Top 50 Infamous TV Scandals
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VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton
These scandals left a tarnish that doesn't come off. Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the controversial moments that shattered the world of TV. Our countdown includes unfortunate allegations, boycotts, on-set misconduct and more!
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the controversial moments that shattered the world of TV. Which TV scandal shocked you the most? Let us know in the comments!
#50: Vivian Banks
“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” (1990-96)
Arguably the most infamous recast in TV sitcom history, this one saw Janet Hubert exit the role of Aunt Viv on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” after three seasons. At the time, Hubert’s departure was reported to be the result of a bitter feud with the series’ star Will Smith. It would take nearly three decades for the record to be set straight. During the “Fresh Prince Reunion” special in 2020, Banks and Smith settled the argument, and the former revealed that she was, in fact, not fired. Instead, she had rejected a bad deal by the producers, which would’ve prevented her from working anywhere else for 10 weeks. Rather than renegotiate the contract, Hubert was replaced with Daphne Maxwell Reid.
#49: Mark Schwahn Sexual Harassment Allegations
“One Tree Hill” (2003-12)
This teen drama series was created and executive produced by Mark Schwahn, who also wrote and directed several episodes. While the show ended on a high note in 2012, it wasn’t until five years later that disturbing behind-the-scenes tales came to light. A former staff writer, Audrey Wauchope, alleged on social media that she experienced sexual harassment from Schwahn while working on the show. Her claims were later backed up by 18 female former cast and crew members who signed an open letter detailing additional allegations. According to these women, Schwahn’s behavior was “an open secret,” and caused lasting emotional harm. Although he never officially addressed the allegations, Schwahn was fired from his other show “The Royals.”
#48: Spotlight on a Murderer
“Bullseye” [UK] (1981-2006)
John Cooper didn't walk away from “Bullseye” a winner, but eventually his brief shot at glory was a major win for the British public. Unknown at the time, Cooper was already a two time murderer, having killed a brother and sister in 1985, and killing Peter and Gwenda Dixon a month after his game show strike out. In 1998 Cooper was convicted of a string of robberies, and served 10 years in prison. However, soon after his release police investigated a murder cold case, which through advanced forensic science, DNA, and his “Bullseye” footage, they were able to pin on him. Cooper was arrested soon after, and convicted in 2011.
#47: The Popsicle Twins
“The Gong Show” (1976-80)
Easily one of the most bizarre moments on "The Gong Show", the so-called Popsicle Twins were a duo of young women whose act was titled "Have You Got a Nickel.” Their segment was initially only aired on the east coast before being pulled, when it was noticed that the simple act of enjoying an ice lolly was a bit more suggestive than it first appeared. Score-wise, the act was a dud – with only Jaye P. Morgan picking up what the girls were laying down, and TV's Klinger Jamie Farr awarding it a mere two points.
#46: The Heartbreaking Story of the Original Laurie
“That ‘70s Show” (1998-2006)
Lisa Robin Kelly played Eric's selfish, spoiled, and conniving big sister Laurie on “That ‘70s Show” during the first three seasons. After that, the character was nowhere to be seen, presumably busy with beauty school. But in reality, Kelly was struggling with addiction. Though on the surface she was an actress on a successful sitcom, things were complicated in her private life. She briefly returned for season five, but was eventually replaced, with Christina Moore becoming Laurie. Unfortunately, Kelly's battle continued, and she was even arrested multiple times. In 2013, she tried to turn things around by checking into rehab, but she tragically passed away.
#45: Lori Loughlin
“Fuller House” (2016-20)
The college admission scandal involving actors like Lori Loughlin was a hot-button conversation back in 2019. Loughlin paid the University of Southern California a sizable bribe in return for her two daughters getting guaranteed spots at the school. She admitted guilt for her crime, ultimately spending two months in prison. Of course, this meant she wouldn’t be returning to the reboot series “Fuller House,” in which she played the role of Aunt Becky. In the context of the show, the characters explained that Becky had to leave to take care of her mother.
#44: Steven Seagal, Worst Host Ever
“Saturday Night Live” (1975-)
Both Lorne Michaels and SNL alumni have been pretty vocal about what a terrible host Steven Seagal was. It wasn’t because of his performance . . . or at least, not ONLY that . . . but rather his inability to work with the cast. In the book “Live from New York: The Complete, Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live”, several SNL alumni spoke about Seagal’s difficult behavior. These include incidents where he pitched completely tasteless skits - including one where he’d play a therapist trying to have sex with Victoria Jackson, instead of counselling her for sexual assault. The actor has been permanently banned from the show.
#43: A Last-Minute Replacement Makes a Last-Second Change
“Saturday Night Live” (1975-)
It’s been an open secret that showrunner Lorne Michaels doesn’t like a last minute change. Well, that was especially evident when Elvis Costello performed for SNL in 1977. Filling in for the Sex Pistols, Costello was brought on to perform his newest hit “Less Than Zero”. The only problem was that Costello felt the song was irrelevant to American audiences, as it was conceived as an attack against English politician Oswald Mosley. And so, a few bars into the song, Costello halted the performance, vaguely apologized to the audience, and transitioned into “Radio Radio”. The English rockstar would be banned from SNL for over a decade.
#42: Scandoval
“Vanderpump Rules” (2013-)
Even people who’d never seen Lisa Vanderpump’s spinoff series seemed to know exactly what Scandoval was. The whole fallout was caught by a camera crew, and the scandal that rocked “Vanderpump Rules” was the talk of the reality TV sphere for months. The breakdown of Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix’s relationship after Sandoval’s affair with co-star Raquel Leviss went public was a real-life soap opera for the social media age. Everyone had an opinion. The scandal has yet to go away. Leviss filed lawsuits against both Madix and Sandoval nearly a year after it all went down.
#41: Sherry Pie Disqualified
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” (2009-)
Season 4 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” saw Willam Bell’s mysterious disqualification, and while it may have set the standard for “Drag Race” controversy, there was something a lot darker to come. Season 12 was rocked by a scandal so damaging, the show had to be re-edited to all but remove one competitor. One of the season’s finalists, Sherry Pie, was accused of inappropriate conduct by several men. Sherry Pie was subsequently edited down from the final cut of the episodes, which was a feat, considering she made it to the top four. It cast a dark shadow over a season that didn’t need one, as it was the first to air during the COVID-19 pandemic.
#40: The Murder of Jasmine Fiore
“Megan Wants a Millionaire” (2009)
Real estate investor Ryan Jenkins reportedly placed third on this dating show, but only three episodes aired. The day before VH1 pulled the plug, Jenkins was charged with the murder of his wife, Jasmine Fiore. The model’s body was found in a suitcase and she could only be identified by the serial number on her breast implants. Jenkins however, never lived to stand trial. On August 23, 2009, he was found after having taken his own life in a Canadian hotel - a tragic end to an all too real and horrific story.
#39: Which Came First: The Post-It Or The Walkman?
“Million Dollar Money Drop” (2010-11)
When couples appear on game shows, networks are hoping for some relationship hijinks. And that’s exactly what this show got... in the worst way possible. Gabe Okoye and Brittany Mayti were well on their way to $1,000,000 until the “which came first” question came up. After bickering, Okoye went with the Post-It, and the couple watched as $800,000 fell through a trap door because they got the... right answer? Though the show’s research team had checked with 3M, Post-It’s original parent company, a slight technicality meant their information was just plain wrong. Cue the social media outrage, the show offering to bring the couple back and then... well, the show was canceled after its debut season.
#38: Brooke Shields’ Ex Wasn’t a Drake Ramoray Fan
“Friends” (1994-2004)
In season two of “Friends,” actress and model Brooke Shields played an unhinged “fan” called Erika, who struggled to differentiate reality and fiction. And apparently, she wasn’t the only one. According to Shields’ memoir, her then-boyfriend, former tennis sensation Andre Agassi, was particularly peeved by the dinner scene where Erika licks Joey’s hand. She wrote that he exited the set, and told her she’d “made him look a fool,” before heading to his Vegas abode and destroying his trophies. The actress spent three years replacing them, believing his kids might like to have them one day. The pair tied the knot in 1997, but ultimately got divorced.
