Who of us doesn’t love a good controversy, especially when it’s on a reality show? Time and time again, we’ve seen shows that were pushing the line between being cringey and outright insufferable. Needless to say, some of the shows overstep that line quite often, and it inevitably ends in their cancellation.
Here are some of the most infamously controversial reality shows that were too scandalous, couldn’t handle the drama, and were eventually taken off the air.
1. “Buckwild” (2013)
“Buckwild” aired on MTV in 2013, following a rambunctious group of young adults in rural West Virginia. The show focused on their wild adventures and reckless lifestyle, showing the viewers their love for off-roading, partying, and pulling lame pranks. The cast would also engage in activities such as mudding, building trashy makeshift pools, and other activities popular among today’s TikTokers. Despite aiming to showcase the free-spirited, carefree nature of rural life, the show also faced criticism for perpetuating stereotypes about people from Appalachia. Interestingly, this wasn’t enough to cancel the show; the tragic death of cast member Shain Gandee put the production on pause before MTV completely scrapped it.
2. “Toddlers & Tiaras” (2009-16)
“Toddlers & Tiaras,” the reality series on TLC, caused a lot of controversy because it showed what goes on behind the scenes at child beauty pageants. A lot of people didn’t like how the show seemed to turn the kids into objects and focus on their looks. People started criticizing the show as soon as it started, but it still ran for six seasons before the producers finally stopped it in 2013. The network decided to resurrect it once again after three years, but the numbers were so bad TLC axed it for good.
3. “The Swan” (2004)
Remember that crazy show, “The Swan?” Entertainment Weekly dubbed it the worst reality show ever produced, which is quite a statement. If you’ve never heard of it, they pretty much took two “ugly ducklings” and then did extreme makeovers for them to become conventionally attractive “swans.” The winner would then advance to a beauty pageant in the finale. It received a ton of backlash for promoting unhealthy beauty standards but still managed to attract around nine million viewers in its first season. However, the criticism intensified in season two, leading to the discreet cancellation of “The Swan.”
4. “Black. White.” (2006)
One of the most bizarre reality TV experiments in the 2000s was FX’s “Black. White.” Co-produced by Ice Cube, this little turd of a show focused on two families: one white, one black. But here’s the twist: these families would use heavy makeup to switch races. Yeah, you read that right. It was meant to be a cautionary tale, but instead, the show struggled with constant controversies for a mere 6 episodes before getting canceled for good.
5. “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” (2012-17)
“Toddlers & Tiaras” has always been a controversial franchise, especially if you take into account all those spin-offs. One of the worst offenders was “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo,” a show focused on Alana Thompson and her family. Like its predecessor, this series faced a lot of criticism, but despite all that, it remained really popular. What ultimately brought down the cancellation ax was the news about Mama June dating a convicted sex offender who had assaulted one of her other children years before.
6. “Sons of Guns” (2011-14)
Who would have thought that a harmless show about crafting and selling guns would get axed by Disney, right? Undoubtedly, the gunheads found the concept compelling, but even these fans were unprepared for the cancellation due to the conviction of the main character, Will Hayden, for sexually assaulting his juvenile daughter, among other charges. Thankfully, Hayden is currently serving 3 consecutive life sentences in prison and is not a threat to anyone around him.
