lord of the flies power thesis

Themes and Analysis

Lord of the flies, by william golding.

Lord of the Flies by William Golding is a powerful novel. It's filled with interesting themes, thoughtful symbols, and a particular style of writing that has made it a classic of British literature.

Article written by Lee-James Bovey

P.G.C.E degree.

Several key themes are prevalent throughout the book. It is sometimes referred to as a “book of ideas” and these ideas are explored as the plot unfolds.

Lord of the Flies Themes

The impact of humankind on nature.

This is evident from the first chapter when the plane crashing leaves what Golding describes as a “scar” across the island. This idea is explored further in the early chapters the boys light a fire that escapes their control and yet further diminishes what might be considered an unspoiled island. Some interpret the island almost as a Garden of Eden with the children giving in to temptation by slaughtering the animals there. The final chapter furthers the destruction of nature by mankind as the whole island appears to have been ruined thanks to the effects of the boy’s presence on the island.

Civilization versus savagery

This can be seen throughout as the boys struggle with being removed from organized society. To begin with, they cope well. They construct a form of government represented by the conch that theoretically draws them together and gives them all a voice. As they break away from society this adherence to the rules they have constructed is evident. Golding’s ideas of what savagery is might be outdated and rooted in colonial stereotypes but they are evident for all to see as the boys use masks to dehumanize themselves and their increasing obsession with hunting leads to an increasingly animalistic nature.

Nature of humanity

Perhaps the biggest underlying theme is the idea of the true nature of mankind. Golding explores the idea that mankind is innately evil and that it is only the contrast between society and civilization that prevents that nature from being prevalent. Of course, this overlooks that civilization is a human construct and if all men’s biggest motivation were their inner evil, then that construct would never have existed. Golding’s views largely spring from his role in the navy where he was witness to the atrocities of war but are also informed by his work as a teacher.

Analysis of Key Moments in Lord of the Flies

There are many key moments in ‘ Lord of the Flies ‘ that highlight the boy’s descent into savagery.

• Blowing the conch – this introduces us to the conch which acts as a symbol of society and civilization throughout the novel. It is both the device that brings the children together and in theory the object which allows them all to have a say and therefore run a democratic society.
• The fire gets out of control – This shows the effects that the boys are already having on the island. It also demonstrates how lost the boys are without adults there to guide them as they lose one of the boys and nobody even knows his name.
• Jack fails to kill the pig/Roger throws stones – both of these events show how the boys are currently constrained by the expectations of society. We see as time passes these restraints are lifted and that firstly, Jack can kill a pig and finally, and perhaps more dramatically, Roger is not only okay with hitting somebody with a stone but taking their life with one.
• The hunters put on masks – By covering up their faces, they seem to become free from the constraints of society. It is if it liberates them from humanity and allows them to act on more primal, animalistic urges.
• Sam and Eric find “the beast” – When Sam and Eric feel they have discovered the beast it sets a ripple of panic throughout. This fear sways the boys towards Jack’s leadership as he continues to manipulate the situation to his advantage. If not for this then Simon might never be murdered.
• Creating of the Lord of the Flies – Successfully killing the pig is itself an iconic moment but then leaving a pigs head on a pole is both a gruesome image (one worthy of the book’s title) and also plays a pivotal role in Simon’s story arc.
• Simon’s death – Simon is the one character who never seems to succumb to primal urges and therefore his death if looked at symbolically could be seen as the death of hope for boys.
• Piggy’s death – Piggy’s character represents order and reason. With his death, any chance of resolving the issues between Jack and Ralph vanishes. The conch being smashed at the same time is also symbolic and represents the complete destruction of society.
• The rescue – This is not the happy ending that one might expect with all the boys crying due to their loss of innocence. There is an irony as well as the boys will not be rescued and taken to a Utopia but rather to a civilization plagued by a war that mirrors the war zone they have just left.

