TV Series That Explored Class Differences Without Judgment

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For years, television has been a powerful way to explore the differences between social classes and the conflicts that arise when people from different economic backgrounds interact. These shows go beyond simple stereotypes of rich or poor people, instead showing the complex and relatable humanity in everyone, regardless of their social status. By focusing on personal relationships and avoiding overly preachy stories, creators let viewers understand the subtle realities of both privilege and hardship. The series below offer insightful and well-developed stories that delve into these class dynamics.

‘Downton Abbey’ (2010–2015)

This popular British series follows the Crawley family – an aristocratic household – and the servants who work in their grand home during the years after the Edwardian era. The show portrays the house as a self-contained world where the lives of the family and staff are closely connected. It depicts how events like the Titanic disaster and World War I affected society and the established social order, and explores the hopes and dreams of individuals despite the strict rules of the time.

‘The Wire’ (2002–2008)

David Simon’s show offers a detailed and expansive look at Baltimore, exploring the city through the perspectives of police, drug dealers, blue-collar workers, and those in power. It carefully shows how problems within the system keep people stuck in poverty, no matter their intentions. The series depicts characters – both law-abiding and criminals – struggling within a system that often prioritizes numbers over people. Ultimately, it’s a powerful and insightful look at American cities and the economic realities that define life within them.

‘Succession’ (2018–2023)

The Roy family owns a huge media empire, but they’re constantly fighting amongst themselves for control. The show reveals how incredibly wealthy and privileged people can be deeply unhappy and damaging to those around them. These characters often don’t seem to care about how their choices impact regular people. Even though they have everything, the Roy siblings are insecure and desperately want their father’s approval.

‘Upstairs, Downstairs’ (1971–1975)

This beloved series, taking place in a grand townhouse in Belgravia, practically defined the genre of dramas about the lives of wealthy families and their household staff. Over three decades, it beautifully portrays the changing fortunes of the British upper class and the growing power of those who worked for them. The show gives equal attention to the personal lives of the Bellamy family and their servants, showing how society began to change in the early 1900s and how traditional social classes were starting to blend.

‘The White Lotus’ (2021–Present)

This darkly funny series takes place over a week at a high-end resort, following the lives of both the guests and the people who work there. It exposes the reality behind luxury travel, showing how service workers are often treated as invisible by wealthy vacationers. The show explores the compromises employees make to get by, and uses humor to highlight the disconnect between the entitled rich and the frustrated working class.

‘Schitt’s Creek’ (2015–2020)

I absolutely love this show! It’s about the Rose family, who were incredibly rich but lost everything and had to move to this tiny town they’d bought on a whim years ago. It’s hilarious watching them try to adjust to a normal life without all their fancy stuff, and how they slowly become part of the local community. What’s really amazing is seeing how they change as people, letting go of their snobbery and actually connecting with others. It’s such a feel-good story about finding strength and realizing that who you are is so much more important than how much money you have.

‘The Gilded Age’ (2022–Present)

This drama takes place in 1880s New York City and highlights the differences between established wealthy families and the newly rich. It examines the strict rules of high society and the challenges faced by those trying to climb the social ladder. The series also portrays the lives of the African American upper class and the servants who worked in these lavish homes. The clash between old traditions and modern ideas is at the heart of the story.

‘Normal People’ (2020)

This series, based on Sally Rooney’s novel, explores the complicated connection between Marianne and Connell, following them from high school through their adult lives. Connell comes from a working-class family, while Marianne is from a wealthy family who employs his mother. As they go to university, this creates a shift in their relationship, with Connell struggling to fit in among his more affluent classmates, and Marianne flourishing academically. The show realistically depicts how a person’s financial background can impact their confidence and ability to connect with others.

‘Shameless’ (2011–2021)

The Gallagher family lives a challenging life in a poor neighborhood of Chicago, facing issues like poverty and addiction. The show honestly portrays how they cope with these difficulties, without glossing over the harsh realities or portraying them as helpless. It’s a chaotic but funny look at a community that relies on itself to get by.

‘Big Little Lies’ (2017–2019)

The new series is set in Monterey, a beautiful and wealthy coastal town, and centers around a murder that draws a group of mothers into a complex investigation. The show highlights the differences between the lives of successful, well-off women and a newcomer to the area who is struggling as a single mother. While these families appear to have it all, living in luxurious homes, the show reveals hidden struggles with abuse and financial hardship, challenging the idea that money buys happiness or security.

