an anthropomorphic pet dog.Family Guyis full to the brimwith irreverent humor, pop culture references, and cutaway gags. Because of this, many fans have loved the way that it has pushed the boundaries of comedy. However, many critics have argued that the show relies too much on shock value, with much of its humor, especially in recent years, lacking depth.
Additionally,Family Guyhas also faced backlash for its handling of various controversial issues. The show largely gets away with this, due to the fact that it’s a satire of everything, not just selective of certain groups or issues. But despite this, the show has still encountered a handful of cancellation threats throughout its run due to its controversies, continuously having to switch up its formula in order to remain on television. Regardless, there’s no denying this cartoon isn’t one of the most provocative shows ever made, even if you hate it.
Stream on Hulu
18The Witcher
The Witcher
Based on the book series of the same nameby Andrzej Sapkowski, Netflix’s adaptation ofThe Witcherhas garnered mixed feedback from critics and audiences. The show follows the adventures of monster hunter Geralt of Rivia, with the first season weaving together three separate storylines in order to form a complete narrative. However, because of how loved the series is by fans, the adaptation didn’t do well enough to gain their respect. Since its release, fans have argued that Netflix has ruined the story, deriving too much from the books and making characters, such as Yennefer, act in ways that they shouldn’t.
On the flip side, critics have widely praisedThe Witcher, not really taking into account its inaccuracies. The show is certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes at an 80% rating, with many focusing on how enjoyable the show is instead. Additionally, there has also been widespread acclaim for Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Geralt, despite the fact that he has departed the show due to creative differences. Both viewpoints are valid, and perhapsThe Witcherwould have benefited more had it made it clear that it wasn’t staying loyal to the books.
Stream on Netflix
Related:Netflix’s The Witcher: Questions That Need to Be Answered in Season 4
17Mrs. Brown’s Boys
Mrs. Brown’s Boysis a British-Irish sitcom created by Brendan O’Carroll, who stars as Agnes Brown, an indiscreet matriarch who loves interfering in the lives of those she loves most. The show features some unapologetic slapstick humor, often breaking the fourth wall by having various characters interact with the audience. Critics have heavily hated the show since it was first released, disapproving of its similarities toFather Tedwhile also finding its humor too predictable and crude. In more recent years, it has come under fire for its reliance on stereotypes, also.
This hasn’t stopped the show from building a truly dedicated fan base, however.Mrs. Brown’s Boysis still beloved by many people all over the UK, with many people offering it praise for its simple, old-fashioned humor. O’Carroll’s energetic portrayal of Agnes Brown has gone on to become an iconic part of British culture, with the series being regularly quoted and referenced. It might not be something that would ever be released today, but that doesn’t stop viewers from loving its light-hearted and quick-witted banter.
Stream on Prime Video
1613 Reasons Why
13 Reasons Why
Netflix’s13 Reasons Why, which is based on the novel of the same name by Jay Asher, has been a magnet for controversy since its release in 2017. Throughout its run, the show delved into multiple sensitive topics, such as suicide, self-harm, and sexual assault. Because of this, there have been heated discussions among both critics and audiences about whether this content is suitable for its target audience. Film and TV critics as well as mental health professionals have openly been against the shows' depictions, worrying about the impact that it might have on vulnerable viewers. As a result, certain distressing scenes have since been cut from the show.
While there have been audiences who have also criticized the show, the fan base still remained large, resulting in the show going on for four seasons. This is because many viewers felt that the show should be praised for its raw insight into mental health and trauma, bringing attention to issues that teenagers face. While it definitely isn’t afraid to shed light on incredibly dark topics, it is still a show that people should go into with caution due to the fact that even scenes that are altered are still heavy-hitting.
Ryan Murphy’s musical dramaGleedominated screens from 2009 to 2015, building up an incredibly intense fan base despite the fact that many critics hated it. The show focused on the lives of teenagers who were members of their school’s glee club. Compared to other high school shows of the time,Gleecelebrated diversity and also tackled various social issues, using music as a form of escapism. Many fansfell in love with the catchy performances, as well as its emphasis on the importance of self-expression. It is also one of the rare shows that treats its LGBTQ+ characters with respect, showing audiences that gay people can have happy endings, contrary to what other popular media would try to have you believe.
Despite its fan base, critics have argued thatGleerelied far too much on melodrama. Additionally, some have stated that the show would have inconsistent plot lines, as well as some criticism about how it would handle certain storylines. For example, there is one episode where a character brings a gun into school, and the topic is handled rather insensitively. Critics have also struggled to resonate with the show due to unlikable main characters, such as Rachel Berry.
