How TV Shows Are Tackling Social Issues: Storytelling With Purpose

In recent years, television has become more than just a source of entertainment. It has evolved into a powerful platform for addressing and reflecting on social issues. From race and gender inequality to mental health and environmental challenges, TV shows are increasingly using their storytelling power to raise awareness, provoke thought, and inspire change. In this article, we’ll explore how TV shows are tackling important social issues, why it matters, and how storytelling with purpose can impact audiences and society.

The Rise of Socially Conscious TV

Why TV Shows Are Focusing on Social Issues

Television has always been a medium for entertainment, but it has also long been a reflection of the culture in which it is created. Over the past few decades, TV has shifted from simply telling entertaining stories to telling stories with a purpose—stories that can influence public opinion and spark important conversations.

Shows are increasingly tackling real-world problems because of the growing influence of TV in our lives. With streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime becoming more dominant, the audience for TV has expanded, leading to more diverse voices in the industry. This has encouraged the creation of shows that reflect the complexities of contemporary society.

The Power of TV

TV has a unique ability to reach large, diverse audiences, making it an ideal medium for addressing social issues. With millions of people watching shows, a well-crafted storyline can raise awareness and even inspire action on a wide range of topics. By integrating social issues into mainstream entertainment, TV shows can start conversations that might otherwise be ignored or overlooked.

How TV Shows Address Social Issues

1. Race and Racism

One of the most prevalent social issues addressed in TV today is race and racism. With the rise of movements like Black Lives Matter, shows have increasingly turned their attention to racial inequality, systemic racism, and the experiences of marginalized communities.

Example: When They See Us (2019) Directed by Ava DuVernay, When They See Us is a dramatization of the real-life case of the Central Park Five, five Black and Latino teenagers wrongfully convicted of a crime they didn’t commit. The show highlights the racial biases and injustices that led to their convictions and the impact on their lives. It was widely praised for bringing this tragic event to a new audience and sparking discussions on race, injustice, and police misconduct.
Example: Dear White People (2017-2021) Dear White People is a satire that addresses racial tensions on a college campus. It tackles issues such as microaggressions, identity, and the complexities of race relations in America. Through its witty and thoughtful approach, the show sparks important discussions about race and challenges viewers to reflect on their own attitudes.

2. Gender and Sexuality

Gender and sexuality are also major themes in modern TV shows, with many series exploring the lives of LGBTQ+ characters and tackling issues such as gender inequality, discrimination, and the struggle for acceptance.

Example: Pose (2018-2021) Pose is set in the 1980s and '90s and explores New York City's drag ball culture, focusing on the lives of transgender women and LGBTQ+ individuals of color. The show has been praised for its representation of marginalized communities and its portrayal of the struggles transgender people face. It also tackles important issues such as HIV/AIDS, discrimination, and acceptance.
Example: Orange is the New Black (2013-2019) Orange is the New Black features a diverse ensemble cast, with LGBTQ+ characters and storylines at its core. The show explores the intersectionality of gender, sexuality, and race while highlighting the injustices within the American prison system. Its portrayal of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly the character of Sophia Burset (a transgender woman), helped bring more visibility to transgender issues on screen.

3. Mental Health

Mental health has become an important focus in TV storytelling, with several shows exploring topics like depression, anxiety, trauma, and the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Example: 13 Reasons Why (2017-2020) 13 Reasons Why is a controversial yet influential show that focuses on the suicide of a high school student, Hannah Baker, and the ripple effect it has on her peers. The show addresses issues such as bullying, mental health, sexual assault, and the importance of communication. While it sparked debate over its portrayal of sensitive topics, it also opened up conversations about mental health in young people and the importance of seeking help.
Example: BoJack Horseman (2014-2020) BoJack Horseman is an animated show that delves deep into the struggles of its protagonist, BoJack, a former TV star grappling with depression, addiction, and self-destructive behavior. The show doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of mental health, offering a nuanced and often heartbreaking look at the realities of living with mental illness.

The Role of Storytelling in Creating Change

Raising Awareness

One of the primary ways TV shows address social issues is by bringing them into the public eye. While films and documentaries also serve to inform, TV shows reach audiences on a regular basis, allowing for more sustained exposure to important topics. By integrating social issues into the fabric of a series, these shows help raise awareness in a way that is more relatable and accessible to viewers.

Example: The Handmaid's Tale (2017-present) Based on Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel, The Handmaid’s Tale is a chilling exploration of a society where women’s rights have been stripped away. The show, which addresses issues such as gender inequality and the control of women's bodies, has resonated with audiences around the world, particularly in the wake of debates around reproductive rights.

Promoting Empathy and Understanding

TV shows have a unique ability to foster empathy by putting viewers in the shoes of characters facing social challenges. By creating relatable characters and telling their stories, these shows allow audiences to see the world from perspectives they may not have considered before.

Example: This Is Us (2016-present) This Is Us explores issues like family dynamics, grief, body image, adoption, and mental health through the lives of the Pearson family. By depicting a wide range of relatable struggles, the show encourages viewers to reflect on their own lives and fosters a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by others.

Encouraging Action and Advocacy

Many TV shows aim to inspire change by encouraging viewers to take action. Whether through advocacy for social justice causes or shedding light on issues that require reform, TV has the power to motivate viewers to make a difference in their communities.

Example: The Good Fight (2017-present) A legal drama set in a Chicago law firm, The Good Fight tackles current political and social issues, including corruption, fake news, and racial inequality. The show has been praised for its timely commentary on real-world events, encouraging viewers to question the status quo and get involved in political activism.

The Impact of TV on Society

Shaping Public Discourse

TV shows that tackle social issues help shape the public discourse by framing conversations around critical topics. They provide a platform for underrepresented voices and shine a light on struggles that are often overlooked. By engaging with these issues on screen, TV shows help challenge stereotypes, promote understanding, and encourage societal change.

Inspiring Social Movements

The influence of TV shows extends beyond the screen. Shows that address social issues can become a catalyst for real-world social movements. For example, the #MeToo movement, which gained widespread attention in 2017, was fueled in part by the visibility of sexual harassment issues in TV shows and movies. Similarly, shows like The Handmaid's Tale have sparked discussions about women's rights and reproductive justice.

Conclusion

Television has evolved from a form of entertainment to a platform for social change. By tackling pressing social issues, TV shows have the ability to inform, challenge, and inspire viewers in powerful ways. Through storytelling with purpose, these shows not only entertain but also raise awareness, promote empathy, and encourage action. As TV continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly remain a key player in shaping conversations around the most important issues of our time.