#37: Mark Salling Possession of Inappropriate Material
“Glee” (2009-15)
The Fox musical series “Glee” had already completed its award-winning six-season run when one of its stars became embroiled in a controversy. Mark Salling, known for his role as football player Noah Puckerman, was arrested in 2015 for possessing inappropriate material involving youth. Authorities would later discover over 50,000 of such explicit images on his computer and USB flash drives. This was particularly disturbing considering that “Glee” attracted a large audience of young fans, given its high school setting. Salling ultimately pleaded guilty to criminal charges and was set to spend four to seven years in jail. However, on January 30th 2018, before he could face justice for his crimes, Salling decided to end his own life.
#36: Rosie O’Donnell vs. Elisabeth Hasselbeck
“The View” (1997-)
“The View” can sometimes feel like a daytime soap opera. Of all the scandals this talk show has endured over the years, the feud between co-hosts Rosie O’Donnell and Elisabeth Hasselbeck was perhaps the most notorious. The tension between the two reached its boiling point in 2007 when Hasselbeck referred to Iraq as America’s “enemy,” prompting O’Donnell to argue that the Bush administration was truly at fault. The liberal O’Donnell additionally criticized the media for their unflattering portrayal of her, claiming that they favored the conservative Hasselbeck. Following their heated argument, O’Donnell left the show while Hasselbeck exited five years later.
#35: Alec Baldwin’s Gay Slur
“Up Late with Alec Baldwin” (2013)
Although Alec Baldwin is one of the most outspoken liberals in showbiz, his behavior hasn’t always lived up to his professed ideals. In 2013, the Oscar nominated actor landed in hot water when he allegedly made an anti-gay slur directed at a paparazzo. In due course, Baldwin was suspended from his late night talk show for two weeks. While Baldwin initially claimed that he was misquoted, he ultimately described his outburst as “offensive and unacceptable” in an apology. The damage was done, however, as “Up Late with Alec Baldwin” was canceled after only five episodes. It also probably didn’t help that Baldwin also made homophobic remarks towards reporter George Stark on Twitter.
#34: Maury Povich’s Sexual Harassment Lawsuit
“Maury” (1991-2022)
Maury Povich is no stranger to controversy, as many critics have accused his tabloid talk show of exploiting serious issues. Speaking of exploitation, a $100 million sex harassment lawsuit was filed against Povich and other members of his staff in 2006. The allegations stemmed from Bianca Nardi, a former producer of “The Maury Povich Show,” who claimed that the host and his workers had forced her to watch pornography and attempt to seduce married men at bars while being filmed. She additionally accused executive producer Paul Faulhaber of making her wear revealing outfits and implied that Povich was having an affair with producer Donna Ingber. Despite this scandal, Povich remains on television and is still married to Connie Chung.
#33: Elmo Actor Allegations
“Sesame Street” (1969-)
Sesame Street can’t seem to get a break when it comes to controversies. In one instance, a controversy arose over celebrity guest Katy Perry’s dress during a music video, causing the segment to be removed. In another, their YouTube channel got hacked, resulting in all of their videos being replaced with adult content! All parents really want is to make sure that their children are safe watching these shows, so when dangerous claims are made, it can cause panic. Kevin Clash, the actor behind the popular Sesame Street character “Elmo,” had several extremely serious allegations of sexual impropriety leveled against him in 2012. These claims garnered a lot of media attention, and despite the accusations eventually being legally dismissed, Clash left the series.
#32: The Hiring & Firing of Shane Gillis
“Saturday Night Live” (1975-)
In hindsight, this was an embarrassment for both parties… On September 12, 2019, comedian and podcaster Shane Gillis was announced as a cast member for SNL’s 45th season. However, he was fired four days later when clips revealed that the comedian had used racial and homophobic slurs on his podcast. For clarification, these weren’t remarks from a decade ago - these were from 2018. Gillis tweeted an apology . . . of sorts . . . that same night, but the damage had been done. SNL didn’t escape unscathed either, receiving criticism for not having done enough background research into their new hire.
#31: John Belushi Refused Sketches Written by Women
“Saturday Night Live” (1975-)
John Belushi is one of the most revered SNL cast members of the late 70s. But according to Jane Curtin, he also unapologetically sexist behind-the-scenes. During her appearance on “The Oprah Winfrey Show”, she said that Belushi was one of several men who tried to sabotage the work of female writers. Curtin claimed that Belushi said that “women are just fundamentally not funny”, and that “if a woman writer had written a piece” for him, he’d half-ass it, “not [reading] it in his full voice”. Never meet your heroes, kids.
#30: Blackmail Attempt Against David Letterman
“Late Show with David Letterman” (1993-2015)
After a long, hard day, audiences would typically tune into the “Late Show with David Letterman” for a lighthearted laugh. The talk show took an uncomfortable turn in 2009, though, when Letterman confessed to having several sexual relationships with his female staffers. An extortionist had targeted Letterman, threatening to write a screenplay about the television host’s affairs unless he coughed up $2 million. Cooperating with Manhattan District Attorney’s office, Letterman wrote a fake check and his blackmailer was arrested shortly after. While Letterman was met with some negative press following this shocking announcement, he eventually moved on from the scandal and hosted the “Late Show” for six more years before retiring in 2015.
#29: Oprah Winfrey vs. James Frey
“The Oprah Winfrey Show” (1986-2011)
James Frey hit the big time when his memoir, “A Million Little Pieces,” was selected for Oprah’s Book Club in 2005. Chronicling Frey’s history with alcohol and drug abuse, the book became a New York Times bestseller and a cultural sensation. Many readers felt cheated, however, when it was revealed that Frey had fabricated information in his supposed true account. This didn’t reflect well on Oprah, who invited Frey onto her show to talk about the controversy. Oprah didn’t let Frey off with a slap on the wrist, eventually getting him to confess that he had made up parts of the story. She also brought on publisher Nan Talese to set the record straight.
#28: On Set Misconduct
“Arrested Development” (2003-06; 2013-19)
Jeffrey Tambor was embroiled in sexual misconduct allegations from his other show, “Transparent.” And during a New York Times interview, the late Jessica Walter, who played Lucille Bluth on “Arrested Development,” shed light into his behavior on their show. She revealed that while he hadn’t “crossed [that] line,”, he had exhibited other aggressive behavior. Although he'd apologized, it’s clear that she had been shaken by the encounter. This wasn’t helped by her male-co stars making light of the situation and attempting to justify Tambor’s actions. Jason Bateman was especially keen to defend his on-screen dad and was met with plenty of backlash. He ultimately took to Twitter to issue an apology for his insensitive response.
#27: Jeff Garlin Leaves the Family
“The Goldbergs” (2013-)
Jeff Garlin played ill-tempered patriarch Murray Goldberg until his sudden departure from the sitcom in 2021. Several reports of unprofessional and disrespectful behavior on set led to a lengthy HR investigation and Garlin's eventual exit. But he blamed it on his "silliness" being misinterpreted and “political correctness” stifling comedians. His disdain for the sitcom was no secret, and he reportedly addressed it during a stand-up set later on. His TV wife, Wendi McLendon-Covey, also implied in a tweet that he made his disinterest quite obvious. Still, since he left mid-season, the show persevered with a body double and editing magic to complete his scenes. However, that only made the elephant in the room even more glaringly obvious.
