10 TV Shows That Made Reddit Users "Feel Something" | Screen Rant
TV shows are designed to make their audiences feel something, to emotionally connect with the stories being told on the screen. Sometimes, it's just to get a chuckle or jumpscare from an audience. Other times, however, there are TV shows that really connect with their audience on a deeper level of emotion.
The power of TV is great and Reddit user MoundofManure shared that as a film student they are interested in the way cinema and TV makes people feel and why. The user employed the help of other users to truly explore TV shows that made them feel something and why it made them feel that way, here are just 10 shows that did exactly that!
Futurama may be a sitcom but not every scene proves to be a hilarious watch with some fans claiming that the show is responsible for breaking their hearts, specifically the episode titled "Jurassic Bark". The episode was a poignant want for pet owners as Fry's dog Seymour proved just how loyal animals are to the ones they love the most.
Jack117 was just one viewer to feel the emotional effects of this episode explaining how they "still cry/curse the writers every time". The episode made many viewers hug their pets tighter and captured the unconditional love animals have for those that show love to them. Seymour waited a total of 12 years for Fry to return which is why this episode has such a profound effect on fans.
Skins created some of the most successful cast members but the show went above and beyond entertainment with many fans stating that Skins helped them navigate their way through both their teen and adult years. According to Reddit user [deleted], Skins is "a starkly real portrait of growing up and feeling like the world is going to pieces around you".
The show tackled serious subjects like mental health, addiction, and eating disorders which many could resonate with. It had the ability to make viewers feel less alone and know that there are people out there going through the same thing. It encouraged people to have open conversations about mental health whilst also helping viewers to unravel bottled-up thoughts, which is why it was such an important and emotional show.
The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air remains a talking point for many 90s children and whilst the show provided its viewers with many moments of laughter but some scenes continue to upset fans even today. There is one specific scene that fans label as being the saddest of all time and that is when Will's dad leaves.
Reddit user [deleted] explained that it is the "only thing on tv that has ever, ever made me cut onions". The scene was particularly emotional when it was revealed that Will's monologue was completely improvised and based on his own father. It highlighted the key emotions that come with abandonment which is why it continues to be a heart wrenching scene.
Pushing Daisies is one canceled show that definitely deserves a second chance but the show definitely had its fair share of sad scenes which is expected of a series where the main character can bring people back from the dead, especially when it's his ex-lover. Reddit user [deleted] couldn't quite explain why the show made them feel something but eventually put it down "it's rapid-fire dialogue [being] humorous and real enough [...] to draw [them] in and actually relate to the characters".
The show portrayed life and death in a sensitive yet humorous way through its interesting characters. However, Chuck and Ned's limited physical touch alongside its complex storyline made fans question the importance of relationships and the fragility of life, resulting in it being a funny yet poignant watch.
LOST created one of the most dedicated fanbases of all time through its complex storyline that proved to be so popular that it ran for a total of 6 years. The show's whole premise was a mystery that combined suspense, drama, and emotion throughout all 6 seasons filled with infinite storylines that all took place on one island.
Brokim explained that the show "changed [their] life and how [they] view the world". The show had the ability to strip its characters, creating some of the most intense relationships to develop on screen. It put life into perspective for many viewers specifically what is truly important within it. It placed a fragility on life that left fans with a newfound desire to fulfill life and find gratitude every day whilst also making them feel every human emotion possible.
It's safe to say that many of the Breaking Bad characters deserve their own prequel due to their incredible performances that led to the show being a hit. The show was littered with complex storylines hidden within the main plot of Jesse and Walts's lucrative business but the show made people feel much more than what they initially imagined.
Reddit user [deleted] explained how they "would actually get frustrated watching the various characters make mistakes or lie or just act stupid and selfish". Breaking Bad encouraged viewers to feel every emotion alongside the characters, whether that be sadness, anger, or simple relief that they were ok, making it a powerful watch.
Firefly continues to be a show where viewers experienced an emotional rollercoaster through its clever dialogue and intricate storylines that showcased a true portrayal of fight or flight. The show played with fans' emotions by advocating for the character's safety one minute before sending them into a situation where they fought to survive.
Reddit user marcellus_wallace explained how their favorite episode was "Out of Gas [as they] felt it really captured the helplessness and vulnerability of space". The story of firefly is one of survival which left many fans grieving the loss of characters within the show's short and only season. The characters were thoroughly likable which made even the toughest of fans feel empathetic towards each character when they were in their most vulnerable state, showcasing its ability to create raw emotion.
The Wire is an amazing drama series with a great re-watch value due to the show's complex writing and interesting characters that fans couldn't help but get attached to. The attachment fans felt towards certain characters left them on the edge of their seats throughout every season.
Reddit user [deleted] explained how they "almost cried when a few people died" due to the character's ability to build a rapport with its viewers. The show contains many emotional scenes that play into several social and political injustices whilst also creating some of the best onscreen characters that fans feel committed to, resulting in the show being one of action, drama, and heartbreak for some.
From heartbreak to teenage angst, Freaks and Geeks captures what it truly feels like to be in your teens, it showcases the anxieties, growth, and friendships people go through in a raw and honest way that many fans believe mirror their own experience.
Burnedfaceman explained how the show "reminded [them] of how much [they] hate being an adult and miss being a teenager" through its ability to create nostalgic outfits and situations synonymous with growing up. The show definitely captured the good, the bad, and the ugly of growing up which is why it remains a cult classic for many older viewers.
A show about loved ones dying is bound to stir up some emotions in its viewers but it was the final few episodes that were the most emotional to watch. Reddit user [deleted] explained that they "had never felt anywhere near the level of emotion from them as [they] did with the last few episodes".