Television is often our escape, but some shows delve into the darker side of life, making it difficult for viewers to keep watching. Whether it’s the intense drama, graphic violence, or heavy subject matter, these 13 shows pushed boundaries and challenged audiences.
Breaking Bad
Although “Breaking Bad” is often discussed as one of the best shows of all time, it is most often very tense, and the mood of the series is rather dark, which can be very shocking for many people with average sensitivity. Walt becoming the ruthless drug lord was shocking and a thrilling experience but it was filled with a lot of tension and emotions.
3 Reasons Why
Parenthood as a television series produced controversial themes such as teenage suicide and sexual assault in the series “13 Reasons Why.” Such problems were portrayed in the show very closely, and as a result, many could not even sit through the entire performance meant to increase awareness.
The Leftovers
“The Leftovers,” the post-apocalyptic TV series, is set in a world where two percent of the world’s population disappeared. Stanley’s thematic operation covered grief, the bite of existential questions, and several religious motifs, which turned Primetime into an intense and often disturbing spectacle.
American Horror Story
Regarding the many gruesome scenes and the themes of horror, “American Horror Story,” a rather popular show, often explored the genre to the limit. New evil surfaced each year and although it accumulated a hardcore following, others could not handle the show’s dark and sometimes disturbing imagery.
The Handmaid’s Tale
Adapted from Margaret Atwood’s novel, “The Handmaid’s Tale” was specifically about a gray area of women’s rights or rather, the lack of them. I agree that this aspect was indicated strongly, however, it is uncomfortable to watch: oppression and violence against women.
Bojack Horseman
As a piece of animated comedy, it was indeed meaningful but contained topics that are quite dark, such as addiction, depression, and crises of an existential nature. The blend of comedy and drama was quite sensational and, at times so gloomy that it was difficult for some audience members to go on watching the show.
True Detective (Season 1)
The first season of ‘True Detective’ was hailed for its script and cast, though there was also a certain gloomy tone and violent and criminal undertones. It was engrossing but in a disturbed sense, which cast psychological depth over the grim, and thus many had a hard time for supper.
Black Mirror
That’s why the format of “Black Mirror” is based on the number of episodes that are independent of one another and acquaint the audience with the pessimistic view of the future of technology and society. With a somewhat dystopian view of the future and numerous plot twists, the series was rather gloomy and rather heavy to digest for most viewers.
Chernobyl
It gave a horrible display of one of the worst forms of energy crises, the ‘Chernobyl’ catastrophe. The representations of the disaster and its consequences were potent yet stylistically plausible, as the film was very emotional, frustrating, and sad; thus, several individuals found it unbearable to continue watching.
Euphoria
In “Euphoria,” the audience gets to see how teenagers cope with problems such as dependency, confusion about identity, and post-traumatic stress. Because of these topics and graphic presentation, it was a hard series for many to watch since it was nevertheless critically acclaimed.
Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks by David Lynch was telecasted before the audience with a highly complex and at times, very bewildering plot. Although it attracted audiences’ curiosity with its other-worldly feeling and the rather complex plots, these factors confused the audience and made them unable to follow each episode.
Ozark
“Ozarks” depicts a financial advisor who has to move his family to the Ozarks after the embezzling scheme goes south. The powerful action, black color range, and distrust of the morals allowed the series to become intriguing, but definitely painful to watch.
The Walking Dead
Frankly speaking, although the show “The Walking Dead” was extremely successful, it became rather difficult to view since the show depicts very violent images of the post-world and is rather pessimistic. Adding to this, the show had quite rated ‘R’ content and the constant death of the main characters made it impossible for many of them to stay tuned.