#26: Joss Whedon Workplace Harassment Allegations
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997–2003) & “Angel” (1999–2004)
The first domino to fall in the Joss Whedon controversy came in July 2020 when actor Ray Fisher accused Whedon of highly inappropriate behavior during filming of “Justice League.” Fisher’s claims were corroborated by other actors who worked on the film, but it seems Whedon’s alleged misconduct stretched back several years. Actress Charisma Carpenter, who appeared in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and its spin-off, “Angel,” alleged that Whedon had repeatedly harassed her and “abused his power.” She was supported by some of her other co-stars, including Sarah Michelle Gellar herself. Since then, fans of the “Buffyverse” have admitted to seeing the shows in an entirely different light; once symbols of female empowerment, now tainted by Hollywood’s pervasive toxicity.
#25: Conan O’Brien vs. Jay Leno
“The Tonight Show” (1954-)
The original War for Late Night can be traced back to 1992, when Jay Leno became Johnny Carson’s successor, over David Letterman. This influenced Letterman to move from NBC to CBS, while Conan O’Brien was hired to fill the NBC late night time slot. History essentially repeated itself almost two decades later when Leno exited “The Tonight Show” so O’Brien could assume his hosting duties. Unfortunately, O’Brien’s ratings struggled and the decision to give Leno a primetime talk show turned out to be a huge miscalculation. Since pushing back the schedule wasn’t an option, O’Brien was given a $45 million payout while Leno returned to “The Tonight Show” in 2010.
#24: Nora Dunn Boycotts the Show
“Saturday Night Live” (1975-)
Andrew Dice Clay was one of the most famous, and infamous, comedians of the 80s. His “Diceman” persona and shock humor both sold out venues, and incensed critics, who slammed his act as sexist, homophobic, and racist. When the comedian was scheduled to host Saturday Night Live on May 12, 1990, SNL’s Nora Dunn decided to boycott the show. Musical guest Sinead O’Connor followed suit. The show went on as scheduled, with beefed up security measures, but not without an angry audience, some of whom had to be forcibly removed.
#23: Angelea Disqualified
“America’s Next Top Model” (2003-18)
Tyra Banks’ modeling competition has had its fair share of unfortunate, offensive, and downright cruel moments. But its all stars edition was clouded by controversy when competitor Angelea Preston was disqualified for unspecified reasons in the finale episode. The aired finale saw Lisa D’Amato being named the winner. Preston would later come forward with the truth. Banks had originally awarded Preston the title in the 17th season, only to take it away once producers learned Preston had worked as an escort. This only came out when the contestant sued Banks, the producers, and the network. Her lawsuit didn’t go far, but they added to contemporary reappraisals of the show’s harsh treatment of its rotating cast of young, impressionable aspiring models.
#22: Toxic Workplace Allegations
“The Ellen DeGeneres Show” (2003-22)
For years, Ellen DeGeneres projected an image of kindness that resonated across her various endeavors, particularly her eponymous daytime talk show. That image was irreparably shattered in 2020 when a group of former employees came forward, revealing a toxic work environment on set. DeGeneres, whose long-standing mantra had been to always “be kind,” took responsibility for the toxic culture on the show and apologized on air during the 18th season’s premiere. But this gesture did little or nothing to repair the damage. Her once-pristine reputation, and that of the series, had already suffered a major blow. Consequently, the following year, it was announced that the long-running daytime talk show would be coming to an end.
#21: Kanye West Has a Meltdown
“Saturday Night Live” (1975-)
Given his penchant for tantrums and tirades, it should be no surprise to see Kanye on this list. In 2018, Kanye made headlines with a political rant during SNL’s credits about Trump, the “liberal media”, and his own presidential aspirations. But that wasn’t his first meltdown on the show. In February 2016, he almost walked out moments before his performance . . . because he didn’t like the set. The notoriously egotistical rapper’s meltdown got so bad that it took both Lorne Michaels and Kim Kardashian to calm him down. A short time later, audio clips of Kanye’s tantrum surfaced, and needless to say, it was truly cringe-worthy.
#20: Allison Mack’s Involvement With NXIVM
“Smallville” (2001-11)
Although it premiered on the relatively new network The WB, “Smallville” quickly garnered a dedicated fan base among young adults, which thrust its main cast into the limelight. Among them was Allison Mack, who played Chloe Sullivan. During her time on the show, Mack became involved with the self-improvement cult NXIVM, rising to a prominent position within the organization. Leveraging on her fame from “Smallville,” Mack recruited several women into NXIVM, who were subsequently exploited in various forms. For her part, Mack pleaded guilty to racketeering charges and received a three-year prison sentence. Consequently, her association with “Smallville” has cast a shadow over the show, causing hesitation among many who may want to revisit it.
#19: Stephen Collins Admits to Sexual Misconduct
“7th Heaven” (1996-2007)
For over a decade, Stephen Collins portrayed Reverend Eric Camden, a Protestant minister on the TV series “7th Heaven.” Through the show, Collins built a reputation as a wholesome and morally upright individual, but in real life, it seems he was the stark opposite. In 2014, an audio tape leaked to the press in which Collins discussed having inappropriate contact with minors in the past. He later fully admitted to the claims in an interview with People magazine, noting that the incidents occurred in 1973, 1982 and 1994. These revelations directly contradicted the values espoused by the show, leaving many fans deeply troubled by the dissonance between Collins’ on-screen persona and his real-life actions.
#18: Terrible Reality
“Kid Nation” (2007)
There are reasons why there are stringent laws and regulations regarding children working in the film and television industry. Sure, it might make for exciting programming, but the aim isn’t to scar them for life! The cash-prize reality show “Kid Nation” sent a group of 40 children of various ages into the desert, challenging them to create a functioning society. The crew was informed to be as little involved as possible, allowing these vulnerable kids to experience genuinely distressing events. The disturbing premise resembles Willam Golding’s novel “Lord of the Flies,” and audiences agreed. Unfortunately, the parents were apparently poorly informed regarding what was involved, and the backlash meant it only lasted one season.
#17: Phil Robertson’s Homophobic Remarks
“Duck Dynasty” (2012-17)
“Duck Dynasty” patriarch Phil Robertson came under fire after a controversial GQ interview. He was quick to point out that he believes a relationship between same-sex people is sinful. His son Alan defended his views and went as far as comparing his dad to John the Baptist. He added that the public outcry hasn’t changed who they are as a family. A&E decided to call off the initial suspension of “Duck Dynasty” and cited that the family apologized for the statements.
#16: Chevy Chase
“Community” (2009-15)
Apparently, it’s well known around Hollywood that Chevy Chase is difficult to work with. The comedy legend also happens to be infamous for his outrageous behavior on film and television sets. Chase held the role of Pierce Hawthorne on “Community” up until the show’s fifth season, in which Pierce was comically killed off. Chase was known to disagree with the show’s creator, Dan Harmon, and his ideas and direction for the character. On a more serious note, cast and crew members expressed that he frequently used offensive and racist language with no remorse whatsoever.
#15: Louis C.K. Sexual Misconduct Allegations
“Louie” (2010-15)
When stand-up comedians develop series based on their lives, they often infuse them with real-life events. That was especially true for Louis C.K., who created, wrote, directed and produced the FX series “Louie” in which he portrayed a fictionalized version of himself. In 2017, C.K. and the show were plunged into a scandal when several women accused him of sexually inappropriate behavior. This revelation prompted a reassessment of his previous stand-up material, some of which seemed to overlap with the allegations. “Louie” was ultimately canceled after C.K. admitted that the accusations were indeed true. Due to the striking parallels between the show and the comedian, many have found it challenging to separate the art from the artist.
#14: Jenny Jones’ Guest Gets Murdered
“The Jenny Jones Show” (1991-2003)
“The Jenny Jones Show” aired for over a decade, but it’s actually best remembered for an episode that never even aired. Entitled “Same Sex Secret Crushes,” the episode centered on a guest named Scott Amedure, who, on the show, revealed his crush to an acquaintance named Jonathan Schmitz. Three days after the episode was taped, Schmitz reportedly found a suggestive note from Amedure. Schmitz subsequently purchased a shotgun, shot Amedure two times in the chest, and alerted the authorities of the crime he had just committed. Having a history of mental illness, Schmitz was convicted of second degree murder. Meanwhile, “The Jenny Jones Show” faced a wrongful death lawsuit and was forced to pay Amedure's family $25 million.
