Beavis and Butt-Head

Since the show’s start in 1993, Beavis and Butt-Head has inspired more than a cartoon’s share of controversy for its characters’ obnoxious behavior, so much so that politicians and TV personalities have weighed in on both sides of the argument. While some applauded its intelligent humor, others feared the effects of its messages. Whichever side you fall on, it's undeniable that, as far as tweens and younger teens go, the show's overt messages are inappropriate. The show mocks responsibility, glorifies drinking (although their beverages are non-alcoholic, they talk about being drunk and romanticize how the effect would get them girls), makes sexism comical, and is brimming with red-letter language. Older viewers might be able to discern a critique of suburban culture, but the message will get lost on the younger set.

The titular characters are pretty bad, but even worse is that their negativity doesn’t really stand out from the rest of the cast, who with few exceptions fall into stereotypical channels of ineffective adults, silly girls, and slacker teens whose actions never reflect those of the real world. In other words, nothing good can come of teens tuning in to the antics of the characters in this edgy show.