Cancer in TV Shows

[Malderon]

Not the most nice topic. There has been a number of series which added cancer to their character(s), I won't name them all, but for example House M.D., Vampire Dairies. I personally lost 2 important people irl due to cancer and it upsets me greatly each time it gets mentioned in Shows which are supposed to entertain us. I know ofc that there are two sides of medal, that maybe this way more people will be aware, but really I think there is no place for cancer in TV shows, and it should only appear in some themed movies. Do you agree?

[tj119]

Not the most nice topic. There has been a number of series which added cancer to their character(s), I won't name them all, but for example House M.D., Vampire Dairies. I personally lost 2 important people irl due to cancer and it upsets me greatly each time it gets mentioned in Shows which are supposed to entertain us. I know ofc that there are two sides of medal, that maybe this way more people will be aware, but really I think there is no place for cancer in TV shows, and it should only appear in some themed movies. Do you agree?

Nope. Lost my best friend to cancer, couldnt care less if TV shows have cancer in them. That's like saying I don't like guns so they should never be shown on TV!

[Izalla]

That's like saying "life doesn't belong in tv shows". There're all kinds of things in shows that could upset people, and I hate to say it, but there are much worse things in life than cancer =/

[2about]

I lost a few to cancer also. But let me ask you this. Wouldn't murder be more traumatic to people who knew/loved someone who was murdered? Now apply the same logic you pose... we should not use murder in plots.

[GodlyBob]

Pretty much everytime I've seen cancer used as a plot device in a show, it's done in a way to highlight what it does to other people emotionally. It's not giving somebody leukemia and going "Haha! You have cancer! You're going to die now!"

[Doctor Amadeus]

I'm sure someone might accuse you of trolling or call you overly sensative. But actually I agree there is a lot of ignorance about cancer House M.D probably actually being a better example of what cancer is.

But keep in mind all the other conditions that entertainment feeds lots of ignorance to. Like psychopath being indestructible or having super natural powers or how being plagued with other mental disorders makes you a great detective.


Yeah I agree it stupid, but unfortunately until society starts demanding better entertainment it's gonna be around a while. Try not to take it as just an attack on your senses.

[Deleted]

Good TV show should bring out all kind of feels, not just joy and laughter.

[Gourmandise]

Steps taken to show subjects in an acceptable(factual) light might need to be taken in some cases. A reasonable gripe would be the misrepresentation of a subject you have knowledge about. That aside, everything should be given showcase as long as it's relevant.

I can't imagine a world without the Law and Order shows.

[Daerio]

Have you considered seeing someone else going through what you've been through might actually make some people feel better?

[Doctor Amadeus]

Have you considered seeing someone else going through what you've been through might actually make some people feel better?

Anybody who's had cancer or watched someone die of it can probably tell you what a soul crushing experience it is. Stupid plot lines perpetuating ignorance doesn't make most feel better.

[Jakexe]

If a show doesn't entertain you may I suggest not watching it instead of forcing the world to adapt to your sensibilities?

[Issalice]

I've lost several people to cancer, my mum being the worst lost by far. It was awful, and I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

Does it bother me in shows? It can, it's horrible to go through, horrible to witness. But I don't think it should be removed. If you start censoring content like that where is the line? What about car accidents? Or rape, or murder?

[Doctor Amadeus]

I've lost several people to cancer, my mum being the worst lost by far. It was awful, and I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

Does it bother me in shows? It can, it's horrible to go through, horrible to witness. But I don't think it should be removed. If you start censoring content like that where is the line? What about car accidents? Or rape, or murder?

What about when TV shows portray ignorance about the disease that killed your mother that helps keep the kind of knowledge going forward that could have maybe saved her life?

Rather tha ignorant feel good notions for entertainment if that's cool with you them alright but I agree with the OP.

[adamzz]

Not the most nice topic. There has been a number of series which added cancer to their character(s), I won't name them all, but for example House M.D., Vampire Dairies. I personally lost 2 important people irl due to cancer and it upsets me greatly each time it gets mentioned in Shows which are supposed to entertain us. I know ofc that there are two sides of medal, that maybe this way more people will be aware, but really I think there is no place for cancer in TV shows, and it should only appear in some themed movies. Do you agree?

You are just butthurt, should TV not show anything because someone could be offended?

Imagine if all crimes and everything that can be offending was banned on TV, we would have literally 0 shows.

[Feral Camel]

As long as its not shoe horned in I don't care. As for it being removed from TV series, I really think that's a terrible idea. You may just need to be a pickier with the shows you choose to watch.

[Doctor Amadeus]

You are just butthurt, should TV not show anything because someone could be offended?

Imagine if all crimes and everything that can be offending was banned on TV, we would have literally 0 shows.

That is not what he said criticism of a general plot device because of a sensative nature doesn't mean he saying ban everything offensive.

[Bluesftw]

i lost my friend in car accident therefore there should be no cars in tv! you cant have a cookie cause im on diet! no, you have to deal with it on your own or seek profesional help.

[Radio]

Not the most nice topic. There has been a number of series which added cancer to their character(s), I won't name them all, but for example House M.D., Vampire Dairies. I personally lost 2 important people irl due to cancer and it upsets me greatly each time it gets mentioned in Shows which are supposed to entertain us. I know ofc that there are two sides of medal, that maybe this way more people will be aware, but really I think there is no place for cancer in TV shows, and it should only appear in some themed movies. Do you agree?

TV Shows are a form of storytelling like any other. Sometimes stories are sad or cause grief.

I don't have an issue with cancer as a story-telling device as long as it is handled realistically. I only have a problem if it is used for cheap dramatic effect.

In Breaking Bad, cancer is a core underlying element from episode 1 onwards that kickstarts the events in the story and is the basis of many of Walters actions. The soul-crushing nature of the diagnosis, the treatment and the resulting lifestyle is well portrayed and not made light of. Do you still have a problem with that kind of portrayal?

[Dasffion]

The big C was one of the best shows on TV IMO

[Super Kami Dende]

Not the most nice topic. There has been a number of series which added cancer to their character(s), I won't name them all, but for example House M.D., Vampire Dairies. I personally lost 2 important people irl due to cancer and it upsets me greatly each time it gets mentioned in Shows which are supposed to entertain us. I know ofc that there are two sides of medal, that maybe this way more people will be aware, but really I think there is no place for cancer in TV shows, and it should only appear in some themed movies. Do you agree?

I could not care what people put in shows or movies, since they are shows and movies.

I've lost people to Cancer/Alzheimers/Suicide/Old age. People need to stop being so offended or sensitive towards trivial shit.