Stream on Disney+
Related:Glee: The 10 Greatest Characters, Ranked
14The Handmaid’s Tale
The Handmaid’s Tale
The Handmaid’s Tale is a dystopian television series based on the 1985 novel by author Margaret Atwood. The series was created by Bruce Miller and stars Elisabeth Moss, Joseph Fiennes, and Yvonne Strahovski. The show follows the story of a young handmaid as she is forced to deal with a new totalitarian government that subjugates women in this dark societal twist.
The Handmaid’s Taleis one of the biggest critical successes in recent years, though it hasn’t been without its controversies. The series is based on Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel of the same name, and presents a harrowing totalitarian society called Gilead. The subject is incredibly sensitive, with women being subjugated and fertile women being forced into sexual servitude. Critics and audiences have both praised the powerful performances within the show, and its relevance to contemporary issues.
However, a lot of audiences have been put off the show due to its intense and distressing content. There have been arguments that the bleakness of the narrative makes it emotionally overwhelming, pushing viewers away from the show. Additionally, some viewers have debated the show’s depiction of trauma and violence, with some raising concerns about whether it unnecessarily amplifies a lot of these scenes for shock value. But the show is still incredibly important and relevant, with its thought-provoking exploration of power, control, and resilience.
13Making a Murderer
Making a Murderer
The Netflix documentary seriesMaking a Murderertook the world by storm upon its release in 2015. It delves into the case of Steven Avery, a Wisconsin man, who, after serving 18 years for a wrongful conviction, finds himself at the center of another murder trial. The series was a major hit with audiences, who appreciated its examination of America’s criminal justice system. It was praised for highlighting issues such as police misconduct, coerced confessions, and other flaws during the legal process. It came at a time when major social movements started gaining traction, such as Black Lives Matter, so a lot of audiences were already gaining consciousness of America’s corrupt justice system.
Critics had a very different view ofMaking a Murderer, however. Many have argued that the documentary is biased, selectively presenting evidence to make a case for Avery’s innocence. In turn, a lot of important details were left out, meaning that the series doesn’t provide a fully objective view of the legal proceedings. This then led audiences to start doing their own research into the case, allowing them to determine their own stance on the issue. Regardless, critics have praised how well the show was made, and it has left a huge mark on the true-crime community.
12Two and a Half Men
Two and a Half Men
Two and a Half Menis one of the most popular sitcoms of all time, outliving a lot of others that came out at the same time. It follows a man called Charlie Harper, who has no choice but to let his brother, Alan, and nephew, Jake, move in with him after Alan gets divorced. The show is a hilarious look at the difference in personalities between the brothers, and how it affects their relationship. While it hasn’t been heavily praised by viewers, a lot of people have approved of its comedic timing and chemistry between the leading characters, which ultimately got affected when Charlie Sheen left the show.
However, critics have never been fond ofTwo and a Half Men. The show was quite tainted already due to controversies surrounding Charlie Sheen, though this didn’t seem to impact viewership at all. Additionally, like most shows on this list, critics have stated that it’s hard to like largely unsympathetic characters, affecting a lot of the humor in the show. It has also been criticized for how it handles its female characters, with a lot of them being objectified by the men in the show and never feeling as fleshed out as they should be.
Stream on Peacock
11The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
The Rings of Power
This epic drama is set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and takes viewers back to an era in which great powers were forged, kingdoms rose to glory and fell to ruin, unlikely heroes were tested, hope hung by the finest of threads, and the greatest villain that ever flowed from Tolkien’s pen threatened to cover all the world in darkness. Beginning in a time of relative peace, the series follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth. From the darkest depths of the Misty Mountains, to the majestic forests of the elf-capital of Lindon, to the breathtaking island kingdom of Númenor, to the furthest reaches of the map, these kingdoms and characters will carve out legacies that live on long after they are gone.
Prime Video’sThe Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Powerisset thousands of years beforeThe Hobbitand theLord of the Ringstrilogy. It is largely based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s work and appendices, though it takes a lot of creative liberties with this. As a result, a lot of fans felt as though they didn’t take the writers' work seriously. Because of this, the series debuted with an audience score of 37% on Rotten Tomatoes, though as it progressed, a lot more viewers started to accept it for what it was. It doesn’t help that the show was airing at the same time as HBO’sHouse of the Dragon, which demonstrated how to respectfully adapt fantasy novels for the screen.
Compared to the audience, critics gaveThe Rings of Powera whopping 83% on Rotten Tomatoes. Many praised the performances of the leading cast, as well as how visually stunning and detailed its depiction of Middle Earth is. There is an incredibly large emphasis on the characters of the story, and it’s clear to see how the unfolding events are having an effect on them. Regardless of its creative departures in various points, it still manages to remain faithful to the overall tone of Tolkien’s work.
Related:Rings of Power: Why the Emmys Snubbed the Controversial Fantasy Series
