13 Types of TV Shows You Should Avoid if You Prefer Non-Violent Content

When seeking out TV shows to watch, individuals who prefer non-violent content often find themselves avoiding certain genres that tend to be more graphic or intense. Making informed decisions about what to watch can be a challenge, especially when so many popular series today delve into themes of conflict and aggression. Here are 13 types of TV shows you might want to avoid if you’re looking to keep your viewing experience peaceful and lighthearted, along with some practical advice on how to navigate the vast world of TV content. Dystopian Series Dystopian series often depict a bleak future where violence and chaos are prevalent. These shows can be intense and unsettling for viewers looking for more lighthearted content. The portrayal of grim societies and harsh realities can make it a challenging watch for those seeking a more positive and peaceful viewing experience.

Why Dystopian Series Are So Popular

Dystopian series often captivate audiences with their imaginative yet cautionary tales. They explore societal breakdowns, which can be both fascinating and terrifying. Shows like “The Handmaid’s Tale” or “Black Mirror” provide thought-provoking narratives but often dwell in scenarios that highlight humanity’s darkest impulses.

Tips for Avoiding Dystopian Series

• Check the Synopsis: Before diving into a new show, read the synopsis carefully. Many dystopian series will hint at their darker themes in their descriptions.
• Watch Trailers: Trailers can give you a sense of the show’s tone and content, helping you decide if it’s something you want to engage with.
• Look for Reviews: Websites like Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic often describe the themes and tone of a series, which can be helpful in making your decision.

Crime Dramas

Crime dramas tend to focus on solving violent crimes, which may include graphic depictions of violence. For those seeking non-violent content, these shows may not be the best choice. The constant exploration of crime scenes, murders, and criminal investigations may not align with the preferences of viewers who prefer to steer clear of violent themes and content.

Common Themes in Crime Dramas

These shows often delve into the psychology of criminals, the intricacies of law enforcement, and the moral ambiguities faced by those on both sides of the law. Series like “Mindhunter” or “Breaking Bad” are prime examples where the focus is heavily on crime and its consequences.

Alternatives to Crime Dramas

• Mystery Without the Gore: Consider shows that focus on mystery or detective work without the heavy emphasis on violence, like “Monk” or “Psych”.
• Character-Driven Stories: Look for series that emphasize character development over crime, such as “The Crown” or “Downton Abbey”, where the drama is more about interpersonal relationships than criminal activity.

Horror

Horror shows are known for their gore and suspenseful scenes, which can be triggering for those who prefer to avoid violence in their entertainment. The emphasis on fear-inducing elements, jump scares, and graphic visuals may not be suitable for individuals looking for a more peaceful and light-hearted TV experience.

What Draws People to Horror Shows

The thrill of horror often lies in its ability to evoke fear and excitement simultaneously. Shows like “American Horror Story” or “The Walking Dead” thrive on creating intense, often terrifying, scenarios that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Managing Exposure to Horror Elements

• Know Your Limits: Be honest with yourself about what you can handle when it comes to fear and suspense.
• Episode Summaries: Websites often provide detailed episode summaries that can help you gauge the level of horror before watching.
• Watch in Daylight: If you do choose to watch, consider doing so during the day when the impact of fear is lessened by natural light and a sense of normalcy around you.

War Dramas

War dramas often showcase the brutality of war and its impact on individuals. These shows can be emotionally taxing and may not be suitable for viewers looking for lighter content. The intense portrayal of battle scenes, the devastation of war, and its psychological effects on characters can be distressing for those seeking a more wholesome and non-violent viewing experience.

The Emotional Weight of War Dramas

Shows like “Band of Brothers” or “The Pacific” not only depict the physical realities of war but also delve deeply into the emotional and psychological toll experienced by soldiers and civilians alike. This can be incredibly powerful but also overwhelming.

