Unlike in cinema, where classic movies are deemed better than modern movies, the same isn’t always said of television. Things have evolved for the better since shows likeThe SopranosandMad Mencame along. However, classics still trigger plenty of special memories for television viewers. They are not only great reminders of how different the world was back then, but they also hold a special place in our hearts because they required a significant investment, as viewers had to wait for specific days and times to watch them.
Classic shows were great for family viewing, and many viewers can remember being chased away from the room for small-screen gems that were meant for mature eyes only. Unfortunately, some old shows haven’t aged well. Many were problematic in tone, making them unwatchable in a modern age where sensitivity standards have greatly improved. Today, casual racism and sexism draw outrage, so showrunners always tread carefully. Many older shows also have a few visual and storytelling flaws, while others have been plagued by behind-the-scenes demons.
Here are 10 old hit shows that don’t make any sense today.
10’The Honeymooners' (1955 – 1956)
The Honeymoonersis aboutNew York City bus driver Ralph Kramden (Jackie Gleason), who often engages in get-rich-quick schemesto turn his big dreams into a reality with little luck. His wisecracking wife Alice (Audrey Meadows) enjoys putting him in his place, while the upstairs neighbor, Ed (Art Carney), a dedicated sewer worker, is always happy to go along with Ralph’s misguided plans.
Troubling Jokes About Violence
Wonderful acting is the highlight ofThe Honeymooners. Gleason and Meadows display subtle differences in tone and delivery without altering their essence. In the process, they convey a bittersweet, sometimes comic look at marital dynamics. However,the sitcom’s dialogue is problematic. For example, whenever Alice annoys Ralph, he always threatens her with: “One of these days … Pow! right in the kisser!" And in most cases, she simply responds with “Ahhh, shaddap!” If aired today, thecritically acclaimed ‘50s sitcomwould be called out for condoning domestic violence.
9’The Cosby Show' (1984 – 1992)
The Cosby Showfocuses onthe Huxtables, an upper-middle-class black family living in Brooklyn Heights. Patriarch Cliff Huxtable (Bill Cosby) is a funny obstetrician, while his wife, Clair (Phylicia Rashad), is a successful lawyer. The couple has five children, and together, they navigate various life issues.
Relevant themes, wonderful performances, and numerous heartwarming moments makeThe Cosby Showone of the best projects ever green-lit for television. It spent five consecutive seasons as America’s number-one-rated show on television and, together withAll in the Family, is the only sitcom to be the number-one show in Nielsen’s ratings for five seasons. But Cosby is in almost every frame, andgiven the weight of his sexual assault scandal, it’s hard to watch without feeling bothered.
8’Gilligan’s Island' (1964 - 1967)
InGilligan’s Island, thecrew and passengers of the SS Minnow charter boat get shipwrecked on an uncharted Pacific Islandduring a tour from Honolulu. Throughout the series, theymake several attempts to leave or be rescued, only for their efforts to be thwartedby negligent conduct and unforeseen circumstances.
Happy in Misery?
Gilligan’s Islandis so highly revered that evenJames Gunn considered remaking it. The Robinson Crusoe template is used to hilarious effect with the first officer, Gilligan (Bob Denver), always standing out as the most annoying and idiotic of the castaways. Unfortunately,the show is annoyingly illogical, and most modern viewers would switch the TV off within minutes. Several visitors arrive on the island, but none ever takes them back to civilization. Besides that, The Professor (Russell Johnson) and the castaways come up with numerous inventions, including irrigation systems and washing machines, but never fix the radio to call for help. They never considered building a boat either.
7’MacGyver' (1985 – 1992)
MacGyver’s Angus MacGyver (Richard Dean Anderson) has trauma stemming from a shooting incident when he was 12, but this hardly prevents him from being in the thick of the action. Thanks to his background as a scientist, the Department of External Services (DXS) agentcan eliminate threats by making tools out of ordinary objects. He is therefore always able to come up with non-violent resolutions.
None of the Tech Works Now
The show was highly praised for incorporating science and ingenuity into an action-adventure setting. Consequently, it spawned toys, games, and comics. Still, theheavy use of outdated technologyinMacGyvermakes the titular character’s inventions look unimpressive today. There are floppy disk-based hacks, and the use of Cold War spy gear, VHS tapes, and landline phones for surveillance. There is also an overreliance on CRT monitors and analog cameras, among other things.
6’Batman' (1966 – 1968)
Batmanstars Adam West as Bruce Wayne, aka Batman, and Burt Ward as Dick Grayson/Robin —two superheroes who defend the fictional Gotham Cityfrom severalmembers of the Rogue’s Gallery. Unlike future Batman productions, the ABC show is known for a camp style and simplistic plots.
