TV Shows We Used to Love That Are Cringe Now

Over time, there are certain TV series that we used to adore but lose their charm upon multiple viewings. Perhaps our preferences have evolved, or maybe the show didn’t possess timeless quality, yet it resonated with us during a specific phase in our lives when we were more open to its appeal. We may feel nostalgic towards these shows without feeling the need to rewatch them, but they continue to influence our taste and play a significant role in shaping who we are today.

Later on, there are some series that, in retrospect, appear incredibly, undeniably, perhaps surprisingly poor, making us question why we were ever drawn to them initially. Series that, at one point, we were ardent supporters of, but now they’re almost unbearable to watch, even causing a cringe reaction. It’s saddening when this occurs, yet intriguing – how could something we once considered so remarkable transform into something we need to endure with discomfort?

Despite our initial reservations, we often find ourselves drawn back to these old favorites. We revisit them to understand what initially captivated us, and what eventually made us question their appeal. Perhaps they were groundbreaking in their time, but have since been surpassed by cultural advancements. Maybe our tastes were less refined in the past, leading us to appreciate shows that might not have been the best, yet managed to resonate with something deep within us. On the other hand, it’s possible that these shows were never of high quality, and still fall short today. Yet, we can’t help but find enjoyment in them. Let’s delve back into the shows we secretly cherish, even if our current selves might be a bit embarrassed to admit it.

TV Shows We Used to Love That Are Cringe Now

The West Wing (1999-2006)

In discussions about outdated TV series that fail to resonate in today’s era, it’s often _The West Wing_ that comes up most frequently. It’s not because the show was terribly made or had poor storylines or provided awkward dialogue (although these criticisms can be valid at times). Instead, it was a show that aimed for idealism rather than realism, portraying a sense of unattainable moral righteousness that seems far-fetched given the current political climate. The _West Wing_’s version of America was governed by wise philosophers who always emerged victorious in every ethical dilemma, or if they didn’t, faced consequences later on. Unfortunately, reality doesn’t function this way, and revisiting such a show now feels hollow rather than comforting. (And let’s not delve into _The Newsroom_!)

Entourage (2004-2011)

In a surprising turn of events, the show “Entourage,” which some might consider the unbelievable production of our times, has left many in awe due to both its creation and its lasting power. This series, centered around a semi-successful Hollywood celebrity and his group of showbiz friends navigating Los Angeles, may seem harmless at first glance. However, it’s essential to remember that this was produced during the latter part of the 2000s – a time marked by intense sexual tension and rapid technological advancements reshaping lifestyles. The characters portrayed as epitomes of masculinity in 2004 now appear as bothersome individuals today. To put it mildly, the sexual dynamics within “Entourage” seem archaic by modern standards. Although it still provides an entertaining glimpse into pre-pandemic times, its appeal is minimal at best.

Supernatural (2005-2020)

Does a show inherently become cheesy, or does it gradually develop that quality over time? This is the quandary facing ‘Supernatural’, which initially offered an entertaining blend of monster hunting, classic rock music, and creative liberties with Biblical lore. However, it outstayed its welcome by approximately four to five seasons, as each seasonal storyline leading up to Armageddon began to blur together. The show also became repetitive with characters dying and coming back to life only to die again, the tension among the main trio of characters losing its novelty and becoming predictable, and in its final episodes, it controversially endorsed a popular fan ship in a manner perceived as homophobic. Quite the journey!

The Secret Life of the American Teenager (2008-2013)

The show titled “The Secret Life of the American Teenager,” often criticized for being awkward, surprisingly garnered immense popularity despite its questionable appeal. Named after a warning from concerned parents in the 70s, one might expect it to challenge societal norms about teenagers today. However, it turned out to be a rather typical high school drama with a traditional perspective on teen pregnancy (keep the baby, find a husband, start a family). The dialogue is so cringeworthy that searching for “secret life cringe” produces countless results, one of which includes this incredibly regrettable conversation.

Glee (2009-2015)

The TV series, “Glee,” was often cringeworthy and straddled the fine line between being genuinely awful yet entertaining in a peculiar way, much like an accident you can’t help but stare at. The show followed the “I can’t believe I’m seeing this” principle, which has become Ryan Murphy’s signature style. In contrast to “The Secret Life,” which was too conventional for its teen-centric dialogues to be engaging, “Glee” was excessively flamboyant, constantly concocting bizarre storylines that grew increasingly absurd with each episode. Each character seemed to have an excessive amount of personal drama, yet they were also one-dimensional. The show’s renditions and medleys of popular songs often left us yearning for something else. A performance of “Blurred Lines” led by a school teacher is just one of the many questionable decisions made on “Glee.

