Top 10 Most Shocking TV Show Scandals Ever

Script written by Lindsay Haley

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Shocking TV Show Scandals. For this list, we’ll be looking at behind-the-scenes behaviors and controversies that tainted popular programs. Which scandal shocked you most? Let us know in the comments!

#10: Farrah Wanted to Quit

“Charlie’s Angels” (1976-81)

When this hit crime drama aired in 1976, Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith, and Farrah Fawcett starred as the empowering lead investigators. But before the end of the debut season, Fawcett decided she wanted to walk away from the show, despite having signed a five-year contract. Her resignation resulted in a lawsuit from ABC against the actress. Ultimately, Fawcett was grudgingly released from her ABC contract and her iconic role was replaced. Given the show’s success, Fawcett’s desire to leave came as a shock. But a combination of creative and personal aspirations served as motivation to move on to bigger and better things.

#9: Jeffrey Tambor Accusations

“Transparent” (2014-19)

Although the Amazon show followed Jeffrey Tambor as the inspiring Maura, the actor’s behavior behind the scenes was apparently anything but admirable. Allegations against Tambor were brought to light by colleagues. An investigation was launched that uncovered more than a few stories of bad behavior. While the actor admitted he had issues with his temper and mood at times, he vehemently denied accusations of harassment. Regardless, show creator Jill Soloway acknowledged Tambor’s actions had created an environment where those around him were uncomfortable and fearful. The actor was subsequently fired and he never made a full return to the show.

#8: Big Allegations

“And Just Like That…” (2021-)

“Sex and the City” was a breakout hit with impressive longevity in pop culture. But allegations against Chris Noth, who played the iconic “Mr. Big”, have left a disturbing mark on the show’s legacy. Several women came forth after the original series wrapped and alleged that Noth had assaulted them. In the wake of multiple accusations against the actor, he faced immediate career consequences. While Noth’s Mr. Big did appear in the revival series, “And Just Like That…”, his character had a fatal heart attack. That event was actually planned before news of his misconduct broke. But once the allegations emerged, the scenes he shot for a fantasy sequence with Carrie were subsequently scrapped.

#7: An HR Investigation

“The Goldbergs” (2013-)

Since 2013, the Goldbergs have delivered familial comedy in their beloved sitcom. But in 2021, things didn’t seem so wholesome behind the scenes. Series lead Jeff Garlin suddenly left the ABC favorite in the middle of season 9. Colleagues alleged that the actor’s language and physical behavior on set were inappropriate. However, Garlin refuted the claims and believed his sense of humor was misunderstood. His denial of the alleged misconduct couldn’t save his job on the show in the end. ABC released him from his contract and killed off his character before the upcoming season.

#6: Jussie Smollet’s Felony Charges

“Empire” (2015-20)

At its peak, “Empire” was the musical drama that enjoyed massive viewership and acclaim. Although actor Jussie Smollet once played a key role in the show, his exit was mired in controversy. The actor filed a police report stating he had been threatened while the fifth season was running. After submitting that evidence, news broke that Smollet was attacked in what appeared to be a hate crime and persons of interest were arrested. However, deeper investigation uncovered evidence that the actor had staged the assault with the help of two men. Smollet’s actions caused the show to leave him out of episodes he was supposed to appear in during season 5.

#5: The Racist Tweet

“Roseanne” (1988-2018)

After “Roseanne” achieved popularity as a beloved sitcom in the 90s, a continuation was announced in the 2010s. The sweet success of the show was incredibly soured thanks to an incredibly unwarranted series of social media posts from lead actress Roseanne Barr. One of the most shocking tweets she issued was a racially charged post where she compared a government official to an ape. While Barr tried to play off her comments as a joke and blamed a sleep aid for her remarks, those explanations didn’t fly with fans or the show’s creators. The actress was swiftly fired and the original show plans went out the window. Although a follow-up show called “The Connors” was greenlit, it killed off her character.

#4: Josh Duggar’s Disgrace

“19 Kids and Counting” (2008-15)

The TLC reality series centered around the Duggar family was no stranger to controversy during its run. But no one expected the dark revelations that would emerge. In 2015, news began circulating that Josh Duggar inappropriately touched five victims. Four of his targets were his own sisters. Additionally, it was later revealed that Duggar was also in possession of illegal videos that depicted young people in maure situations. While the statute of limitations prevented him from being prosecuted for his initial round of crimes, the reports led to the show’s cancellation. Duggar would later be arrested for possessing illegal media.

#3: Revelations About Louis C.K.

Various Shows

Comedian Louis C.K. successfully created a self-titled show where he wrote, directed, and produced while serving as the titular character. So, TBS was definitely willing to air his animated project called “The Cops” next. But C.K.’s dark actions put those plans on hold. Throughout 2017, it was reported that the comedian had exposed himself and performed mature acts in front of female colleagues. While C.K alleged that the encounters were consensual in early statements, he also acknowledged that he took advantage of his A-list status during these incidents. The misconduct claims spelled the end for “The Cops” before it began. Additionally, his voice performance was removed from “Gravity Falls”. His show “Louie” also did not return from its long hiatus.

#2: Kevin Spacey’s Firing

“House of Cards” (2013-18)

A strong turn from Kevin Spacey as a politician without a moral compass drew tons of viewers to “House of Cards”. However, fans started looking at the show in an entirely different light when a wave of allegations emerged against him. Around the time “House of Cards” was renewed for a 6th season, actor Anthony Rapp alleged that Spacey once made an inappropriate advance at him. Although production was initially just frozen, the “House of Cards” lead was completely removed as more reports of his troubling behavior towards other people started to circulate. The final season continued without Spacey’s character. However, the actor reprised the role for a highly criticized YouTube video where he tried to win fans back.

#1: Charlie Sheen’s Behavior

“Two and a Half Men” (2003-15)

While Charlie Sheen starred as one of the leads in “Two and a Half Men”, his erratic behavior was the subject of numerous headlines. But the show creatives were initially flexible and paused production so he could take some time to attend rehab in 2010. However, Sheen continued to act out and even insulted the show creator Chuck Lorre. In 2011, executives decided that the situation was no longer sustainable and let the actor go. Not only did the show continue with Ashton Kutcher in a starring role, but they also held a funeral for Sheen’s character. The creatives made their feelings about the situation clear again in the series finale. It featured a scene where Sheen’s character was crushed by a piano.