It’s no secret that some of the most popular TV shows in the past few years haven’t exactly been socially aware. We barely saw diversity in the cast, or shows that dealt with serious issues, like racism and poverty. In the new era of television, we are now getting more and more progressive shows.
There are so many current TV shows that talk about social issues while keeping their audience entertained, and, yet, they are losing in ratings compared to other shows that don’t even bother to touch on certain subjects.
So, I’ve compiled a short list of new or current TV shows that are underrated, but should not be.
One Day At A Time
A remake of the 70s sitcom with the same name, One Day At A Time centers around a newly divorced, Army veteran trying to raise her Cuban-American children. She has the help of her mother and the building supervisor, who is constantly at her apartment. Her children are a 15 year old feminist daughter, who had an amazing coming out story arc, and her confident 12 year old son.
One Day At A Time has touched on so many important subjects, like PTSD, religion conflicts, sexism, illegal immigration, homosexuality, and intersectional feminism, while keeping the show light and funny. The characters are Cuban-Americans who love their culture and heritage, and a white, straight man who understands his own privilege. If you love family friendly shows that deal with important topics, you’ll love One Day At A Time.
Brooklyn Nine Nine
Brooklyn Nine Nine is a sitcom, currently in their 4th season, about NYPD detectives who work in the 99th precinct in Brooklyn. The highest position of power, the Captain, is filled by a Black, openly gay cop. The show makes sure to exclude any jokes at the expense of his race or sexuality, while still addressing his struggles working his way up in the police department.
Other characters include a black sergeant who looks physically threatening, but is actually a loving father, husband, and friend who deals with many emotional issues; two Latina detectives who are different in personality, and treated as equals to their male co workers; a confident woman who serves as the Captain’s assistant and close friend; a male detective who has many traditionally feminine personality traits, but isn’t ridiculed nor ashamed of it; and a Jewish detective who just wants to prove himself.
The show continues to crush stereotypes while developing deep, meaningful, and healthy relationships between the characters.
The Get Down
Set in the Bronx in the 70s, The Get Down has an all black cast playing a group of teens trying to survive in their broken up, poor neighborhood. The show tells the story of how a nearly bankrupt New York ended up giving birth to musical genres like hip hop and disco.
With great music and dances, The Get Down has given us great Black, Latinx, and LGBT culture. It has also touched on the history of Black and LGBT culture. The show has developed incredibly complex female characters and makes sure to address the struggles of people living in poverty, especially touching on the specific struggles faced by people of color. The Get Down is a underrated show, but it shouldn’t be because it’s filled with an incredibly talented cast and an interesting story that has never been told before.
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