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The realm of “so good it’s bad” television is a fascinating space where imperfection becomes a source of entertainment. In an era dominated by high-stakes productions and polished narratives, these delightfully flawed shows captivate audiences who enjoy the charm found in their shortcomings. There’s no need to feel guilty about indulging in such viewing experiences.
When a TV show can maintain its appeal despite its obvious defects, it transcends the label of a poorly-crafted series. While it may not snag any awards, it garners a devoted following, drawing viewers back for unintentional humor, endearing character interactions, and the sheer absurdity of its plotlines. From cult classics to overlooked treasures, we present a curated list of ten TV shows that epitomize the “so bad, it’s good” phenomenon, promising entertainment through their audacious approaches.
10 ‘The Librarians’ (2014 – 2018)
The Librarians introduces a whimsical ensemble of scholars, rebels, and architects turned adventurers, all tasked with safeguarding a secret collection of ancient artifacts and magical relics. Under the guidance of Flynn Carsen and guardian Eve Baird, this team faces off against dark forces and surreal challenges.
Campy Charm and Magical Chaos
This TNT series, spanning four seasons, revels in its wild narratives and embraces absurdity, drawing viewers into entertaining escapades. What elevates The Librarians is its unapologetic tone. While the plot unfolds like a fantastical dream filled with strange twists, it captivates audiences with its sincere yet cheesy performances, notably from Noah Wyle and Rebecca Romijn.
9 ‘Glee’ (2009 – 2015)
Release Date
2009 – 2014
Network
FOX
Combining high school drama with musical spectacle, Glee captured the hearts of a generation. The series follows a group of outcast teens in the glee club of William McKinley High School, led by their well-meaning but ineffectual teacher, Will Schuester. The students contend with friendships, loss, and rivalries while navigating the trials of adolescence.
Gloriously Excessive in Everything
8 ‘Revenge’ (2011 – 2015)
Release Date
2011 – 2014
Network
ABC
Directors
Justin Hartley
Writers
Mike Kelly
Revenge presents the story of Emily Thorne, who returns to the Hamptons two decades after her family was torn apart by the affluent Grayson family. Determined to exact revenge, Emily infiltrates their lives while executing an elaborate scheme to take them down one by one.
Decadence Meets Unhinged
As a quintessential soap opera, Revenge embraces melodrama through its intricate storytelling. Each season features outrageous plot twists, shocking turns of events, and numerous betrayals, keeping viewers intrigued. This unabashed embrace of chaos and tension contributes to the show’s addictive quality.
7 ‘Baywatch’ (1989 – 2001)
Release Date
1989 – 2001
Directors
Gregory J. Bonann, Douglas Schwartz, Gus Trikonis
Writers
Michael Berk, Douglas Schwartz, Gregory J. Bonann
Franchise(s)
Baywatch
Baywatch is iconic for its depictions of stunning beaches, dramatic rescues, and slow-motion sequences featuring lifeguards. Led by Mitch Buchannon, the show highlights dramatically intense scenarios and romantic entanglements, captivating audiences throughout the 1990s.
Delivers Iconic Beach Vibes
6 ‘Emily in Paris’ (2020 – Present)
Release Date
October 2, 2020
Directors
Andrew Fleming
Emily in Paris follows Emily Cooper, an ambitious American marketing executive, as she finds herself transferred to Paris, where her mission is to infuse an American perspective into a French luxury brand.
Thrives on Fashion and Stereotypes
This series has sparked discussions about cultural contrasts and romantic misadventures. While critics have called out the show’s superficiality and cliché characterizations, it continues to thrive, largely due to Lily Collins’ charismatic portrayal of Emily against the backdrop of Parisian life.
5 ‘Bibleman’ (1995 – 2003)
Release Date
January 1, 1995
Network
Australian Christian Channel, Smile of a Child
Directors
Steve Gilreath
Bibleman showcases the adventures of Miles Peterson, a wealthy man who becomes a superhero after discovering the Bible’s power and using it against evil. Dressed in vibrant spandex, he battles quirky villains like “The Fibbler.”
Trades Gotham for Sunday School
The series offers a mix of battles, musical segments, and moral teachings, creating a campy experience that is both educational and amusing. The low-budget visuals and exaggerated storylines combine to deliver a unique viewing experience that was never meant to be taken seriously.
4 ‘Penny Dreadful’ (2014 – 2016)
Penny Dreadful takes audiences into the dark, lush world of Victorian London, intertwining characters from classic Gothic literature in a sinister tale of horror and emotion. Spanning three seasons, the show features figures like Frankenstein’s Monster and Dorian Gray.
Like a Gothic Fever Dream
3 ‘La Brea’ (2021 – Present)
Release Date
2021 – Present
Network
NBC
La Brea begins with a massive sinkhole in Los Angeles, leading characters into a prehistoric world. Centered on the Harris family, their journey revolves around survival and reuniting amidst chaos.
Rollercoaster Worth Riding On
2 ‘Knight Rider’ (1982 – 1986)
Flashy Cars and Sheer Entertainment
1 ‘Manifest’ (2018 – 2021)
Release Date
2018 – 2023
Network
NBC
Showrunner
Michael Smith
Directors
Michael Smith
The plot of Manifest revolves around Montego Air Flight 828, which encounters turbulence and leads its passengers to find themselves five years into the future, presumed dead. They grapple with their new reality while experiencing mysterious “callings” that guide them forward.
Unintentional but Occasional Shock Factors
Source
movieweb.com