#13: The Jon & Kate Saga
“Jon & Kate Plus 8” (2007-09)
This TLC series showing the daily life of a family with a set of twins and a set of sextuplets was an instant hit. But in 2009, viewers were shocked when parents Jon and Kate announced that they were separating. Things only got messier from there, as he insisted that his kids not be on the largely Jon-less “Kate Plus 8.” He was also sued by the network for breach of contract after making other television appearances. In recent years, he has said that almost none of the kids are in contact with him anymore. This show may have ended years ago, but the drama truly never stops with this family.
#12: The Dating Game Serial Killer
“The Dating Game” (1965-99)
Rodney Alcala appeared as Bachelor #1 on “The Dating Game” in 1978 and managed to charm his way through the show to win the date. A decision she would have soon come to regret, Cheryl Bradshaw thankfully didn’t end up going through with it. As it turns out, Alcala had a terrifying criminal history involving multiple murders, kidnapping, and sexual assault, with his victims ranging from adult women to young girls. Moving forward, the importance of doing extensive background checks on contestants cannot be overstated. They could be cheaters. They could be frauds. They could be Rodney Alcala.
#11: Billy Bush Fired From “Today”
“Today” (1952-)
Just when it seemed like the 2016 U.S. presidential election couldn’t get any crazier, a 2005 hot mic recording surfaced in which Republican candidate Donald Trump shared an offensive and potentially incriminating conversation with “Access Hollywood” host Billy Bush. On a bus ride, Trump not only admitted that he tried and failed to seduce Nancy O'Dell, but also made some vulgar statements while discussing actress Arianne Zucker. The scandal took a drastic toll on Bush’s public image, resulting in his termination from “The Today Show.” Meanwhile, Trump continued his campaign and was elected President almost a month later.
#10: Josh Duggar’s Crimes
“19 Kids and Counting” (2008-15) & “Counting On” (2015-20)
The biggest TLC scandal to date came about when the eldest Duggar child, Josh, was accused of mistreating girls, including some of his sisters, when he was a teenager. Naturally, this prompted the network to ax “19 Kids and Counting” from its lineup. And the distressing story doesn’t end there, as many more allegations have occurred since the show was called off. Duggar has also been accused of cheating on his wife, assaulting a woman, and possessing highly inappropriate materials featuring children. In late May of 2022, Duggar was sentenced to 12 and 7 months in prison for the latter crime, finally answering for his horrific actions. As you can imagine, “Counting On” was also canceled.
#9: Jussie Smollett
“Empire” (2015-20)
It all began on January 22nd of 2019 when “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett received a threatening letter with a suspicious powder later confirmed to be Tylenol. The following week, Smollett reported that he had been attacked by two men who doused a chemical over him and called him derogatory slurs. Investigators immediately got to work on what seemed to be a hate crime. But, police eventually began to find loopholes in Smollett’s story. It was later revealed that the actor had staged the incident with two men who had appeared as extras on the musical drama series and it didn’t take too long for producers to kick him off the roster.
#8: Matt Lauer’s Sexual Misconduct Allegations
“Today” (1952-)
In rapid succession, from Bill O’Reilly to Charlie Rose, media personalities were publically accused of sexual harassment in 2017. However, the sexual misconduct allegations directed at Matt Lauer shocked audiences the most. A staple of “The Today Show” for almost 20 years, Lauer was abruptly fired after a female NBC employee accused him of sexually harassing her three years earlier. It became clear that this was unlikely an isolated incident, as more women came forward. In one instance, Lauer was accused of summoning a former employee to his office and sexually assaulting her behind a locked door. The fact that Lauer was such a beloved host only made this more disturbing.
#7: Danny Masterson
“The Ranch” (2016-20)
The Netflix series “The Ranch” starred Ashton Kutcher and Danny Masterson, who played brothers operating a cattle ranch. However, leading into the sixth part of the show, Masterson was cut from the cast. This is due to a slew of assault charges that were pressed against the actor, which began in 2017. The decision to eliminate Masterson from the cast isn’t surprising considering the severity of the allegations made, which we’ll let you investigate at your own discretion. He was also not asked to return for “That ‘90s Show” as his character Steven Hyde for these same reasons.
#6: Kevin Spacey
“House of Cards” (2013-18)
It was the scandal that shook the TV world. Amidst the #MeToo Hollywood wave, actor Anthony Rapp came forward with allegations that Kevin Spacey had assaulted him in 1986. In response, Spacey put out a statement claiming to not remember the incident and weirdly decided to use the opportunity to come out as gay. This decision was seen by many as an attempt to deflect from Rapp’s allegations and garner sympathy for himself. The misconduct halted production on the show’s sixth and final season and led to massive rewrites. Spacey was fired from the production and his character, Frank Underwood was killed off.
#5: The Puerto Rico Episode
“Seinfeld” (1989-98)
Any fan who only became acquainted with Jerry and the gang through re-runs might not even know that this season nine episode exists. It depicts the group getting caught in traffic because of the Puerto Rican Day Parade celebrations. And there was more than one problematic moment. The scene that understandably prompted the most outcry involved Kramer stomping on the Puerto Rican flag after accidentally setting it on fire. The episode was heavily blasted for its harmful portrayal of Puerto Ricans and disrespectful flag use. Still, some of the actors and crew members refuted claims that it was offensive. Ultimately, NBC issued an apology, and the episode was removed from circulation for a few years.
#4: Roseanne Gets Ousted from the Conners
“Roseanne” (1988-97; 2018)
Fans of the sitcom’s original run were excited to learn of its return in 2018. However, the bliss was short-lived, with the titular star sending out a racist tweet insulting Obama White House aide Valerie Jarrett. Following the backlash, she apologized and blamed the event on her medication. But the damage was already done: the show was canceled, she was fired, and several networks even pulled re-runs. Many of her co-stars tried to distance themselves from the controversy, and moved on without her, creating “The Conners” spin-off. About a year later, Barr attempted to blame the fallout on her TV daughter Sara Gilbert, who was openly critical of her actions.
#3: One Man Down
“Two and a Half Men” (2003-15)
We all remember Charlie Sheen’s infamous 2011 interview. Well, it was around that same time that he was let go from “Two and a Half Men”. He was one of America’s highest paid television actors, starring in CBS’ most popular sitcom. But after a number of scandals, battle with addiction, and a publicized falling out with Warner Bros. and co-creator Chuck Lorre, he was fired. Charlie Harper was killed off and replaced by Walden Schmidt, played by Ashton Kutcher. According to the last vanity card, Sheen could have returned for the series finale. But he and Lorre had very different ideas of how that might play out, so it never happened.
#2: Bill Cosby Sexual Assault Cases
“The Cosby Show” (1984-92)
Millions around the world came to know and love Bill Cosby through his sitcom “The Cosby Show.” The series, which was celebrated as groundbreaking for its positive portrayal of an affluent African-American family, became deeply intertwined with Cosby’s public persona. However, beginning in late 2014, shocking revelations emerged that Cosby had sexually assaulted dozens of women over several decades. As a result, the image he had built as a beloved father figure and role model shattered, and “The Cosby Show” became tainted by association. In light of the allegations, the series was removed from syndication in many countries. Cosby may have evaded justice due to a legal technicality, but his crimes have forever altered the way his show is perceived and remembered.
#1: Dan Schneider’s Legacy
Various
In 2018, Nickelodeon parted ways with one of their most prolific creators of all time. But, despite his resume, odds are Dan Schneider will only be remembered for the mountain of allegations levied against him. While Nickelodeon’s firing only explicitly cited his quick temper, many insiders have come out accusing Schneider of repeated sexual harassment. This included former “iCarly” star, Jennette McCurdy, who spent a section of her memoir detailing her harrowing experiences with someone only referred to as “The Creator.” Given the extent of the charges, many fans have also pointed to scenes in Schneider’s work that have not aged well at all. As a result, it’s unlikely Schneider, or his legacy, will ever recover.
