Do you know those popular TV shows that everyone seems to be talking about, but when you sit down to watch them, you just can’t crack a smile?
Well, you’re not alone. There are several famous sitcoms that, despite their fame and big fan bases, have left some viewers puzzled and wondering, “Why do people find this funny?”
Let’s check some of those well-known sitcoms that, surprisingly, many people didn’t find funny at all.
2 Broke Girls: Unfunny or Just Misunderstood?
CBS’s sitcom “2 Broke Girls,” which aired from 2011 to 2017, has been a topic of fierce debate among viewers. While some enjoy the humor and eccentric characters, others find it grating and flat-out unfunny.
Reddit users have not held back in expressing their displeasure with the series. One user commented, “The show was like fingernails on a chalkboard to me!!!” This comment reflects the intense annoyance some people feel while watching the show.
Another user expressed disbelief at the show’s longevity, stating, “I never figured out how that show got past the pilot or at least the first season.” They went on to criticize the show for “cardboard acting, horrible writing with contrived joke setup with every line of the show.” Clearly, this person found the script and the acting to be far from humorous.
The same user mentioned that there was not a “single likeable character,” saving their lone praise for the horse, a minor character. They then humorously pointed out a realistic flaw with the show by imagining the unpleasant smell that would undoubtedly pervade the main characters’ apartment due to the horse’s presence.
It seems that, for these viewers at least, “2 Broke Girls” fell far short of their comedy expectations. However, given its six-season run, the sitcom certainly found its audience, even if some viewers were left scratching their heads at its popularity.
The Big Bang Theory: Is it a Missed Shot at Nerd Culture?
“The Big Bang Theory,” a massively successful sitcom that ran for 12 seasons from 2007 to 2019, drew its humor from a group of friends who are scientists and self-proclaimed nerds. Despite its popularity, some viewers were far from amused, with criticisms largely centered around its portrayal of “nerd culture.”
One Reddit user expressed their disappointment by saying, “They totally have no idea whatsoever about what nerd culture is like.” The user even claimed that “Frasier,” another popular sitcom, did a better job at depicting intellectuals dealing with everyday situations, despite it not being its primary focus.
Another commenter had a unique perspective, describing “The Big Bang Theory” as “a show written by Boomers, for Boomers, about how they thought their Millennial children acted.” This critique suggests that the writers, presumed to be from an older generation, might not have accurately captured the lifestyle and culture of the younger characters they were portraying.
Such criticisms indicate that, while “The Big Bang Theory” enjoyed a long and profitable run, its interpretation of nerd culture might not have resonated with all of its viewers. The alleged gap between the creators’ perspectives and the actual experiences of the younger generation might have been a factor in its mixed reception.
Everybody Loves Raymond: But Not All Viewers Loved The Show
While “Everybody Loves Raymond” is considered one of the classic sitcoms, its portrayal of family dynamics has not sat well with some viewers. The series focuses on the life of Raymond Barone, a sportswriter living with his wife and three children, and his meddling parents and brother living just across the street.
A viewer on Reddit was particularly critical about the show’s dynamic. They stated, “Every episode I’ve seen is a grown**s man letting his family come into his home to annoy and bully the shit out of his wife, to her obvious distress, while he refuses to set boundaries and stick up for her like a proper adult.”
This viewer highlighted the lack of boundaries between Raymond and his family, which often resulted in discomfort for his wife, Debra.
Another Reddit user expressed their annoyance with an episode where Debra wants to go to a bed and breakfast for a weekend with Raymond, and he grumbled about it continuously. The user wrote, “Like, dude! Your wife wants to smash in a fancy place and you can’t shut up long enough to get some? Why are you even married?”
These critiques suggest that while “Everybody Loves Raymond” might have been beloved by many, the humor derived from the sitcom’s family dynamics did not amuse everyone.
Two and a Half Men: Loved by Many, Yet Questioned by Some
“Two and a Half Men” was a sitcom sensation that made waves in the television industry. But despite its high viewership and lengthy run, some viewers couldn’t quite understand its appeal.
One Reddit user expressed their confusion over the hype: “To this day I never understood the hype. 99% of jokes are about how everyone is a sex crazed narcissist who hates everyone else including their family. The remaining 1% is funny but definitely not enough to warrant watching the entire show.”
The user further added, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a show about such miserable and spiteful people so heavily idolized. And I’ve seen Roseanne.” This critique underscores a view that the characters’ negative traits were too prominent, overshadowing the comedic aspects of the show.
The perceived overemphasis on sex and narcissism, and the characters’ negative attitudes towards each other, have made “Two and a Half Men” less enjoyable for some viewers, despite its wide popularity.
F.R.I.E.N.D.S: A Theme Song Success Story?
“F.R.I.E.N.D.S” is one of the most iconic sitcoms, with a dedicated fan base that spans generations. But for some, its popularity is a puzzle.
A Reddit user shared an interesting perspective: “Friends is just comfort TV. I am of the opinion though that 50% of its success came from its theme song.” According to this comment, the catchy tune by The Rembrandts was instrumental in setting the show’s welcoming vibe and inviting viewers into the characters’ lives.
The user added, “That music starts playing, and you’re ready to hangout and spend 20-30 minutes with your ‘friends’.”
The Bottom Line: Chuck Lorre Sitcoms
Chuck Lorre is a key figure in the sitcom landscape, having produced a string of hits including “Two and a Half Men”, “The Big Bang Theory”, and “Mike & Molly”. However, his shows often draw mixed responses, with some praising their humor and others finding them less enjoyable.
Many critics and fans agree that Lorre’s sitcoms often rely on similar humor patterns and character dynamics, which can either be seen as a winning formula or a repetitive approach. Regardless, the popularity of these shows is undeniable, suggesting that even if they aren’t universally loved, they certainly have found their niche in the TV landscape.
