Born between 1946 and 1964, the Baby Boomer generation experienced a wide variety of groundbreaking events and technological advancements, from the Beatles and Bob Dylan to the Civil Rights movement, the first moon landing, and even the first at-home family television sets. (These are the words and phrases Baby Boomers say that no one else understands.)
Many Boomers enjoyed classic TV shows like I Love Lucy and All in the Family as they grew up. With fewer choices in what to watch, Boomers grew up with a unique appreciation for quality content, developing a preference for classic themes and deep authenticity in their programming. (These are the most popular TV networks according to Baby Boomers.)
Now in their 60s and 70s, what do Baby Boomers think of today’s television shows? 24/7 Wall St. surfed the internet, perusing social media and survey sites to form our list of the 15 least popular TV shows according to Baby Boomers. So, heat up your TV dinner and get cozy as we present our list, in reverse order.
Why We’re Covering This
The shows we choose to watch and enjoy can say a lot about our values, concerns, interests, and overall culture. Thus, understanding the TV shows that Baby Boomers like and dislike provides a unique window into understanding their generation. In addition, looking at generational preferences helps us to see how TV and media have evolved over the past several decades, and how they compare to what audiences enjoy watching today.
15. Yellowstone
- Genre: Drama, neo-western
- Network: Paramount Network
- Release: 2018 – present
Yellowstone is a gripping television series that delves into the dynamics of the Dutton family in Montana. The show explores themes of power, loyalty, and family legacy. Led by patriarch John Dutton (Kevin Costner), the family faces constant threats from outside forces as well as rivalries within their own ranks.
What Boomers don’t like about the show: The series has been around in some form or fashion since 2018, and though it is critically acclaimed, it is not popular with Baby Boomers. The reason is straightforward enough: Boomers don’t care too much for Kevin Costner. From his sad turn in the Madonna documentary Truth or Dare to the flops The Postman and Waterworld, Baby Boomers are not fans. This is awkward, considering Costner, born in 1955, is a fellow Boomer.
14. Judge Judy
- Genre: Arbitration-based reality court show
- Network: Syndication
- Release: 1996-2021
A cornerstone of daytime television since 1996, Judge Judy stars Judith Sheindlin as she presides over her courtroom with sharp wit and an authoritative demeanor. With her trademark catchphrases and unwavering commitment to fairness, Judge Judy quickly became a cultural icon. The show’s format is simple yet effective, offering viewers a glimpse into real-life conflicts and the legal process in action.
What Boomers don’t like about the show: Judge Judy’s rulings and no-frills attitude have endeared her to millions, but not to many Baby Boomers. The reasons for this are gender-based. Boomer women think the judge is too brusk, while Boomer men think Judge Judy is biased toward women.
13. The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon
- Genre: Late-night talk show, variety show
- Network: NBC
- Release: 2013-present
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon is a late-night talk show that deftly blends comedy, celebrity interviews, and musical performances. Fallon’s sketches, games, and spot-on impersonations never fail to elicit laughter and groans. The show’s eclectic lineup of A-list celebrities, up-and-coming talent, and musical guests ensures that each episode offers something for almost everyone — Boomers excluded.
What Boomers don’t like about the show: From its late-night time slot to its choice of musical guests, Boomers can find a lot to dislike about The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, but one of the prevailing reasons is that he’s not Johnny Carson, who, according to the silent generation, couldn’t hold a candle to Jack Paar.
12. Star Trek: Discovery
- Genre: Adventure, drama, science fiction
- Network: CBS
- Release: 2017-2024
Star Trek: Discovery (2017- ) is the prequel to the original and iconic Star Trek (1966-1969) series created by Gene Roddenberry. Set a decade before the events of the original series, the show follows the adventures of the USS Discovery and its crew as they navigate the complexities of life in the 23rd century. Led by the determined and resourceful Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green), the crew embarks on a series of daring missions that test their mettle.
What Boomers don’t like about the show: With its stunning visual effects, Star Trek: Discovery might have lured in Baby Boomers. Unfortunately, Star Trek: Discovery lacks the one thing Boomers require: a first-rate storyline.
11. Roseanne
- Genre: Sitcom
- Network: ABC
- Release: 1988-1996; 2018
Roseanne (1988-1997) revolutionized television with its honest portrayal of a working-class American family. The show revolved around the Conners, a blue-collar family living in the fictional town of Lanford, Illinois. With Roseanne Barr’s sharp wit and humor at the forefront, the series fearlessly tackled formerly taboo topics such as addiction and family dysfunction with candor and compassion.
What Boomers don’t like about the show: So, what is it Baby Boomers can find to dislike about this groundbreaking show? Boomers simply do not care for Roseanne Barr. From grabbing her crotch after singing the National Anthem to her racist tweets, Roseanne has un-endeared herself to the generation that helped make her a star.
10. The Odd Couple (Reboot)
- Genre: Sitcom
- Network: CBS
- Release: 2015-2017
Number 10 on our list of the 15 least popular TV shows according to Baby Boomers is The Odd Couple. Starring Matthew Perry (Friends) and Thomas Lennon (Reno 911), The Odd Couple (2015-2017) had an iconic first run between 1970-1975 when it starred Tony Randall and Jack Klugman. In the reboot, Perry brought his trademark wit and comedic timing to the role of the sloppy and disheveled Oscar Madison, while Lennon did the same with the fussy and fastidious Felix Unger. The show centers around the two mismatched roommates as they navigate the ups and downs of life in the Big Apple.
