The 10 Best Sitcoms About Drugs From When You Were Growing Up

Rewind time with the 10 best sitcoms about drugs from when you were growing up. Unmask media's mixed messages!

Published On

April 23, 2024

Dove Recovery's Team

The 10 Best Sitcoms About Drugs From When You Were Growing Up

Sitcoms and Substance Use Portrayal

In the realm of television, sitcoms have had a long-standing tradition of incorporating drug-related themes into their storylines. These portrayals, however, have often been criticized for their unrealistic and glamorized depiction of substance use.

Unrealistic Depictions in Sitcoms

The unrealistic portrayal of drug use in sitcoms can be painfully obvious. Often, the drama and effects of drugs are amplified for compelling storylines, especially in sitcoms that lacked writers with personal experience or knowledge of substance abuse. As a result of a lack of research or understanding, these shows often painted an unrealistic picture of drug use [1].

Influenced by the "Just Say No'' anti-drug campaign of the '80s and '90s, many sitcoms incorporated drug-related themes in episodes for heavier, "real" content. However, many of these shows simply utilized PSA jargon without delving deep into the topic. Often, drug-related themes were treated in one-off episodes, leading to overly dramatic and rushed storylines of addiction and recovery that were rarely revisited.

Glamorization of Drug Use in Media

The portrayal of drugs and alcohol in the media often glamorizes their use, depicting characters who use them as charismatic, adventurous, and edgy. The media's portrayal of substance abuse can influence viewers, particularly young people, who may look up to these characters as role models.

Exposure to media content that glorifies drug and alcohol use can lead to increased use among young people. It can also desensitize viewers to the negative consequences of substance abuse, leading them to believe that it is harmless and without consequences.

In essence, the portrayal of drug use in sitcoms and the wider media has a considerable impact on viewers. It's crucial, therefore, to critically evaluate these portrayals and understand their potential influence on perceptions and attitudes towards substance use.

Impact on Viewers

The portrayal of drug and alcohol use in sitcoms can significantly affect viewers, particularly young audiences. The casual or comedic representation of substance use can influence attitudes and behaviors, often leading to desensitization to the potential risks and negative consequences of substance abuse.

Influence on Young People

Exposure to media content that glorifies drug and alcohol use can lead to increased use among young people. Sitcoms, as part of the broader media landscape, often portray substance use as a common and accepted behavior, influencing perceptions and attitudes towards substance use. This can make substance use seem acceptable and desirable, especially for young people who are more susceptible to media influence.

Moreover, substance abuse is often portrayed in media as a symbol of sophistication, coolness, or rebellion. Characters who use drugs and alcohol are often depicted as charismatic, adventurous, and edgy. This portrayal is not limited to fictional media, as even news stories about celebrities often glamorize their drug and alcohol use.

Desensitization to Substance Abuse

The media's portrayal of substance abuse can also desensitize viewers to the negative consequences of substance abuse, leading them to believe that it is harmless and without consequences [2].

The normalization of drug and alcohol use in sitcoms, and the absence of realistic portrayals of the negative consequences, can contribute to a casual attitude towards substance abuse. This can be particularly problematic for younger viewers who might lack the real-world experience and knowledge to distinguish between the fictional portrayals of substance use and the real-world consequences.

Furthermore, social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat, have made it easier than ever to access information about drugs and alcohol. Social media can influence attitudes and behaviors toward drug and alcohol use through peer pressure, the normalization of substance abuse, and increased accessibility to drugs and alcohol.

The influence of the media, particularly sitcoms and social media, on young people's perceptions and behaviors towards drug and alcohol use underscores the importance of responsible and realistic portrayals of substance abuse. It also highlights the need for ongoing dialogue and education about the potential risks and consequences of substance use. It's crucial to counterbalance the often glamorized depiction of drugs and alcohol in the media with accurate information and resources to support informed decision-making.

Drug and Alcohol References in TV Shows

Television shows have been a prominent source of drug and alcohol references, often presenting them in a comedic or dramatic light. These portrayals can influence viewers' perceptions and attitudes towards substance use.

Drug Mentions in Comedies

Comedies have been notable for their drug-related mentions, accounting for 41 percent of total drug references on television, surpassing drama and crime genres. This comedic framing often minimizes the serious effects of substance use and abuse, potentially skewing viewers' perceptions of drug roles in reality.

Predominantly, alcohol, marijuana, and opium have been the substances most frequently mentioned in comedies. Historically, opium was used for comedic effect, while alcohol and marijuana are currently seen as relatively harmless, contributing to playful plotlines on TV.

Among comedies, "Cheers", "The Simpsons", and "Trailer Park Boys" were among the top 10 shows with drug mentions.

Comedy Show	Drug Mentions
Cheers	High
The Simpsons	High
Trailer Park Boys	High

Drug Portrayals in Dramas and Crime Shows

In contrast to comedies, dramas and crime shows often portray drug use in a more serious light. Shows like "Cops", "The Shield", and "CSI: NY" have focused more on serious portrayals of hard drugs like heroin, meth, and opium, while cocaine has been featured in both serious crime shows and campy plotlines on comedy series like "Archer" [3].

Alcohol, while predominantly portrayed in a lighthearted manner in comedies such as "Cheers", "The Simpsons", and "Frasier", also has its fair share of mentions in crime dramas and action series.

