Just because a television show is highly acclaimed doesn’t mean it’s worthy of that critical praise.
There are plenty of times critics and fans disagree; that’s just part of the human experience. Everyone will have their own unique, individual opinion. We can, however, now look back at some of the more recent television series that have come and gone, including a handful that are still here, and realize that they’re ultimately overrated.
That’s not to say that they’re bad. Okay, maybe some of them are bad, but regardless, someone needs to call out these shows for what they are: overrated and not as good as we remember.
The Office
Here’s the thing about The Office. It’s not a bad show. It’s good, funny, and certainly groundbreaking and innovative.
Is it the greatest sitcom of all time? Absolutely not. Is it the best thing NBC has produced in the modern era? Also, no; it wasn’t even the best show to air in the same programming block (shout-out to 30 Rock).
The Office’s humor relies too much on awkward cringe moments, plus one of its lead characters (Jim Halpert) isn’t as likable as he thinks he is. That hasn’t aged all too well today, and, as a result, the show suffers for it.
Friends
From one iconic NBC series to another.
I’m convinced that there’s a line in the sand in some television war between Seinfeld and Friends fans. I’m Team Seinfeld, which means that, you guessed it, I find Friends highly overrated.
It feels like Friends is just one big, non-stop inside joke that is trying way too hard.
Oh, and Ross is the most annoying character in television history.
Yellowstone
If you’ve ever watched a Paramount-owned network recently, and if you watch the NFL, you most certainly have, then you’ve seen a commercial for Yellowstone.
Here’s the thing: Yellowstone’s first season is legitimately good! The problem, though, is that subsequent seasons have come nowhere close to matching its quality. Despite that, its fanbase still puts it on a pedestal it hasn’t resided on in quite some time.
It’s the classic case of a network taking a good thing and milking it dry.
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The Mandalorian
When this series first came out, it was appointment viewing for me. I even happily watched The Book of Boba Fett when it came out, despite the negative reception.
Over time, though, something became quite clear: it’s a problem that has plagued many recent Star Wars movies and shows. There’s just so much fan service that it can’t always stand on its own. Don’t get me wrong; when The Mandalorian soars, it really does soar. Most of the time, though, it’s a little too busy winking at the audience for its own good.
Fan service is good in moderation. Too much, and you lose me.
Gilmore Girls
As a millennial, I am fully ready for the pitchforks that are going to be headed my way.
I’m convinced that one of the reasons why Gilmore Girls is so popular among my demographic has nothing to do with the show’s quality, but instead what it represents.
It’s fantasy fulfillment; people see relatable, imperfect characters on the screen. They can see themselves on the screen, but more importantly, they can see these imperfect characters living the lives they wished they were living.
Euphoria
Everything I just said about Gilmore Girls applies to Eurphoia and Gen Z.
I can at least see the appeal in Gilmore Girls at times. With Euphoria, however, I just can’t. It’s straight-up fantasy fulfillment to the max, but done so in the most unrealistic way possible.
Are teenagers really living like this? Maybe, but I’m convinced that most wished this is what every day was like. You can’t convince me that this is a normal, everyday experience for people.
The White Lotus
Maybe this is just a fantasy fulfillment for middle-aged adults who lack excitement in their lives?
On the one hand, I get it; the characters are supposed to be unlikable or unredeemable. There are plenty of shows that I enjoy that feature these types of characters. The problem, though, is that those shows are all comedies, and I’m laughing at them. I’m supposed to be rooting for some of these people, and yet I can’t help but find myself uninterested in everything that’s going on.
I need some substance along with my style, and White Lotus doesn’t have it.
The Shield
If there’s one thing modern television has in spades, it’s well-written dramas.
That wasn’t always the case when The Shield was airing, which helped make it feel like a much-welcomed breath of fresh air. However, the show was ultimately an uneven affair, with thrilling highs and depressing lows.
It’s still regarded as one of the best police serials in television history, but I’d argue that’s more for its innovation rather than the actual quality of the show itself.
Young Sheldon
I’m not here to do a deep dive while critiquing the quality of shows like Young Sheldon and its predecessor, The Big Bang Theory.
While I’m not the target demographic for either show, I’m not ashamed to admit that I laughed at The Big Bang Theory and understand its appeal. Plus, its success was felt everywhere, not just in television but in pop culture as well.
I fail to comprehend the success of Young Sheldon, mostly because it’s nowhere near as visible as its predecessor. There’s no way this show was good enough on its own.
This Is Us
I couldn’t go anywhere in the late 2010s without hearing about This Is Us, so naturally, I did what any curious TV watcher would do: I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. I could barely make it through the first season without bowing out.
The biggest thing This Is Us has going for it is how different it is compared to other shows on television. Yes, it’s far more authentic in its storylines and on-screen representation, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s a nonstop attack on your emotions.
After a while, you just become numb to the sadness on screen. As a result, it’s just a ho-hum, average-at-best television drama.
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