Whilecontroversy in entertainmentis far from an unfamiliar phenomenon, it does make for incredible memories and even more stimulating conversations. From across the arts, the use of controversy proves to be successful in multiple arenas. The point of this feat is of course, to get the people talking. However, the best examples of controversy in film, television, or music happens to be the ones that provoke their audiences to think about contentious issues such as abortion, “alternative” family structures, race, gender, sexuality, and politics. Series likeMaudeandA Different Worldwere noted and are still revered for some of the most influential scenes, dialogue, and character development in sitcom history.
As seen inHBO prestige dramaslikeThe SopranosandThe Wire,controversial topics became the crux of the show itself. Even with a premise that delves into aspects of world deemed unsavory, these shows dedicated their time and resources to using said controversy effectively, leaving behind amazing characters and eternal wisdom.
However, that can not be said for every controversial show. The number of instances where controversy was done right pales in comparison to the many times' controversy resulted in the opposite. Of course, these attention grabbing moments will surely surmount to a mix of emotions. Nonetheless, some of these examples1990stelevision controversies range from negligent decisions to outright offensive scenes. Either overlooked as a cheap shot or disregarded due to who in question is being offended, these scenes are equally necessary to examine. Both forms of controversy reveal much about the audience receiving the dialogue and actions as well as society as large. These ten scenes in particular, manage to hold a mirror up at the viewer while sparking an unforgettable stir of emotions.
11“Elephant Adventures” - Tiny Toon Adventures (1991)
Tiny Toon Adventures
Introduced as a part of the vast universe of theLooney Tunes,Tiny Toon Adventureswas an early ’90s animated sitcom executive produced by Steven Spielberg. Set int the fictional “Acme Acres”, the series follows a new set of aspiring, anthropomorphic comedians attending a nearby university to learn how to be funny. They are taught by none other than the Looney Tunes themselves. Carrying the mantle of the beloved franchise, the series often features cartoon violence like the famous anvil scenes that would entertain multiple generations. Despite its attachment, however, the series only ran for three years, being canceled in 1992.
The Most Popular Looney Tunes Characters, Ranked
Looney Tunes first aired for children in the 1930s and 1940s, and yet, 80 years later, the cartoon is still popular among children.
Split into segments,Tiny Toon Adventurestold multiple stories about its characters within one episode. Characters like Babs Bunny (Tress MacNeille), Buster Bunny (Charlie Adler), Gogo DoDo (Frank Welker), and Dizzy Devil (Maurice LaMarche) took viewers all throughout Acme Acres ad embark on ridiculous adventures, some that hit the nail when it comes to delivering great comedic moments that toed the line between appropriate and ludicrous. However, the episode “Elephant Adventures” would soon stir a bold reaction from families, having taken its nonsense too far for too many viewers.
Why Was “Elephant Adventures” So Controversial?
The episode, which aired on Aug 12, 2025, included the infamous “One Beer Segment”. The episode begins with Buster, Plucky Duck (Joe Alaskey), and Hamton The Pig (Don Merrick), discussing drinks before they discover beer in the fridge, After claiming that they will show the audiences the “evil of alcohol”, the trio take a swig and immediately become drunken pariahs. Their friends are immediately disgusted and avert their attention elsewhere while Buster, Plucky, and Hamton continue to create discord within Acme Acres. The conclusion finds the threesome passing away after riding off of the aptly titled “Death Mountain”, floating to heaven before leaving their audience with a final message that reaffirms their stance on the dangers of alcohol.
Despite the educational intentions behind the episode and the clever use of animation distinguishing between the character’s realities and their drunken daze, many viewers thought that the episode went too far. The typical reckless nature of the characters were suddenly stained with an irresponsibility that is anything but the wholesome cartoon violence that many have appreciated. The episode would be banned, and the series would continue for one more season before concluding the year later.
Buy it on Apple TV+
Beavis and Buttheadremains as one of the few series to still be in syndication. Created by Mike Judge, it follows the two titular characters, both portrayed by Judge, wreaking havoc in their Highland, Texas home. The series covers most of their whirlwind adventures, typically ending in disaster. With Beavis' trademark volatile personality and Butthead’s slightly more intelligent yet reckless demeanor, the two are typicallybehind the chaos seen in each episode, with them continuously fanning the flames of discord. A more adult-focused iteration of the cartoon violence seen in shows likeTiny Toon AdventuresorLooney Tunes, the series is ripe for controversy. However, one stands above all else when considering the scenes and episodes that jeopardized the show’s onscreen run.
