15 TV Show Plots That Aged Horribly
Some TV show storylines that once seemed funny or clever now feel uncomfortable or out of place. Changes in culture and awareness have made it easier to spot the problems in old scripts. What was once praised is now viewed through a very different lens.
- Tricia Quitales
- 4 min read
Television has always reflected the times, and as society changes, so do our views on old storylines. Many plots that once entertained millions now feel awkward or even offensive. Looking back helps us see how far we’ve come in terms of sensitivity and storytelling. These outdated plots offer a reminder that entertainment should grow with its audience.
1. Ross Dating His Student – Friends
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Ross, a college professor, starts dating one of his students, and it’s played off as charming. Today, this type of relationship feels like a clear misuse of power. What once got laughs now raises red flags about consent and professionalism.
2. Entire “Fat Monica” Gag – Friends
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The show used Monica’s past weight as a punchline in many flashbacks. Her character’s size was treated like a costume and a joke rather than a part of a real person’s life. That kind of humor now feels mean-spirited and dated.
3. Ted’s Obsession – How I Met Your Mother
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Ted was painted as a hopeless romantic, but many of his actions toward women were invasive. He often ignored boundaries and crossed lines, believing that persistence was a sign of love. Today, much of it comes off more creepy than cute.
4. Transphobic Jokes – The Office
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Some episodes include jokes about gender identity that were meant to shock or amuse. Back then, they slipped by unnoticed, but now, they feel harmful and insensitive. What used to be funny now feels like punching down.
5. Fez’s Behavior – That ’70s Show
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Fez was often portrayed as the “funny foreigner” who made inappropriate comments toward girls. His behavior was brushed off as quirky, but it would now be considered harassment. Audiences today expect more respectful characters.
6. Will’s Stereotypes – Will & Grace
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While the show helped bring LGBTQ characters into the spotlight, some storylines leaned into clichés. Will’s character was sometimes written as a flat stereotype rather than a well-rounded person. What was once progressive now feels incomplete.
7. Rory and Her Teacher – Gilmore Girls
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Rory briefly dates a man who used to be her teacher, and the show doesn’t take it seriously. The relationship is presented with barely any pushback from others. Today, most viewers see it as a major ethical issue.
8. Carrie’s Biphobia – Sex and the City
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In one episode, Carrie calls bisexuality a phase and makes fun of people who identify that way. It was treated like an offhand comment rather than something harmful. The show’s handling of this topic hasn’t aged well at all.
9. Barney’s Lies – How I Met Your Mother
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Barney uses deception to manipulate women into dating or sleeping with him. These actions were often shown as part of his charm or just part of his “schtick.” In today’s world, they read more as toxic and troubling than humorous.
10. “Indian Burial Ground” Trope – Multiple Shows
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Many shows, especially sitcoms and horror-themed episodes, used the idea of “Indian burial grounds” to explain supernatural events. It was lazy storytelling and disrespected real Native cultures. That trope is now recognized as offensive and inaccurate.
11. Mental Health Played for Laughs – Scrubs
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Some patients dealing with serious mental health issues were written mainly for comic relief. Their struggles were rarely taken seriously and were used as side jokes. Mental illness deserves better, more respectful storytelling today.
12. Cross-Dressing for Deception – Bosom Buddies
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Two men dress as women to get a cheaper apartment, and the show treats it like a harmless prank. Now, that kind of plot feels insensitive to real issues faced by gender-diverse communities. It reduces identity to a costume for laughs.
13. Misuse of Consent – Friends (Again)
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Several plotlines involve characters kissing, touching, or surprising others without consent. These scenes were written to be funny or shocking, but they ignore basic respect. Modern audiences are far more aware of these issues now.
14. Racist Caricatures – Seinfeld
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A few episodes include jokes or characters that rely on racial stereotypes. These moments were overlooked then but are uncomfortable to watch now. Comedy has shifted, and these portrayals no longer fly.
15. Gender Role Reinforcement – Home Improvement
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The show repeatedly pushed the idea that “real men” act a certain way, often mocking anything different. Women were often reduced to background characters or nags. Looking back, the messages feel narrow and out of touch.