TV Shows That Successfully Portrayed Controversial Taboo Relationships

Television has long served as a medium for exploring complex and often uncomfortable human dynamics that challenge societal norms. By depicting relationships that fall outside of traditional legal or ethical boundaries, writers often aim to spark dialogue regarding morality and human behavior. These narratives frequently navigate sensitive topics such as age gaps, consanguinity, and power imbalances within professional or religious settings. While these portrayals often spark significant public debate, they remain a recurring element in prestige drama and character-driven storytelling.

‘The Borgias’ (2011–2013)

In the historical drama ‘The Borgias’, the central focus remains on the powerful and corrupt Borgia family during the Renaissance. A primary plot point involves the evolving and intimate relationship between siblings Cesare and Lucrezia Borgia. While based on historical rumors rather than absolute fact, the series portrays their bond as both emotional and physical. This dynamic serves to highlight the insular nature of the family’s quest for power and survival. The show explores the moral consequences and the secrecy required to maintain such a bond within the Vatican.

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)

‘Game of Thrones’ famously introduced the relationship between twins Jaime and Cersei Lannister in its series premiere. Their secret union is the catalyst for many of the political upheavals throughout the continent of Westeros. The narrative treats their bond as a complex mixture of genuine affection and destructive codependency. Throughout eight seasons, the show examines how their connection influences their children and their grip on the Iron Throne. It remains one of the most widely discussed examples of taboo relationships in modern television history.

‘A Teacher’ (2020)

The miniseries ‘A Teacher’ provides a stark look at the grooming process and subsequent affair between high school teacher Claire Wilson and her student Eric Walker. Unlike some dramas that romanticize such dynamics, this show focuses on the predatory nature of the relationship and its long-term psychological impact. It details the legal ramifications and the destruction of personal lives that follow the discovery of the liaison. The narrative structure emphasizes the power imbalance inherent in the teacher-student dynamic. By the conclusion, the series addresses the complex reality of trauma and accountability.

‘Big Love’ (2006–2011)

‘Big Love’ explores the lives of a fundamentalist Mormon family living in modern-day Utah, practicing the taboo custom of polygamy. Bill Henrickson navigates the challenges of managing three separate households and three wives while keeping their lifestyle hidden from the public. The series examines the internal jealousies and legal threats that the family faces due to their unconventional structure. It provides a detailed look at the religious motivations behind the practice and the social isolation it often causes. The show ran for five seasons, depicting the gradual erosion of the family’s privacy.

‘Bates Motel’ (2013–2017)

Serving as a contemporary prequel to the classic film ‘Psycho’, ‘Bates Motel’ explores the deeply enmeshed and unhealthy relationship between Norman Bates and his mother, Norma. The series depicts their bond as one of intense emotional reliance that borders on the romantic and the obsessive. As Norman’s mental health declines, the boundaries between mother and son become increasingly blurred and dangerous. This portrayal focuses on the psychological trauma and the isolation that fuel their codependency. The show concludes with the inevitable tragic consequences of their inseparable connection.

‘The Thorn Birds’ (1983)

The classic miniseries ‘The Thorn Birds’ centers on the lifelong forbidden romance between Father Ralph de Bricassart and Meggie Cleary. Ralph is a Catholic priest who must choose between his ambition within the church hierarchy and his deep love for Meggie. Their relationship spans several decades, beginning when Meggie is a young girl and Ralph is her mentor. The narrative highlights the spiritual and emotional conflict faced by a man bound by vows of celibacy. It remains a hallmark of television for its exploration of the tension between religious duty and human desire.

‘Pretty Little Liars’ (2010–2017)

In the long-running teen mystery ‘Pretty Little Liars’, a central storyline involves the relationship between high school student Aria Montgomery and her English teacher, Ezra Fitz. The two begin their romance before realizing their professional connection, yet they choose to continue it in secret. This dynamic remains a point of contention for viewers due to the significant age and power difference. The show follows their journey through various breakups, reconciliations, and eventually a legal marriage. It reflects the common “forbidden love” trope often found in young adult television dramas.

‘Fleabag’ (2016–2019)

The second season of ‘Fleabag’ introduced a highly acclaimed storyline involving the protagonist’s attraction to a character known as the Priest. The relationship is considered taboo due to the Priest’s religious commitment to God and his vows of celibacy. Their connection is depicted as deeply intellectual and emotional, providing the protagonist with a rare sense of being understood. The narrative explores the difficulty of choosing between spiritual devotion and romantic fulfillment. The show earned significant praise for its nuanced and respectful handling of this internal and external conflict.

‘House of the Dragon’ (2022–)

Set long before the events of ‘Game of Thrones’, ‘House of the Dragon’ explores the traditions of the Targaryen dynasty, which include internal family marriages. The central relationship between Rhaenyra Targaryen and her uncle, Daemon Targaryen, is a pivotal element of the plot. Their union is portrayed as a strategic political move as well as a genuine romantic connection within their cultural norms. The show examines how this relationship solidifies their claim to the Iron Throne while alienating other noble houses. It highlights the unique and often controversial customs of the fictional Valyrian bloodline.