Style, Literary Devices, and Tone in Lord of the Flies

Throughout this novel, Golding’s style is straightforward and easy to read. There are no lengthy passages nor does he choose particularly poetic words to describe the events. His writing is powerful without these stylistic devices. The same can be said for his use of literary devices. When used, they are direct. For example, the use of symbolism (see below) and metaphor is very thoughtful but not hard to interpret.

William Golding also employs an aloof or distant tone throughout the book. This reflects the way that the boys treat one another.

Symbols in Lord of the Flies

The conch shell.

The conch shell is one of the major symbols of this novel. It’s used from the beginning of the novel to call the boys together for meetings on the beach. It’s a symbol of civilization and government. But, as the boys lose touch with their civilized sides, the conch shell is discarded.

The Signal Fire

The signal fire is a very important symbol in the novel. It’s first lit on the mountain and then later on the beach with the intent of attracting the attention of passion ships. The fire is maintained diligently at first but as the book progresses and the boys slip farther from civilization, their concentration on the fire wanes. They eventually lose their desire to be rescued. Therefore, as one is making their way through the book, gauging the boys’ concentration on the fire is a great way to understand how “civilized” they are.

The beast is an imaginary creature who frightens the boys. It stands in for their savage instincts and is eventually revealed to be a personification of their dark impulses. It’s only through the boy’s behaviour that the beast exists at all.

What are three themes in Lord of the Flies ?

Three themes in ‘ Lord of the Flies ‘ are civilization vs. savagery, the impact of humankind on nature, and the nature of humanity.

What is the main message of the Lord of the Flies ?

The main message is that if left without rules, society devolves and loses its grasp on what is the morally right thing to do. this is even the case with kids.

How does Ralph lose his innocence in Lord of the Flies ?

He loses his innocence when he witnesses the deaths of Simon and Piggy. These losses in addition to the broader darkness of the island change him.

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About Lee-James Bovey

Lee-James, a.k.a. LJ, has been a Book Analysis team member since it was first created. During the day, he's an English Teacher. During the night, he provides in-depth analysis and summary of books.

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Books — Lord of The Flies

Essays on Lord of The Flies

Choosing the right essay topic is a crucial step in your academic journey. It's an opportunity to explore your creativity, delve into personal interests, and engage with the themes and ideas presented in the novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding. We aim to provide you with a variety of essay topics, introduction paragraph examples, and conclusion paragraph examples for different essay types. Remember, a well-chosen topic can make your essay more engaging and insightful.

Essay Types and Topics

Argumentative essays.

In argumentative essays, you'll analyze and present arguments related to the novel. Here are some topic examples:

• 1. The role of fear in the descent into savagery on the island.
• 2. The symbolism of the "beast" in Lord of the Flies and its impact on the characters.

Example Introduction Paragraph for an Argumentative Essay: In William Golding's Lord of the Flies , the pervasive fear among the stranded boys serves as a catalyst for their descent into savagery. This essay explores the profound influence of fear on the characters and the consequences it has on their civilization, ultimately demonstrating the fragile nature of human society on the isolated island.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for an Argumentative Essay: In conclusion, the exploration of fear in Lord of the Flies highlights its ability to unravel the thin threads of civilization. Through the lens of Golding's narrative, we see how fear can lead individuals to abandon reason and morality. As we reflect on this gripping tale, we must consider the implications of fear in our own lives and societies, striving for a world where humanity remains steadfast in the face of adversity.

Compare and Contrast Essays

In compare and contrast essays, you'll examine the similarities and differences within the novel or between it and other literary works. Consider these topics:

• 1. Compare and contrast the leadership styles of Ralph and Jack.
• 2. Analyze the parallels between Lord of the Flies and George Orwell's Animal Farm in terms of power and control.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Compare and Contrast Essay: The comparison between the leadership styles of Ralph and Jack in William Golding's Lord of the Flies provides valuable insights into the dynamics of human leadership and its consequences. This essay delves into the contrasting approaches taken by these two characters and their impact on the island's civilization.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Compare and Contrast Essay: In conclusion, the juxtaposition of Ralph's democratic leadership and Jack's authoritarian rule in Lord of the Flies serves as a powerful commentary on the complexities of human governance. By examining these characters in parallel, we gain a deeper understanding of leadership dynamics and their consequences both in fiction and the real world.

