8 TV Shows That Were Terrible (But We Couldn’t Stop Watching)

1. Chuck Lorre Sitcoms

In one sense, Chuck Lorre has had a major impact on the last decade+ of TV sitcoms: some of his shows, including Two and a Half-Men and The Big Bang Theory, have proved to be wildly popular, with the latter continuing to be such even in an era where the ratings are typically more widespread since there are so many shows and networks around.

And yet, when The Big Bang Theory ends, what will its actually legacy be? What was Two and a Half Men's, beyond the Charlie Sheen Meltdown? What about Mike & Molly, Mom, Young Sheldon, or any of his other successful shows?

Lorre's sitcoms come from a bygone era, but even by that standard they don't live up to what's come before, and they don't fit with where the medium has gone to since. They might've each had their moments in the first couple of seasons, but they generally fall into a broad, one-note comedy routine with thinly drawn characters who are mostly unlikable, and then stretches that out year after year after year. There's no depth or intelligence, nor even a comforting warmth to bask in. There's just old-fashion sitcom tropes rolled out and repackaged time and again, like serving up the TV equivalent of a McDonald's Happy Meal: there might be a fleeting moment of joy, rooted in that sense of the familiar, but there's no lasting nourishment and it's definitely not good for you. And worse, you don't even get a toy at the end.

What other terrible TV shows did you keep watching? Let us know down in the comments.