10 TV Shows With the Most Rabid Fanbases You’ve Ever Seen

It’s one thing to enjoy a TV show, but another when it completely takes over your life. Certain series really grab viewers, leading to constant discussion in group chats, flooding social media, and turning regular watchers into passionate advocates. These shows become woven into daily life, influencing how people talk, inspiring permanent fan art, and even affecting relationships based on opinions about how the show ends. And the fans themselves? They don’t always get along.

Fandoms have exploded in popularity over the last twenty years. What used to be small, online communities has grown into massive digital spaces. While most fans are wonderfully creative, dedicated, and enthusiastic, some online groups can be quite intense. This shows up in things like endless discussions on Reddit and X, heated debates over character relationships (‘shipping wars’), and arguments in comment sections. These conflicts can range from defending favorite characters to calling for changes to storylines, or simply trying to dominate the conversation.

These 10 TV shows have incredibly passionate and dedicated fans – some might even say obsessed – and their fanbases have become famous in their own way.

‘Star Trek’

What began in 1966 as a thought-provoking science fiction Western about the starship USS Enterprise and its unique crew has grown into a vast collection of TV shows, books, and fan-created stories. The original Star Trek series, starring Captain Kirk (William Shatner) and Spock (Leonard Nimoy), presented a hopeful future where humanity had overcome its conflicts. The franchise continued with series like The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, Enterprise, Discovery, Picard, and Strange New Worlds, each reflecting the issues and concerns of its own time.

Goes Where No Franchise Has Gone Before

Star Trek fans are passionate, but also famously divided. Some prefer the original series and stick to it, while others enjoy the newer shows that aim to be more diverse and welcoming. Arguments about details – like whether new technology clashes with the established timeline or if recent shows are too grim – can quickly erupt online. This constant debate can be both a strength and a weakness for the fanbase. However, the vastness of the Star Trek universe keeps it engaging, and its influence on popular culture is clear.

‘Doctor Who’

Doctor Who is the most enduring science fiction show ever made for television, and after so many years, it’s naturally sparked both passionate fans and strong criticism. The series centers around the Doctor, a very old alien called a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey, who journeys through time and space in a ship called the TARDIS. Because the Doctor can ‘regenerate’ into a new body, many different actors have played the role, each bringing their own unique take on the character.

Uniquely British and Endlessly Inventive

Doctor Who fans, often called “Whovians,” are known for being very enthusiastic – and often disagreeing with each other. Whenever a new Doctor is cast, it always creates a lot of online discussion, ranging from excitement to strong disapproval. The upcoming 2025 change, with Ncuti Gatwa regenerating into Billie Piper (a former companion returning as the Doctor!), really surprised and divided the fanbase. These changes in the show’s style have only made those divisions worse, with some fans preferring the earlier years with Doctors Tennant and Smith, while others welcome the show’s efforts to be more inclusive and try new things.

‘The Blacklist’

The NBC series The Blacklist centers around Raymond “Red” Reddington (James Spader), a notorious criminal who unexpectedly turns himself in to the FBI. He offers to help them capture other dangerous criminals, but only if he can work with a new FBI profiler named Elizabeth Keen. As the show unfolds, viewers learn Red’s real reasons for helping and uncover secrets about Liz’s past.

Watch It, But Don’t Expect Closure

Anyone who’s visited a Reddit discussion about The Blacklist knows fans are constantly trying to figure out every detail. For years, they’ve analyzed everything – dialogue, costumes, even subtle looks – to create complex theories about Red’s true identity, like whether he’s Liz’s father, mother, or even a clone. Reddit was full of detailed charts and fan-written analyses. However, the show’s finale in 2023 didn’t provide clear answers, which angered many viewers. This unwillingness to offer resolution ultimately destroyed the dedicated online community that had supported the show for ten years.

‘Lost’

I still remember watching the pilot of Lost back in 2004 – that plane crash instantly hooked me. It wasn’t just a simple disaster story, though. Created by J.J. Abrams, Damon Lindelof, and Jeffrey Lieber, the show quickly became this incredibly addictive blend of genres: part survival thriller, part science fiction, with a dash of time travel and a whole lot of mind-bending mystery. The writers were masters at giving you just enough to keep you guessing, and the show’s mythology grew into something truly spectacular, if a little overwhelming at times.

The Internet’s First Theory Meltdown

The hit show Lost was groundbreaking, winning numerous Emmys and inspiring many other television programs. It captivated audiences with its complex mysteries, encouraging fans to share theories and analyze every detail on online forums. However, the 2010 finale proved controversial. Many viewers felt let down by the focus on a ‘flash-sideways’ version of reality, believing the writers prioritized emotional impact over a logical conclusion. The negative reaction was strong enough that even today, mentioning the finale can spark lengthy and passionate debates.

‘Sherlock’

The BBC series Sherlock, created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, updated the classic Arthur Conan Doyle detective stories for a modern audience in London. Benedict Cumberbatch played Sherlock Holmes as a brilliant but socially awkward man who used technology like a smartphone to solve crimes, and he was joined by Martin Freeman as the practical Dr. John Watson. The show, which includes four seasons and a Christmas special, was known for its high production values and clever writing.