Descriptive Essays

Descriptive essays in the context of Lord of the Flies allow you to vividly depict settings, characters, or events. Here are some topic ideas:

• 1. Describe the lush beauty of the island in detail.
• 2. Paint a picture of the transformation in the appearance and behavior of the characters as they descend into savagery.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Descriptive Essay: The lush and untouched beauty of the island in William Golding's Lord of the Flies serves as a captivating backdrop for the unfolding drama of the stranded boys. This essay aims to provide a sensory and detailed exploration of the island, evoking the senses and immersing the reader in its natural wonders.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Descriptive Essay: In conclusion, the vivid description of the island in Lord of the Flies not only serves as a beautiful canvas but also mirrors the fragile balance of nature and humanity. Through this exploration, we are reminded of the profound connection between our environment and our actions.

Persuasive Essays

Persuasive essays allow you to argue a point of view related to the novel. Consider these persuasive topic examples:

• 1. Persuade your readers that the conch shell symbolizes the only hope for order and civilization on the island.
• 2. Argue for or against the idea that the boys' descent into savagery is inevitable given their circumstances.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Persuasive Essay: The conch shell in William Golding's Lord of the Flies has been a symbol of order and democracy. This essay takes a persuasive stance in advocating for the significance of the conch as the beacon of hope for maintaining civilization and harmony on the isolated island.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Persuasive Essay: In conclusion, the persuasive argument in favor of the conch shell as a symbol of order and civilization underscores the importance of symbols in society and their ability to rally individuals around shared values. As we reflect on the power of the conch, we are reminded of the delicate balance between chaos and order in the human experience.

Narrative Essays

Narrative essays offer you the opportunity to tell a story or share personal experiences related to the themes of Lord of the Flies . Explore these narrative essay topics:

• 1. Narrate your own survival story as a character stranded on the same island as the boys in the novel.
• 2. Share a personal experience where you faced a moral dilemma similar to those encountered by the characters in the story.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Narrative Essay: Imagine finding yourself on the same remote island as the characters in William Golding's Lord of the Flies . In this narrative essay, we embark on a journey where I, as a fellow survivor, recount the challenges and moral dilemmas faced while striving for survival and maintaining humanity in our isolated microcosm.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Narrative Essay: In conclusion, the narrative of my survival journey on the island parallels the timeless themes explored by Golding in Lord of the Flies . It serves as a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the constant struggle to balance our innate instincts with our moral compass. Through this narrative, we are reminded of the enduring relevance of these themes in our lives.

Lord of The Flies: Symbolism Analysis

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Lord of The Flies: Disobedience Analysis

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The Ralph's Leadership in The Lord of The Flies by William Golding

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17 September 1954, William Golding

Allegorical novel

Ralph, Piggy, Jack, Simon, twins Sam and Eric

William Golding wrote "Lord of the Flies" as a response and counterpoint to R.M. Ballantyne's youth novel "The Coral Island" published in 1857. While Ballantyne's novel presented a romanticized portrayal of young boys stranded on an uninhabited island, depicting them as cooperative and civilized, Golding sought to challenge this idealistic view. Golding was dissatisfied with the notion that children, when left to their own devices, would naturally form a harmonious and idyllic society. He believed that human nature was inherently flawed and prone to darkness and savagery, even in the absence of adult supervision. "Lord of the Flies" served as a critique of the optimistic perspective presented in "The Coral Island," aiming to explore the potential for moral degradation and the loss of innocence in a primal environment.