Sherlock (2010-2017)

Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

A series that was initially cherished but later criticized, “Game of Thrones” transitioned from being admired to being awkwardly received before its conclusion. Despite this, we still consider the show to be excellent, albeit up until a certain point. The decline in quality afterward is quite significant. The program required a lot from its viewers, including learning non-existent titles and places, as well as keeping track of several intricate plots within each episode. Over time, this became tedious, especially when the series was approaching its climax and killing off beloved characters, each death seeming more undeserved than the last. Nowadays, when someone claims to be a fan, they often feel compelled to specify “of the earlier seasons,” to avoid arguments that could rival a Dothraki battle.

House of Cards (2013-2018)

It might be too simplistic to claim that a series with a terminated main actor is now poor, but let’s suggest that “House of Cards” was never truly exceptional from the start. As one of Netflix’s initial premier original productions, the show was marketed as intellectual political drama, a darker version of “The West Wing.” It followed a ruthless congressman and his power-hungry spouse as they schemed, manipulated, and murdered their way to the White House. Initially, its breaking of the fourth wall was intriguing and innovative. However, over time, the escalating one-upmanship in each season finale lost its luster, becoming predictable and uninteresting. Few viewers stayed committed to the end due to the show’s awkward handling of its lead actor’s public controversy.

Orange Is the New Black (2013-2019)

Similar to how the appeal for “House of Cards” decreased prior to its conclusion, the enthusiasm for “Orange Is the New Black” started dwindling well before its finale. The series initially garnered attention as a prison drama/dark comedy housed within an all-female facility, boasting a diverse cast and a rich tapestry of storylines that hinted at numerous seasons filled with suspense and excitement. However, the show’s primary issue was its persistent focus on the least captivating character in each scene. This flaw became particularly evident in the main character, who even devoted fans acknowledged as being dull, despite consistently receiving the most screen time. After two or three seasons of this repetitive pattern, viewers began questioning their continued engagement, and today, it serves as a cautionary tale on how not to approach subsequent seasons of a highly acclaimed series.

The Mandalorian (2019-2023)

The popular series “The Mandalorian” and its spin-offs are believed to have significantly tarnished the prestige of the Volume, an innovative video wall soundstage. This technology enabled the simultaneous filming of scenes with digital backdrops and effects that moved in sync with the cameras for smooth background motion. Initially, the first season of “The Mandalorian” offered a stylishly cool narrative set in a Wild West-inspired “Star Wars” universe, revolving around a solitary bounty hunter traversing a harsh desert landscape. However, as subsequent seasons unfolded, the initial concept was diluted by an excessive amount of unnecessary lore that viewers had little interest in, accompanied by shoddy effects and blurry settings that consistently fell short of the high expectations set by the developers’ groundbreaking technology. By its final season, viewership had significantly declined from what was once a promising idea.

The Most Polarizing Movies Ever, According to Letterboxd

25. Homoti (1987)

Title Rating: 3.2

Turkey has a rich history of creating domestic spin-offs of popular Hollywood movies. Many are produced on a budget and the outcomes can be quite absurd; however, none compare to the strangely surreal experience offered by “Homoti,” Turkey’s take on “E.T.” featuring a little person in an exceptionally peculiar costume, complete with a very noticeable backside, who visits Earth and forms a bond with a journalist.

Among the multitude of five-star reviews for this film on Letterboxd, you’ll find two from, well, me. (Indeed, I’ve watched “Homoti” not once but twice. We all found unique ways to navigate the pandemic.)

24. Peppa Pig: My First Cinema Experience (2017)

Average Letterboxd Rating: 3.2

Content: Transformed from nine episodes of the beloved preschool series, “Peppa Pig,” into a full-length 72-minute movie in theaters. The disjointed narrative style didn’t sit well with some mature Letterboxd users, but it has its supporters, among them Indiewire critic David Ehrlich, who succinctly expressed his approval as: “Yes, indeed!