Choosing Gentle Historical Content

• Opt for Historical Documentaries: Instead of dramatizations, consider documentaries that provide educational insights without dramatizing violence.
• Historical Fiction: Series like “Call the Midwife” offer historical settings with a focus on societal changes and personal stories rather than war.

Psychological Thrillers

Psychological thrillers delve into the minds of characters, often exploring dark and disturbing themes. These shows can be intense and may not align with a preference for non-violent content. The focus on psychological manipulation, suspenseful plot twists, and unsettling narratives may not resonate well with viewers seeking a more serene and calming TV experience.

The Appeal of Psychological Thrillers

The genre’s allure often lies in its ability to surprise and challenge viewers intellectually. Shows like “Mindhunter” or “You” are designed to keep audiences guessing, often with a dark twist.

Alternatives for the Curious Mind

• Mysteries with a Lighter Touch: Try shows like “Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries” or “The Mysterious Benedict Society”, which offer intrigue without the heavy psychological intensity.
• Science Fiction with Heart: Consider shows like “Star Trek” or “Eureka”, which explore complex ideas with a more optimistic outlook.

True Crime

True crime shows focus on real-life criminal cases, which can be graphic and violent in nature. For viewers seeking to avoid violent content, these shows may be too intense. The gritty portrayal of actual crimes, investigations, and their repercussions can be disturbing for those who prefer to distance themselves from violent and harsh realities.

The True Crime Explosion

With the rise of podcasts and streaming platforms, true crime has become a cultural phenomenon. Series like “Making a Murderer” or “The Staircase” delve into real-life mysteries, often with graphic detail.

Finding Factual Content Without the Violence

• Educational Documentaries: Look for documentaries that focus on history, science, or nature, offering educational content without the violence.
• Human Interest Stories: Shows like “Queer Eye” or “Chef’s Table” focus on personal growth and achievements, providing a positive alternative to crime stories.

Supernatural Horror

Supernatural horror shows blend elements of horror with supernatural phenomena, often featuring violent and terrifying scenes. These shows may not be suitable for those who prefer a non-violent viewing experience. The combination of supernatural elements, graphic horror, and intense scares can be overwhelming for viewers looking for more light-hearted and uplifting content.

Why Supernatural Horror Fascinates

The blend of the unknown with fear creates a potent cocktail that draws many viewers in, allowing them to explore fears in a controlled environment. Shows like “Stranger Things” or “The Haunting of Hill House” capitalize on this mix.

Enjoying the Supernatural Without the Scares

• Fantasy Adventures: Consider series like “Avatar: The Last Airbender” or “The Good Place”, which offer fantastical elements without the horror.
• Supernatural with Humor: Shows like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” manage to incorporate supernatural themes with a lighter, more humorous tone.

Survival Shows

Survival shows often depict characters facing extreme challenges and life-threatening situations, which can involve violence and intense scenes. Viewers seeking non-violent content may want to steer clear of these shows. The relentless focus on survival tactics, dangerous environments, and physical struggles can be too stressful and anxiety-inducing for individuals looking for a more peaceful and relaxing TV experience.

The Thrill of Survival Shows

Programs like “Survivor” or “Man vs. Wild” showcase human ingenuity and resilience, often in the face of dire circumstances. While exciting, they can be intense and stress-inducing.

Finding Adventure Without the Stress

• Travel and Exploration: Consider travel shows like “Planet Earth” or “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown”, which offer insights into the world without the survivalist stress.
• Feel-Good Competitions: Shows like “The Great British Bake Off” or “MasterChef Junior” provide a competitive edge with a focus on creativity and positivity.

Fighting Competitions

Fighting competitions showcase physical combat and can be violent in nature. These shows may not appeal to those looking for more peaceful and non-violent entertainment options. The aggressive nature of fighting competitions, the display of physical confrontations, and the competitive intensity may not align with the preferences of viewers seeking a more harmonious and non-violent viewing experience.

The Appeal of Combat Sports

Shows like “UFC” or “WWE” attract audiences interested in athletic prowess and the drama of competition. For some, the skill and strategy involved are the main draws.