The critically acclaimed series is funny. You can’t conceive of anyone West and Ward pulling off the goofy characterizations. However, except for early comics, Batman has always been depicted as a no-nonsense crime fighter, sowatching the character clowning around in the ‘60s hit show feels weird. The superhero’sunserious nature is even more alarming when compared to modern versionsportrayed by Michael Keaton, Christian Bale, and Robert Patterson. #NotMyBatman
5’MAS*H' (1972 - 1983)
Adapted from the 1970 film of the same name, which, in turn, was inspired by Richard Hooker’s 1968 novelMASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors.MAS*Hcenters on a team ofdoctors stationed at the “4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital” in South Korea, during the Korean War. Despite the harrowing nature of their work, the characters often find themselves in various amusing situations.
Hard to Relate to in the 2020s
MAS*Hwas a major hit throughout the ‘70s and early ‘80s and had the most-watched finale of all time. All the key cast members play their parts to perfection: irresistibly comical in some instances, intensely moving in others. However, theuse of a laugh track for a comedy drama feels odd. Worse still, there is adizzying tonal whiplash. One moment, everyone is laughing their hearts out; the next moment, a soldier is bleeding out on the operating table. Additionally,most of the romance gags border on the predatory/sexist kind, whileKoreans are addressed stereotypically. Most importantly,the show’s political context now feels dated.
4’The Twilight Zone' (1959 – 1964)
Created by Rod Serling (who also serves as the host),The Twilight Zonefeatures standalone episodes revolving around totally self-unaware characters whose ambitions tend to be disproportionate to their abilities. These individuals oftenfind themselves dealing with often bizzare events, an experience described as entering “the Twilight Zone”, with events often ending in a twist and a moral.
Great Stories, Terrible Visuals
The Twilight Zoneis a near-flawless example ofanthology storytelling, with its profoundly stylized, futuristic production designs, unique camera angles, and dreary, shadowy evocation of the not-so-harmonious scenarios that the characters find themselves in. Regrettably, while the plots remain unmatched, the show hasdated effects that all look like cardboard, paint, and tin foil.Additionally,the episodes are preachy, especially in the closing minutes of the episode when Serling tries to explain the moral lesson. It all feels classroom-like, and modern viewers are likely to find it all absurd.
3’All in the Family' (1971 – 1979)
All in the Familyplaces us in the living room ofthe Bunker household in Queens, New York, led by the blunt and conservative Archie Bunker (Carroll O’Connor). The patriarch often clashes with his liberal daughter Gloria (Sally Struthers) and her husband Mike “Meathead” Stivic (Rob Reiner). Thankfully, his understanding wife Edith (Jean Stapleton) is ever willing to mediate tensions.
Arrogance and Prejudice
Stapleton’s star-making role won her several Emmys and superstardom; her gawky nature and cordial style tickling sensitive spots in critics and audiences alike. The stunning and detailed examination of heavy themes also contributed much to the show’s raw lyricism, making it a celebration of society as much as anything else. But there is as much mud as there is gold here.Archie frequently uses derogatory remarks, and his malapropisms are even harder to bear.All in the Familyalso hada tendency to address trending ‘70s topicslike the Women’s Liberation Movement (WLM) and the Vietnam War; somodern viewers won’t feel as impacted by the messageas those who watched the episodes when they first aired.
2’Star Trek: The Original Series' (1966 – 1969)
Star Trek: The Original Seriesfollows the crew members of the starship USS Enterprise during their voyages in the 23rd century. Led by Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner), they explore new worlds, and encounter strange civilizations in the Milky Way while facing different kinds of challenges.
Space Doesn’t Look Like That
Cool characters and cool gadgetry have preservedStar Trek’s cut status. Thanks to it, we now have one of the biggest franchises on television and the big screen. The show’s quality might be undermined by the superficial scripts, which lean far too heavily on implausible plot contrivance, but that’s not the biggest problem.The production values are extremely campy. From painted backdrops to strange alien costumes, everything comes off as visually unpleasant. The more recent shows are ideal for a better viewing experience.
1’Hogan’s Heroes' (1965 – 1971)
InHogan’s Heroes,U.S. Army Colonel Robert Hogan (Bob Crane) and his team of Allied prisoners do their best to survive at the Nazi POW camp Stalag 13. Unknown to camp commandant Colonel Klink (Werner Klemperer), the prisoners secretly run espionage missions.
At a time when military-themed movies and shows were full of melancholy,Hogan’s Heroesstood out by poking fun at unfortunate wartime experiences. Great acting and fluid plots resulted in Emmy nominations every year. But, like Cosby,Bob Crane’s controversial personal life ruined everything. The actor was accused of videotaping many of his sexual partners without their consent. He was later found bludgeoned to death.
