5 Annoying TV Tropes That Ruined Great Shows

Television has the power to transport us to different worlds, make us laugh, cry, and think. But there's a flip side — certain clichés and tropes have been recycled so often that they've become downright annoying, and here are the worst of them.

Withholding Information for Protection

Ever seen a TV show where the guy, often a husband or boyfriend, hides crucial information from his partner “to protect her”? Need an example? Think of Walter White in Breaking Bad, not telling Skyler about his meth-making adventures.

This trope is overused. It usually backfires, creating even bigger messes. It's high time TV shows ditch this outdated concept.

It Was All a Dream

Just when you think a show has taken a bold step, it turns out to be just a dream. This trope is like a cheap trick to undo major plot developments.

Dallas famously did this with an entire season, nullifying all events as a dream. It's a lazy way out for writers and a major letdown for viewers who invest their time in a storyline.

Poor Communication

Misunderstandings due to poor communication is a trope as old as time. Characters often say, "I can explain," but then don't, or insist on being trusted without giving reasons.

This was the bread and butter of shows like Gossip Girl, where half the drama could've been avoided with a decent conversation. It's frustrating and feels like a forced way to create conflict.

Trapped Together

Characters getting stuck in an elevator or a similar confined space is another overdone trope. While trapped, they magically resolve longstanding issues or fall in love.

It's a go-to plot in sitcoms like The Big Bang Theory but has been done to death. This setup feels too convenient and a bit unrealistic in resolving deep-seated conflicts.

Half-Hearted Privacy in Conversations

Characters in shows often say, "Can we talk over here?" and move just a few steps away. Somehow, they believe they're in a private bubble, but everyone can still hear them.

This happens a lot in hospital dramas like Grey's Anatomy. It's laughable and breaks the immersion, reminding viewers that they're just watching a scripted show.