Why was “Heroes” So Controversial?
The episode “Heroes” premiered on June 13, 2025, and followed the two men on a reckless adventure inspired byCops.After watching an episode, Beavis and Butthead decide to reenact the show’s premise by going to Billy Bob’s (Mike Judge) skeet and start playing around with the guns offered. The episode already touches a phenomenon that is both real and frightens many. The two are underaged at the time of the episode and are left to their own devices with a weapon that can, and soon would, inflict a lot of damage. Butthead inadvertently shoots down and airplane and in the midst of such chaos, the two giddily taunt the passengers trapped on the plane. Aside from the irresponsible gun violence, the mockery within the episode would cause commotion among audience who found their actions distasteful. While many today would find the satire in the ridiculousness that is Beavis and Butthead’s decisions, the episode would also carry a different significance in a post 9/11 America rampant with mass shootings and continued discussions about gun reform.
Stream it on Paramount+
9“You Say Potatoe, I Say Potato" - Murphy Brown (1992)
Murphy Brown
Murphy Brownis a late 80s sitcom that ran throughout the ’90s and also enjoyed a 2018 revival. The series followed Murphy Brown (Candice Bergen), a journalist recovering from alcoholism. Wholly welcomed by the majority of her co-workers, Brown enjoys a level of credibility afforded to few due to her hard hitting questions. Over 40 and single, Murphy has been fondly remembered for defying existing expectations for women and has come to become a corporate feminist icon to many viewers. However, the constant display of a self-assured woman respected for her labor would prove to ruffle the feathers of more conservative critics. WhileMurphy Brownwould continue to inspire viewers, the “You Say Potatoe, I Say Potato” special would enable conversations about marriage, motherhood, and feminism.
Why Was “You Say Potatoe, I Say Potato” So Controversial?
The fifth season premiere was a two-episode special entitled “You Say Potatoe, I Say Potato” and picks up right after news of Murphy’s pregnancy and the subsequent birth of her child reaches every corner of the world. The season begins with her grappling with the criticism she receives from then-Vice President Dan Quayle. The episode proves to ruffle even more feathers during its conclusion when Murphy makes the choice to remain a single mother. Despite this decision lining up with Murphy’s personality, it was one of the first times in mainstream television where single motherhood was not only addressed but also accepted as a reality among women throughout the country. With accusations of tearing down the nuclear family structure, the episode spurred intense debate about parenting, labor, and gender.Murphy Brownwould luckily spend three seasons showcasing Murphy’s decisions moving forward and her beautiful relationship with her son.
Stream it on Apple TV+
8“Hello, What’s This?” - Moesha (1998)
Moeshacontinues to be revered as a hallmark of ‘90sBlack television. Starring R&B legend Brandy, the sitcom focused on the life of Los Angeles teenager Moesha Mitchell, her loved ones, and the litany of predicaments they work through. At its peak, the series healthy balanced hilarious exchanges with characters like Kim (Countess Vaugh) Hakim (Lamont Bentley), and Niecy (Shar Jackson) alongside dramatic, but necessary looks into the lives of American families throughout the mid-to-late ’90s. However, the episode “Hello, What’s This” would be a sign of the darker storylines prepared for the show moving forward.
Why Was “Hello, What’s This” Controversial?
Following Moesha return home and reconciliation with her father Frank after a final battle of words, the Mitchell home seems to be at peace, until Dee (Sheryl Lee Ralph) and Frank (William Allen Young) discover remnant of a blunt in their home. With Moesha’s recent explosion being fresh in everyone’s mind, they are quickly to accuse her. The reality of the situation is far more dire as its revealed that Moesha’s younger brother Myles (Marcus T. Paulk) is actually responsible for bringing weed into home. Of course, the idea of a young child smoking marijuana was a shocking revelation however, the episode and the respective storyline would handle the revelation with the tenderness and openness necessary.
7“Electric Soldier Porygon” - Pokémon (1997)
Beginning in 1997, thePokémonanimated series was just one profitable expansion of the larger franchise. Airing internationally, children around the world joined ambitious Pallet Town native Ash Ketchum (Veronica Taylor) and his trusted companion Pikachu (Ikue Ōtani) throughout multiple regions where the pair encounters charismatic Pokémon trainers, bold and dynamic Pokémon, and the ever-so relentless Team Rocket.