Innocence, Friendship, Childhood, Fear, Anger, Allegories.

The story follows a group of British boys who find themselves stranded on a deserted island after their plane crashes during a wartime evacuation. Without any adult supervision, the boys must establish their own society and survive until rescue arrives. Initially, the boys attempt to create order and maintain a sense of civilization by electing a leader, Ralph, and establishing rules. However, as time passes, the inherent savagery within some of the boys begins to emerge. Jack, the antagonist, gradually rebels against Ralph's leadership and forms his own tribe, indulging in hunting and violence. The conflict between Ralph and Jack symbolizes the battle between order and chaos, reason and instinct. As the boys succumb to their primal instincts, they gradually lose their sense of morality and descent into brutality. The novel explores themes of power, the loss of innocence, and the darkness that resides within all individuals. Ultimately, the arrival of a naval officer interrupts the boys' descent into savagery, revealing the horrors they have unleashed upon themselves.

"Lord of the Flies" by William Golding is set on a deserted tropical island in the midst of an unspecified global war. The location remains undisclosed, allowing the focus to be on the boys' struggle for survival rather than the specific geopolitical context. The island itself is described as a paradise, with its lush vegetation, beautiful beaches, and abundant resources. The island serves as an isolated microcosm where the boys' behavior unfolds without the influence of adult society. It becomes a blank canvas upon which the boys project their own fears, desires, and conflicts. The absence of adults and external authority creates a vacuum that allows the boys to establish their own social order and rules.

Symbolism (the conch shell, the signal fire, the beast, etc.), allegory (the boys' descent into savagery and the struggle for power), foreshadowing (the appearance of the sow's head), irony, imagery.

"Lord of the Flies" has had a significant influence on literature and popular culture since its publication. The novel's exploration of the darkness within human nature and its commentary on the fragility of civilization continue to resonate with readers worldwide. One notable influence of "Lord of the Flies" is its impact on dystopian and post-apocalyptic literature. The story's portrayal of a society descending into chaos and the exploration of power dynamics have influenced numerous works in this genre, such as Suzanne Collins' "The Hunger Games" and Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale." The novel has also had a profound influence on the study of human behavior and psychology. It raises important questions about the nature of evil, the role of society in shaping individuals, and the impact of isolation on human relationships. These themes have sparked discussions and academic analyses across disciplines, including psychology, sociology, and philosophy. Furthermore, "Lord of the Flies" has become a cultural touchstone, frequently referenced in various forms of media, including films, television shows, and music. Its enduring popularity and ability to provoke introspection and critical thinking contribute to its ongoing influence in contemporary society.

One notable adaptation of "Lord of the Flies" is the 1963 film directed by Peter Brook, which brought the story to life on the big screen. The film received critical acclaim for its raw portrayal of the boys' descent into savagery and its faithful adaptation of the novel's themes. The novel has also inspired theatrical productions, with stage adaptations being performed in different parts of the world. These adaptations provide a unique opportunity to experience the story in a live setting, further emphasizing the intensity and psychological depth of the narrative. Furthermore, the influence of "Lord of the Flies" can be seen in popular culture references, such as television shows, music, and literature. Its impact has sparked discussions and inspired creative works that explore similar themes of civilization, power, and human nature.

1. William Golding expressed dissatisfaction with his own work, describing his novel as dull and unrefined, a sentiment he later expressed in interviews and private conversations. 2. The impact of "Lord of the Flies" extends globally, as the book has been translated into more than 30 languages, allowing readers from diverse cultures to engage with its themes and messages. 3. Before finding a publishing home, "Lord of the Flies" faced considerable rejection, with publishers rejecting the manuscript a staggering 21 times. This highlights the initial challenges Golding faced in getting his work recognized. 4. Esteemed author Stephen King has publicly expressed his admiration for "Lord of the Flies," identifying it as one of his favorite books. King's endorsement speaks to the lasting influence and appeal of Golding's work. 5. "Lord of the Flies" has served as a source of inspiration for a range of musicians across different genres, including rap and metal. Bands like Iron Maiden have drawn inspiration from the novel, incorporating its themes and imagery into their music. 6. "Lord of the Flies" holds a significant place among the most banned books in the United States. Its exploration of dark themes and depiction of violence has led to challenges and attempts to restrict its availability in educational settings.

“Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man's heart, and the fall through the air of the true, wise friend called Piggy.” “The thing is - fear can't hurt you any more than a dream.” “Maybe there is a beast… maybe it's only us.” “What are we? Humans? Or animals? Or savages?” “We've got to have rules and obey them. After all, we're not savages. We're English, and the English are best at everything.”

The novel "Lord of the Flies" holds a significant place in literary discourse and continues to captivate readers across generations. Exploring timeless themes of human nature, morality, power, and civilization, it presents a compelling narrative that provokes introspection and critical analysis. Writing an essay about "Lord of the Flies" allows one to delve into the complexities of human behavior, the fragility of societal structures, and the potential for darkness within individuals. The novel's depiction of the descent into savagery and the loss of innocence offers a profound examination of the human condition. Moreover, "Lord of the Flies" serves as a cautionary tale, urging readers to reflect on the consequences of unchecked power, societal breakdown, and the thin veneer of civilization. It prompts discussions on leadership, group dynamics, and the inherent conflicts that arise in challenging circumstances. By exploring the multifaceted layers of the story, an essay on "Lord of the Flies" allows students to sharpen their critical thinking skills, analyze complex themes, and engage in meaningful conversations about the darker aspects of human nature and society. It remains a relevant and thought-provoking piece of literature that invites examination and interpretation from various perspectives.

1. Bhalla, R., & Kowalski, C. (2017). What Lord of the Flies teaches us about primitive defence mechanisms and societal discontent. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/the-british-journal-of-psychiatry/article/what-lord-of-the-flies-teaches-us-about-primitive-defence-mechanisms-and-societal-discontent/348B50D2158ABAC55B3E94B2DB6F20BA The British Journal of Psychiatry, 210(3), 189-189. 2. Tippetts, C. S. (1926). The End of the Par Collection Litigation. The American Economic Review, 16(4), 610–621. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/2) 3. Alnajm, A. L. (2015). The main themes in Lord of the Flies. International Journal of English and Literature, 6(6), 98-102. (https://academicjournals.org/journal/IJEL/article-full-text/011E73A53478) 4. Gilfillan, James (1963) "Review: "Lord of the Flies"," Calliope (1954-2001): Vol. 10 , Article 25. (https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/calliope/vol10/iss1/25) 5. Arnold Kruger (1999) Golding's Lord of the Flies, The Explicator, 57:3, 167-169. (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00144949909596859?journalCode=vexp20) 6. Chougule, R. B., & Hanash, M. M. SCARCE LIFE BETWEEN LEADERSHIP AND NATURE OF SAVAGERY IN WILLIAM GOLDING'S LORD OF THE FLIES. (https://www.literaryendeavour.org/files/9x6upa7d5i55pltczctm/2020-01%2007%20SCARCE%20LIFE%20BETWEEN%20LEADERSHIP%20AND%20NATURE%20OF%20SAVAGERY%20IN%20WILLIAM%20GOLDING%E2%80%99S%20LORD%20OF%20THE%20FLIES%20%20-%20Dr.%20R.%20B.%20Chougule%20&%20Manee%20M.%20Hanash.pdf) 7. Kabra, S. (2021). Lord of the Flies: International Intellectual Property Laws. UC Davis J. Int'l L. & Pol'y, 28, 1. (https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/ucdl28&div=4&id=&page=) 8. Burgess, J. (1963). Lord of the Flies by Peter Brook, Lewis Allen, Dana Hodgdon. (https://online.ucpress.edu/fq/article-abstract/17/2/31/38032/Review-Lord-of-the-Flies-by-Peter-Brook-Lewis)

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Symbolism in the Lord of the Flies Book by Golding Essay

Introduction, signal fire, works cited.