‘Maid’ (2021)

A young mother escapes a dangerous home life and starts cleaning houses to provide for her daughter. The show realistically portrays the challenges of navigating America’s social safety net, shedding light on the often-overlooked struggles of people who work hard cleaning homes and the physical demands of their jobs. As she cleans, she gets a glimpse into the personal lives of her wealthier clients, all while trying to meet her own family’s basic needs.

‘Little Fires Everywhere’ (2020)

As a total cinema lover, I was completely hooked by this series! It centers around the seemingly flawless Richardson family and how their lives get shaken up when a mysterious artist and her daughter move into their orbit. What really grabbed me was how it explored the complicated dynamic between a wealthy homeowner and her tenant, who’s just trying to make ends meet. It’s not just a simple story, though; it really digs into how even people with good intentions can miss the mark, and the sacrifices people make to keep up appearances. The show brilliantly weaves together themes of class, race, and motherhood, all set against the backdrop of suburban life. It’s a really thought-provoking and compelling drama.

‘Bridgerton’ (2020–Present)

The show is a love story set in Regency London, but it also explores the challenges of finding a spouse for people of all social classes. We see the wealthy Bridgerton family at the top of society, alongside characters trying to hold onto their position or improve their lives. The series shows how easily even nobles could face financial hardship, and also gives a glimpse into the lives of those who depended on the generosity of the wealthy.

‘The Crown’ (2016–2023)

This drama tells the life story of Queen Elizabeth II and the history of the British monarchy. It shows the stark contrast between the wealth and privilege of the royal family and the everyday financial struggles of people in Britain over several decades. The series frequently points out how the Queen’s responsibilities sometimes clash with the changing values and society around her, and how the monarchy tries to stay important in a world that increasingly values equality.

‘Mad Men’ (2007–2015)

This series takes place in the cutthroat world of 1960s advertising, following the careers and personal lives of those working on Madison Avenue. It highlights the stark differences between the wealthy partners and the ambitious secretaries and copywriters striving for success. The show demonstrates how someone’s upbringing often determines their opportunities, and how characters often create new personal histories to fit into this glamorous, fast-paced environment.

‘Squid Game’ (2021–Present)

A large group of people, struggling financially, sign up for a competition where they play children’s games, lured by the promise of a life-changing reward. The show is a harsh commentary on today’s economic system and the hopelessness that comes with overwhelming debt. It explores how losing everything financially can take away a person’s self-respect and push them to do whatever it takes to survive. The stark difference between the wealthy viewers and the desperate players highlights the huge gap between rich and poor around the world.

‘Snowpiercer’ (2020–2024)

After a catastrophic freeze turns Earth into a wasteland, the last survivors live on a train that never stops moving. The train is rigidly separated by class, with the rich enjoying luxury at the front and the poor crammed into the back. The story follows the growing unrest as a small, privileged group controls all the resources. It’s a self-contained world that reflects society, where climbing the social ladder is literally impossible thanks to armed guards and locked doors.

‘The O.C.’ (2003–2007)

The series follows a troubled teen from a difficult family background who is welcomed into the home of a successful lawyer in Newport Beach. It explores the clash between his old life and the wealthy world of Orange County, while also revealing the hidden struggles of the privileged characters. The story consistently connects those on the outside looking in with the inner workings of high society.

‘Veronica Mars’ (2004–2019)

The show takes place in Neptune, a town sharply divided by wealth, with no middle class. It follows a student navigating a high school where kids either come from incredibly wealthy families or work for those families. The series features dark, mysterious plots that often expose how the rich abuse their power. It offers a bleak look at how money can corrupt justice and determine someone’s place in society.

‘Gilmore Girls’ (2000–2007)

Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter find a cozy life in a small town after Lorelai chooses to build a life separate from her wealthy family. The show focuses on the contrast between Lorelai’s independent lifestyle and the formal, demanding world of her parents. Money often becomes a point of contention and a way for them to influence each other. The series beautifully blends the welcoming atmosphere of the town with the strict rules and expectations of high society.

‘Gossip Girl’ (2007–2012)

This show centers on the lives of wealthy teenagers living on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. It highlights the differences between their world and that of the Humphrey family, who come from Brooklyn and are trying to fit in thanks to a scholarship. The story looks at how money shields these characters from the usual repercussions of their actions, yet also puts them constantly in the public eye. A major focus is on their attempts to climb the social ladder and maintain their positions at the top.