Alternatives to Physical Confrontation

• Sports with Strategy: Consider sports shows that focus more on strategy and teamwork, such as “Ted Lasso” or documentaries about the intricacies of team sports.
• Skill-Based Competitions: Shows like “The Great Pottery Throw Down” or “The Big Flower Fight” emphasize creativity and skill without the aggression.

Post-Apocalyptic Series

Post-apocalyptic series depict a world after a catastrophic event, often filled with violence and struggle for survival. These shows may be too intense for viewers seeking non-violent content. The bleak and desolate post-apocalyptic settings, the constant threat of danger, and the survivalist themes may not provide the soothing and uplifting atmosphere desired by individuals looking for a more peaceful and gentle TV experience.

Why Post-Apocalyptic Stories Captivate

These stories often explore themes of resilience and humanity’s capacity for both destruction and renewal. Series like “The Walking Dead” or “The 100” delve into the complexities of survival and hope in a drastically changed world.

Seeking Hopeful Science Fiction

• Optimistic Sci-Fi: Consider series like “Star Trek” or “Doctor Who”, which often focus on exploration and the potential for positive change.
• Uplifting Dramas: Shows like “This Is Us” or “Gilmore Girls” offer heartfelt storytelling without the dystopian backdrop.

Medical Dramas

Medical dramas can feature graphic depictions of surgeries and medical procedures, which may be unsettling for those who prefer to avoid violent or intense content. The detailed portrayal of medical emergencies, surgical procedures, and life-threatening conditions can be distressing for viewers seeking a more gentle and non-violent TV experience.

The Intensity of Medical Dramas

Shows like “Grey’s Anatomy” or “ER” are popular for their fast-paced storytelling and complex character dynamics but often include intense medical scenarios.

Exploring the Medical World Gently

• Medical Comedies: Series like “Scrubs” offer a humorous take on the medical field, balancing seriousness with levity.
• Narrative-Driven Stories: Consider shows like “The Good Doctor”, which focus more on personal stories and character development within the medical setting.

Historical Dramas

Historical dramas may include scenes of violence and war, reflecting the realities of the past. For viewers seeking non-violent content, these shows may not be the best choice. The historical accuracy in depicting violent conflicts, war strategies, and societal upheavals may not provide the calming and peaceful viewing experience desired by individuals looking for more positive and comforting content.

The Challenge of Historical Accuracy

Series like “Game of Thrones” or “Vikings” aim to depict historical or quasi-historical events with a focus on conflict and power struggles, which can be as educational as they are intense.

Finding Peaceful Historical Content

• Historical Documentaries: Look for series like “The Civil War” by Ken Burns, which provide educational insights without dramatizing violence.
• Period Dramas with Heart: Shows like “Call the Midwife” or “Lark Rise to Candleford” focus on community and personal stories in historical settings.

Adult Animated Shows

Adult animated shows can contain graphic violence and mature themes, which may not align with a preference for non-violent content. Viewers seeking lighter entertainment options may want to avoid this genre. The inclusion of explicit violence, mature themes, and dark humor in adult animated shows may not resonate well with those looking for a more cheerful and uplifting TV experience.

The Edginess of Adult Animation

Shows like “Rick and Morty” or “Family Guy” often use animation to explore themes that might be too intense or controversial for live-action, sometimes incorporating significant violence or dark humor.

Enjoying Animation Without the Edge

• Wholesome Animation: Consider series like “The Simpsons” or “Bob’s Burgers”, which offer humor and heart without pushing the boundaries of taste and violence.
• Animated Adventures: Shows like “Avatar: The Last Airbender” or “Adventure Time” provide rich storytelling and creativity with lighter themes.

By being mindful of these 13 genres and understanding their potential impact, individuals who prefer non-violent content can make informed choices about the TV shows they consume, ensuring a more enjoyable and peaceful viewing experience.