7 Emmy-Winning Shows That Have Aged Like Milk

Image via CBS Published Aug 25, 2026, 6:52 AM EDT Christine is a freelance writer for Collider with two decades of experience covering all types of TV shows and movies spanning every genre. With a particular affinity for dramas, true crime, sitcoms, and thrillers, if it's a top TV show, Christine has likely watched it and is eager to share her thoughts. When she's not furiously writing away, you can find her enjoying the next binge obsession with a glass of wine in front of the TV. Sign in to your Collider account Content Warning: This list contains brief mentions of sexual misconduct.The Primetime Emmy Awards are almost upon us, and it's an exciting time for TV lovers. There are some massive shows up for awards this year that will likely go down in history as being some of the biggest shows of this generation, like Widow's Bay, The Pitt, The Bear, Slow Horses, and others. In fact, most Emmy-nominated, and especially Emmy-winning, shows, continue to be considered classics to this day. However, there are some Emmy-winning shows that, looking back over the last four or so decades, maybe didn't age as well as fans thought they would have. In each case, it's for a very different reason. This isn't to say these shows weren't deserving of the accolades: they are all undoubtedly fantastic shows. But when we look back on them now, there's a sour taste that mars their reputation. 'House of Cards' (2013–2018) Image via Netflix While Lillyhammer was technically Netflix's first original show, House of Cards was its first huge one. The political thriller put the streamer on the map as a creator of content and not just a distribution platform for it. It was a huge hit with fantastic acting and a compelling story. House of Cards also introduced us to the concept of binge-watching and the heightened idea of "spoilers." The show earned 56 Emmy nominations throughout its run, making it the first streaming-only show to be nominated in major categories. House of Cards won a total of seven Emmys, one for directing in the first season for David Fincher and the others in the Creative Arts categories. It remains one of the best political thriller shows of all time. In 2017, however, sexual misconduct allegations were made against star Kevin Spacey, which reportedly led to the termination of his relationship with Netflix. There had been five seasons already by then and a sixth moved forward with Robin Wright's character Claire at the center instead. As great as Wright was in the role of Claire, however, the show really was centered around Spacey's character Frank Underwood and his absence was felt. The plot shift thankfully made narrative sense since the show always hinted at how Claire was just as evil and power-hungry as her husband. Nonetheless, with the allegations combined with a complete 180 for the final season, and the entire concept behind the show's storyline in today's fractured political world, and House of Cards sort of went down like one. 'Glee' (2009–2015) Image via FOX I'll preface this by saying that Glee was one of the most joyous shows of the 2010s. It did for viewers back then what shows like Ted Lasso do today: brought much-needed light-hearted fun to television. Everyone, no matter the age, watched actors playing teenagers in a high school glee club. Everyone from the jocks to the cheerleaders, the nerds, and the misfits got along (sort of), coming together for a common interest. They sang and danced to covers of modern and classic hits, and you couldn't help but smile watching the wonderfully rehearsed and delivered performances from the musically talented cast. But today, Glee has been overshadowed by a lot of negativity and sadness. All anyone can think about is the so-called curse, with several members of the cast having passed on since the show ended. Beyond that, some of the show's handling of sensitive subject matter was questionable. It perpetuated stereotypes (even if it also encouraged inclusivity), and some of the relationships between students and teachers could be considered borderline inappropriate. We haven't even begun to unpack Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch) and her intimidation, racist remarks, and blackmail. We were so focused on the musical aspect of the show and the much-needed reprieve it brought to the stresses of daily life that a lot of what was wrong about the show went right over our heads. 