Top 10 Greatest Shows RUINED by Controversy

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most beloved TV shows that have been tarnished by scandals. Which TV show do you have trouble returning to after a massive scandal? Let us know in the comments below.

#10: “Arrested Development” (2003-06; 2013-19)

With its irreverent humor and talented cast, it's no wonder this show was considered one of the best of the 2000s. “Arrested Development” earned a dedicated following with its unique humor, and the Bluth family’s utter dysfunction helped create several highly-referenced pop culture moments. However, when it was revealed that Jeffrey Tambor had harassed Jessica Walter to tears– with their co-stars defending him– fans were appalled. While the toxicity was hilarious on camera, knowing it continued in real life made people re-examine the show as a whole. This scandal caused dissent within the fanbase, which certainly wasn’t helped by the lukewarm reviews the 2018 revival received. The respect the show once held quickly petered out, causing it to go out with a whimper.

#9: “Empire” (2015-20)

Striking the perfect balance between musicianship and drama isn’t easy. “Empire” was able to walk the line, with both components helping it gain a large following. The impeccable acting and constant character development kept supporters engaged from beginning to end, and set it up to be remembered as one of Fox’s most innovative creations. That potential legacy was halted after Jussie Smollet made national news for lying about being attacked in a hate crime. The story overshadowed “Empire”, pushing it to the background amid the messy drama. After his subsequent removal, the show struggled to regain its footing, causing one of the most interesting concepts of the 2010s to end on a low note.

#8: “Louie” (2010-15)

Seeing a comedian beyond their sets on stage is like peering into their mind. Louis C.K. leaned into that with “Louie”, a series about an exaggerated version of his life. The self-deprecating humor was a hit, making people crack up while offering a glimpse behind his persona. That all changed after several women came forward about their negative experiences with him. Although he apologized, the magic was gone. Bits that were once innocently edgy were suddenly viewed through a much darker lens, making it much harder to root for C.K.’s fictionalized self. The close ties between “Louie” and the comedian’s real life blurred the lines for many fans, effectively ending the praise the show had initially received.

#7: “iCarly” (2007-12)

It’s no exaggeration to say that Nickelodeon had a grip on the youth of the late 2000s and early 2010s. Shows like “iCarly” captivated young ones by leaning into the blossoming social media era and crafting jokes that resonated with a wide age range. While the odd humor was written off as random, allegations about creator Dan Schneider have now painted them in a more disturbing light. These allegations were revealed in the 2024 docuseries “Quiet on Set.” Additionally, Jennette McCurdy’s insinuations about Schneider regarding her career have made both shows she appeared in, “iCarly” and “Sam and Cat,” difficult to rewatch. What was once considered a golden era for Nickelodeon is now a troubling reminder of the lack of protection for young performers.

#6: “Rick and Morty” (2013-)

Despite airing for just over a decade, “Rick and Morty” has left an undeniable mark on adult animation. Between the zany adventures and fun look, the show’s impact has clearly rippled across the industry. The seamless blend of sarcastic, low-brow comedy and genuine hard-hitting moments helped create a complex show that delighted audiences worldwide. All of that was thrown into contention in early 2023 after several accusations were made about one of the creators and stars, Justin Roiland. The entire show was affected, as Roiland was heavily involved in both the voice acting and creative decisions. Although he was replaced, the scandal remained fresh in fans’ minds– which seemed to have a potentially disastrous effect on the seventh season.

#5: “That ‘70s Show” (1998-2006)

Nostalgia and good vibes all wrapped up into one series– who could ask for anything more? Serving as a happy-go-lucky time capsule to simpler times, “That 70s Show” quickly became a fan favorite. The relatable personalities and heartwarming stories helped it become a staple of the 2000s. That facade was shattered after Danny Masterson was accused and eventually convicted of felony charges. While one bad apple could’ve been ignored, several other cast members provided character witnesses after his sentencing. This was the final nail in the coffin, revealing that the group viewers once saw as wholesome friends were seemingly anything but. Its previously sunny reputation was completely clouded, leaving a permanent black mark on its once shining image.

#4: “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003)

Few franchises can boast being both the topic of several academic discussions and a beloved facet of nerd culture. “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” masterfully blended intense action and deeper themes, causing it to reach a much broader audience. It spawned a whole universe, including the similarly acclaimed “Angel”. It was also widely perceived as a feminist and progressive work due to its well-developed female lead and groundbreaking LGBTQ+ representation. Those perceptions ended up being questioned when actresses on both programs came forward alleging that the creator, Joss Whedon, had been mistreating them behind the scenes. This news drastically affected the show’s previous influence, transforming it from a genuinely empowering piece into something much more insidious.

#3: “Roseanne” (1988-97; 2018)

A good sitcom can make people of any demographic laugh, even if they aren’t the intended audience. “Roseanne” was just that. It offered a hilarious yet realistic look into working-class families, with relatable plotlines and charismatic lead actors. To many, it was considered the ultimate comfort watch. That promptly changed after Roseanne Barr posted an offensive racist remark about a former White House Senior Advisor. Longtime supporters couldn’t help but feel betrayed. Someone they’d considered a childhood icon had seemingly revealed her true self, making it hard to view her as the harsh yet loving matriarch of the Conner family. Although she was written out and the project renamed, her actions cast a shadow over the series that it couldn’t shake off.

#2: “House of Cards” (2013-18)

Even if a viewer isn’t well-versed in politics, a well-made political drama can still keep them at the edge of their seats. No show portrayed the rotten underbelly of politics more than “House of Cards”. The intense themes coupled with the award-winning performances helped it become one of Netflix’s most acclaimed projects. Kevin Spacey, in particular, was lauded for his role as the complex protagonist, Frank Underwood. Following an alarming claim from a fellow actor, both his reputation and the drama went up in flames. He was swiftly fired, and the focus pivoted to the secondary main character. To many, the show had been irreparably damaged– as evidenced by the lukewarm reception to the final season.

#1: “The Cosby Show” (1984-92)

When it comes to creating and tarnishing a legacy, there’s no more infamous example. “The Cosby Show” was revolutionary within the entertainment industry. Its unapologetic portrayal of a financially stable and happy Black family was unheard of at the time, helping break several negative stereotypes while it was on the air. Cosby was highly respected, earning himself the honorary title of America’s Dad. That illusion was broken when dozens of women came forward asserting that he had assaulted them. These claims and the ensuing cases eroded his and the production’s pristine reputations. The fallout was severe, with seemingly innocent jokes now coming across much darker. With several networks pulling it from their line-ups, the once uplifting sitcom may never regain its former support.