What Boomers don’t like about the show: The show was not favorably received. At least a small part of the problem was that both actors had already created iconic characters — Chandler Bing (Perry) and Lieutenant Jim Dangle (Lennon) — making it next to impossible for Baby Boomers to separate the actors from their iconic alter-egos. However, the principal issue Boomers have with The Odd Couple reboot is that there was no reason to remake a classic sitcom with no room for improvement. Hey Hollywood, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Signed, Baby boomers everywhere.
9. Better Call Saul
- Genre: Crime drama, legal drama, Black comedy, tragedy, neo-noir
- Network: AMC
- Release: 2015-2022
Better Call Saul, the prequel/spin-off of the series Breaking Bad, follows the transformation of Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk). A small-time lawyer with a troubled past, McGill morphs into the slick and morally ambiguous attorney Saul Goodman. The series received acclaim for its complex characters and masterful performances. With its blend of dark humor, and moral ambiguity, Better Call Saul enamored audiences and critics alike.
What Boomers don’t like about the show: Baby boomers, however, weren’t down with the moral ambiguity of Better Call Saul. Relax, gramps, it’s a television show.
8. South Park
- Genre: Animated sitcom, Black comedy, satire, surreal humor
- Network: Comedy Central
- Release: 1997-present
Since its debut in 1997, South Park has pushed the boundaries of “acceptable” television comedy. The animated series follows the absurd adventures of four boys (Stan Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, Eric Cartman, and Kenny McCormick) in the fictional town of South Park, Colorado. Irreverent humor and satirical takes on current events define the show. South Park’s low-tech animation allows for a quick turnaround on episodes, which often lampoon recent events with remarkable speed.
What Boomers don’t like about the show: Beloved to distraction by Gen X, South Park never really caught on with Baby Boomers.
7. The Walking Dead
- Genre: Horror, serial drama, zombie apocalypse
- Network: AMC
- Release: 2010-2022
Set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by flesh-eating zombies known as walkers, The Walking Dead is adapted from the comic book series by the same name. The show follows a diverse group of survivors as they navigate the dangers of their new reality while struggling to maintain their humanity. With intense action sequences and near-constant tension, each episode of The Walking Dead is a rollercoaster of emotions.
What Boomers don’t like about the show: Flesh-eating zombies and near-constant tension — Boomers don’t have time for such nonsense.
6. The Hunt With John Walsh
- Genre: Documentary
- Network: CNN
- Release: 2014-2017
Coming in at number six on our list of the 15 least popular TV shows according to Baby Boomers, The Hunt is hosted by John Walsh, who gained fame for his role in the long-running series America’s Most Wanted. The Hunt highlights unsolved crimes and cold cases while enlisting the public’s help with locating suspects.
What Boomers don’t like about the show: The show garnered mixed reviews, with the most vocal detracters referring to The Hunt as “infotainment”. See above. Boomers still don’t have time for that nonsense.
5. Stranger Things
- Genre: Science fiction, horror, mystery, drama
- Network: Netflix
- Release: 2016-present
Set in the small town of Hawkins, Indiana, during the 1980s, Stranger Things follows a group of middle schoolers who encounter supernatural forces and government conspiracies after one of their friends mysteriously vanishes. The show made stars of Millie Bobby Brown and Finn Wolfhard.
What Boomers don’t like about the show: While Stranger Things was embraced wholly by its Gen Z market demographic, Baby Boomers were not part of the target audience.
4. 2 Broke Girls
- Genre: Sitcom
- Network: CBS
- Release: 2011-2017
3. Property Brothers
- Genre: Reality
- Network: W Network and HGTV Canada
- Release: 2011-present
Property Brothers is a popular reality television series that follows twin brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott as they help homebuyers find, purchase, and transform fixer-upper properties into dream homes. From house hunting and budgeting to renovation and design, Property Brothers focuses on heartwarming moments as families watch their dream homes come to life.
What Boomers don’t like about the show: The reality, or lack thereof, of the show, is what led Boomers to change the channel. It’s not you, Property Bros, reality TV simply does not appeal to Boomers.
2. Dancing With The Stars
- Genre: Reality competition
- Network: ABC and Disney+
- Release: 2005-present
Dancing with the Stars is a glitzy reality television show that pairs celebrities with professional dancers who then compete in a series of ballroom and Latin dance routines. Consisting of high-energy performances and celebrity drama, Dancing with the Stars features a panel of judges composed of experts and former dancers.
What Boomers don’t like about the show: The show hasn’t caught on with Baby Boomers. But here’s an idea that might: Disco Dancing with the Stars.
1. Game of Thrones
- Genre: Action, adventure, fantasy, serial drama, tragedy
- Network: HBO
- Release: 2011-2019
Coming in at number one on 24/7 Wall St.’s list of the 15 least popular TV shows according to Baby Boomers is Game of Thrones. Game of Thrones is an epic fantasy television series based on George R. R. Martin’s book series A Song of Ice and Fire. Set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, the show weaves together the power struggles, alliances, and betrayals among noble families vying for control of the Iron Throne and the Seven Kingdoms.
What Boomers don’t like about the show: Despite its breathtaking cinematography, fabulous costumes, and incredible set design, Game of Thrones didn’t appeal to Baby Boomers. From “I’ll always have Narnia” and “The books were sooo much better,” to complaints about keeping all of the alliances sorted out, the reasons Boomers have for not being enthralled by Game of Thrones vary widely.
“The Next NVIDIA” Could Change Your Life
If you missed out on NVIDIA’s historic run, your chance to see life-changing profits from AI isn’t over.
The 24/7 Wall Street Analyst who first called NVIDIA’s AI-fueled rise in 2009 just published a brand-new research report named “The Next NVIDIA.”
Click here to download your FREE copy.
The post Baby Boomers Absolutely Hate This Wildly Popular TV Show appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..