Most Controversial 2000s Sitcom Episodes

Jenna and Tracy do not understand someone by switching races.30 RockThe episode “Believe in the Stars” appeared in 30 Rock. Tina Fey requested that these episodes be removed from streaming platforms because the series used blackface.She said:

We strive to do better regarding race in America. We believe episodes featuring actors in race-changing makeup should leave circulation. I now see 'intent' does not excuse white people using these images. I apologize for the pain they caused. Moving forward, no comedy fan needs to encounter these tropes and feel hurt by their ugliness. NBCUniversal honored this request.

Exploitative modeling exists. Casual misogyny exists. Forcing Dee into degrading storylines exists. Add brownface, and you get a very problematic show.It's Always Sunny in PhiladelphiaThe episode “America's Next Top Paddy's Billboard Model Contest” is one of many on It's Always Sunny.It's Always Sunny Episodes removed from streaming.

Dee shares that drugs, not hugs, is the message she gives the high school theater group she coaches.It's Always Sunny in PhiladelphiaThe episode “Dee Reynolds: Shaping America's Youth” shows...Lethal WeaponThis episode includes blackface-inspired moments and kids performing a musical about crack addiction. It joins many episodes removed from Hulu.Removed from Hulu.

The episode “Can You Eat Human Flesh With Wooden Teeth?” contains disturbing content.Two and a Half MenThe episode “Can You Eat Human Flesh With Wooden Teeth?” shows uncomfortable dating power dynamics, the “boys will be boys” trope, casual misogyny, and disturbing imagery for laughs. Much of Two and a Half Men did not age well, but asking your dad casual questions about eating people should raise red flags.Two and a Half MenThe episode didn't age well. Asking your dad casual questions about eating people should raise red flags.

TheWill & GraceThe episode “Acting Out” featured one of the first gay kisses on primetime TV, sparking outrage. The meta aspect—Will and Jack kissing because a show didn't follow through on a promised gay kiss—made the moment iconically ironic.Co-creator Max Mutchnick said, “We had issues with [NBC allowing us to show a kiss], and this was how we got away with it.”

Shaming a close friend to the point where she almost moved home is powerful.The Big Bang TheoryThe episode “The Skank Reflex Analysis” starts with jokes like, “Knowing Penny, they obviously engaged in coitus,” and her supposed best friend Amy calls her a “skank.” The series has a history of slut-shaming Penny, but this is one of the worst examples.One of the worst examples.

It is bad enough when one character uses racist tropes. Three members of the How I Met Your Mother gang use racist Asian stereotypes by wearing problematic outfits and yellowface in “Slapsgiving No. 3: Slappointment in Slapmarra.”How I Met Your MotherThe gang uses racist Asian stereotypes by donning problematic outfits and yellowface in “Slapsgiving No. 3: Slappointment in Slapmarra.”

Writer Carter Baysissued an apologyAfter the immediate backlash:

With Monday's episode, we aimed for a silly, immature nod to Kung Fu movies, a genre we love. We offended people along the way. We are truly sorry. We thank everyone who spoke up. We try to make a show everyone can watch and enjoy. This week, we missed that mark. We feel bad about it. We hope to regain your friendship and end this series with goodwill. Thanks.

ScrubsThe episode “My Friend the Doctor” features JD in blackface in a dream. Huluremoved this episode, among others, from the streaming platform (yes, there were several with blackface).

Like many episodes ofThe Big Bang Theory, “The Dumpling Paradox” includes sexist jokes. The script contains offensive dialogue like, “washing the sluttiest collection of underwear,” “some sort of erotic bouillabaisse,” and “the delightfully folksy tale of the whore of Omaha.”

Regarding toxic TV relationships,That '70s Show's Donna and Eric are among the worst offenders. The episode “Eric's Panties” shows uncomfortably controlling behavior. It is basically the underwear “whodunnit” version ofClue. Also, it uses sexist language like “slut” and shows Donna's jealousy wrapped in poor communication.

Nearly every episode ofThe OfficeThe show usually allows jokes that brush against taste because other characters condemn that behavior, not celebrate it. However, the episode “Diversity Day” crosses the line. When Michael holds a diversity day training, he copies terrible racial stereotypes, including using an Indian accent—which makes Kelly slap him. This episode divided people; Comedy Central reportedlyremoved it from rotation.

ThoughFriendsis a '90s show, the episode “The One With the Rumor” aired in 2001. This episode follows an old high school friend visiting for Thanksgiving dinner, but the twist is he hates Rachel. He spread a rumor about her being intersex when they were teenagers. This is played for laughs, which offends the intersex community.