
Christians often have trouble finding suitable television shows to bring into their homes because of the sex, violence and immorality they depict. Consequently, it isn't difficult to find numerous TV shows Christians should be wary of.
Streaming apps are showing more violence and gore than ever, as well as nudity and graphic sex. These types of programs pose obvious problems for Christian viewers, but there are other shows that Christians may want to avoid for other, slightly more subtle reasons.
Following are 7 shows that Christians may want to avoid for various reasons:
"Little Demon"
FXX, owned by Disney, is responsible for "Little Demon," an animated horror sitcom. The show concerns a 13-year-old girl named Chrissy, who is the Antichrist and daughter of Satan. Her mother is a human named Laura.
The series has been advertised as "fantastic, cruel and hilarious," but Christians may want to steer themselves and their children away from it.
According to the show's publicity, life is chaotic for Chrissy and Laura. They have been on the run for some time but recently moved to a small town in Delaware. Chrissy is trying to adjust to junior high school, and Laura is adapting to life in a small town.
Those changes would cause more than enough chaos for the pair but then add several other issues: Chrissy's demonic powers are beginning to surface, Satan wants Chrissy's soul, and other "monstrous forces" are messing with the mother and daughter's lives.
The show has been praised for its supposed hilarity, but it isn't suitable for children and may not appeal to Christian adults.
"Pam and Tommy"
"Pam and Tommy" is a limited series available for viewing on Disney+, though Christians may hesitate about rushing to stream, rent or buy it. The series is a few years old but has had a bit of a resurgence given Pamela Anderson's recent comeback in The Last Showgirl. If the raunchy language isn't a turnoff, the nudity, graphic sexual encounters and creation of pornographic films may be.
The show follows actress Pam Anderson and Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee, who were married from 1995-1998. During their marriage, some of their personal property was stolen, most notably graphic home tapes of them engaging in sex. It shows men participating in vulgar sex acts and numerous scenes of male and female nudity.
Its rating is TV-MA, and Christian viewers may want to be extremely wary of this Hulu series.
"A Discovery of Witches"
Sundance offers a show that's been hailed as "Twilight" for adults. Based on a three-part series of novels by Deborah Harkness, the show tells the tale of a historian who, thanks to a magical manuscript, enters a world of vampires and witches.
Some reviewers say the content is appropriate for mature audiences only, but others argue that it's suitable for people ages 14 and older. The decision on age should be left to each teenager's parents.
Many Christians may find the sexual content and views on witches and witchcraft, demons, vampires, and Catholicism objectionable and avoid the show.
"Bridgerton"
The Netflix series "Bridgerton" is a historical romance based on the Regency novels of Julia Quinn. It is set in the early 1800s – the Regency period -- and features fairly graphic sex, more sex and even more sex. In season 1, for example, the story focuses on the dashing Simon Basset, who is shown in all his glory – or nearly all of it. Another scene shows sex enjoyed against a tree.
"Bridgerton" takes viewers into an alternate world in which eight marriageable siblings in the wealthy Bridgerton family look for love in London's high society. The setting offers ongoing opportunities for scenes focusing on sex.
The series is visually interesting, and the acting has been praised. Some critics have applauded the multicultural cast, while others have been critical of historical inaccuracies that arise in this alternate world.
"Bridgerton" premiered in 2020 and was followed by a second season in 2022 and a third season in 2024. It has been renewed for its fourth season. The show has been nominated for several primetime Emmys, Screen Actors Guild Awards, NAACP Image Awards and a Grammy. Despite the awards and praise, its message is far from wholesome.
"Mindhunter"
"Mindhunter" focuses on FBI agents tasked with getting into the minds of serial killers in the early days of the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit in the 1970s. Agents work with a psychologist as they interview imprisoned killers in an effort to understand how they think.
The cases are based on real cases, but the killers – such as Edmund Kemper, Richard Speck, Dennis Rader (the BTK killer), David Berkowitz (Son of Sam) and Charles Manson – are played by actors.
Many Christians object to the show's realistic violence, sexual content and deviant behavior.
"The Bachelor"
No list of objectionable television programs would be complete without "The Bachelor," which appears on the Disney-owned ABC network. The show features beautiful women involved in back-stabbing, lying and cheating for the sake of "love."
The reality show features a handsome bachelor who makes out with the various women who want to become his wife. The courtships are brief, and he chooses one woman after spending the night with each of his top three choices.
It is not as graphic as some streaming shows, given the fact that it appears on network television, but "The Bachelor" should pose problems for Christians. Namely, it demeans women, presents destructive ideas about relationships and cheapens marriage in the name of ratings. Christians should be wary of the show.
"The Parent Test"
"The Parenting Test" puts 12 parents and their children through several challenges to identify the best parenting style. At one extreme are parents who encourage their children to behave fairly independently and make many decisions on their own. On the opposite end, they are overly involved and controlling parents who make decisions for their children. And between the two extremes are parents who lean one way or the other without allowing excessive independence or dependence in their children.
A comedienne and a trained psychologist watch the challenges unfold, and one set of parents scrutinizes the other set as the season progresses.
"The Parent Test" apparently has a praiseworthy goal: to help parents raise well-adjusted children who learn to make good decisions as they grow into adulthood.
Why, then, should Christians be wary of this show? A major problem is the scrutiny that participating parents receive from other parents. It makes some of those being scrutinized feel as though they are under attack.
Another concern is the show's message, which seems to be "follow your heart." The Bible teaches Christian parents to "train their child in the way he should go, and when he gets old, he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6). Christian parents would fare better when they follow God's lead in preparing their children for adulthood.
With so many entertainment options available, Christians may want to be mindful of the shows they watch to ensure they align with their values and beliefs. Sure, you are free to watch whatever you would like, but settling down with a good book, listening to positive music or taking a walk might just be a little better for the soul.