#50: Vivian Banks
“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” (1990-96)
Arguably the most infamous recast in TV sitcom history, this one saw Janet Hubert exit the role of Aunt Viv on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” after three seasons. At the time, Hubert’s departure was reported to be the result of a bitter feud with the series’ star Will Smith. It would take nearly three decades for the record to be set straight. During the “Fresh Prince Reunion” special in 2020, Banks and Smith settled the argument, and the former revealed that she was, in fact, not fired. Instead, she had rejected a bad deal by the producers, which would’ve prevented her from working anywhere else for 10 weeks. Rather than renegotiate the contract, Hubert was replaced with Daphne Maxwell Reid.
#49: Mark Schwahn Sexual Harassment Allegations
“One Tree Hill” (2003-12)
This teen drama series was created and executive produced by Mark Schwahn, who also wrote and directed several episodes. While the show ended on a high note in 2012, it wasn’t until five years later that disturbing behind-the-scenes tales came to light. A former staff writer, Audrey Wauchope, alleged on social media that she experienced sexual harassment from Schwahn while working on the show. Her claims were later backed up by 18 female former cast and crew members who signed an open letter detailing additional allegations. According to these women, Schwahn’s behavior was “an open secret,” and caused lasting emotional harm. Although he never officially addressed the allegations, Schwahn was fired from his other show “The Royals.”
#48: Spotlight on a Murderer
“Bullseye” [UK] (1981-2006)
John Cooper didn't walk away from “Bullseye” a winner, but eventually his brief shot at glory was a major win for the British public. Unknown at the time, Cooper was already a two time murderer, having killed a brother and sister in 1985, and killing Peter and Gwenda Dixon a month after his game show strike out. In 1998 Cooper was convicted of a string of robberies, and served 10 years in prison. However, soon after his release police investigated a murder cold case, which through advanced forensic science, DNA, and his “Bullseye” footage, they were able to pin on him. Cooper was arrested soon after, and convicted in 2011.
#47: The Popsicle Twins
“The Gong Show” (1976-80)
Easily one of the most bizarre moments on "The Gong Show", the so-called Popsicle Twins were a duo of young women whose act was titled "Have You Got a Nickel.” Their segment was initially only aired on the east coast before being pulled, when it was noticed that the simple act of enjoying an ice lolly was a bit more suggestive than it first appeared. Score-wise, the act was a dud – with only Jaye P. Morgan picking up what the girls were laying down, and TV's Klinger Jamie Farr awarding it a mere two points.
#46: The Heartbreaking Story of the Original Laurie
“That ‘70s Show” (1998-2006)
Lisa Robin Kelly played Eric's selfish, spoiled, and conniving big sister Laurie on “That ‘70s Show” during the first three seasons. After that, the character was nowhere to be seen, presumably busy with beauty school. But in reality, Kelly was struggling with addiction. Though on the surface she was an actress on a successful sitcom, things were complicated in her private life. She briefly returned for season five, but was eventually replaced, with Christina Moore becoming Laurie. Unfortunately, Kelly's battle continued, and she was even arrested multiple times. In 2013, she tried to turn things around by checking into rehab, but she tragically passed away.
#45: Lori Loughlin
“Fuller House” (2016-20)
The college admission scandal involving actors like Lori Loughlin was a hot-button conversation back in 2019. Loughlin paid the University of Southern California a sizable bribe in return for her two daughters getting guaranteed spots at the school. She admitted guilt for her crime, ultimately spending two months in prison. Of course, this meant she wouldn’t be returning to the reboot series “Fuller House,” in which she played the role of Aunt Becky. In the context of the show, the characters explained that Becky had to leave to take care of her mother.
#44: Steven Seagal, Worst Host Ever
“Saturday Night Live” (1975-)
Both Lorne Michaels and SNL alumni have been pretty vocal about what a terrible host Steven Seagal was. It wasn’t because of his performance . . . or at least, not ONLY that . . . but rather his inability to work with the cast. In the book “Live from New York: The Complete, Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live”, several SNL alumni spoke about Seagal’s difficult behavior. These include incidents where he pitched completely tasteless skits - including one where he’d play a therapist trying to have sex with Victoria Jackson, instead of counselling her for sexual assault. The actor has been permanently banned from the show.
#43: A Last-Minute Replacement Makes a Last-Second Change
“Saturday Night Live” (1975-)
It’s been an open secret that showrunner Lorne Michaels doesn’t like a last minute change. Well, that was especially evident when Elvis Costello performed for SNL in 1977. Filling in for the Sex Pistols, Costello was brought on to perform his newest hit “Less Than Zero”. The only problem was that Costello felt the song was irrelevant to American audiences, as it was conceived as an attack against English politician Oswald Mosley. And so, a few bars into the song, Costello halted the performance, vaguely apologized to the audience, and transitioned into “Radio Radio”. The English rockstar would be banned from SNL for over a decade.
#42: Scandoval
“Vanderpump Rules” (2013-)
Even people who’d never seen Lisa Vanderpump’s spinoff series seemed to know exactly what Scandoval was. The whole fallout was caught by a camera crew, and the scandal that rocked “Vanderpump Rules” was the talk of the reality TV sphere for months. The breakdown of Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix’s relationship after Sandoval’s affair with co-star Raquel Leviss went public was a real-life soap opera for the social media age. Everyone had an opinion. The scandal has yet to go away. Leviss filed lawsuits against both Madix and Sandoval nearly a year after it all went down.
#41: Sherry Pie Disqualified
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” (2009-)
Season 4 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” saw Willam Bell’s mysterious disqualification, and while it may have set the standard for “Drag Race” controversy, there was something a lot darker to come. Season 12 was rocked by a scandal so damaging, the show had to be re-edited to all but remove one competitor. One of the season’s finalists, Sherry Pie, was accused of inappropriate conduct by several men. Sherry Pie was subsequently edited down from the final cut of the episodes, which was a feat, considering she made it to the top four. It cast a dark shadow over a season that didn’t need one, as it was the first to air during the COVID-19 pandemic.
#40: The Murder of Jasmine Fiore
“Megan Wants a Millionaire” (2009)
Real estate investor Ryan Jenkins reportedly placed third on this dating show, but only three episodes aired. The day before VH1 pulled the plug, Jenkins was charged with the murder of his wife, Jasmine Fiore. The model’s body was found in a suitcase and she could only be identified by the serial number on her breast implants. Jenkins however, never lived to stand trial. On August 23, 2009, he was found after having taken his own life in a Canadian hotel - a tragic end to an all too real and horrific story.
#39: Which Came First: The Post-It Or The Walkman?
“Million Dollar Money Drop” (2010-11)
When couples appear on game shows, networks are hoping for some relationship hijinks. And that’s exactly what this show got... in the worst way possible. Gabe Okoye and Brittany Mayti were well on their way to $1,000,000 until the “which came first” question came up. After bickering, Okoye went with the Post-It, and the couple watched as $800,000 fell through a trap door because they got the... right answer? Though the show’s research team had checked with 3M, Post-It’s original parent company, a slight technicality meant their information was just plain wrong. Cue the social media outrage, the show offering to bring the couple back and then... well, the show was canceled after its debut season.
#38: Brooke Shields’ Ex Wasn’t a Drake Ramoray Fan
“Friends” (1994-2004)
In season two of “Friends,” actress and model Brooke Shields played an unhinged “fan” called Erika, who struggled to differentiate reality and fiction. And apparently, she wasn’t the only one. According to Shields’ memoir, her then-boyfriend, former tennis sensation Andre Agassi, was particularly peeved by the dinner scene where Erika licks Joey’s hand. She wrote that he exited the set, and told her she’d “made him look a fool,” before heading to his Vegas abode and destroying his trophies. The actress spent three years replacing them, believing his kids might like to have them one day. The pair tied the knot in 1997, but ultimately got divorced.