Lord of the Flies is a book written by William Golding, and it falls under the category of an allegorical novel. Symbolism refers to symbols or images that authors use to convey certain meanings to their readers. Different symbols are used to represent objects and situations that the reader understands depending on the context, environment, and characters. The symbolism of the Lord of the Flies is centered around the beast, the sink, and signal fire. The former communicates inner evil in the form of savagery, whereas the sink conveys law and order, and signal fire is meant to represent life.

Piggy finds a shell on the beach and tells Ralph what it is. It gives him innovative ideas on how and why to use it. It is then used to gather boys and call meetings, which means it is a symbol of power, order, and law (Bregman 4). This not only earns respect and obedience but also proves that whoever has the shell has the highest power, so “Jack attacks the Shell” to end power and make his own rules (Golding 103). The end of the shell is the end of the age of law and order.

The signal made by the boys with fire is actually a symbol of life and safety. It also shows that civilization is alive on the island. When the boys decide to stay alive and return to civilization, they immediately accept “Piggy’s offer to use their goggles to start a fire” (Golding 277). When boys become lazy and lethargic, they ignore the preservation of life. So, the fire is finally extinguished. It is eventually revealed that the signal fire was essential to civilized behavior and aided the boys’ safe escape. In addition, it becomes a symbol of life since they wanted to “prepare a fire” to use it as a signal for escape (Golding 103). Jack and his hunters attack Ralph and Piggy, and their group, snatching glasses and attempt set themselves on fire, which becomes important among them.

The beast is the head of a dead soldier with a parachute hanging from a tree branch. It is infested with larvae and flies. Simon is the only boy who knows “who this beast is” (Golding 289). However, he is unable to explain this to the other boys. Therefore, he turned into a symbol of something terrible and terrible. In fact, this head symbolizes the inner savagery of boys in particular and of humanity in general. They believe that the beast that “probably scares” them will be pleased (Golding 142). It is a physical expression of their reverence for this beast. The term “lord of the flies” refers to the fact that it was the name given to the lord of the flies that swarm in the heads of dead soldiers (Titlestad 14). This symbolizes what is given as a gift to the beast that rules the fly.

In conclusion, the beast represents inner evil in the form of savagery, whereas the signal fire is meant to represent life, while the sink conveys the importance of law and order. Behind this factual simplicity of the story about the adventures of schoolchildren on an island was not a child’s problem, forcing them to think about the fate of humanity, the paths of civilization, and the relationship between the individual and society. The desire to come closer to comprehending the irrational complexity of evil sets the parable transformation of images and their meaning to the level of a broader generalization, the alloy of the conditionally allegorical and the real and credible, the multi-sense and infinity of symbols.

Bregman, Rutger. “The Real Lord of the Flies: What Happened When Six Boys Were Shipwrecked for 15 Months.” The Guardian , Web.

Golding, William. Lord of the Flies: Casebook Edition . Penguin, 1987.

Titlestad, Michael. The Ongoing End: On the Limits of Apocalyptic Narrative . Routledge, 2018.

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IvyPanda. (2024, May 27). Symbolism in the Lord of the Flies Book by Golding. https://ivypanda.com/essays/symbolism-in-the-lord-of-the-flies-book-by-golding/

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Movie Nights

21 of the Worst TV Shows Ever Made According to the Internet

Posted: May 28, 2024 | Last updated: May 28, 2024

There’s  Seinfeld, The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, The Office,  and other legendary shows. But have you considered that for each show that garners universal critical acclaim, there is an inverse show lurking on the other end of the IMDb rating scale? Welcome to that other (dark, depressing) end of the rating scale.

