The greatest televions series throughout history have often echoed the current economical and social statuses of their respective times. Each generation has a plethora of shows that are narrative monuments of the periods in which they aired. However, just like with television itself, society’s overall perception has also evolved; therefore, what’s been previously considered tasteful or appropriate–and, by extension, not–have transformed throughout the years. With the rapid rise in social media and equitable discourse, topics and storylines that appear in television series today are, for the most part, more mindful of their impact on an audience.

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With this in mind, most television shows that garnered a massive following due to their abilities to test limits would never be able to air today. Talking points that were delicate in the ’70s, ’80s and even 2000’s would turn many heads if discussed today, thus causing somewhat of a language barrier, thematically speaking, not only between generations but between characters in television shows. Nevertheless, sometimes sneaking a peek back on classic shows reminds us how drastically the times have changed. Here are several television shows from the early 2000s they could never air today.

Two and a Half Men

     Via: IMDb

The hedonistic character of Charlie Harper, played by Charlie Sheen, would undoubtedly stir up an immense wave of controversy among today’s television audiences. The idea of placing a young child in a grown-up setting with an unorthodox adult man would create enough of an emotionally-charged backlash. While Jon Cryer’s character desperately tries to keep the ship steering in the right direction, Charlie manages to commonly swoop in to make plenty of misogynistic comments. His heedless overabundance of references to women as simply sexual objects and nothing else, specifically in front of Jake Harper, would have had Two and a Half Men immediately canceled.

Family Guy

Perhaps the only reason that this show even continues to air is because of its name-value and long-standing legacy with Fox. To add, Family Guy breezed through the bulk of their seasons by the time social media and self-aware content began to take centerfold. Several sensitive topics are discussed on the contorversial program, from a character in a wheelchair (who’s often mocked for it), the direct references to a pedophilic character, and the countless criminal acts that baby Stewie finds himself committing that a normal baby absolutely would not. Granted, most of Seth MacFarlane’s strictly offensive material is contained to earlier seasons of the show. Still, in today’s current climate, many are scratching their heads as to how Family Guy has stood the test of time.

RELATED: Real-Life Peter Griffin Responds to Family Guy Shoutout

Malcolm in the Middle

The memorable American sitcom might grasp onto its beloved reputation, but Malcolm in the Middle has received its fair share of criticism for being controversial (specifically, the show’s stance on race and wealth). During several scenes between Hal and Abe, their economic and social differences are often attributed to the opposing colors of their skin. While the family itself was quite progressive, the show’s writing hints at obvious flaws when it comes to social acceptance. Furthermore, Stevie, Malcolm’s best friend, is constantly bullied for being a wheelchair user, while Malcolm is bullied for just being smart. The sharp one-liners and clear sexual references would not fly today.

RELATED: Here’s Where the Cast from Malcolm In The Middle is Today

Ed, Edd n Eddy

     Via: Favim

There’s no denying the obvious likability of Ed, Edd n Eddy, seeing as the series famously shaped a generation. Still, the animated television show has garnered plenty of controversy over the years. The series revolves around three preteen boys, known as the “Eds.” The series features several sensitive topics, including assumed child abuse in some characters, which led to controversial scenes of extreme violence. Also, the series implies that many of its central characters suffer from mental instabilities, along with mental conditions such as ADHD and OCD. In today’s current climate, airing a show infused with a plethora of risky topics would ultimately spark a difficult conversation.

That 70s Show

     Via: YouTube

Featuring an ensemble cast of complex characters, That 70s Show has remained a staple in American sitcoms. However, the show is largely controversial for its portrayal of Fez, one of the male leads in the popular sitcom. Unable to pronounce his name, the entire group nicknames him “Fez,” which stands for “foreign exchange student.” Today, this subplot would have been extremely risky–not to mention racially insensitive–to execute. To add, later in the series, Fez even marries Lori in order to legally stay in the country, which also would have stirred up a large debate. While the show’s setting is primarily in the ’70s, featuring several hot topics of debate during that period of time, its inability to approach topics like immigration and race with tact and respect would rightfully be deemed problematic to a modern audience.