What's the Hype? 10 Popular TV Shows That Are Way Too Overrated

1. The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019)

Oh, the love people have for this show! It's a juggernaut of sitcom TV, garnering an impressive 81% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. But, let's bring out our metaphorical microscope to scrutinize what's going on here. A show about four nerd-culture aficionados and the pretty girl next door. It's a premise that's been explored before but with less Spock and more common sense.

Much of the humor is derived from mocking the characters' love for science and their social ineptitude. Yes, it's certainly entertaining to some degree, but is it groundbreaking television? Not so much. The characters show very little growth and after 12 seasons, let's just admit it, the humor becomes somewhat predictable.

2. You (2018-)

With an 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this psychological thriller has a strong fan base. It follows the story of Joe Goldberg, a seemingly charming bookstore manager who, unfortunately, harbors a sinister secret.

He becomes obsessed with an aspiring writer, which leads to an array of implausible events. Yes, it's dark and sometimes gripping, but does the world need another romanticized portrayal of a stalker? It seems to glamorize the very idea of stalking and does a disservice to actual victims of such behavior. Also, how come no one notices his shenanigans? It's New York, not an isolated island.

3. Tiger King (2020)

This documentary series became an instant hit with a staggering 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, the premise is truly baffling. It centers on a rivalry between a mullet-sporting big cat owner, Joe Exotic, and his nemesis, Carole Baskin.

The show is a confusing mélange of big cats, murder-for-hire plots, polygamy, and very questionable fashion choices. While it's been praised for its wild, unpredictable narrative, it lacks any real substance or profound takeaway. You're left feeling like you've been on a rollercoaster ride through a reality that's so strange it's hard to believe it's non-fiction.

4. The Bachelor (2002-)

This reality TV show is on hiatus after its 27th season, with a 59% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It follows a single bachelor who dates multiple women, eliminating them over several weeks to hopefully propose to his final pick. The issue? It's built on a foundation of competitive dating, which isn't exactly the best starting point for any relationship. Plus, the contrived scenarios and forced drama can feel overproduced. The show's continued popularity is puzzling given its arguably outdated premise and lack of successful, lasting relationships.

5. Riverdale (2017- 2023)

A dark twist on the Archie Comics, Riverdale stands at 87% on Rotten Tomatoes. The series focuses on a group of high school students uncovering dark secrets about their not-so-innocent town. While the show's first season was somewhat grounded in reality, it has since spiraled into a confusing mix of supernatural elements, bizarre plotlines, and constant, drastic character changes. We get it, high school can be weird, but when did it become a hunting ground for serial killers and mythical creatures?

6. The Walking Dead Universe (2010-)

The Walking Dead, the zombie apocalypse series and its many spinoffs that gripped the world, has seen a decade-long run and maintains an 81% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The main show followed a group of survivors navigating the world post-zombie outbreak, grappling with societal collapse and the ever-present undead threat. However, as the seasons dragged on, the show started to lose its luster.

Repetitive plotlines, the departure of key cast members, and an over-reliance on gore and violence to keep viewers engaged became the norm. Zombies may be undead, but this series arguably started showing its expiration date a few seasons in.

7. Gossip Girl (2007-2012)

Our next entry is Gossip Girl, which ended with a 59% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The series follows a group of privileged teens living on the Upper East Side of New York, whose secrets are exposed by the mysterious 'Gossip Girl.' While it undeniably provided a delicious, guilty-pleasure peek into a world of wealth and scandal, it also promotes some questionable ethics and values.

Is it possible to overlook the manipulation, backstabbing, and incessant materialism simply for the sake of a juicy plot? Perhaps not. Its portrayal of teenagers living without any meaningful adult supervision, consequence, or semblance of real-world responsibility is a bit hard to swallow.

8. Emily in Paris (2020-)

Despite its lukewarm 63% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Emily in Paris managed to generate a significant buzz. The show revolves around Emily, a young American woman who lands a job in Paris and juggles work, friendships, and romance in the City of Love. Unfortunately, it leans heavily into tired clichés and stereotypes about French people. Also, for a show set in such a culturally rich city, it shows a surprising lack of depth and nuance. A bit more substance to go with the style would have been appreciated.

9. Friends (1994-2004)

Alright, brace yourselves. We're really going there. Friends, the beloved sitcom with an impressive 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, makes our list. Yes, it's a classic. Yes, it has some iconic moments. But the will they, won't they plotlines, predictable humor, and lack of diversity can make it feel overrated.

The characters' ability to afford spacious apartments in Manhattan while rarely working raises some eyebrows. Additionally, the humor often relies on mocking Ross's interest in science or Chandler's fear of commitment. It's time to reevaluate whether the pedestal this show has been placed on is truly warranted. It's 2023, after all. Come on.

10. Stranger Things (2016-)

Stranger Things, with a whopping 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, wraps up our list. Set in the 1980s, it follows a group of kids in Hawkins, Indiana, as they encounter supernatural forces and secret government exploits. However, its appeal relies heavily on nostalgia and pop culture references from the 80s.

Strip away the nostalgic sheen, and you're left with a fairly basic sci-fi plot that often prioritizes spectacle over story depth. The character development is sometimes set aside in favor of more monster-chasing sequences. It's a fun ride, sure, but perhaps not quite deserving of the wild hype it's received.