13 Things You Could Say on TV Back Then But Not Now
Television has always reflected the culture and values of its time, which means certain phrases and jokes once seen as normal are now considered outdated or even offensive. What aired in past decades was often unchecked by today’s standards of inclusivity, sensitivity, and awareness.
- Tricia Quitales
- 5 min read
Looking back at older TV shows reveals a lot about how public attitudes have shifted. Lines that once earned laughs or went unquestioned are now viewed as tone-deaf or inappropriate. The rise of social media, advocacy, and diversity in media has raised the bar for what is acceptable. As a result, many expressions and jokes from earlier decades are no longer aired without edits or warnings. Understanding these changes helps us see how progress is made in language, respect, and representation.
1. Casual Use of Racial Slurs
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Older TV shows sometimes included racial slurs, often without context or apology. These were used in attempts at realism or, at times, shock value. Today, such language is completely unacceptable on mainstream television. Networks now include disclaimers or remove scenes altogether when these words appear. Social standards have evolved to recognize the harm in normalizing racial insults.
2. Jokes About Domestic Violence
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In older sitcoms, physical violence in relationships was sometimes played for laughs. Characters would hit each other or threaten to, often in a comedic tone. These jokes were normalized and rarely questioned by audiences. Today, domestic violence is treated as a serious issue, not a punchline. Using it for humor would now be met with immediate backlash.
3. Mocking LGBTQ+ Identities
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Many shows from the ’70s to the early 2000s included jokes that ridiculed gay, lesbian, or transgender characters. These were framed as comedic or “edgy,” often reinforcing harmful stereotypes. Today, this kind of humor is widely condemned for being discriminatory. Television has made strides in better representing LGBTQ+ individuals with respect and nuance. What was once a common gag is now seen as damaging and offensive.
4. Body Shaming for Laughs
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Characters were frequently mocked for their weight or appearance in earlier television. Fat jokes were especially common and often centered on humiliation. At the time, this was framed as harmless humor, but it contributed to body image stigma. Today’s programming is more sensitive to body diversity and self-esteem. Such jokes would now likely be called out for promoting harmful messages.
5. Jokes About Sexual Harassment
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What is now recognized as harassment was once used as comedic material. Characters in workplace settings might grope, catcall, or make inappropriate comments with zero consequences. These moments were often portrayed as flirtation or office hijinks. Today, such actions are viewed through a legal and ethical lens. Audiences and networks demand respectful treatment of workplace boundaries.
6. Gender Stereotyping as Humor
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Old sitcoms thrived on rigid gender roles, often making jokes at the expense of women or men who didn’t conform. Women were portrayed as nagging wives or ditzy blondes, and men as clueless or hyper-masculine. These stereotypes were repeated for laughs across decades. While some still exist, they are now frequently criticized or subverted. Audiences now prefer more realistic and respectful portrayals.
7. Ethnic and Cultural Caricatures
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Characters with exaggerated accents, costumes, or behaviors based on their ethnicity were once standard on TV. These portrayals were often done by non-representative actors and played for laughs. Today, this type of performance is labeled as cultural appropriation or racial mockery. Casting has become more intentional, and such depictions are no longer tolerated. These outdated portrayals are now recognized as offensive and reductionist.
8. Slut-Shaming Female Characters
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Women who dated more than one man or embraced their sexuality were often insulted or ridiculed. These characters were labeled with derogatory terms and treated as cautionary tales. Slut-shaming was used to reinforce double standards between men and women. Today, most shows aim for sex-positive and nonjudgmental portrayals of adult relationships. Viewers now expect more fairness in how characters are treated based on their choices.
9. Insensitive Mental Health Jokes
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Mental illness was once a punchline in many sitcoms and sketch shows. Characters were called “crazy” or “psycho” without any understanding of mental health conditions. This minimized the reality of mental health struggles and encouraged stigma. Today, shows are more likely to address mental health with compassion and accuracy. Such casual references would now spark controversy or public apologies.
10. Playing Disability for Laughs
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Physical and intellectual disabilities were often used as comedic tropes or costume choices. Characters would mimic disabilities or exaggerate traits for humor. This created harmful stereotypes and marginalized people living with real conditions. Modern TV strives to feature disabled characters with dignity and accurate representation. What was once considered harmless is now seen as exclusionary and offensive.
11. Jokes About Poverty and Homelessness
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Earlier shows sometimes used poor characters or homelessness as comic relief. These depictions rarely explored the deeper causes of poverty or showed empathy. Today’s audiences are more aware of the realities of inequality. Using poverty as a joke would be seen as lacking sensitivity and social awareness. Writers now approach such issues with more care or avoid them as punchlines.
12. Sexualizing Teen Characters
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Teenage characters, sometimes played by adult actors, were often portrayed in highly sexualized scenarios. These storylines blurred boundaries and sent problematic messages. Viewers at the time may not have questioned it, but hindsight has made the issue clear. Modern shows face tighter scrutiny and stricter standards when depicting minors. Today, such portrayals are often labeled as exploitative or inappropriate.
13. Casual Use of Homophobic Language
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Phrases like “that’s so gay” or other derogatory comments were once common on television. They were often used without consequence or critique. These expressions contributed to everyday discrimination and reinforced harmful language. Today, such language is largely censored or removed from reruns. The media is now held to a higher standard for inclusion and respect.