Top 20 Old TV Shows That Properly Handled Serious Topics @MsMojo
Top 20 Old TV Shows That Properly Handled Serious Topics  @MsMojo
Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Before "prestige TV" was even a concept, classic shows were already tackling the tough stuff. Join us as we count down the pre-1990 TV episodes that handled serious, sensitive topics with honesty, courage, and heart — proving that even sitcoms could spark real conversations and change minds. Which episode left the biggest impression on you? Let us know in the comments below! Our countdown includes Mr. Hooper's death on "Sesame Street," the horrors of war in "M\*A\*S\*H" and "Blackadder," child abuse in "Diff'rent Strokes" and "Mr. Belvedere," Maude's dilemma on abortion, LGBTQ acceptance in "The Golden Girls," drunk driving in "Growing Pains," racial profiling in "Family Matters," and the unforgettable Edith Bunker birthday assault in "All in the Family," and more!

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MsMojo is a leading producer of queen-sized lists and thought-provoking essays on Film, TV, Celebrity, Music, & more. Your trusted authority for ranking and analyzing Pop Culture.

#ClassicTV #Sitcoms #VerySpecialEpisode #Nostalgia #AllInTheFamily #GoldenGirls #SesameStreet #MASH #Television
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Top 20 Old TV Shows That Properly Handled Serious Topics

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