I thought it would be interesting to dedicate a thread to discussing the most shocking and controversial TV moments of the decade. :o :o The noughties have seen its fair share of drama and outrage, whether it be from reality shows, news broadcasts or even fictional dramas. Below are just a few examples of shocking TV. Please add any moments that come to your mind as I am bound to forget many. :lol:

 

Race Row (Celebrity Big Brother, 2007)

 

 

One of the interesting aspects of Big Brother was the fact it gave an unfiltered view into life inside the house. Viewers could watch the housemates around the clock meaning any slip-of-the-tongue, any embarrassing moment or anything unsavoury could be aired in an instant. So when the emergence of a “culture clash” swiftly turned into racist bullying, the world was outraged. Channel 4 was found in breach of several broadcasting regulations. Many viewers were appalled by the way the channel and the show's producers handled the situation. Why weren't Jade and co removed? Why did the channel have to broadcast such ugliness? The defence would be that it's a social experiment and the in-house dynamics should evolve naturally... The behaviour of Jo, Danielle and Jade was inexcusable and the situation shouldn't have been allowed to escalate as far as it did. One moment that really stands out is the Oxo cube argument and Jo and Danielle just laughing like pathetic sidekicks of a playground bully. The race row signalled the beginning of the end for Big Brother as ratings declined year after year following this scandal. Post-show, Jo had a mental breakdown (she was interviewed on GMTV while in hiding and was a mess), Danielle’s career didn’t seem to suffer so much(!) and we all know what happened to Jade…

 

 

Laura White Elimination (The X Factor, 2008)

 

 

The fifth series of The X Factor saw the show’s biggest ratings yet. With higher viewers (courtesy of newly-appointed judge Cheryl Cole) came higher media interest. One of the biggest shocks of series 5, if not the biggest shock, was the premature elimination of fan-favourite and bookies second-favourite Laura White after battling it out with series underdog Ruth Lorenzo in the sing-off. Laura’s elimination caused so much outrage the matter was raised in parliament! Ruth deserved to fight another week though. While Laura gave a pretty sleepy performance of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’, Ruth powered through ‘Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door’ and rightfully built up a loyal following throughout the series. We love a dark horse!

 

 

Janet Jackson’s Tit (Super Bowl Halftime Show, 2004)

 

 

So this one still annoys me. It isn’t the actual incident that I find offensive – it’s the unfair response and double-standards that is the problem here. Now I’m not saying Justin’s career should have suffered the same as Janet’s did, but how is it that the guy who caused the “wardrobe malfunction” gets off scot-free while poor Janet’s career grounds to a halt? As the man himself said: “I think America is harsher on women. I think America is unfairly harsh on ethnic people”. -_- I mean seriously, it's just a tit!

 

-x-

 

Please share the TV moments that shook you the most. I'll add more as well when I can think of them. B-)

I think Lucie Jones going out to Jedward was even more controversial! But remember both very fondly. Then there was Maria Lawson going out to the Conway Sisters in series 2 where Sharon infamously said Louis voted based on his passport.

The scene in Spooks where the woman was plunged into a deep fat fryer.

I think Lucie Jones going out to Jedward was even more controversial! But remember both very fondly. Then there was Maria Lawson going out to the Conway Sisters in series 2 where Sharon infamously said Louis voted based on his passport.

The Maria/Conway Sisters result was so unpopular. :o The Sisters were getting booed every week after Maria's elimination iirc. :o

The scene in Spooks where the woman was plunged into a deep fat fryer.

I've never actually seen that scene but it sounds horrific!

From what I remember of the Janet Jackson incident, her career was already stalling at that time. This just accelerated its collapse.

Brass Eye: Paedogeddon

 

Oh wow I might need to give this a watch. Looks scandalous. :lol:

Trevor and Little Mo Christmas Dinner scene on Christmas Day in 2001.

Trevor and Little Mo Christmas Dinner scene on Christmas Day in 2001.

That was such a strong episode.

The Janet Jackson situation never fails to make me angry, it was literally his fault it happened, not that anyone should be punished for it but bible belt America obviously couldn't handle a tit.

 

One of my first TV memories is David Platt driving into the canal and making everyone thinking he was dead on Sarah's wedding day which was pretty shocking as I was 4 at the time lolll, no wonder I still watch the soaps :') I remember Lucie Jones and Jedward so well and being so pissed :lol:

Some more - for various reasons. :lol: For the last one I couldn't find a proper video of Sarah's parachute death but Christ it shook me.

 

"A very resilient pair and they're still standing up with not a lot of support"

 

Very underrated comment.

Omg her rant against Steve Brookstein, let's be real she turned out to be right :lol:

If social media had been around for Sharon v Steve Brookstein.

The second episode of the first series of Spooks in 2002 (no spoilers obvs) ranks pretty high for me - don't think we've mentioned much in the way of scripted shows so far?

Sharon was SAVAGE

The second episode of the first series of Spooks in 2002 (no spoilers obvs) ranks pretty high for me - don't think we've mentioned much in the way of scripted shows so far?

Is this what you're referring to? :kink:

The scene in Spooks where the woman was plunged into a deep fat fryer.

I didn't watch the show but I remember the infamous pig scenario on The Farm caused some controversy.

Wasn't there a very controversial Wife Swap? (Celebrity?)