Social media has created a culture of frenzy around new media being released, and some TV shows get a lot of social media hype. Because of that hype, many people end up looking forward to shows before they have even seen them. For shows that have already been or are currently being released, the hype has a possibility to create disappointment if a show does not live up to its online persona. This social media culture fosters the idea of overrated TV shows. Some concerns of overrated-ness are valid while other shows deserve their respective audience of dedicated social media posters. Below is a list of four shows commonly considered to be overrated, but should they be?

“Game of Thrones”

After its premiere in 2011, “Game of Thrones” was the constant talk of the internet. Each new episode drew in millions of viewers, with Twitter following along with trending hashtags.

But besides being in the loop about one of the most-talked about TV shows, is “Game of Thrones” worth watching? I think so. 

The beginning seasons are arguably superior with their twisting storylines, loved and hated characters and brilliant acting. However, by the time you get to the later, lower quality seasons, you are already so enthralled that the declining quality is easy to overlook. It truly is a good show – its storyline is one that will most likely go unrivaled for a long time coming.  Even if you only watch it because of the hype, there will be something in it for you – plus the in-depth analysis conversations with your friends are always fun.

“Friends”

With a run time of 10 years, “Friends” gained fans during and after its airing. You would be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t watched at least one episode of the show or at least knows one of the famous taglines.

While its following continues to grow and its old fans still hold strong, is “Friends” really worth watching, over 15 years after its finale? I would say it depends on what you are looking for. Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed all of “Friends” during one of my summer binges, but for those who want their entertainment to be something intricate, this show isn’t the one. 

That being said, it is a perfect show for those who want a little bit of mindless humor that they are able to just sit and absorb, something we all need from time to time. Not to mention that, after watching “Friends,” you will finally understand all of the T-shirt references. 

“Stranger Things”

“Stranger Things,” a smash hit Netflix show after its 2016 debut, is one that garnered a substantial amount of hype for its first and sequential seasons. This show is one that is trying to prove Netflix’s ability to maintain a good TV show, which has proven successful. 

Even when separated from the positive social culture surrounding the show, it is still more than worth watching. With wonderful actors, many of them young and up-and-coming, along with a unique storyline and a blast from the past, “Stranger Things” is charming in its own right. 

For fans of the supernatural, it seems almost a no-brainer that this show is one that would be most enjoyable. For those a little skeptical of science fiction, it’s a good entry point with its quirky humor and simply stunning cinematography. “Stranger Things” is really a show that feels enjoyable to most everyone and with its fourth season in the works, now is a perfect time to catch up before it inevitably takes over the Twitter trends during its release. 

“The Walking Dead”

As TV’s biggest zombie show, “The Walking Dead” has been going strong for 10 years. Although it feels as if the hype surrounding the show has somewhat died down, many are still following the adventures of the ensemble crew. 

Personally, I think this show started out extremely strong but has failed to withstand against time and growing pressure for each season to be better than the last. The first seasons are excellent as the base of the story is one that everyone has considered at least once: a zombie apocalypse. The characters in the beginning of the show are wonderful and their relationships are fun to follow through the seasons.

That being said, I believe what has the ability to hook many viewers, including myself, is the introduction of new characters, especially those villainous in nature. Due to its copious amount of episodes, I would only recommend this show with a warning that some seasons fall flat. Overall it is an enjoyable show, especially if you enjoy dystopian stories.

Though time and time again this turns out to be true the difference for this season is that Terminus seems to have been handled quickly in the first episode of this season by Carol’s ability (Melissa McBride) to turn fireworks into weapons. In contrast, the conflict with the governor dragged on for way too long, but we got back story about his character enough that I remained interested.

The terminus of Terminus was too quick and not fulfilling. I want to know more about the people, what turned them to their unique depravity and to be honest, I have forgotten all of their names except for one. Gareth, played by Andrew J. West, is one sick son of a bitch and always has been (the way he treated Ashley in “Greek” was appalling; she deserved better). The ring leader of Terminus is best characterized as a less intelligent but weirdly more attractive Hannibal Lecter. Our first introduction to the character in season four begins well enough, but again, we all end up trapped in a railroad car at the beginning of season five.

However, Gareth is not the shining star of this season so far. Carol has gradually become more and more powerful. Her explosive start to this season is an amazing example of her transformation from abused wife to gun-toting, ass-kicking motherfucker. Rick has really transformed as well. Any semblance of his days as a sheriff have completely disappeared in favor of a rugged man who understands that the days of “good” people and “bad” people no longer exist. Rick is consistent throughout all the seasons in one aspect: his focus on his family. One of the most touching moments of this season thus far is the reuniting of Judith with Rick and Carl, played by Chandler Riggs.

I’m excited to see the direction of this season. The dark turns the show took at the end of season four have definitely continued into the newest season. To paraphrase the ever-charming Daryl, the walkers of “The Walking Dead” have nothing on the depravity and cruelty of the humans.