We grow up with them. Their quotes echo at parties. They’re our comfort during breakups, long nights, and rainy Sundays. TV shows — especially the ones we binged as teens or watched with family — become part of our emotional DNA. But as culture evolves, not every show stays lovable. Some age with grace. Others grow a bit moldy under a modern lens.

Why do we care so much about how a show holds up? It’s not just about entertainment. It’s about memory, identity and comfort. As Dr. Krystine Batcho, professor of psychology at Le Moyne College, puts it: “Nostalgia is a way of remembering people we’ve loved, places we’ve been, and experiences we’ve had. It helps us maintain a sense of continuity and meaning in our lives” (American Psychological Association, 2020).

That emotional continuity is exactly why rewatching old favorites can feel comforting — or jarring. Some TV shows have only become richer over time. Others, when viewed through a contemporary lens, reveal outdated jokes, stereotypes and problematic messaging that feel hard to ignore.

Here’s a look at a few standout examples of TV shows that aged beautifully — and five that, frankly, didn’t.

Aged Like Fine Wine 🍷

“The Golden Girls” (1985–1992)
This beloved TV sitcom about four older women living together in Miami still resonates due to its progressive themes and sharp humor. In Season 5’s “72 Hours,” Blanche struggles with her HIV test results, offering a rare primetime discussion about the AIDS epidemic. Episodes touching on LGBTQ+ rights, immigration and aging still feel surprisingly relevant in 2025.

“Avatar: The Last Airbender” (2005–2008)
What began as a Nickelodeon cartoon became a TV storytelling masterpiece. The show’s moral complexity, emotional intelligence and multicultural influences make it beloved by new generations. In “The Storm,” Aang and Zuko’s backstories reveal deep struggles with identity, trauma and generational pain — heavy themes explored with surprising care and nuance.

“The X-Files” (1993–2018)
While some early effects are a bit dated, the core premise of government cover-ups and paranoia remains timely. “Home” (Season 4) is often cited as one of the most disturbing episodes in TV history. It pushed boundaries, and the tension between Mulder’s skepticism and Scully’s faith continues to influence procedural dramas today.

“Freaks and Geeks” (1999–2000)
This cult classic captured the teenage experience with awkward accuracy and emotional honesty. In “Tricks and Treats,” Lindsay navigates shifting social circles while Sam and his friends cling to childhood traditions — an earnest depiction of growing pains that avoids cliché. Its empathy still connects with audiences today.

“Black Mirror” (2011–present)
It hasn’t aged — it’s aged us. Episodes like “Nosedive” (Season 3), where people rate each other socially, eerily predicted modern digital culture. “San Junipero” is now considered a landmark for positive LGBTQ+ representation in speculative fiction. The Netflix TV show remains both a cultural mirror and a moral warning.

Aged Like Spoiled Milk 🥴

“Friends” (1994–2004)
Still a comfort TV show for many, but full of issues. Jokes about “Fat Monica,” like in “The One with All the Thanksgivings,” now feel cruel rather than funny. Chandler’s constant jabs at his transgender parent, who is misgendered throughout the show, are especially hard to rewatch. The lack of racial diversity in such a large city also hasn’t aged well.

“How I Met Your Mother” (2005–2014)
Barney’s womanizing is played for laughs, but rewatching “The Playbook” (Season 5) — where he uses elaborate deception to seduce women — is more unsettling than funny. The show also frames Robin’s infertility as a tragic flaw instead of a valid life path. What once felt edgy now feels emotionally tone-deaf.

“Two and a Half Men” (2003–2015)
Charlie Harper’s entire personality is built on misogyny. In “I Remember the Coatroom, I Just Don’t Remember You,” jokes about women are not just outdated — they’re offensive. The show rarely offers growth or redemption, instead doubling down on outdated tropes and crude humor.

“Gossip Girl” (2007–2012)
⚠️ Spoiler alert for the series finale ahead.
This teen drama glamorized toxic behavior. In the pilot episode, Chuck attempts to assault two different girls — and faces no consequences. Later, the big twist reveals Dan as the anonymous blogger who stalked and humiliated his friends for years, only to be rewarded with a romantic ending. The show romanticizes manipulation and entitlement under the guise of style.

“Sex and the City” (1998–2004)
Groundbreaking for its time, but glaringly narrow now. In “Boy, Girl, Boy, Girl” (Season 3), Carrie treats bisexuality as a phase or novelty. There’s minimal racial representation throughout the series, and its class privilege is hard to overlook. While the show opened doors for female-centric storytelling in TV, it didn’t open many others.

Why It All Matters

TV is more than a way to pass the time. It is a mirror that reflects and reinforces societal values. As we grow more conscious of inclusivity, representation, and emotional intelligence, the media we once loved takes on new meaning.

Nostalgia isn’t inherently bad. As Dr. Batcho explains, it helps us stay rooted in meaningful memories. But reflection matters too. Watching how shows age, or whether they age well at all, can highlight how far we’ve come and where we still need to go.

When we rewatch our favorite TV series, we’re not just reliving the past. We are reassessing it. But what about you? What are your nostalgic TV favorites — and do they still hold up, or do you love them anyway, flaws and all? Not every piece of media survives the test of time, but sometimes, our personal connection to a show matters just as much. We’d love to hear your thoughts, hot takes, and comfort watches. Drop us a comment and join the conversation.