12 Unapologetic TV Shows That Have No Concerns About Offending You

      These bold TV shows are unapologetic about potentially offending viewers.

      **It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia**

      This consistently humorous FX series follows the foolish owners of a very unsanitary Irish pub and addresses a wide range of uncomfortable subjects, including race, abuse, religion, and child beauty pageants. Which other sitcom has staged a (fake) baby funeral?

      Viewers clearly can’t get enough of it: It’s now the longest-running live-action sitcom on television, recently surpassing The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet.

      **The Righteous Gemstones**

      This clever narrative about a televangelist family filled with secrets blends sex, violence, and larger-than-life characters in innovative and unpredictable ways, directly critiquing the hypocrisy of those who preach prosperity gospel.

      The show also elicits big laughs through outrageous scenes, like one from last year that began with a home invasion, progressed to a guitarist enjoying alone time in bed, and ended with a brutal fight. We’ve lost track of how many times Baby Billy’s anatomy made an appearance this season.

      Surprisingly, the show, starring co-creator Danny McBride alongside a fantastic cast, seems to genuinely believe in God. It mocks not faith, but the hypocrisy surrounding it.

      **Euphoria**

      This HBO series, Euphoria, sparked shock since its inception with its candid (and some argue exploitative) depictions of teenage drug use and sexuality.

      In a 2022 article at the end of the second season, The New York Times mentioned that many young viewers enjoy the characters and plotlines, but are critical of the show’s creator Levinson, who “wrote all 18 hourlong episodes and directed all but three.” Fans often take to social media to voice their opinions on his portrayal of the characters.

      Levinson has described the show as highly autobiographical: “I feel like I’m watching a version of myself navigating the world at a young age,” he stated in a clip promoting the show during its 2019 debut.

      After launching the careers of Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, and Jacob Elordi, the show is set to return soon for its long-awaited third season.

      **All in the Family**

      Loud and brash, Archie Bunker (Carroll O’Connor), an unapologetic bigot, was truly offensive to those who didn’t realize we were meant to laugh at him, not with him.

      The creator of All in the Family, Norman Lear, who passed away last year at 101, was one of Hollywood’s most vocal liberals. He intended for Archie Bunker’s free speech to illustrate how ignorant his narrow-minded views sounded. The show also took care to depict him as a vulnerable character capable of change.

      One of its most iconic episodes, “Sammy’s Visit” from 1972, depicts Archie getting to know Sammy Davis Jr., who, to Archie’s dismay, is not only Black but also Jewish. In a humorous turn of events, Davis kisses Archie on the cheek at the episode's conclusion, hilariously breaking down various bigoted taboos.

      **Married… With Children**

      This show faced criticism for its numerous risqué jokes and storylines, as well as Al Bundy’s (Ed O’Neill) boorish behavior and Peggy Bundy’s (Katey Segal) lazy and selfish portrayal.

      However, Married… With Children has aged remarkably well as a parody of sweet, family-oriented sitcoms. It definitely knew its purpose and never sought our sympathy for the Bundys — after all, they share a name with a serial killer.

      **The Simpsons**

      The Simpsons premiered shortly after Married… With Children on the then-nascent Fox network, and it continues to air. In fact, it stands as the longest-running sitcom.

      The show has ignited discussions around various topics — from guns and drugs to politics — and has also taken a stand by featuring gay characters with empathy long before many other television shows did. It often seems to offend individuals on the political right more than those on the left, and it has consistently poked fun at Fox News.

      We’re sure that it also irks random restaurant chains with unexpected jabs like, “I’m so hungry I could eat at Arby’s!” (This joke comes from Season 9’s “Das Bus.”)

      We also appreciate that The Simpsons allocates notable moments to minor characters.

      **South Park**

      When South Park targets a subject — whether it’s Kanye West, Harry and Meghan, religions, or sex education in schools — everyone involved should brace for a biting critique.

      With an animation process so efficient, creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone can swiftly weigh in on divisive and contentious issues before other shows can even begin to react. It’s boldly thrived since 1997.

      **Chappelle’s Show**

      Chappelle’s Show left no stereotype unscathed with brilliant sketches like “The Racial Draft,” where various races attempted to claim individuals