The 10 Most Controversial TV Scenes That Wouldn't Get Filmed Today

The best part of television is engaging with a longstanding story and cast. With syndication, TV episodes were able to be viewed again and again. Yet when controversies surrounded an episode's subject matter, sometimes they were completely banned from airing again. The Cosby Show, The Simpsons, and several other iconic shows were challenged by viewers for their controversial subject matter, with some people arguing for these episodes to be removed forever.

The Cosby Show (1990)

In "The Last Barbecue," patriarch Cliff Huxtable (Bill Cosby) reveals the secret recipe to his signature BBQ sauce. It involves something to help people "get in the mood." This storyline was played for laughs, even when the sauce ends up "affecting" his whole family.

Personal Distaste

Obviously, the episode hasn't aged well at all. Beyond its subject matter, it wasn't until 2018 that Bill Cosby was finally convicted on multiple sex offenses after being accused by more than 60 women. Chillingly, he even admitted to sneaking Quaaludes into women's food.

Married...with Children (1988)

In "The Camping Show," patriarch Al Bundy's cantankerous behavior is on full display as a trip with his male friends takes a turn. That is because the three women who joined in on the camping fun all end up menstruating, much to Al's dismay.

"Lady" Problems

For the men, they believe a women's period is nothing but a damper to their plans. The airing was halted when Fox executives became nervous over the plot. They feared that female viewers would be insulted by the storyline. Surprisingly, two female writers actually wrote the episode!