Crime/Drama Show	Drug Mentions
Cops	High
CSI	High
Law & Order: SVU	High
ER	High

These portrayals in dramas and crime shows, while more serious, can also contribute to the normalization of drug and alcohol use, potentially diminishing the perception of their harmful effects. It's crucial for viewers to discern the difference between these portrayals and the reality of substance use and its potential consequences.

Mixed Messages in Media

Media representations of substance abuse often send mixed messages, contributing to unclear perceptions of proper substance use. These conflicting narratives vary from glamorizing drug use to spotlighting the harsh realities of addiction.

Conflicting Portrayals of Substance Abuse

Portrayals of substance abuse in television programs often oscillate between the serious consequences of addiction and lighthearted depictions that can desensitize viewers to the adverse effects of drug use [3]. Simultaneously, many characters who engage in drug and alcohol use are depicted as charismatic, adventurous, and edgy, often glamorizing their substance use.

This glamorization extends beyond fictional media, with news stories about celebrities often enhancing their drug and alcohol use. TV shows and films like "Trainspotting," "The Hangover," and "Superbad" have been criticized for portraying drug and alcohol use as funny, entertaining, glamorous, or cool. These portrayals may create a false impression that drug abuse has no real consequences, potentially trivializing the seriousness of addiction.

Uncertain Perception of Substance Use

The mixed messages relayed by media, particularly television, often leave viewers, especially the younger audience, uncertain about the real risks and consequences associated with substance abuse. On the one hand, the glamorization and normalization of substance use can make it appear as a symbol of sophistication, coolness, or rebellion. On the other hand, the harsh realities of addiction are sometimes brought to light, showcasing the detrimental effects of substance abuse.

These conflicting portrayals can lead to a state of confusion, causing a disconnect between the perceived and actual consequences of substance abuse. This disconnect, particularly among the younger audience, may influence their attitudes towards drugs and alcohol, possibly making them more susceptible to substance abuse.

In essence, media, particularly sitcoms, play a substantial role in shaping perceptions about substance use. Therefore, it's crucial to approach media portrayals of substance use critically, understanding that they often do not reflect the reality of addiction and the true toll it can take on individuals and their loved ones.

Media Influence on Attitudes

The media's portrayal of substance use can significantly impact attitudes and perceptions, particularly among young people. This influence extends from traditional media forms like television and movies to newer platforms like social media.

Social Media Impact

Social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat, have drastically changed the way information about drugs and alcohol is accessed and shared. These platforms can influence attitudes and behaviors toward drug and alcohol use through a variety of mechanisms, such as peer pressure, normalization of substance abuse, and increased accessibility to drugs and alcohol.

In particular, social media influencers and celebrities can glamorize the party lifestyle and substance use. This may influence young people to try drugs and alcohol. Studies have shown a link between regular social media use and an increased likelihood of engaging in substance use among teenagers. However, more research is needed to establish a direct connection [4].

Influence on Perceptions and Behaviors

Media content, including movies, TV shows, and music, often depict substance use as a common and accepted behavior. This portrayal can influence perceptions and attitudes toward substance use, making it seem acceptable and even desirable. This is particularly concerning for young people, who are more susceptible to media influence.

For instance, TV shows and films like "Trainspotting," "The Hangover," and "Superbad" have been criticized for portraying drug and alcohol use as funny, entertaining, glamorous, or cool. Such depictions can trivialize the seriousness of addiction and create a false impression that drug abuse carries no real consequences.

As we continue to understand the impact of media, including the sitcoms about drugs from when you were growing up, it is crucial to recognize its potential to shape attitudes and behaviors. Awareness of these influences can help individuals make informed choices about their own substance use and contribute to more realistic and responsible portrayals in the media.

Challenging Perspectives in TV Shows

In recent years, the portrayal of drug use and enforcement in TV shows has shifted, offering more nuanced perspectives and challenging previous stereotypes. Some shows have begun humanizing drug users and critically examining drug enforcement issues.

Humanizing Drug Users

TV shows like "Miami Vice" and "The Shield" have made strides in humanizing drug users and presenting a more skeptical view of law enforcement. They portray the drug trade as a global danger imported from outside America, contributing to a shift in public sentiment regarding the War on Drugs, particularly among white Americans, as the opioid epidemic began to affect white people in rural communities.

Additionally, "Orange Is the New Black" and "Snowfall" offer perspectives that challenge the conventional portrayals of drug users and the criminal justice system. These shows focus on the experiences of women of color and allegations of deliberate drug importation by the CIA.

Addressing Drug Enforcement Issues

Despite the progress in humanizing drug users, some shows continue to overlook crucial aspects of drug enforcement. Programs like "Law & Order" and "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" often fail to accurately depict the disproportional arrest and punishment of non-white people in drug enforcement. For example, black people comprise 13% of drug users but make up 43% of those jailed for drug violations.

However, some shows are seeking to address these issues. David Simon, creator of "The Wire," is working on a new limited series for HBO titled "We Own This City." The series explores the consequences of the drug war and corruption within the police force, arguing that the drug war has damaged policing, with law enforcement viewing neighborhoods as hunting grounds rather than places to protect and serve.

These challenging perspectives in TV shows are essential for sparking conversation and bringing about change in societal attitudes towards drug use and enforcement. By humanizing drug users and addressing issues in drug enforcement, these shows can contribute to a more accurate and empathetic understanding of the complexities of drug use and the war on drugs.