23. Llamageddon (2015)

Exceptional yet Polarizing; Here’s a Glimpse at its Letterboxd Rating

The horror movie in question, featuring a menacing killer llama from outer space that wreaks havoc on Earth, boasts an average Letterboxd score of 2.4. This rating suggests a great title but not universal acclaim, as it garnered nearly equal numbers of half-star and five-star ratings, with around 1600 votes each. One particularly harsh review described the experience as “worse than waking up during an operation on my testicles.” Indeed, that seems to hurt!

22. Ben & Arthur (2002)

21. Goat Story (2008)

A look at the Letterboxd ratings reveals a divided opinion: Over 2,000 users consider this animated film the greatest of all time, while over 3,800 have a contrasting view. The tale of a young clockmaker and his envious friend, the witty goat, finds itself in this category for these reasons, along with its appearance on Kurtis Conner’s YouTube channel.

The Letterboxd scores show that opinions are split about this animated movie; 2,000 users believe it’s the best, while 3,800 disagree. Its story of a young clockmaker and his wise-cracking goat friend lands it here due to these reasons, as well as its presence on Kurtis Conner’s YouTube channel.)

20. Among Us (2017)

19. Creating Rem Lezar (1989)

New Audience for a Timeless Kids’ Movie Oddity

For decades, this peculiar children’s film circulated scarcely on VHS tapes among its devoted cult followers. However, thanks to the diligent work of the Found Footage Festival team, it has been restored and brought to life once more on Blu-ray. Despite some perplexed reactions from new viewers, it continues to garner a following, with some even leaving positive reviews on Letterboxd. One such reviewer described it as “an intriguing enigma” and “a quirky source of amusement.

18. Standing Ovation (2010)

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve found myself right smack in the middle of a heated debate among Letterboxd users over this film. On one hand, many have showered it with praise, often reminiscing about their childhood and considering it a timeless gem. Unfortunately, being born in 1980, I missed out on that nostalgic experience. On the other hand, there are just as many who have panned it. After watching the trailer, it’s not hard to understand why opinions are so divided.

17. Inspector Faustão and the Vagabond (1991)

Title Analysis:

The average rating for this movie on Letterboxd is 2.8.

Plot Summary:

This film revolves around Faustão, a fruit vendor, unexpectedly chosen by God to transform into Inspector Faustão, a protector of animals. Alongside his partner Sérgio Mallandro, he embarks on a mission to rescue a group of quails from an illicit smuggler. However, his tasks are not limited to this, as he also encounters a troublesome child and a jealous girlfriend.

Top Review:

The most highly-rated review on Letterboxd praises Faustão for his ability to break the fourth wall, positioning him above characters like Ferris Bueller and Deadpool in terms of popularity among filmgoers. Let’s continue exploring other aspects of this movie.

16. Color of Victory (2024)

In a broad range of opinions, approximately 400 viewers gave Color of Victory, the latest film about a Turkish soccer team, half a star, while around 800 viewers awarded it five stars. Using Google Translate to analyze the reviews, a clear pattern emerges: Some people adore this movie, while others express strong dislike for it.

With over 400 half-star ratings and 800 five-star ratings, the audience response to Color of Victory, a film about a Turkish soccer team, is divided. When examining the reviews via Google Translate, it’s evident that some viewers hold this movie in high regard, while others have strong negative feelings towards it.

15. Joshua and the Promised Land (2004)

14. Cinderela Baiana (1998)

Average Rating on Letterboxd: 2.5

This film from Brazil, like many others, has sparked divided opinions. The story revolves around a young girl from a humble background who uncovers her true calling and rises to become an accomplished dancer. However, she refuses to let fame corrupt her and instead returns to her roots, interacting with underprivileged children and teaching them to dance. A highly-acclaimed review on Letterboxd compares it to cinema classics such as The Godfather, Citizen Kane, and If I Were You 2.

This Brazilian film has received mixed reviews, with its narrative centered around a girl from a modest family who becomes an accomplished dancer despite her newfound fame. Instead of letting her success sway her, she reaches out to underprivileged children and teaches them dance. One of the most popular reviews on Letterboxd praises it as being in the same league as cinematic classics like The Godfather, Citizen Kane, and If I Were You 2.

