This Guardian feature sees several TV writers revisit shows they once loved but can no longer watch, exploring how changing attitudes, real-world scandals or fresh reflection have soured their enjoyment. The piece reflects a broader cultural moment of reassessing past television favourites through the lens of subsequent revelations or shifting social values, from body image standards to allegations against creators.

Contributors discuss shows including America's Next Top Model, whose glamorisation of extreme dieting looks disturbing in hindsight, especially after Netflix's documentary Reality Check prompted a rewatch; The Apprentice, criticised for legitimising Donald Trump and championing greed; Good Omens, tainted for one writer by sexual assault allegations against co-creator Neil Gaiman, which he denies; and The Office, whose satire is described as still a masterpiece but now "deeply disconcerting" to watch. Each writer explains the personal or ethical reasons behind their change of heart.