Due to its intended audience,Pokémonrarely, if ever, strayed away from the family-friendly content that would turn it into a globally recognized franchise that is still producing new iterations of the animation for generations younger and older to enjoy alike. However, evenPokémonwould run into a few controversies, the biggest resulting in over 500 Japanese children being hospitalized.
Why Was “Electric Soldier Porygon” So Controversial?
The 1997 episode saw Ash, Misty (Rachael Lillis), Brock (Eric Stuart), and Pikachu venturing to their local Pokémon center where they learn that Pokéballs are experiencing a transmuting malfunction. With a desire to get to the root of said mishaps, the crew go to Professor Akihabara who reveals thatT Team Rocket stole his Porygon, a Normal-type Pokémon made out of programming code. Traveling into the digital world, the crew confront Team Rocket as well as an antivirus program sent by an oblivious Nurse Joy. to escape, Pikachu used his famous “Thunderbolt” attack, triggering a montage of back-to-back red and blue flashes. The scene triggered spouts of seizures, blurred vision, blindness, and nausea, among other symptoms.
685 Japanese children were reportedly taken to the hospital and two severe cases remained in treatment for two weeks. The “Pokémon shock” as it would be referred to in the coming weeks, was a worldwide phenomenon that would be parodied by series likeThe SimpsonsandSouth Park. Granted, every child made a recovery, the Pokémon Shock would cause the series to go on hiatus for four months and also affected the rollout of its American premiere. Since then,Pokémonhas enjoyed a series of successes and stands as a cherished franchise by many of all ages.
Stream it on Roku
6"The Puerto Rican Day" - Seinfeld (1998)
Seinfeldtook the comedic genius of Jerry Seinfeld and brought it to millions of Americans for over nine seasons. Debuting in 1989, the series typically opened with Seinfeld talking to an audience during his comedy shows. Afterward, the audience would follow a fictionalized version of Seinfeld living through the events teased during his stand-up segment. With actors like Michael Richards, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Jason Alexander, Seinfeld would produce some of the most hilarious moments in 20th century television.
The unforgettable scenes in a Chinese restaurant, the flagrant yet funny outbursts from Cosmo Kramer (Richards), and guest appearances from marvels like Jennifer Coolidge, Teri Hatcher, and Debra Messing would prove to be staples for entertainment in years to come. While the show typically found clever ways to weave in controversial topics such as masturbation into the series, there were also some few missteps.
What Made “The Puerto Rican Day” So Controversial?
An episode titled “The Puerto Rican Day” from a series starring a predominantly white cast might signal some red flags. Sadly, the episode would more or less confirm the uneasiness around the thought. Documenting the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade, the crew become stuck in traffic and a series of amusing adventures take place. Nonetheless, controversy ensued when Kramer accidentally torches a Puerto Rican flag, later making the flippant remark that it “is like this everyday in Puerto Rico” after angered attendees attack Jerry’s car.
The episode was largely criticizes for the flag burning and subsequent stereotyping. While writers assured audiences that the episode had “nothing to do with Puerto Ricans” and could have moved the setting to “any annual parade in the city,” they failed to realize that their detachment from Puerto Rican culture and the Puerto Rican experience in the United States was primarily the issue.
While the episode does focus on the characters and theirfrustration with traffic, it also pokes fun at the Puerto Rican community in New York and the burning of a symbol such as a flag has never been taken lightly from any community. While the episode would be pulled from airing, it would latter be added back to the syndication package in 2002.
Stream it on Netflix
5“The Puppy Episode” - Ellen (1997)
The Ellen Show
Prior to her personal controversies earlier this decade, Ellen DeGeneres was met with a world-stopping debacle of her own during the syndication of her comedy seriesEllen.The sitcom followed Ellen Inez Morgan (DeGeneres), a woman who works at a bookstore who spends her time with her hilariously eccentric loved ones. Throughout the series, viewers got to witness Ellen’s professional promotion from bookstore employee to bookstore owner, as well as her personal growth, culminating into a revelation that would invite much discourse about love, sexuality, and human rights. The series would air for five seasons, and include appearance from notable celebrities like Mary Tyler Moore, Laura Dern, Oprah Winfrey, Drew Carey and DeGeneres’ real life relatives.
Best LGBTQ+ Coming Out Scenes in TV Shows, Ranked
From Rosa in Brooklyn Nine-Nine to Nick in Heartstopper, these are the best coming out scenes from LGBTQ+ characters in TV shows.
