8 Most Divisive TV Shows of the Last 10 Years

Because taste in art is personal, it’s unusual for an art show to be loved by absolutely everyone, or hated by everyone. Usually, most people tend to agree on what they think is good art and what isn’t.

We’re looking at TV shows that people either love or hate. Some viewers consider these series brilliant, while others find them boring, confusing, or upsetting. Though many of these shows were popular, they also sparked a lot of disagreement, often because of controversial storylines or changes from the original source material. The big difference between what audiences and critics thought about these shows is impossible to ignore, and it’s led to some intense debates.

‘Euphoria’ (2019 – Present)

Euphoria centers on Rue Bennett, a teenager grappling with difficult issues like love, grief, sex, and addiction as she grows up. The show is known for its striking visuals and honest portrayal of teenage life, and has received largely positive reviews, particularly for Zendaya’s compelling and nuanced performance as Rue.

Despite sparking controversy with its frequent depictions of drug use, nudity, and mature themes – particularly involving teenage characters – Euphoria has become a massive hit for HBO. Many find the show’s content unnecessarily shocking, but its compelling stories and uncomfortable subject matter keep viewers hooked and conversations going. It’s become one of the network’s most popular series in the last two decades, trailing only Game of Thrones, The Last of Us, and House of the Dragon – all shows that have also generated significant debate.

’13 Reasons Why’ (2017 – 2020)

The first season of 13 Reasons Why centers around the impact of high school student Hannah Baker’s suicide. She leaves behind a series of tapes explaining her decision and naming those she felt contributed to it. The show is emotionally intense and can be difficult to watch. While some mental health experts raised concerns about its graphic portrayal of sensitive topics like suicide, sexual assault, and bullying – and the potential for copycat behavior – the series was incredibly popular. It quickly became one of Netflix’s most-watched shows and received positive reviews from critics.

Seasons 2-4 of 13 Reasons Why received mixed reactions. While some viewers appreciated the show’s ability to explore characters and storylines in more depth, and enjoyed the surprising plot twists, others felt these later seasons strayed from the thoughtful and emotionally resonant storytelling of the first season, becoming overly dramatic and focused on shock value.

‘Roseanne’ (2018)

As a big fan of classic sitcoms, I always loved Roseanne. It originally aired from 1988 to 1997 and really stood out because it felt so real – it showed a working-class American family in a way that hadn’t really been done before. It was hugely popular too, actually hitting number one in the ratings and becoming a real cultural touchstone for the ’90s. I was thrilled when they announced a revival almost twenty years later, and it was great to see Season 10 premiere on ABC in 2018.

The revival of Roseanne initially succeeded, despite changes to the original ending and some awkwardly inserted political storylines. While the show was quickly renewed, the off-screen actions of star Roseanne Barr began to dominate the conversation. The focus shifted from a nostalgic return to a source of cultural and political debate, dividing viewers and critics. Ultimately, the revival was canceled after just one season because of a racist tweet by Barr, leading to the creation of the spin-off The Conners.

‘Atlanta’ (2016 – 2022)

Atlanta is a show that inspires strong reactions – people either love it or don’t. While critics generally praise it and it’s gained a devoted fanbase, some potential viewers find its unique and often surreal style off-putting.

Created by Donald Glover, the show centers on Earn Marks as he tries to help his cousin, an emerging rapper named Alfred, make it in Atlanta’s music world. It’s been widely celebrated for being fresh, funny in a strange way, and for its clever commentary on society. Some viewers appreciate how the show mixes comedy, drama, and dreamlike sequences, while others find it confusing. The later episodes become even more unusual, which some people feel makes the show feel scattered and unpredictable.

‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’ (2022)

With so many movies and TV shows already made, it was natural for Marvel to look for a new approach. However, few probably predicted She-Hulk: Attorney at Law – a comedy that focuses on Jennifer Walters, a lawyer in her thirties, and the challenges of balancing her personal life with being She-Hulk, a six-foot-seven-inch green superhero.

The film was praised by many for its clever, self-deprecating humor and tendency to playfully acknowledge it was a movie – a refreshing change in the often-serious superhero genre (though the special effects weren’t always perfect). However, some viewers felt the story wasn’t compelling enough and prioritized jokes over substance, ultimately making it a less significant addition to the larger Marvel universe.

‘Star Trek: Discovery’ (2017 – 2024)

Star Trek boasts one of the most famous and devoted fan bases of all time, known as “Trekkies.” The show rapidly gained a dedicated following after its 1966 debut, with fans quickly creating their own magazines and organizing conventions – the first convention happened just a year after the original series finished airing. From the early days with William Shatner as Captain Kirk to Patrick Stewart’s memorable Captain Picard, Star Trek has consistently pleased its fans with creative stories, interesting characters, and a positive outlook on the future.

Things shifted dramatically with the release of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. The show moved away from the franchise’s traditional focus on philosophical exploration and instead centered on the lives of young cadets, creating a coming-of-age story with elements of teen drama. While critics generally enjoyed the show, praising its characters and fresh approach, some longtime fans reacted negatively. They voiced their disapproval online, flooding review sites like Rotten Tomatoes with negative ratings, resulting in a stark contrast between the critics’ score of 84% and the audience score of just 34%.

‘Monster’ (2022 – Present)

The series Monster is a popular anthology that recreates well-known criminal cases, with each season tackling a different story. It has already covered the lives and crimes of individuals like Jeffrey Dahmer, the Menendez brothers, and Ed Gein. While the show has been a hit with audiences, critics have raised concerns about its accuracy, arguing that it prioritizes sensationalism over facts and exploits tragic events. Some believe Netflix profits from these stories in a way that is harmful and re-traumatizes the families of the victims.

Critics have pointed out issues with Monster – specifically, its overly long episodes, shifts in tone, and the irony of it commenting on our fascination with true crime while also contributing to it. However, despite these criticisms, the show remains incredibly popular, and a fourth season has already been confirmed, with talk of even more to come.

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011 – 2019)

Although Game of Thrones first aired over a decade ago in 2011, many fans consider the first four seasons to be exceptional because they closely followed the source material by George R.R. Martin. The show began to lose popularity around Seasons 5 and 6, as it moved away from the books and storylines became less convincing. Examples often mentioned include Sansa’s marriage to Ramsay, bringing characters back from the dead, and changes to the Dorne storyline.

By Season 7 of Game of Thrones, many viewers felt the show was moving too quickly, with characters teleporting around and an overemphasis on impressive visuals at the expense of a coherent story. Though critics generally remained positive throughout the first seven seasons – each earning a 90% or higher rating on Rotten Tomatoes – fan frustration was growing. The final season, Season 8, was almost universally panned by both viewers and critics. It felt rushed, with character developments and plotlines feeling incomplete and ignoring the detailed world the show had carefully created. Critics gave it a score of just 55%, and audiences rated it even lower at 30%.

2026-03-31 04:20