'Entourage' (2004–2011) Image via HBO Mark Wahlberg executive produced Entourage, which is inspired by his real life experiences when he became famous. In this story, Vincent Chase (Adrian Grenier) becomes a huge movie star, and he brings his childhood friends from Queens along for the ride. They all "work" for him, but what this really means is they party and mooch off his money and access. That's perfectly fine with Vinny because he loves his boys, and he remains true to them every step of the way while trying to balance the work with all the perks that come with it. That isn't necessarily the part of Entourage that's wrong, however. It's the depiction of Hollywood stereotypes and especially Vinny and his friends as being poster boys for toxic "bro" culture and misogyny. The women on the show are typically dispensable, scantily clad ladies who don't appear to be very smart and only exist for sexual conquests. Considering how massive the manosphere has grown today, a show like Entourage would serve as fodder to perpetuate these beliefs. Today, a better show that skewers Hollywood is The Studio. Entourage earned 26 Emmy nods throughout its run and won six, half of which were well-deserved for Jeremy Piven as Vinny's obnoxious agent Ari Gold. The show is admittedly entertaining as long as you go in knowing what to expect and can look beyond the flaws. 'The Cosby Show' (1984–1992) Image via NBC Where can we possibly start with The Cosby Show? Looking back, the sitcom was one of the best of the '80s and early '90s, even ranking among the best family sitcoms ever made. It depicted a well-to-do Black family with a strong female character as the mother, a hilarious father, and a loving dynamic. But the controversy surrounding the life and allegations against Bill Cosby that came more than a decade ago and long after the show ended alongside his conviction has sullied the show's reputation forever. It resulted in the classic TV show aging poorly despite how fantastic it is. It's important to note that it's not the series itself that has aged like milk. Every moment, every storyline in The Cosby Show is still so relevant today. In fact, I was just referencing a memorable scene to my son the other day, the one when Cliff (Cosby) sits with Theo (the late Malcolm-Jamal Warner) and explains to him how much it would cost for him to live on his own. The scene when Claire (Phylicia Rashad) reams out Elvin (Geoffrey Owens) about gender roles is one everyone should watch even today. And that hilarious goldfish funeral episode with Rudy (Keshia Knight Pulliam) is the epitome of cuteness. So, the show, which earned 29 Emmy nods and six wins, should still be considered iconic. But because of the nature of the controversies involving its star, it's tough for anyone to re-watch it today, knowing what we know now. Collider Exclusive · The Sorting Hat Awaits Which Hogwarts House Are You? Gryffindor · Slytherin · Hufflepuff · Ravenclaw Four houses. One destiny. The Sorting Hat has considered thousands of students — now it's your turn. Answer honestly and discover where you truly belong at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. 🦁Gryffindor 🐍Slytherin 🦡Hufflepuff 🦅Ravenclaw PLACE THE HAT → 01 What quality do you value most in yourself? Answer as honestly as you can — the Hat always knows. ACourage — I act even when I'm afraid, because what's right matters more than what's safe. BAmbition — I know what I want and I have the drive and cunning to get there. CLoyalty — I show up for the people I love, no matter what it costs me. DWisdom — I think before I act and I'm always hungry to understand more. NEXT QUESTION → 02 A friend is being treated unfairly. What do you do? How you protect others says everything about who you are. AStep in immediately and confront whoever is responsible — I won't stand by. BWork out the best strategy to address it — a smart move beats a rash one. CBe by their side, support them, and help them through it however they need. DAnalyse what's actually happening and find the most reasoned, fair solution. NEXT QUESTION → 03 What does success look like to you? What you're working toward defines who you're becoming. ABeing remembered as someone who fought for what was right, whatever the odds. BAchieving the goals I set for myself — influence, status, and earned respect. CA life where the people I care about know I was there for them, always. DMastering my field, contributing something meaningful, and never stopping learning. NEXT QUESTION → 04 What is your greatest fear? Fear is the most honest thing about a person. ABeing a coward when