13. Double Down (2005)

Letterboxd Average Rating for Neil Breen’s Movies

Paragraph: As the unchallenged ruler of divisive films on Letterboxd, we have Neil Breen, an independent filmmaker who has devoted the past two decades to creating movies that he single-handedly writes, produces, directs, and acts in. His debut, “Double Down” from 2005, is a testament to this fact. In addition to his performances, Breen was also responsible for the film’s locations and catering (a unique credit not given to lighting, makeup, or hair). Characterized by peculiar creative decisions, subpar special effects, and commendable determination, it’s challenging to evaluate Breen’s films using a traditional zero to five-star system. Not surprisingly, all six of his productions feature on this list. Brace yourself for an abundance of his distinctive visage over the ensuing minutes.

12. Big Shark (2023)

Regarding independent filmmakers who are sometimes self-taught and debatably gifted, Tommy Wiseau also has several films featured here, including his latest production titled “Big Shark“, which brought him together once more with his old friend and creative inspiration Greg Sestero. The story revolves around firefighters safeguarding New Orleans. While the title is indeed fitting, the movie has received some interesting reviews. One of the most notable Letterboxd reviews for “Big Shark” comments, “Attended the film’s premiere with Tommy Wiseau present. He reeks of pickles.

11. I Am Here … Now (2009)

In the year 2009, Neil Breen continued his creative journey with the film “I Am Here … Now.” As the writer, director, producer, editor, musical director, caterer, prop master, and special effects artist, Breen showcased his versatility. This time around, he took on the role of “The Being,” a character from another realm who dislikes Earth’s state and bears a resemblance to Neil Breen with a computer circuit board affixed to his chest.

10. Pass Thru (2016)

The distribution of ratings for Neil Breen’s films forms a near-perfect “U” shape, with an abundance of 2.5 and 5-star reviews on the extremes and fewer ratings in between. In fact, it seems one could easily skip over that middle section, much like the experience of watching 2016’s film “Pass Thru”. Here, Breen portrays a future AI tasked with eradicating humanity’s worst elements to pave the way for a new utopia. (Both Breen and “The Being” would likely find common ground.)

9. The Room (2003)

8. Ratatoing (2007)

7. Cade: The Tortured Crossing

In this latest catastrophe from filmmaker Neil Breen, we find ourselves delving into a sequel (of one of his previous films, which will be discussed later). This time around, Breen’s enigmatic duo of protagonists become embroiled in a power struggle concerning the patients of a psychiatric hospital. As expected, we are treated to Breen’s signature blend of conspiracies, messianic delusions, and unpolished green screen effects. Remarkably, this film garnered five stars from over 1350 people on Letterboxd!

Or, more concisely:
Neil Breen’s newest sequel is a psychiatric hospital power struggle filled with his signature conspiracies, messiah fantasies, and green screen effects. It received a remarkable 5-star rating from over 1350 people on Letterboxd!

6. Wizard So So: Fun Magical Adventure (2008)

5. Twisted Pair (2018)

In this instance, let’s rephrase the text as follows:

4. Un Buen Dia (2010)

In other parts of the internet, this film is sometimes called the “Argentine version of ‘The Room'” – proving once again that cinema transcends borders and dialects. Admittedly, this intriguing comparison piques my curiosity and makes me eager to watch it.

On the web, someone has likened this movie to the “Argentine counterpart of ‘The Room'” – demonstrating yet again that cinema speaks a global language. Honestly, such an intriguing comparison sparks my interest in seeing it.

3. Cool Cat Saves the Kids (2015)

In this version, I’ve made a few changes to improve clarity and readability:

1. Replaced “Any movie in the conversation for that dubious title is sure to draw a wide array of Letterboxd reviews” with “Any movie in contention for that dubious title is bound to elicit a diverse range of opinions.” This makes it more concise and easier to understand.
2. Changed “responses range from” to “span from,” which is more common and sounds more natural when describing a range or continuum.
3. Added the phrase “in contention for that dubious title” to clarify that the movies being discussed are those considered among the worst children’s films, not just any movie with low ratings on Letterboxd.
4. Made minor adjustments to punctuation and capitalization for consistency and clarity.

2. Fateful Findings (2013)

Neil Breen’s unexpected rise to prominence occurred in 2013 with the release of “Fateful Findings,” an incredibly strange film that revolves around a writer turned hacker (played by Breen himself) who stumbles upon a vast government conspiracy. Remarkably, this movie garnered ratings on Letterboxd that resemble a U-shaped bar graph, with the extreme ends of the spectrum summed up as “Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.”

1. Love on a Leash (2011)

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2025-01-17 18:55