Expectations, When Unmet, Turn Into Obsession

Starting with the first episode, “A Study in Pink,” and continuing through “The Reichenbach Fall,” Sherlock quickly gained a huge fanbase thanks to its complex storylines and visually appealing style. The online platform Tumblr became a central hub for fans who believed Sherlock and John had romantic feelings for each other – a theory known as “Johnlock.” When the show didn’t develop this into a romantic relationship, particularly after the divisive final season, many fans accused the creators of misleading them with hints of a romance that never materialized. Some even stopped watching future projects by the showrunners.

‘Supernatural’

Starting in 2005, Supernatural was a dark and intense horror series following brothers Sam and Dean Winchester (Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles) as they hunted supernatural creatures across the country. The show gradually grew into a complex story with angels, demons, different worlds, and even the end of the world. Combining standalone monster hunts with ongoing storylines, Supernatural gained a dedicated fanbase and ran for an impressive 327 episodes.

Found Family, Folklore, and a Good Salt-and-Burn

The show Supernatural has a massive and dedicated fanbase, though it’s sometimes known for being intense. Fans particularly loved the idea of a romantic relationship between Dean and Castiel – known as “Destiel” – and created tons of fan fiction and edits online. When the show didn’t make the relationship official, many fans were upset, and unfortunately, some even harassed the writers and actors. This intensity led to real-world problems, with creators having to clarify things and some actors taking a break from social media. Despite all this, Supernatural is still considered a highly addictive and beloved classic.

‘My Hero Academia’

Even though it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, My Hero Academia is a notable anime series. It takes place in a world where most people have superpowers, known as “quirks.” The story follows Izuku Midoriya, a teenager born without powers, who unexpectedly gains the abilities of All Might, a famous hero, and begins training to become a hero himself. The anime features a large and diverse cast of characters – like Bakugo, Todoroki, and Ochako – and combines familiar action-adventure elements with exciting battles and heartfelt stories about personal growth.

A New Generation of Anime Icons

Many people get into anime through My Hero Academia, which explains its large and passionate fanbase. However, intense disagreements over which characters should be paired together – especially involving Deku, Bakugo, and Todoroki – have caused significant online conflict. Fans have been known to harass each other and even target the series’ creators when their preferred pairings aren’t supported. The manga’s conclusion, which established a relationship between Deku and Ochako, upset a lot of viewers, and the resulting negativity became so severe that the creators and online platforms had to ask fans to be more respectful.

‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’

Based on Jenny Han’s books, The Summer I Turned Pretty follows teenager Belly (Lola Tung) as she navigates a love triangle with brothers Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno). The show, set in beautiful beach towns during memorable summers, explores the ups and downs of first love, the pain of heartbreak, and the journey of growing up and finding yourself.

Team Wars That Got Personal

The show TSITP quickly became hugely popular with Gen Z, thanks to its beautiful look, talented actors, and trending music (especially from Taylor Swift!). The fans are incredibly passionate – they don’t just choose a favorite character, they fiercely defend their choice, leading to constant debates between “Team Conrad” and “Team Jeremiah” on TikTok and X. Things got so heated that Prime Video had to step in and prohibit harassment, as fans began targeting the actors and revealing each other’s personal information. Even the show’s creators spoke out, asking fans to remember it’s just a fictional story. It’s surprising how such a gentle romance could spark such strong feelings, but it’s a prime example of how dedicated modern fanbases can be.

‘Love Island’

I’ve been totally hooked on Love Island ever since I first discovered it! It started in the UK back in 2015 and now there are versions all over the world – the US, Australia, you name it. Basically, a group of really good-looking singles are put together in a villa, and they have to pair up to stay in the competition. There are challenges and the public gets to vote, so it’s always dramatic! But it’s more than just a fun show, I think. It really makes you think about what loyalty and jealousy mean in relationships these days, and how much of what we see is just for show.

Thrill of Watching Love Implode in Real-Time

Fans are fully immersed in the show through live voting and new episodes every day, directly impacting what happens and keeping the excitement high. It’s chaotic, captivating, and perfect for watching all at once. However, Love Island’s devoted online community is incredibly passionate – and sometimes that passion turns negative. Season 7 of Love Island USA saw record ratings, but also a surge in harmful behavior, leading to over 14,000 complaints about bullying and sexism. Viewers often strongly support or criticize specific contestants, flooding social media with their opinions. The backlash became so severe that producers released anti-cyberbullying messages during the season. Cast members have even been harassed and forced to limit their social media use.

‘Game of Thrones’

HBO’s Game of Thrones was a massive success, based on George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series. The show centered on nine powerful families battling for the throne of Westeros, filled with dragons, armies of the dead, and complex political schemes. Viewers were captivated by the dramatic journeys of characters like the Starks and Daenerys Targaryen, and shocked by unexpected plot twists and deaths at every turn.

Maybe Skip Season 8 to Preserve the Magic

The fanbase for Game of Thrones is known as one of the most passionate in TV history. However, the show’s final season, particularly its quickly-paced ending, caused a huge uproar. Nearly two million fans even signed a petition asking for a complete rewrite by different writers. The showrunners, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, avoided the Comic-Con convention due to the negative reaction, and the finale was so disappointing that the creators of Stranger Things used it as a cautionary tale when planning their own series ending. Despite the controversial finale, the show’s storytelling in its first six seasons was excellent and had a significant impact on internet culture, inspiring countless memes and trends.

2025-11-01 20:07