I hate when people discredit TV as “brain-rotting garbage”. I have found that TV can be an immersive medium for educating people across the world. Here are five fictional TV shows that serve to educate their viewers in a meaningful way.
Call the Midwife (2012-present)
This British TV show spans twelve seasons and for good reason! I have been watching this show since last semester and I am now finally about to be caught up. This show is addictive and makes its viewers yearn for more. Call the Midwife was originally based on a book that was written by Jennifer Worth about her time as a midwife in a poor section of London, England during the 1950s. Each season represents a different year which allows the viewers to observe the minute differences in reproductive rights and social rights for all people. Many issues are tackled by Call the Midwife most commonly the negative effects of strict abortion laws and how women of all kinds are viewed by British society. Issues of race, disability, economic class, and so much more are covered in this show. I would recommend Call the Midwife to anybody who considers themselves a feminist or anybody who would like to learn more about the history of reproductive rights.
Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008)
Despite the fact that Avatar: The Last Airbender (ATLA) is a TV show aimed for kids, it covers a variety of adult topics in very real ways. ATLA takes place in a fictional world where some people can control one of the four elements. In this world, there is also one person who is able to control all four. This person is called the avatar and serves to unite people from all nations and be the bridge to the spirit world. ATLA covers issues such as sexism, genocide, facism, and racisim/ethnocentrism. Another interesting facet of this show is the heavy message of spirituality and mindfulness of the planet. The avatar, Aang, was raised as a monk and because of that, the audience is able to learn a new respect for the world around themselves through his spirituality and pacifism.
Derry Girls (2018-2022)
Derry Girls is one of those shows that can be watched over and over again and the viewer will observe something new each time. This show takes place in Derry, Northern Ireland during the 1990s. During this time period, Ireland was rebelling against British occupation which resulted in a war between the British and Irish, also known as The Troubles. Derry was right in the middle of this conflict and Derry Girls follows the lives of four teenage girls who are living in Derry but trying their best to live like normal teens. Derry Girls explores themes of religion, politics, girlhood, sexuality, and war while still maintaining a comedic overtone.
Bojack Horseman (2014-2020)
Anybody who has ever bore witness to the extremes of the human psyche should definitely watch Bojack Horseman. This show follows several characters who are constantly shown making the “wrong” decision at every turn and how they deal with the consequences. What makes this show so compelling is that even though each character is problematic and unlikable, it is still very easy to relate to them even if you don’t want to. This show explores the depths of mental health and how our mental illnesses affect others.
The Good Place (2016-2020)
If you have any interest in philosophy, The Good Place is the show for you. This comedy harshly critiques the modern world and addresses multiple philosophical concepts as a means to hopefully “fix” society. This show is not subtle in the slightest and uses the failings of society as the punchline to most of its jokes. It is hard to discuss the intricacies of this show without giving away major plot points, so please be wary of spoilers if you decide to start watching this show!