#37: Mark Salling Possession of Inappropriate Material
“Glee” (2009-15)
The Fox musical series “Glee” had already completed its award-winning six-season run when one of its stars became embroiled in a controversy. Mark Salling, known for his role as football player Noah Puckerman, was arrested in 2015 for possessing inappropriate material involving youth. Authorities would later discover over 50,000 of such explicit images on his computer and USB flash drives. This was particularly disturbing considering that “Glee” attracted a large audience of young fans, given its high school setting. Salling ultimately pleaded guilty to criminal charges and was set to spend four to seven years in jail. However, on January 30th 2018, before he could face justice for his crimes, Salling decided to end his own life.
#36: Rosie O’Donnell vs. Elisabeth Hasselbeck
“The View” (1997-)
“The View” can sometimes feel like a daytime soap opera. Of all the scandals this talk show has endured over the years, the feud between co-hosts Rosie O’Donnell and Elisabeth Hasselbeck was perhaps the most notorious. The tension between the two reached its boiling point in 2007 when Hasselbeck referred to Iraq as America’s “enemy,” prompting O’Donnell to argue that the Bush administration was truly at fault. The liberal O’Donnell additionally criticized the media for their unflattering portrayal of her, claiming that they favored the conservative Hasselbeck. Following their heated argument, O’Donnell left the show while Hasselbeck exited five years later.
#35: Alec Baldwin’s Gay Slur
“Up Late with Alec Baldwin” (2013)
Although Alec Baldwin is one of the most outspoken liberals in showbiz, his behavior hasn’t always lived up to his professed ideals. In 2013, the Oscar nominated actor landed in hot water when he allegedly made an anti-gay slur directed at a paparazzo. In due course, Baldwin was suspended from his late night talk show for two weeks. While Baldwin initially claimed that he was misquoted, he ultimately described his outburst as “offensive and unacceptable” in an apology. The damage was done, however, as “Up Late with Alec Baldwin” was canceled after only five episodes. It also probably didn’t help that Baldwin also made homophobic remarks towards reporter George Stark on Twitter.
#34: Maury Povich’s Sexual Harassment Lawsuit
“Maury” (1991-2022)
Maury Povich is no stranger to controversy, as many critics have accused his tabloid talk show of exploiting serious issues. Speaking of exploitation, a $100 million sex harassment lawsuit was filed against Povich and other members of his staff in 2006. The allegations stemmed from Bianca Nardi, a former producer of “The Maury Povich Show,” who claimed that the host and his workers had forced her to watch pornography and attempt to seduce married men at bars while being filmed. She additionally accused executive producer Paul Faulhaber of making her wear revealing outfits and implied that Povich was having an affair with producer Donna Ingber. Despite this scandal, Povich remains on television and is still married to Connie Chung.
#33: Elmo Actor Allegations
“Sesame Street” (1969-)
Sesame Street can’t seem to get a break when it comes to controversies. In one instance, a controversy arose over celebrity guest Katy Perry’s dress during a music video, causing the segment to be removed. In another, their YouTube channel got hacked, resulting in all of their videos being replaced with adult content! All parents really want is to make sure that their children are safe watching these shows, so when dangerous claims are made, it can cause panic. Kevin Clash, the actor behind the popular Sesame Street character “Elmo,” had several extremely serious allegations of sexual impropriety leveled against him in 2012. These claims garnered a lot of media attention, and despite the accusations eventually being legally dismissed, Clash left the series.
#32: The Hiring & Firing of Shane Gillis
“Saturday Night Live” (1975-)
In hindsight, this was an embarrassment for both parties… On September 12, 2019, comedian and podcaster Shane Gillis was announced as a cast member for SNL’s 45th season. However, he was fired four days later when clips revealed that the comedian had used racial and homophobic slurs on his podcast. For clarification, these weren’t remarks from a decade ago - these were from 2018. Gillis tweeted an apology . . . of sorts . . . that same night, but the damage had been done. SNL didn’t escape unscathed either, receiving criticism for not having done enough background research into their new hire.
#31: John Belushi Refused Sketches Written by Women
“Saturday Night Live” (1975-)
John Belushi is one of the most revered SNL cast members of the late 70s. But according to Jane Curtin, he also unapologetically sexist behind-the-scenes. During her appearance on “The Oprah Winfrey Show”, she said that Belushi was one of several men who tried to sabotage the work of female writers. Curtin claimed that Belushi said that “women are just fundamentally not funny”, and that “if a woman writer had written a piece” for him, he’d half-ass it, “not [reading] it in his full voice”. Never meet your heroes, kids.
#30: Blackmail Attempt Against David Letterman
“Late Show with David Letterman” (1993-2015)
After a long, hard day, audiences would typically tune into the “Late Show with David Letterman” for a lighthearted laugh. The talk show took an uncomfortable turn in 2009, though, when Letterman confessed to having several sexual relationships with his female staffers. An extortionist had targeted Letterman, threatening to write a screenplay about the television host’s affairs unless he coughed up $2 million. Cooperating with Manhattan District Attorney’s office, Letterman wrote a fake check and his blackmailer was arrested shortly after. While Letterman was met with some negative press following this shocking announcement, he eventually moved on from the scandal and hosted the “Late Show” for six more years before retiring in 2015.
#29: Oprah Winfrey vs. James Frey
“The Oprah Winfrey Show” (1986-2011)
James Frey hit the big time when his memoir, “A Million Little Pieces,” was selected for Oprah’s Book Club in 2005. Chronicling Frey’s history with alcohol and drug abuse, the book became a New York Times bestseller and a cultural sensation. Many readers felt cheated, however, when it was revealed that Frey had fabricated information in his supposed true account. This didn’t reflect well on Oprah, who invited Frey onto her show to talk about the controversy. Oprah didn’t let Frey off with a slap on the wrist, eventually getting him to confess that he had made up parts of the story. She also brought on publisher Nan Talese to set the record straight.
#28: On Set Misconduct
“Arrested Development” (2003-06; 2013-19)
Jeffrey Tambor was embroiled in sexual misconduct allegations from his other show, “Transparent.” And during a New York Times interview, the late Jessica Walter, who played Lucille Bluth on “Arrested Development,” shed light into his behavior on their show. She revealed that while he hadn’t “crossed [that] line,”, he had exhibited other aggressive behavior. Although he'd apologized, it’s clear that she had been shaken by the encounter. This wasn’t helped by her male-co stars making light of the situation and attempting to justify Tambor’s actions. Jason Bateman was especially keen to defend his on-screen dad and was met with plenty of backlash. He ultimately took to Twitter to issue an apology for his insensitive response.
#27: Jeff Garlin Leaves the Family
“The Goldbergs” (2013-)
Jeff Garlin played ill-tempered patriarch Murray Goldberg until his sudden departure from the sitcom in 2021. Several reports of unprofessional and disrespectful behavior on set led to a lengthy HR investigation and Garlin's eventual exit. But he blamed it on his "silliness" being misinterpreted and “political correctness” stifling comedians. His disdain for the sitcom was no secret, and he reportedly addressed it during a stand-up set later on. His TV wife, Wendi McLendon-Covey, also implied in a tweet that he made his disinterest quite obvious. Still, since he left mid-season, the show persevered with a body double and editing magic to complete his scenes. However, that only made the elephant in the room even more glaringly obvious.
#26: Joss Whedon Workplace Harassment Allegations
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997–2003) & “Angel” (1999–2004)
The first domino to fall in the Joss Whedon controversy came in July 2020 when actor Ray Fisher accused Whedon of highly inappropriate behavior during filming of “Justice League.” Fisher’s claims were corroborated by other actors who worked on the film, but it seems Whedon’s alleged misconduct stretched back several years. Actress Charisma Carpenter, who appeared in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and its spin-off, “Angel,” alleged that Whedon had repeatedly harassed her and “abused his power.” She was supported by some of her other co-stars, including Sarah Michelle Gellar herself. Since then, fans of the “Buffyverse” have admitted to seeing the shows in an entirely different light; once symbols of female empowerment, now tainted by Hollywood’s pervasive toxicity.
