Everybody loves a good laugh. This is why sitcoms easily capture viewers’ hearts with their humorous take on otherwise sensitive issues. But sometimes, scripts cross the line, and scenes become inappropriate instead of funny. Here are some of the most outrageous scenes from 90s sitcoms.
1. Cultural Appropriation in “Saved by the Bell”
In one episode of “Saved by the Bell,” Zack’s class was tasked to research their ancestors and give a presentation. However, learning about his Native American heritage was not his priority.
To demonstrate his (limited) knowledge of Native Americans, he wore a headdress and drew tribal lines on Screech’s face. Viewers saw this as cultural appropriation and racism. The good thing is that the actor was apologetic after that scene.
2. Body-Shaming in “Friends”
Calling someone fat is inappropriate. This may sound harmless, but it is actually body-shaming. So, “Fat Monica” in “Friends” may have endured the label, but, in reality, this is humiliating, unacceptable, and unnecessarily categorizes people based on their size.
3. Anti-Feminism in “Married With Children”
The “NO MAAM” episode of “Married… With Children” became controversial because of its anti-feminist agenda. Al’s NO MAAM (National Organization Against Amazonian Masterhood) was created after the women took over the men’s bowling center and nightclub.
In that episode, they held a feminist supporter, Jerry, hostage and made him do manly things like watch wrestling until the women gave in to their demands.
4. Mansplaining in “Cheers”
In “Cheers,” husband and wife Frasier and Lilith argue. But, instead of engaging in a healthy discussion, Frasier resorts to mansplaining and says his wife was intoxicated every time she talked back.
To further assert his dominance, he hypnotized her in front of the crowd. Although what he made her do was harmless, this maltreatment of women should not be tolerated.
5. Selling Photos of Underage Girls in “Saved by the Bell”
In one episode of Saved by the Bell, Zack sells photos of underage girls in swimsuits. These photos were captured in secret and sold without the girls’ permission. This could classify as photo voyeurism, but surprisingly, the episode was still aired.
6. Victim-Blaming in “Dawson’s Creek”
Jen was a character in “Dawson’s Creek” who was portrayed as needy and promiscuous. When she was taken advantage of by a man, her own family put the blame on her. Her grandmother said it was her fault and that she asked for it. Now we see why victims of abuse are often scared of coming out.
7. Women as Objects in “Married With Children”
It’s sad how women are characterized on TV. They are made to wear skimpy or sexually suggestive clothes. In “Married… With Children,” Kelly wore many body-hugging tops, leather jeans, and outfits that did not match her age. She was just a teenager then but played an outrageously objectified role.
8. Harassment of a Minor in “Seinfeld”
Staring can be a form of flattery. But not when it’s clearly done with malice, the object being stared at is private, and the person involved is a minor. This is why the scene in “Seinfeld,” where Jerry and George maliciously stare at an underage girl’s chest, is downright unacceptable.
9. Gender Stereotyping and Transphobia in “Friends”
Gender stereotypes are some of the most commonly projected ideas on TV. One scene on “Friends” shows Ross’s son playing with dolls. Ross immediately lectures his son that dolls are for girls.
Ross is also caught making homophobic remarks in other episodes. They even make fun of Chandler and his mom, who is trans.
10. Cultural Disrespect in “Seinfeld”
A flag symbolizes a country’s identity and must be treated with utmost respect. That is why when the Puerto Rican flag was burned in one episode of “Seinfeld,” viewers were furious.
Stomping on the flag after it was burned and the offensive comments made towards the race further fanned viewers’ criticism.
11. Making Fun of Alcoholism in “Friends”
One facet of Bobby’s character in “Friends” is that he was trying to work on his alcohol dependency. But his abstinence was put to the test when, in one episode, Monica and Chandler tried to influence him into drinking.
Chandler even mocked him for not being fun enough because he was not intoxicated. This did not resonate well with others who are struggling with sobriety.
12. Misogyny in “Everybody Loves Ray”
“Everybody Loves Ray” is a show that seems to perpetuate misogyny. One clear example is the scene where Ray votes against Debra for the school board. Ray believed Debra, the wife, belonged in the house, taking care of the kids. If she won, it meant he’d be left with her responsibilities.
13. Drugging Girlfriend to Sleep in “Seinfeld”
Going to great lengths just to play with vintage toys may seem innocent and harmless. But giving drowsy pills to your girlfriend to keep her away is going too far.
In one episode of “Seinfeld,” Jerry drugs his girlfriend to sleep because she wouldn’t allow him to play with the toys. This is a serious criminal act that was lightly portrayed on TV.
14. Making Fun of Eating Disorders in “Full House”
The intention to tackle eating disorders may have been a commendable move on the part of “Full House.” One episode is about DJ, one of the daughters, who goes on a crash diet to lose weight. She wanted to be skinny before going to a bikini party.
The problem with the story was they made it seem like eating disorders are not that serious and can be “cured” overnight. They should have advised DJ that she looked perfect the way she was and that character was more important than looks.
15. Abuse of Men in “That 70s Show”
We seldom hear of women abusing men. But this happens. In one episode of “That 70s Show,” Kelso complains of feeling harassed when Laurie forces herself on him. Instead of Kelso getting help, his issue was not acknowledged. It’s like saying that any man who claims to experience abuse has no right to be heard.
16. Transphobic comments in “Saturday Night Live”
Many know that “Saturday Night Live” or “SNL” can sometimes be over-the-top. But this does not excuse the late Norm Mcdonald’s transphobic comment about a trans man who was assaulted and then murdered.
In one episode, McDonald said that both the target and the suspects deserved to perish. The show never retracted that statement nor apologized for it.
17. Screech’s Obsession in “Saved by The Bell”
It’s normal to have a crush on someone. What isn’t is obsessively stalking someone and giving inappropriate gifts. In “Saved by the Bell,” Screech has an unhealthy admiration for Lisa.
He gives her lingerie even if she has already rejected him many times. Others may find it cute, but it is uncomfortable, creepy, and could pass as harassment.
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Korina is a licensed English and Journalism teacher. After leaving the academe, she decided to pursue what she loved most – writing. Travel, health and wellness, spirituality, lifestyle, and science and technology are some of the niches she is passionate about. When not working on freelance tasks, she spends her time deciphering the magical journey of being an introvert mom to an extrovert child.