‘The Nanny’ (1993–1999)

The series follows a stylish nanny from Flushing, Queens, who gets a job caring for the children of a successful British Broadway producer. The humor comes from the contrast between Fran’s down-to-earth personality and the fancy, upper-class lifestyle of the Maxwell family. The show is a heartwarming story about two different worlds coming together, and it celebrates Fran’s background without making fun of it. It emphasizes that kindness and practicality are often more important than strict social rules.

‘Outer Banks’ (2020–Present)

Set on an island divided by wealth, a teenager and his three friends embark on a quest for a long-lost treasure. The story revolves around the intense conflict between the local working class, called Pogues, and the wealthy summer residents, known as Kooks. The series highlights how a young person’s economic background often dictates their future, and the treasure hunt becomes a last-ditch effort to break free from a life of hardship.

‘Elite’ (2018–2024)

Three scholarship students from working-class backgrounds start attending Spain’s most elite private school, creating tension with the privileged student body. This leads to a complex mix of bullying, relationships, and ultimately, a murder investigation. The show explores how extreme wealth can create a sense of entitlement and the resulting anger it provokes, presenting the school as a small-scale reflection of larger societal inequalities with deadly results.

‘Roseanne’ (1988–2018)

This popular sitcom follows the Conners, a working-class family in Illinois, as they navigate the challenges of everyday life. With humor and honesty, the show tackles relatable issues like job loss, business setbacks, and financial difficulties. What made the show unique was its realistic portrayal of a blue-collar family – it didn’t romanticize their struggles, nor did it portray them as victims, but simply showed life as it is. It resonated with many Americans who understand the challenges of living paycheck to paycheck.

‘Peaky Blinders’ (2013–2022)

After World War I, a family of Irish Traveller gangsters begins to climb the social ladder in Birmingham, England. The Shelbys use both criminal activity and legal businesses to go from living in poverty to gaining influence and power. The show highlights the obstacles faced by working-class people and the violence they sometimes had to use to overcome them, while also examining the connections between crime, politics, and the upper class in Britain during the early 1900s.

‘Rome’ (2005–2007)

I’m completely hooked on this show! It’s a really compelling look at how Rome changed from a Republic to an Empire. What I love is that it doesn’t just focus on the famous leaders like Caesar and Antony, but also shows us what life was like for the regular soldiers and citizens. It really brings history to life, contrasting the incredible wealth of the upper class with the harsh realities faced by most people. You really see how the decisions made by those in power directly affected the lives – and survival – of everyday Romans.

‘Deadwood’ (2004–2006)

Set in a rough-and-tumble 1870s mining town, the show follows a diverse group of people all chasing their dreams of wealth. It portrays the harsh beginnings of a community built on gold, where money dictates power. The story examines how a society is formed through the combination of wealth, work, and conflict, and features characters ranging from rich gold-seekers to those struggling just to get by.

‘Call the Midwife’ (2012–Present)

As a total cinema devotee, I’m captivated by this series set in London’s East End during the late 50s and 60s. It follows a team of nurse midwives and really throws a light on the hardships faced by the people of Poplar – it was a truly impoverished area back then. What’s so powerful is how it shows the stark contrast between their lives and those in more affluent parts of London, especially when it came to getting proper healthcare. But it doesn’t just focus on the poverty; it portrays the community with such incredible respect and sensitivity. It’s a beautiful and moving depiction of resilience in the face of adversity.

‘Poldark’ (2015–2019)

When Ross Poldark comes home after fighting in the American Revolution, he discovers his father has died and his family’s estate is in disrepair. The story follows his attempts to rebuild the family’s copper mines and his unexpected marriage to a servant. It highlights the tensions between wealthy landowners and the impoverished villagers who depend on the mines, ultimately siding with the struggles of the working class against the powerful and often ruthless banking system.

‘North & South’ (2004)

This miniseries, based on Elizabeth Gaskell’s novel, tells the story of a woman from a wealthy southern background who relocates to a gritty northern town and meets the owner of a cotton mill. It examines the differences between the established upper class and the newly wealthy industrial class, as well as the beginnings of workers’ rights movements and the difficult realities of factory life. A romantic relationship blossoms as the characters begin to appreciate and understand each other’s very different perspectives.

