The timely release of highly rated and anticipated TV shows like Stranger Things pulls them up into the limelight of some of the most discussed and favored series. Also, other shows like Friends or The Office hold a title of a beloved classic that cycles among mainstream affection regardless of their series' completion for years to come.
While the most top-rated shows accrue a large and devoted audience and even some casual viewers, some people harbor a distinct dislike or even hatred for some of the most positively received series. Unimpressed viewers have taken to Reddit to discuss what they feel is the worst of the best shows.
The Office
Based on the similarly well-received UK series, The Office is a four-time Emmy-winning American mockumentary. It is very much remembered for its cringe comedy and the subtle relationships that developed among the employees of Dunder Mifflin.
However, the show has proven not to be for everyone. Redditor zombiemockingbird declared they "couldn't stand The Office" and "didn't find [it] remotely funny." The Office created a highly specific brand of cringe comedy that is not for everyone and it is fair to say that it drove as many people away as it did draw them in.
Friends
One of the most classic sitcoms out there, Friends is best known for the sentimentality between the characters' relationships and abundant comedic relief. Friends is also considered one of the best and most quotable series among its fanbase which helped it become a staple in beloved TV series long after its conclusion in 2004.
However, some Redditors cannot disagree more, with Fussl33 stating "Oh how I hate that show". Another user glennjaminhow "never found Friends funny," which can be viewed as a very divisive opinion for fans old and new who have watched the show.
Grey's Anatomy
Grey's Anatomy is the longest-running medical drama on TV that is notable for its urgent medical disasters and high-stakes romance that create a whirlwind drama. Like with any show with a loyal fanbase, there are other watchers who are less impressed.
Redditor honestlyidk2000 claims "they should have stopped after a couple of seasons" while jambez001 claimed that "the characters were all shallow," which made the show unlikable. This viewer was unimpressed with the very center of any drama as well as the characters. A drama is only as alluring as the pull of the characters' goals and charisma, and to dislike the characters, is to understandably grow to hate a drama entirely.
NCIS
According to PR Newswire, NCIS is the seventh longest-running TV series of all time and has been the most-watched scripted show on American television since its seventh season. The action drama is known for its episodic felonies with broader-scale character development throughout the series.
Redditor Clutchfluid calls NCIS "Absolute drivel, yet inexplicably the most popular show on the planet." The exaggerated drama and the unpredictability of the events in the show have been a draw for fans and may have been the selling point for this viewer's dislike of the series.
Riverdale
Based on the Archie comics, the teen drama mystery series Riverdale is notably campy by nature. It is perhaps due to this that the show is highly polarized toward a certain audience, leaving room for both immense love and hatred from viewers.
One Redditor Aestatica is in the camp that can't stand this particular type of program and stated that they "can't believe it's high rated. It's terrible." Another Reddit user PerfictionistReader was at a point captured by the series but later claimed "I can't collect the enthusiasm to watch more episodes, it isn't that great." Riverdale has certainly had some cringeworthy moments so it is fair why some viewers would turn away.
Peaky Blinders
Peaky Blinders is an award-winning period drama that looks at the exploits of the Peaky Blinders crime syndicate during the aftermath of World War I. The sixth and final season of the series was released on Netflix in June 2022, much to the anticipation and sadness of many loyal viewers.
Despite the rich plot and history used in the making of the renowned series, Redditor BoutDemDawgs claims "it just didn't take". There is no distinct hatred for the series, as much as a lack of interest from the first exposure, in contrast with popular opinion. Yet Peaky Blinders is not considered light viewing and can take some viewers longer to get into, if at all.
You
You is a hit Netflix series that currently has its fourth season in production. Focusing on Joe Goldberg, a malicious stalker turned murderer as a result of his evil actions, this series is one in which the audience strangely roots against the protagonist, but also simultaneously doesn't.
Reddit user honestlyidk2000 shares that they "can't believe people are romanticizing it" in reference to the pathological behaviors depicted by the protagonist of the series. Some cannot find entertainment past the overall unsettling nature of the series' protagonist, and become repulsed rather than attached to the story.
Stranger Things
Horror series Stranger Things is currently one of the most talked-about shows yet. After a long wait, the latest episodes were just released this month and there are plenty of astounding fan reactions to the Stranger Things season 4 finale, however, there is not unanimous love for the show.
One Redditor Hacky_Sacky claimed, "I've grown to hate it." The series received contrasting views as new seasons were released, some disappointed with the decreasing quality of later seasons, and others just as enraptured going forward as they were with the initial release. As shows reenter the spotlight with new releases and appreciation, they also reenter the light under which they are scrutinized.
Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones is an Emmy award-winning fantasy action-drama series. Renowned for extreme violence which led to some of the most unexpected deaths in television, and complex storytelling, the popular series is soon to get a prequel series, House of the Dragon.
One Redditor Twenty-Two-Twenty stated they "didn't find it to [my] liking" in a post, and received similar opinions in their responses, including BoutDemDawgs who said it was "nothing special." Game of Thrones received a ton of opposition due to its intensity and depictions of disturbing and inhumane actions, but the apathy from these viewers provides a new angle of discontent with the otherwise highly-regarded series. There's also the controversial ending of season 8 to consider.
Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad is considered by many to be an outstanding drama series. It follows the story of Walter White, a terminally ill chemist who creates a drug empire to support his family after he is gone.
One Redditor Inevitable-Gap-6350 admitted that they "wanted to like it but couldn't" despite giving the series a try, and their opinion is not unmatched. Another Redditor zombiemockingbird stated they "just couldn't keep watching" the series in a thread. Breaking Bad may be critically acclaimed, but regardless of status, there are bound to be some viewers who will not find the best of shows to suit their taste.