The role of TV storytelling in shifting culture: seven global examples

Despite the fast-changing media landscape, one thing that’s remained consistent is television’s ability to shift culture. From challenging stereotypes to sparking global conversations, TV shows have been doing this for decades. And with the rise of streaming platforms, audiences around the world can now access stories that resonate far beyond their home countries.

As someone passionate about the power of media for driving social change, this subject is close to my heart. At Together TV , the UK’s leading social change broadcaster, we see every day how storytelling can inspire real-world impact. This makes it even more fascinating to see how certain TV dramas have gone beyond entertainment to shape global culture. Below, I look at some standout examples and the impact they’ve had.

1. Breaking Barriers: "Pose" (US, FX) and the LGBTQ+ Community

Ryan Murphy’s Pose didn’t just make waves when it aired in the US on FX from 2018 to 2021—it broke barriers. By putting trans and queer people of colour front and centre, Pose gave visibility to a community often underrepresented on screen. It was the first show to feature such a large cast of transgender actors in leading roles, showing the world that diversity sells.

Pose had a clear cultural impact. First, it has the largest number of transgender people on camera and behind the scenes on a TV show ever.

The show led to more trans actors gaining visibility and wider acceptance of LGBTQ+ narratives. The conversations it sparked about gender identity, race, and sexuality reached far beyond the screen, helping to push forward awareness and acceptance of diverse backgrounds.

You can read more at these links:

2. Challenging Stereotypes: "Black Mirror" (UK, Channel 4/Netflix) and Our Relationship with Technology

Originally aired in the UK on Channel 4 and later picked up by Netflix, Black Mirror has become a global touchstone for conversations about the dangers of technology. The anthology series, which explores dystopian visions of tech’s future, struck a chord with audiences worldwide. Episodes like "Nosedive," which satirises social media rankings, feel uncomfortably close to our current reality.

The term "Black Mirror moment" has even become shorthand for unsettling tech-related experiences, showing the series' impact on global discussions about privacy, AI, and the potential darker sides of innovation. It made viewers think twice about their own reliance on technology.

3. Empowering Women: "The Handmaid’s Tale" (US, Hulu) and Feminist Resistance

The Handmaid’s Tale, which aired on Hulu in the US starting in 2017, couldn’t have arrived at a more relevant time. Its dystopian story about women losing their rights felt particularly poignant during the rise of the #MeToo movement and the global fight for gender equality.

This shows sheds an important light on several unhealthy themes in society: toxic behaviours in relationships are acceptable if they align with social norms.?Motherhood is not a choice for women to make, and those who are infertile are sometimes seen as failures, especially in family-centric cultures. All these themes are in the shows but very dangerously, they are still very popular in many countries globally.

One of the clearest signs of its cultural impact is the way the red robes worn by the handmaids became a symbol of protest, used in real-world demonstrations advocating for women’s rights across the globe. This crossover from fiction to activism shows just how deeply the series resonated with audiences and how it contributed to ongoing conversations about gender and power.

Some interesting readings:

4. Promoting Diversity: "Bridgerton" (US, Netflix) and Inclusive Historical Narratives

When Bridgerton hit Netflix in December 2020, it caused a stir for more than just its romantic drama. By casting actors of colour in key roles in a Regency-era period piece, Bridgerton reimagined history in a way that embraced diversity. The show defied expectations, proving that inclusive storytelling can thrive even in traditionally conservative genres like historical drama.

Of course, I’m aware this is a topic that can stir controversy in today’s climate of cancel culture. Some argue that such casting choices rewrite or misrepresent history, while others see it as an essential step towards inclusivity. Yet the cultural shift is undeniable. The success of Bridgerton has paved the way for other period dramas to embrace more inclusive casting, challenging the long-held notion that history must be portrayed solely through a Eurocentric lens. It’s opened the door for richer, more diverse narratives in mainstream media—demonstrating that there's room for both historical accuracy and inclusive representation.

More here:

5. Highlighting HIV/AIDS: "It’s a Sin" (UK, Channel 4) and the Power of Representation

Russell T. Davies’ It’s a Sin (2021, Channel 4) brought the HIV/AIDS crisis to life in a way that had rarely been seen on screen. Set in 1980s London, the series followed a group of young gay men at the height of the epidemic. What made the show so powerful was its humanisation of a crisis often shrouded in stigma and silence.

The impact was immediate and measurable— HIV testing in the UK saw a dramatic spike after the show aired, with health organisations citing It’s a Sin as a direct cause. The series also opened up long-overdue conversations about the epidemic and the lingering stigma surrounding HIV, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community.

You can read more on the impact from the perspective of Terrence Higgins Trust:

6. Social Impact: "When They See Us" (US, Netflix) and Racial Injustice

Ava DuVernay’s When They See Us (2019, Netflix) told the real-life story of the Central Park Five, five young men of colour wrongfully convicted of assault in 1989. The series was a gut-wrenching portrayal of the racial injustice they faced, shedding light on the systemic racism within the US legal system.

Its cultural impact was profound. The series reignited discussions about racial injustice, both in the US and internationally, at a time when movements like Black Lives Matter were gaining momentum. Public outcry after the series’ release also led to renewed calls for criminal justice reform, showing the power of TV to influence real-world change.

I found these articles quite insightful:

7. Driving Environmental Awareness: "Our Planet" (UK, Netflix) and Climate Change

Our Planet, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, was more than just a nature documentary. When it premiered on Netflix in 2019, it combined stunning footage of wildlife with a pressing message about the need to tackle climate change. Unlike many nature programmes, Our Planet didn’t shy away from the harsh realities of human impact on the environment.

After its release, the show inspired millions of viewers to take action—whether by reducing their carbon footprint, supporting environmental causes, or pushing for climate-friendly policies. It played a major role in increasing public awareness of the climate crisis and the urgency of addressing it.

I might have bias given my WWF past, but the impact report below is something I would love to be done for each TV show I am working on:

Working at Together TV, where we aim to inspire real change through storytelling, these examples underscore just how powerful television can be. At its core, it’s not just about entertainment—TV has the power to drive social change, encourage critical thinking, and challenge the way we see the world.

TV shows that explore themes like equality, technology, environmentalism, and justice have a unique ability to connect with audiences on a human level. They prompt viewers to reflect on their own lives and the world around them, making them powerful tools for sparking cultural shifts.

From Pose to One Planet, television has shown it can do more than just entertain. It can challenge norms, shape conversations, and even inspire action. These shows demonstrate how storytelling can push boundaries and drive change, creating ripple effects that extend far beyond the screen.

As the media landscape continues to evolve, TV remains one of the most effective media for inspiring social impact and shaping global culture. I can't wait to see how future shows will continue to use this platform to influence and inspire audiences worldwide.

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What TV shows have impacted your views or sparked conversations in your world? Share your thoughts in the comments below!