Get out your remotes and turn the channel back to the 20th century when things were much different on television than they are today. Today we’re looking back at sitcoms from the ‘50s all the way to the early ‘90s that pushed barriers in the name of entertainment. They made us laugh, they made us cry, and sometimes they really stepped in it. Many of the programs we’re talking about today make us nostalgic just thinking about them, especially those moments that we saw in the moment. But as you’ll see not all of these cherished primetime moments were politically correct. Get comfy and let’s check out some of the most inappropriate moments from beloved television programs.
The Facts of Life
The Facts of Life was a show that everyone loved in the ‘80s, but one episode makes us wonder who was at the helm of this series in the second season. The episode that jumps out to us is season 2’s “Cousin Geri.” This episode revolves around Blair’s cousin Geri, who’s a comedian with Cerebral Palsy. This shouldn’t be a big deal, but the episode’s portrayal of Geri leans into some deeply uncomfortable stereotypes of someone who’s differently abled. There’s zero chance this would end up on the air today.
Full House
Full House isn’t known for being edgy in the slightest, but one episode remains a head scratcher for how it made it to the air. In the episode “Shape Up,” DJ goes on an intense crash diet while getting into aerobics so she can look bangin’ for Kimmy’s pool party. We’ve all been there. After Stephanie notices DJ’s issue she tries to help, but there’s no stopping an older sister when she’s on her way to oblivion. While on a family trip, DJ collapses in front of everyone. The episode tries its best to take a real look at anorexia, but it barely scratches the surface of this horrible issue.
Married With Children
Married With Children pushed buttons from moment one, but the episode titled “Her Cups Runneth Over” really takes things to a new level. This episode from 1989 revolves around Al and his neighbor Steve hopping over to a lingerie shop to pick up Peggy’s favorite bra. Al and Steve goof around in the lingerie store and while it’s not super offensive or anything, it did annoy a woman named Terry Rakolta from Michigan. Rakolta kicked off a boycott of Married With Children, complete with a writing campaign to sponsors to get them to pull their advertisements. Here’s the thing, the boycott brought in more viewers, pushing ratings into the stratosphere.
Saved By The Bell
If you remember any episode of Saved By The Bell it’s definitely “Jessie’s Song.” This is the fateful episode where Jessie Spano falls face first into a caffeine pill addiction after studying too hard for her geometry class. The scene we can’t imagine making its way to broadcast today revolves around Zack Morrison confronting Jesse over her addiction hours before she’s supposed to perform at The Max. Rather than chill out, Jessie launches into a frenetic performance of “I’m So Excited” moments before breaking down in tears.
Cheers
Cheers was never a show that dealt with societal issues, but one episode that made the attempt was an absolute wash. In the episode “The Boys in the Bar,” Sam Malone is all-in on a former teammate who comes out as gay and this throws all of the regulars into a tizzy. Norm and the guys worry that by being open to alternative lifestyles Sam will inadvertently turn Cheers into a gay bar. The episode wouldn’t be made today because, well, who cares? Gay, straight, trans, whatever, if you’re going to Cheers all you really want to do is sit and have a beer.