10 Insane Rules TV Shows Weren’t Allowed To Break
Some rules are made to be broken, but these shouldn't have been made at all.
The Golden Age of Television has seen the rise of a diverse collection of series pushing the boundaries of television-based storytelling. These series and miniseries are reflecting audiences' cravings for more thought-provoking and emotionally stirring content.
This medley of TV-based narratives was not always at this level though. Storytellers have struggled for decades to work around censorship rules and the puritanical tastes of more conservative audiences. However, this is rarely an issue these days and most shows are able to tell stories that would have been considered taboo only a few years/decades ago.
That said, some networks and streaming services still impose the rule here and there on their series. Some are the result of rights issues (especially if the show is based on a pre-existing property) or production limitations/specificities. Other rules are a bit more... zany. It goes without saying that most network executives wish to stamp their individual tastes on these properties and this is often at the expense of the series' quality.
These rules are yet another reminder of how out of touch these bigwigs are, and it is a miracle that some of these shows are able to transcend their restrictions and actually be good.
10. Contestants Can't Be Shorter Than Pat Sajak - Wheel Of Fortune
Game shows are a staple of television, and have been so for several decades. Their enduring nature has allowed for a variety of these shows to emerge, and one of the most prolific examples is Wheel of Fortune.
The nearly 50-year-old show's premise is straightforward yet appealing, and has seen dozens of contestants and winners over the years. In addition to this, hosts Pat Sajak and Vanna White make for an affable hosting presence.
All this said, the show has an odd rule that, while not harmful, is strange yet functional. Players shorter than Sajak would stand on risers to appear to be the same height as the host. Before this, shorter players would stand on boxes, and this most likely made for an amusing sight behind the scenes.
It might help level out the contestants on screen but is also weirdly specific (and unnecessary). Despite this, this requirement is one of the show's unseen staples and adds to its charm.