We all love a show that generates Emmy buzz with its top tier performances, but what about the ones where the acting is so poor that it becomes oddly good? Whether it's a cheesy line delivery, over-the-top expression, or a performance so wooden that it takes on a life of its own, bad acting can create a weirdly captivating viewing experience. From cult classics to guilty pleasures, here are 5 shows that didn't just survive bad acting... they thrived on it.
Okay, put your pitchforks down and hear me out- I love The X Files just as much as the next guy, but in Season 1, Gillian Anderson’s portrayal of FBI agent Dana Scully was a bit rough. We have to admit. Her performance often lacked the confidence and depth we associate with her character later in the series. But instead of detracting from the show, this stiffness actually worked in its favour. Scully’s more robotic approach made her dynamic with Mulder that much more fun, and her awkward delivery added a rawness that would evolve into one of TV's greatest partnerships. A key life lesson in believing.
You can’t talk about bad acting without mentioning Walker, Texas Ranger. Chuck Norris’s stoic, stone-faced performances and stilted dialogue delivery might not have won any acting awards, but they became part of the show’s charm. With its over-the-top fight scenes, melodramatic storylines, and zero emotional range from its lead, Walker, Texas Ranger became a cult classic because of, not in spite of, its cheesy performances. It’s a testament to how bad acting can still make a show a staple in pop culture.
Based on the classic Archie Comics, Riverdale quickly became known for its outlandish plot twists and overly dramatic performances. The acting is often criticized for being a little too intense or exaggerated, especially when characters are faced with unbelievable situations like murder, cults, and other teen tropes. But this extreme level of drama, paired with the sometimes wooden or awkward delivery of dialogue, actually adds to the show’s campy appeal, turning it into a binge-worthy guilty pleasure.
William Shatner's performance as the titular T.J. Hooker in this gritty cop drama is iconic — and not in a good way. With his over-the-top delivery and tendency to shout every line like it's a life-or-death situation, Shatner’s acting is so ridiculous that it becomes the reason you watch. The other cast members don’t do much to elevate things either, making it a perfect storm of bad acting that turns into pure entertainment.
This drama about a high schooler navigating life after a teen pregnancy got plenty of attention when it aired. But the acting — particularly from the lead, Shailene Woodley, in the early seasons — was often stiff, overblown, and very teen in its delivery. The show’s melodramatic plotlines and awkward performances actually worked in its favour, giving it a cult following among fans of so-bad-it’s-good teen drama.