#25: Conan O’Brien vs. Jay Leno
“The Tonight Show” (1954-)
The original War for Late Night can be traced back to 1992, when Jay Leno became Johnny Carson’s successor, over David Letterman. This influenced Letterman to move from NBC to CBS, while Conan O’Brien was hired to fill the NBC late night time slot. History essentially repeated itself almost two decades later when Leno exited “The Tonight Show” so O’Brien could assume his hosting duties. Unfortunately, O’Brien’s ratings struggled and the decision to give Leno a primetime talk show turned out to be a huge miscalculation. Since pushing back the schedule wasn’t an option, O’Brien was given a $45 million payout while Leno returned to “The Tonight Show” in 2010.
#24: Nora Dunn Boycotts the Show
“Saturday Night Live” (1975-)
Andrew Dice Clay was one of the most famous, and infamous, comedians of the 80s. His “Diceman” persona and shock humor both sold out venues, and incensed critics, who slammed his act as sexist, homophobic, and racist. When the comedian was scheduled to host Saturday Night Live on May 12, 1990, SNL’s Nora Dunn decided to boycott the show. Musical guest Sinead O’Connor followed suit. The show went on as scheduled, with beefed up security measures, but not without an angry audience, some of whom had to be forcibly removed.
#23: Angelea Disqualified
“America’s Next Top Model” (2003-18)
Tyra Banks’ modeling competition has had its fair share of unfortunate, offensive, and downright cruel moments. But its all stars edition was clouded by controversy when competitor Angelea Preston was disqualified for unspecified reasons in the finale episode. The aired finale saw Lisa D’Amato being named the winner. Preston would later come forward with the truth. Banks had originally awarded Preston the title in the 17th season, only to take it away once producers learned Preston had worked as an escort. This only came out when the contestant sued Banks, the producers, and the network. Her lawsuit didn’t go far, but they added to contemporary reappraisals of the show’s harsh treatment of its rotating cast of young, impressionable aspiring models.
#22: Toxic Workplace Allegations
“The Ellen DeGeneres Show” (2003-22)
For years, Ellen DeGeneres projected an image of kindness that resonated across her various endeavors, particularly her eponymous daytime talk show. That image was irreparably shattered in 2020 when a group of former employees came forward, revealing a toxic work environment on set. DeGeneres, whose long-standing mantra had been to always “be kind,” took responsibility for the toxic culture on the show and apologized on air during the 18th season’s premiere. But this gesture did little or nothing to repair the damage. Her once-pristine reputation, and that of the series, had already suffered a major blow. Consequently, the following year, it was announced that the long-running daytime talk show would be coming to an end.
#21: Kanye West Has a Meltdown
“Saturday Night Live” (1975-)
Given his penchant for tantrums and tirades, it should be no surprise to see Kanye on this list. In 2018, Kanye made headlines with a political rant during SNL’s credits about Trump, the “liberal media”, and his own presidential aspirations. But that wasn’t his first meltdown on the show. In February 2016, he almost walked out moments before his performance . . . because he didn’t like the set. The notoriously egotistical rapper’s meltdown got so bad that it took both Lorne Michaels and Kim Kardashian to calm him down. A short time later, audio clips of Kanye’s tantrum surfaced, and needless to say, it was truly cringe-worthy.
#20: Allison Mack’s Involvement With NXIVM
“Smallville” (2001-11)
Although it premiered on the relatively new network The WB, “Smallville” quickly garnered a dedicated fan base among young adults, which thrust its main cast into the limelight. Among them was Allison Mack, who played Chloe Sullivan. During her time on the show, Mack became involved with the self-improvement cult NXIVM, rising to a prominent position within the organization. Leveraging on her fame from “Smallville,” Mack recruited several women into NXIVM, who were subsequently exploited in various forms. For her part, Mack pleaded guilty to racketeering charges and received a three-year prison sentence. Consequently, her association with “Smallville” has cast a shadow over the show, causing hesitation among many who may want to revisit it.
#19: Stephen Collins Admits to Sexual Misconduct
“7th Heaven” (1996-2007)
For over a decade, Stephen Collins portrayed Reverend Eric Camden, a Protestant minister on the TV series “7th Heaven.” Through the show, Collins built a reputation as a wholesome and morally upright individual, but in real life, it seems he was the stark opposite. In 2014, an audio tape leaked to the press in which Collins discussed having inappropriate contact with minors in the past. He later fully admitted to the claims in an interview with People magazine, noting that the incidents occurred in 1973, 1982 and 1994. These revelations directly contradicted the values espoused by the show, leaving many fans deeply troubled by the dissonance between Collins’ on-screen persona and his real-life actions.
#18: Terrible Reality
“Kid Nation” (2007)
There are reasons why there are stringent laws and regulations regarding children working in the film and television industry. Sure, it might make for exciting programming, but the aim isn’t to scar them for life! The cash-prize reality show “Kid Nation” sent a group of 40 children of various ages into the desert, challenging them to create a functioning society. The crew was informed to be as little involved as possible, allowing these vulnerable kids to experience genuinely distressing events. The disturbing premise resembles Willam Golding’s novel “Lord of the Flies,” and audiences agreed. Unfortunately, the parents were apparently poorly informed regarding what was involved, and the backlash meant it only lasted one season.
#17: Phil Robertson’s Homophobic Remarks
“Duck Dynasty” (2012-17)
“Duck Dynasty” patriarch Phil Robertson came under fire after a controversial GQ interview. He was quick to point out that he believes a relationship between same-sex people is sinful. His son Alan defended his views and went as far as comparing his dad to John the Baptist. He added that the public outcry hasn’t changed who they are as a family. A&E decided to call off the initial suspension of “Duck Dynasty” and cited that the family apologized for the statements.
#16: Chevy Chase
“Community” (2009-15)
Apparently, it’s well known around Hollywood that Chevy Chase is difficult to work with. The comedy legend also happens to be infamous for his outrageous behavior on film and television sets. Chase held the role of Pierce Hawthorne on “Community” up until the show’s fifth season, in which Pierce was comically killed off. Chase was known to disagree with the show’s creator, Dan Harmon, and his ideas and direction for the character. On a more serious note, cast and crew members expressed that he frequently used offensive and racist language with no remorse whatsoever.
#15: Louis C.K. Sexual Misconduct Allegations
“Louie” (2010-15)
When stand-up comedians develop series based on their lives, they often infuse them with real-life events. That was especially true for Louis C.K., who created, wrote, directed and produced the FX series “Louie” in which he portrayed a fictionalized version of himself. In 2017, C.K. and the show were plunged into a scandal when several women accused him of sexually inappropriate behavior. This revelation prompted a reassessment of his previous stand-up material, some of which seemed to overlap with the allegations. “Louie” was ultimately canceled after C.K. admitted that the accusations were indeed true. Due to the striking parallels between the show and the comedian, many have found it challenging to separate the art from the artist.
#14: Jenny Jones’ Guest Gets Murdered
“The Jenny Jones Show” (1991-2003)
“The Jenny Jones Show” aired for over a decade, but it’s actually best remembered for an episode that never even aired. Entitled “Same Sex Secret Crushes,” the episode centered on a guest named Scott Amedure, who, on the show, revealed his crush to an acquaintance named Jonathan Schmitz. Three days after the episode was taped, Schmitz reportedly found a suggestive note from Amedure. Schmitz subsequently purchased a shotgun, shot Amedure two times in the chest, and alerted the authorities of the crime he had just committed. Having a history of mental illness, Schmitz was convicted of second degree murder. Meanwhile, “The Jenny Jones Show” faced a wrongful death lawsuit and was forced to pay Amedure's family $25 million.