‘Dexter’ (2006–2013)

In the later seasons of ‘Dexter’, the show introduced a controversial plotline where Debra Morgan realizes she has romantic feelings for her adoptive brother, Dexter. Although they are not related by blood, their upbringing as siblings made the potential relationship a significant taboo for the audience. The narrative explores Debra’s psychological struggle as she processes her feelings alongside the discovery of Dexter’s life as a serial killer. This development added a new layer of complexity to their already strained family dynamic. The storyline was intended to heighten the emotional stakes as the series approached its conclusion.

‘Skins’ (2007–2013)

The British teen drama ‘Skins’ frequently utilized controversial storylines, including several instances of teacher-student relationships. In the first generation, the character Michelle Richardson has an affair with her geography teacher, which leads to significant personal turmoil. The series portrays these incidents without glamorization, often focusing on the disastrous social and professional consequences for the adults involved. These storylines were designed to reflect the messy and often boundary-crossing realities of adolescent life. By presenting these dynamics, the show sparked conversation about the vulnerability of teenagers and the responsibilities of educators.

‘Flowers in the Attic: The Origin’ (2022)

This prequel miniseries ‘Flowers in the Attic: The Origin’ explores the dark history of the Foxworth family and the events that led to the infamous confinement of the grandchildren. A major component of the narrative is the portrayal of consanguinity within the family tree, specifically the relationship between Olivia’s husband and his own relatives. The series delves into the obsession with maintaining a pure bloodline and the madness that often follows such taboo unions. It depicts how these relationships create a cycle of trauma and abuse that spans generations. The show provides a Gothic look at the intersection of wealth, religion, and forbidden desire.

‘The Affair’ (2014–2019)

‘The Affair’ examines the psychological effects of an extramarital relationship between Noah Solloway and Alison Lockhart. The show uses a unique storytelling device by presenting the same events from different character perspectives, highlighting how memory and guilt alter the perception of their taboo romance. It explores the destruction of two marriages and the collateral damage inflicted on their children and extended families. The narrative does not shy away from the pain and selfishness inherent in infidelity. It serves as a detailed character study of how individual desires can override social and moral obligations.

‘Rectify’ (2013–2016)

The critically acclaimed drama ‘Rectify’ features a subtle and complex tension between the protagonist Daniel Holden and his step-sister, Amantha. While they are not biologically related, their relationship is complicated by the trauma of Daniel’s wrongful imprisonment and their shared history. The show portrays a deep, almost claustrophobic intimacy that occasionally borders on the romantic. This dynamic is handled with significant restraint, focusing more on the emotional dependency formed during years of crisis. It highlights the blurred lines that can occur within blended families dealing with extreme circumstances.

‘Twin Peaks’ (1990–1991)

The supernatural mystery ‘Twin Peaks’ centers on the investigation into the death of Laura Palmer, which eventually reveals a history of systematic abuse. The relationship between Laura and her father, Leland Palmer, is the most disturbing and taboo element of the series. While influenced by a supernatural entity known as Killer BOB, the show uses this as a metaphor for the reality of domestic incest and trauma. The revelation of this dynamic remains one of the most shocking moments in television history. It forced the audience to confront the darkness hidden behind the facade of a small, picturesque town.

‘Succession’ (2018–2023)

‘Succession’ features a highly unconventional and psychologically complex dynamic between Roman Roy and the high-ranking executive Gerri Kellman. Their relationship is characterized by a series of inappropriate sexual exchanges that function as a power play for both individuals. Roman views Gerri as both a maternal figure and a romantic interest, leading to a deeply taboo set of interactions. The show uses this relationship to explore Roman’s arrested development and the transactional nature of the Roy family’s world. It remains a standout example of how power dynamics can create unusual and controversial interpersonal bonds.

‘Mary & George’ (2024)

The historical drama ‘Mary & George’ depicts the ambitious Mary Villiers as she molds her son, George, to seduce King James I. The series portrays a mother-son relationship that is defined by manipulation and a level of physical and emotional proximity that borders on the incestuous. Mary uses her son as a political tool, often involving herself in the most intimate aspects of his social and sexual life. This portrayal emphasizes the lengths to which individuals would go for social mobility in the Jacobean era. The show highlights the corrosive nature of parental ambition when it overrides ethical boundaries.

‘Cruel Summer’ (2021–2023)

The first season of ‘Cruel Summer’ revolves around the disappearance of Kate Wallis and her secret relationship with the high school assistant principal, Martin Harris. The narrative is split across three different years, showing the progression from initial grooming to a state of captivity. It portrays the taboo relationship not as a romance, but as a predatory dynamic that results in severe trauma for the victim. The show explores how the community’s perception of the situation changes as more details come to light. It provides a sobering look at how authority figures can abuse their positions of trust.

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