it mattered — looking back and knowing I did nothing. BMediocrity — fading into obscurity without making my mark on the world. CLosing the people I love or letting them down when they needed me most. DIgnorance — being wrong and not knowing it, or never reaching my potential. NEXT QUESTION → 05 The rules say no. Your gut says go. What do you do? Every institution has rules. What you do with them is a choice. ABreak the rules — if it's the right thing to do, no rule should stop me. BFind a way to get what I want without getting caught. Rules are guidelines. CProbably follow the rules — but I'd find a way to help within them if I could. DThink it through carefully — is the rule unjust, or is my gut just impatient? NEXT QUESTION → 06 What kind of friend are you? Who you are to the people you love is who you really are. AThe protector — I will go to the ends of the earth for the people I care about. BThe strategist — I give sharp advice and I'm the one who figures out how to fix things. CThe constant — I'm always there, always reliable, and I never make it about me. DThe guide — I help people think things through and see perspectives they've missed. NEXT QUESTION → 07 You look into the Mirror of Erised. What do you see? The mirror shows the deepest desire of your heart. AYourself standing victorious, having faced the greatest challenge and won. BYourself at the height of your power — respected, successful, and in control. CYourself surrounded by everyone you love, whole and happy and together. DYourself with all the answers — every book read, every mystery solved. NEXT QUESTION → 08 The Sorting Hat pauses. It whispers: "You could do well in any house. But what matters most to you — truly?" This is your tiebreaker. The Hat always listens. ABravery. I want to be the kind of person who acts when others won't. BGreatness. I want to leave my mark and be more than ordinary. CBelonging. I want to be part of something good and never let my people down. DUnderstanding. I want to know the truth of things and keep growing forever. REVEAL MY HOUSE → The Sorting Hat Speaks Your House Has Been ChosenAfter careful deliberation, the Sorting Hat has made its decision. This is the house your values, your instincts, and your particular way of being in the world were made for. 🦁 GryffindorYou have nerve. Not the reckless kind, but the deep, quiet courage that shows up even when you're terrified — especially then. Gryffindors don't act because they're fearless — they act because they understand that some things are worth being afraid for. You stand up for people when it would be easier to look away. You charge toward what's right even when the odds are terrible. Harry, Hermione, Ron — the heroes of Hogwarts's greatest chapter — all called the tower with the scarlet and gold home. And now, so do you. 🐍 SlytherinYou are driven, sharp, and utterly clear-eyed about what you want and how to get there. Slytherin has long been misunderstood — painted as the house of villains when it is, at its best, the house of those who refuse to accept limits placed on them by others. You are resourceful, strategic, and you play the long game. You know your worth. You protect your own fiercely. The dungeon common room with its view of the Black Lake is yours — and the ambitions that will take you further than anyone expects are yours too. 🦡 HufflepuffYou are the kind of person that makes the world genuinely better just by being in it. Hufflepuff is not the "safe" house or the "leftover" house — it is the house of those with the greatest heart and the most unwavering integrity. You show up. You work hard. You don't need glory or recognition — you do what's right because it's right. Your loyalty never wavers, even when tested. Nymphadora Tonks, Cedric Diggory, Newt Scamander — some of the wizarding world's finest. And now you join them. 🦅 RavenclawYour mind is your greatest gift, and you've always known it. Ravenclaws are the thinkers, the questioners, the ones who find a puzzle irresistible and a good book better company than most people. Ravenclaw is not merely about intelligence — it's about the love of learning, the pursuit of truth, and the rare courage to admit you don't know something yet. You see the world with unusual clarity and depth. Luna Lovegood, Filius Flitwick, Rowena Ravenclaw herself — all extraordinary, all original. And so are you. ↻ RETAKE THE QUIZ 'Weeds' (2005–2012) Image via Showtime The reason for Weeds aging so badly is pretty simple: marijuana is now legal in many states, so the entire