While some recency bias is at play, few new series have ginned up such widespread vitriol like Mindy Kaling’s  Velma  has .  Some critics have noted that the animated series, which reimagines Scooby-Doo’s sidekick as the star of the show, is so bad that it falls below “so bad it’s good” territory. If someone turns on  Velma  while you’re in the room, let out a “rut-row” and slink out the nearest exit.

2. The Goop Lab

It stands to reason that, in the streaming era, far more brain-numbing television shows have made it “on air.” Unfortunately, Gwyneth Paltrow’s The Goop Lab  does nothing to disprove the thesis.

IMDb description describes The Goop Lab  as a show where “Gwyneth and her Goop team look at psychedelics, energy work, and other challenging wellness topics.” Reviewers, on the other hand, pan the show as “pseudoscience,” “dangerous,” and even “so dumb it hurts to watch.” What’s a word that describes something so horrifyingly bad that it’s hard to describe? How about goop?

Quick, name a successful television show that “evolved” out of a GEICO commercial. Nada? OK, name a  failed  television show that “evolved” out of a GEICO commercial.  Cavemen!  

4. Toddlers & Tiaras

Want rampant mental illness and child abuse in one half-hour-long show? Boy, do we have the show for you! Toddlers & Tiaras  has earned every bit of its sub-2 IMDb rating. If you’re wondering who the bad guy is in this show, it’s the parents. All of them. Without exception.

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5. Flash Gordon: A Modern Space Opera

What’s that? You say you missed  Flash Gordon: A Modern Space Opera?  I’d venture to say that’s because he’s Flash Gordon; for Usain Bolt’s sake, nobody  catches him! But you probably didn’t catch  Flash Gordon: A Modern Space Opera  because it’s a  modern space opera. Those who did watch, do yourself a favor—memo to Elon Musk: no operas in space.

6. The Secret Life of the American Teenager

Despite having now-starlet Shailene Woodley leading the cast,  The Secret Life of the American Teenager  hits all the teenie bopper clichés with a sledgehammer. Perhaps an ill-fated attempt to ride the Teen Mom wave, Woodley plays a teenage mother who must navigate high school while dealing with the baby’s father, “Ricky.” It’s one of those shows that seemed like a good idea to watch when you were a 15-year-old girl but seemed like a terrible idea to everyone else.

7. Here Comes Honey Boo Boo

When the American viewing populace caught a load of  Toddlers & Tiaras,  they immediately began clamoring for spinoffs. And thus,  Here Comes Honey Boo Boo  came to be. Then, headlines like “ Honey Boo Boo family turning on each other as scandal worsens” inevitably came. Don’t hold your breath for the spinoff of the spinoff. There w ent Honey Boo Boo.

8. The Big Bang Theory

No show as popular or enduring as  The Big Bang Theory  has been as bad as  The Big Bang Theory.  That’s just a fact. Lots of cringe humor in this one. If you love it, more power to you. If you don’t, well, we understand. It takes a certain sense of humor.

9. The Rings of Power

Were it independent of any beloved source material,  The Rings of Power  might be a fine TV show. Compared with the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and the Peter Jackson film trilogy, The Rings of Power  never stood a chance. And there’s nothing to get  Lord of the Rings fans more upset that deviating so desperately from the source material.

10. A Shot at Love With Tila Tequila

This show offered an inside look at Tila Tequila’s unrestricted, uninhibited dating life. If you want a painful snapshot of America’s popular culture circa 2007, take  A Shot at Love With Tila Tequila .

Fans of Marvel were looking forward to a whole show about Loki, but the two seasons that appeared were quite disappointing. The characters, and Loki in particular, just don’t track with who they are in the rest of the MCU. And while the story itself held some intrigue, it’s hard to get invested in a character who just isn’t themselves.

12. The Brothers Grunt

This show is mostly about strange, rubbery humanoid monsters. Monsters that grunt. And from all the reviews, it was exactly as appealing as that description makes it sound. The show tried for some lowbrow humor and animated fun, but viewers just never really enjoyed the combination of grunting alien monsters living among humans. And who can blame them?