#13: The Jon & Kate Saga
“Jon & Kate Plus 8” (2007-09)
This TLC series showing the daily life of a family with a set of twins and a set of sextuplets was an instant hit. But in 2009, viewers were shocked when parents Jon and Kate announced that they were separating. Things only got messier from there, as he insisted that his kids not be on the largely Jon-less “Kate Plus 8.” He was also sued by the network for breach of contract after making other television appearances. In recent years, he has said that almost none of the kids are in contact with him anymore. This show may have ended years ago, but the drama truly never stops with this family.
#12: The Dating Game Serial Killer
“The Dating Game” (1965-99)
Rodney Alcala appeared as Bachelor #1 on “The Dating Game” in 1978 and managed to charm his way through the show to win the date. A decision she would have soon come to regret, Cheryl Bradshaw thankfully didn’t end up going through with it. As it turns out, Alcala had a terrifying criminal history involving multiple murders, kidnapping, and sexual assault, with his victims ranging from adult women to young girls. Moving forward, the importance of doing extensive background checks on contestants cannot be overstated. They could be cheaters. They could be frauds. They could be Rodney Alcala.
#11: Billy Bush Fired From “Today”
“Today” (1952-)
Just when it seemed like the 2016 U.S. presidential election couldn’t get any crazier, a 2005 hot mic recording surfaced in which Republican candidate Donald Trump shared an offensive and potentially incriminating conversation with “Access Hollywood” host Billy Bush. On a bus ride, Trump not only admitted that he tried and failed to seduce Nancy O'Dell, but also made some vulgar statements while discussing actress Arianne Zucker. The scandal took a drastic toll on Bush’s public image, resulting in his termination from “The Today Show.” Meanwhile, Trump continued his campaign and was elected President almost a month later.
#10: Josh Duggar’s Crimes
“19 Kids and Counting” (2008-15) & “Counting On” (2015-20)
The biggest TLC scandal to date came about when the eldest Duggar child, Josh, was accused of mistreating girls, including some of his sisters, when he was a teenager. Naturally, this prompted the network to ax “19 Kids and Counting” from its lineup. And the distressing story doesn’t end there, as many more allegations have occurred since the show was called off. Duggar has also been accused of cheating on his wife, assaulting a woman, and possessing highly inappropriate materials featuring children. In late May of 2022, Duggar was sentenced to 12 and 7 months in prison for the latter crime, finally answering for his horrific actions. As you can imagine, “Counting On” was also canceled.
#9: Jussie Smollett
“Empire” (2015-20)
It all began on January 22nd of 2019 when “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett received a threatening letter with a suspicious powder later confirmed to be Tylenol. The following week, Smollett reported that he had been attacked by two men who doused a chemical over him and called him derogatory slurs. Investigators immediately got to work on what seemed to be a hate crime. But, police eventually began to find loopholes in Smollett’s story. It was later revealed that the actor had staged the incident with two men who had appeared as extras on the musical drama series and it didn’t take too long for producers to kick him off the roster.
#8: Matt Lauer’s Sexual Misconduct Allegations
“Today” (1952-)
In rapid succession, from Bill O’Reilly to Charlie Rose, media personalities were publically accused of sexual harassment in 2017. However, the sexual misconduct allegations directed at Matt Lauer shocked audiences the most. A staple of “The Today Show” for almost 20 years, Lauer was abruptly fired after a female NBC employee accused him of sexually harassing her three years earlier. It became clear that this was unlikely an isolated incident, as more women came forward. In one instance, Lauer was accused of summoning a former employee to his office and sexually assaulting her behind a locked door. The fact that Lauer was such a beloved host only made this more disturbing.
#7: Danny Masterson
“The Ranch” (2016-20)
The Netflix series “The Ranch” starred Ashton Kutcher and Danny Masterson, who played brothers operating a cattle ranch. However, leading into the sixth part of the show, Masterson was cut from the cast. This is due to a slew of assault charges that were pressed against the actor, which began in 2017. The decision to eliminate Masterson from the cast isn’t surprising considering the severity of the allegations made, which we’ll let you investigate at your own discretion. He was also not asked to return for “That ‘90s Show” as his character Steven Hyde for these same reasons.
#6: Kevin Spacey
“House of Cards” (2013-18)
It was the scandal that shook the TV world. Amidst the #MeToo Hollywood wave, actor Anthony Rapp came forward with allegations that Kevin Spacey had assaulted him in 1986. In response, Spacey put out a statement claiming to not remember the incident and weirdly decided to use the opportunity to come out as gay. This decision was seen by many as an attempt to deflect from Rapp’s allegations and garner sympathy for himself. The misconduct halted production on the show’s sixth and final season and led to massive rewrites. Spacey was fired from the production and his character, Frank Underwood was killed off.
#5: The Puerto Rico Episode
“Seinfeld” (1989-98)
Any fan who only became acquainted with Jerry and the gang through re-runs might not even know that this season nine episode exists. It depicts the group getting caught in traffic because of the Puerto Rican Day Parade celebrations. And there was more than one problematic moment. The scene that understandably prompted the most outcry involved Kramer stomping on the Puerto Rican flag after accidentally setting it on fire. The episode was heavily blasted for its harmful portrayal of Puerto Ricans and disrespectful flag use. Still, some of the actors and crew members refuted claims that it was offensive. Ultimately, NBC issued an apology, and the episode was removed from circulation for a few years.
#4: Roseanne Gets Ousted from the Conners
“Roseanne” (1988-97; 2018)
Fans of the sitcom’s original run were excited to learn of its return in 2018. However, the bliss was short-lived, with the titular star sending out a racist tweet insulting Obama White House aide Valerie Jarrett. Following the backlash, she apologized and blamed the event on her medication. But the damage was already done: the show was canceled, she was fired, and several networks even pulled re-runs. Many of her co-stars tried to distance themselves from the controversy, and moved on without her, creating “The Conners” spin-off. About a year later, Barr attempted to blame the fallout on her TV daughter Sara Gilbert, who was openly critical of her actions.
#3: One Man Down
“Two and a Half Men” (2003-15)
We all remember Charlie Sheen’s infamous 2011 interview. Well, it was around that same time that he was let go from “Two and a Half Men”. He was one of America’s highest paid television actors, starring in CBS’ most popular sitcom. But after a number of scandals, battle with addiction, and a publicized falling out with Warner Bros. and co-creator Chuck Lorre, he was fired. Charlie Harper was killed off and replaced by Walden Schmidt, played by Ashton Kutcher. According to the last vanity card, Sheen could have returned for the series finale. But he and Lorre had very different ideas of how that might play out, so it never happened.
#2: Bill Cosby Sexual Assault Cases
“The Cosby Show” (1984-92)
Millions around the world came to know and love Bill Cosby through his sitcom “The Cosby Show.” The series, which was celebrated as groundbreaking for its positive portrayal of an affluent African-American family, became deeply intertwined with Cosby’s public persona. However, beginning in late 2014, shocking revelations emerged that Cosby had sexually assaulted dozens of women over several decades. As a result, the image he had built as a beloved father figure and role model shattered, and “The Cosby Show” became tainted by association. In light of the allegations, the series was removed from syndication in many countries. Cosby may have evaded justice due to a legal technicality, but his crimes have forever altered the way his show is perceived and remembered.
#1: Dan Schneider’s Legacy
Various
In 2018, Nickelodeon parted ways with one of their most prolific creators of all time. But, despite his resume, odds are Dan Schneider will only be remembered for the mountain of allegations levied against him. While Nickelodeon’s firing only explicitly cited his quick temper, many insiders have come out accusing Schneider of repeated sexual harassment. This included former “iCarly” star, Jennette McCurdy, who spent a section of her memoir detailing her harrowing experiences with someone only referred to as “The Creator.” Given the extent of the charges, many fans have also pointed to scenes in Schneider’s work that have not aged well at all. As a result, it’s unlikely Schneider, or his legacy, will ever recover.