premise would make as little sense now as Home Alone would in this day and age of cell phones. Nancy (Mary-Louise Parker) would have to have been selling something far worse than marijuana. And if that were the case, the show would have lost a bit of its initial innocence and would have turned her into the female Walter White (Bryan Cranston) from Breaking Bad. Watching Weeds now seems kind of funny and would probably confuse Gen Zers or Gen Alpha if they were to watch it now. Beyond that, the show's premise itself might not sit well today. It sounds fun to depict a mother doing what she needs to do to support her kids, but in hindsight, it doesn't send a good message. Breaking Bad worked because Walt fell so hard into the criminal underworld. That does eventually happen in Weeds, but the series normalizing drug use in suburban settings, especially with prevalent issues like the opioid epidemic, would be considered tone-deaf right now. Nonetheless, the show did well, with 20 Emmy Awards and two wins. 'How I Met Your Mother' (2005–2014) Image via CBS How I Met Your Mother was one of the best sitcoms of the 2000s and early 2010s, a modern-day tale of a group of friends navigating dating and careers in their 20s. The story was framed around Ted (Josh Radnor) telling his teenage kids in the year 2030 (narrated by the late Bob Saget as an older Ted) the story of how he met their mother. And while many women came and went from Ted's life, leaving fans guessing season after season, it was more about the group and their antics. How I Met Your Mother received 30 Emmy nominations and won 10 awards throughout its run, primarily in Creative Arts categories. But on a look-back, there was a lot about the show that wouldn't go over well today. Mostly, it was the behavior of Barney (Neil Patrick Harris), who treated women as objects, using them and focusing solely on their looks. Most of the women he dated were portrayed as ditzy and promiscuous. He even made his own book about how to lie and deceive women. Combined with the lackluster final season and the disappointing reveal of the mother, the crux of what the entire story was about, and How I Met Your Mother has a lot of moments fans don't look back on fondly. Like the other shows, there's no question this series is fantastic and worth a watch, one of the best sitcoms about friends. But a lot of moments that no one batted an eye at back then would get side-eyes today. 'Two and a Half Men' (2003–2015) Image via CBS With an impressive 47 Emmy nominations and nine wins, Two and a Half Men defined the 2000s and 2010s. But the sitcom was marred with controversy in its later seasons. Charlie Sheen departed after making disparaging remarks about the show's creator and went on a media tirade that popularized the term "winning." Angus T. Jones, who played the young Jake, reduced his role when he began to question the adult humor and how it conflicted with his new Christian faith. While Ashton Kutcher came in as a replacement, the show was never really the same until its eventual cancellation marked the end of an area. Beyond that, Two and a Half Men's entire premise was questionable when you think about it. Charlie's hedonistic lifestyle is fine for a single guy, but when you throw Jake into the mix, some of the things he witnessed were not appropriate at all for a child. The portrayal of Alan (Jon Cryer) was embarrassing and demeaning, even if the point was to portray him as such. And Charlie's treatment of women was downright offensive. It was all in good fun, and Two and a Half Men remains one of the funniest sitcoms ever on television. But in terms of sticking with the times, it would be looked upon very differently now, and a lot would probably change. Two and a Half Men Release Date 2003 - 2015-00-00 Network CBS Cast Angus T. Jones Jake Harper Marin Hinkle Judith Melnick Showrunner Chuck Lorre Directors James Widdoes, Gary Halvorson, Chuck Lorre, Lee Aronsohn, Pamela Fryman, Jeff Melman, Andy Ackerman, Ted Wass, Andrew D. Weyman, Jean Sagal, Jerry Zaks, Jon Cryer, Robert Berlinger, Asaad Kelada, Gail Mancuso, James Burrows, Jay Sandrich Writers Eddie Gorodetsky, Susan Beavers, Jeff Lowell, Saladin K. Patterson, Jim Vallely, Bill Prady, Carol Mendelsohn, Evan Dunsky, Naren Shankar Main Genre Comedy Seasons 12 Producers Michael Collier, Mark Roberts, David Richardson, Don Foster, Don Reo Creator(s) Chuck Lorre, Lee Aronsohn Streaming Service(s) Peacock Executive Producer(s) Mark Burg, Oren Koules, Eric Tannenbaum, Kim Tannenbaum