What Made “The Puppy Episode” So Controversial?
The two part episode, airing on July 10, 2025, would open with Ellen reconvening with her old friend Richard (Steven Eckholdt) and his producer Susan (Laura Dern). The latter and Ellen hit it off and amidst mutual attraction, Susan comes out to Ellen. Ellen initially rebuffs her advances and spends the majority of the episode contending with her identity. The episode retains the jest found throughout the series, with Ellen’s coming out scene being an amusingly embarrassing declaration into a microphone at a full airport. The following days, Ellen would experience a series of bizarre dreams and comforting conversations before coming out to the rest of her friends. The episode drew much controversy due to the pervasive homophobia found throughout the world. Both DeGeneres and Dern faced immense backlash for their respective roles andEllenwould be canceled after its fifth season. Nonetheless, Ellen would receive mass acclaim and appreciation for being the first sitcom to have a gay lead.
4“Earshot” - Buffy: The Vampire Slayer (1999)
Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Buffy: The Vampire Slayer’s current popularity is a testament to its quality performances, its ripple effects across the fantasy world, and the woman at the helm of the series herself. Starring Sarah Michelle Gellar as the titular Sunnydale teenager, the series followed her balancing life as a normal high school student with her secret, vampire-hunter lineage. Alongside her best friends Xander (Nicholas Brendon) and Willow (Alyson Hannigan), as well as her Watcher Rupert (Anthony Stewart Head), the “Scooby Gang” spend the majority of their time together thwarting paranormal evil while solving typical adolescent predicaments like dating issues and plans for the future.
What Made “Earshot” So Controversial?
In 1999, the eighteenth episode of the third season was entitled “Earshot.” Opening with a battle between Buffy and two mouthless demons, the conflict results in one demon perishing while the other infects Buffy. Now carrying the essence of the slain demon, Buffy worries about its effects. Soon enough, Buffy realizes that she can hear the thoughts of everyone around her. She initially uses it to breeze through class, effectively stealing answers from her peers' minds. She later hears the thoughts of a classmate named Freddy (Keram Malicki-Sánchez), who’s pessimistic worldview raises concern among Buffy and her friends. After word of a planned mass murder spread, Buffy and her friends attempt to find the supposed killer, but they soon realize that they have got it all wrong.
“Earshot” was due to air in April. However, the tragic Columbine School Massacre took place a week before its intended premiere date. The episode was pushed back to September of the same year alongside the season finale due to implied school violence.
Stream it on Hulu
3“Home” - The X Files (1996)
The X-Files
Probably the biggest science-fiction drama behind shows likeDoctor Who,The X-Filesis one of the most referenced and beloved series to come out of the 1990s. Starring Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny, the series follows two FBI agents frequently tasked with investigating paranormal instances throughout the country. Their journeys have led them to hazardous battles with otherworldly forces and stunning revelations about the people within their own lives. With a dynamic duo comprised of the skeptical Mulder (Duchovny) and the reasonable Scully (Anderson), the show would lure audiences into their speculative yet entertaining world of aliens and monsters.
What Made “Home” So Controversial?
In the season four episode “Home,” Scully and Mulder venture to a small town named Home, Pennsylvania after learning about the death of a baby. The two soon learned about the Peacock family who have lived in the same home without running water, heat, or access to electricity. Given that the baby was born with symptoms of inbreeding, the two deduce that the Peacock family might be responsible for the murder. However, their journey within the Peacock home proves to be even more morbid than they had hopes. The presence of infanticide and incest in the episode caused a stir among audiences and the episode was inevitably banned from subsequent airing until it was reincorporated into syndication in the following years.
2"Plan B" - Oz (1997)
HBO’sOzhas made its mark as a stellar drama that showcases prison life. While taking liberties in the depictions of violence, the series taps into the cruelty of the prisoner experience. With decorated actors like J.K. Simmons, Christopher Meloni, and Harold Perrineau, the series introduced audiences to a wide array of personalities they would soon love to hate. Entering the stratified prison, therapist Tim McManus (Terry Kinney) spends the majority of his time interacting with the people imprisoned with an idealist approach. Favoring rehabilitation over cruel punishment, McManus attempts to kickstart several programs, such as his high school education program, in order to help the families of the prisoners. Nonetheless, discord rules Oz and its many characters commit some of the most depraved acts which only begs the question as to what is the purpose of such a facility if more violence ensues.