13. Father of the Pride

The show  Father of the Pride showed a lot of promise: it’s about a family of lions, each of them an interesting and quirky character. The first season went well, but after that the complaints started rolling in. The show had been advertised as family friendly, but a lot of families didn’t think it lived up to that title.  We’d be lion if we recommended this show.

14. Barney and Friends

Honestly, this one surprised us. Like most millennials, we grew up with Barney and Friends  and  loved him. Initially, Barney was scheduled for 30 shows and PBS didn’t intend to renew funding for the show, but after parents across America protested, PBS relented and Barney continued. Reportedly, there were some concerns about different actors who played Barney over the years. But in the end, Barney met its demise due to a video of somebody being violent in a Barney costume. Weigh in down in the comments if you think Barney doesn’t deserve a place on this list!

15. Ironside

Ironside was actually a remake of an earlier show from the 60s and 70s. The remake, however, was grittier and more violent than the original, and only aired four episodes. The concept was of a cop in a wheelchair after getting shot, but rather than slowing down, he would handpick a team to solve the toughest crimes in the city. The premise seems promising, but it would take some careful screenwriting and directing to do it well, and apparently that didn’t happen.

16. Inhumans

And from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the show everybody knows and loves,  Inhumans!  Wait, you haven’t heard of it? Well, neither had we until now. Apparently  Inhumans was centered around an alien species that appeared briefly in  Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. , and nobody really loved it. Ratings were bad from the first episode onwards, and this show is now an inhuman skeleton in the MCU closet.

17. Being Bobby Brown

Being Bobby Brown was a reality TV series about Bobby Brown and his wife (at the time), Whitney Houston. The fact that we all know her name and not his tells us plenty about the show. Apparently it was actually a hit at the time it was released in 2005, but Houston refused to come back for a second season, and Brown couldn’t reach an agreement with the producers about how to proceed.

18. Megalodon: The Monster Shark Lives

This was a single show aired on The Discovery Channel, and presented as a documentary, but the show was later uncovered as farce. The evidence was all faked and the “scientists” in the show were actors. Despite how much backlash it received, or maybe because of it, the  Megalodon episode received nearly record viewings and even two follow-up episodes, one of which features real scientists discussing the “evidence” from the first show.

19. Star Wars Holiday Special

The  Star Wars Holiday Special was released between the original film and the sequel,  The Empire Strikes Back , so it could really be classified as canon. But due to it’s horrible reception, it’s almost impossible to find anymore. Lately though, the  Holiday Special has climbed to the status of “so bad it’s good,” or at least the fame among the dedicated of being part of the original Star Wars collection.

20. Celebrity Boxing

Celebrity Boxing is exactly what it sounds like: boxing matches between celebrities whose careers have begun to decline or who are near the age of retirement. But honestly there’s not much to say about this show: people hated it. Two episodes were aired and then it was canceled. It was just that bad.

21. The Magic Hour

If you haven’t heard of this talk show, that’s because it was canceled after eight episodes. The host, Earvin Johnson, just didn’t have the charisma to pull off a talk-show role, and it was mostly his abilities that came under fire when the reviews came in. Eventually, Johnson was replaced, but even then the show only lasted a few episodes; just three months total.

11 Vampire Movies That Will Make You Thirst for More

Sometimes, we just love to watch a favorite vampire movie, one of the ones that never get old. It piques our imagination with the unknown story of two teenagers fighting for their love, the incredible and creepy scenes, and the bloodsucking classics.

If you’re looking to get a good rest and watch vampire movies all day, look no further than this list!

10 Thrilling Movies Where the Villain Underestimates Their Opponent

In many movies, the bad guys start battles they can’t win. They go into the scenario with confidence and bravado but are humbled because they don’t realize who they are dealing with.

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