‘Billions’ (2016–2023)

The series follows a clever U.S. Attorney as they battle a powerful hedge fund manager. It’s a look into the world of immense wealth, where money protects and attacks. The show explores the clash between the government’s fight for justice and the private sector’s drive for profit, revealing how the ultra-wealthy operate by their own set of rules.

‘Yellowstone’ (2018–Present)

Yellowstone follows the Dutton family as they struggle to hold onto their sprawling ranch. They face threats from those wanting to develop the land and from a neighboring Native American reservation. The show delves into the clash between a traditional lifestyle and the forces of modern business, showing how the ranch owners rely on the fierce loyalty of their cowboys. Ultimately, it’s a story about how owning land represents the greatest form of power.

‘Atlanta’ (2016–2022)

This show follows two cousins trying to make it in Atlanta’s rap world, hoping to build better lives for themselves and their families. It’s a raw and emotional look at the hard work needed to escape poverty, contrasting the struggles of everyday life with the glamorous image of success in music. The series also highlights the unique financial challenges faced by Black Americans.

‘Pose’ (2018–2021)

This series, set in the late 80s and early 90s, looks at the vibrant ball culture within the African-American and Latino LGBTQ+ communities, and how it existed alongside the extravagance of the Trump era. It focuses on the strong bonds formed by people often rejected by their families and society, and contrasts the dazzling performances of ballroom competitions with the real struggles – like poverty and health issues – faced by those involved. Ultimately, it’s a story about chosen families and the unique ways they build their own communities and sense of worth.

‘Industry’ (2020–Present)

A group of recent graduates from various backgrounds are vying for permanent jobs at a top investment bank in London. The show reveals the exclusive nature of high finance and how someone’s upbringing can impact their self-assurance and skills. Some characters try to hide where they come from to blend in, while others leverage their backgrounds for an edge. It’s a look at a fiercely competitive workplace where achieving financial success is the only thing that counts.

‘My Brilliant Friend’ (2018–2024)

This Italian series tells the story of two friends growing up in a tough neighborhood in Naples. It shows how their lives take different turns – one pursues education, while the other stays caught in a cycle of violence. The show is a powerful look at how education and marriage can offer ways to escape poverty, and the difficulties of breaking free from where you come from while still feeling connected to it.

‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ (2017–2023)

After her marriage falls apart, a privileged housewife from the Upper West Side unexpectedly finds she has a knack for stand-up comedy. The show explores the sharp contrast between her comfortable, upper-class life and the rough-and-tumble world of downtown comedy clubs. Midge must balance the expectations of her wealthy family with the challenges of working with struggling artists, and the series focuses on the liberating, yet unpredictable, experience of breaking free from a life of privilege.

‘Hacks’ (2021–Present)

This series follows a famous Las Vegas comedian who needs to update her routine, so she hires a young, somewhat spoiled comedy writer. The show highlights the differences in their backgrounds – the comedian is a seasoned star, while the writer is just starting out in today’s unpredictable job market. As they work together, both women gain a new appreciation for the challenges each has faced navigating a traditionally male-dominated entertainment world. It’s a witty and honest portrayal of how unstable the world of show business can be, no matter how successful you are.

‘Arrested Development’ (2003–2019)

Okay, so “Arrested Development” is one of my all-time favorites. It’s about the Bluths, this super-rich family who suddenly have all their money taken away when the dad gets arrested. It’s filmed like a real documentary, which makes it even funnier, because it really skewers how clueless they are about, well, everything! The son, Michael, is the only one with a head on his shoulders and he’s constantly trying to hold the whole crazy bunch together, even though they’re all totally self-absorbed and obsessed with money. Honestly, it’s brilliant social commentary disguised as a hilarious comedy – it perfectly shows how wealth can protect people from the consequences of their own incompetence.

‘Boardwalk Empire’ (2010–2014)

During Prohibition, Nucky Thompson runs Atlantic City, acting as both a politician and a criminal boss. The show reveals how easily money from illegal activities could buy political influence and power. It tells the stories of various people – immigrants, workers, and performers – alongside the wealthy men who controlled the city, showing how many people pursued the American Dream through unlawful methods.

‘Friday Night Lights’ (2006–2011)

The town of Dillon, Texas, revolves around high school football. The show offers a realistic look at the economic hardships faced by the community, where many see athletic scholarships as the only path to a better future. It portrays the lives and emotions of working-class families with sensitivity and respect.

‘Severance’ (2022–Present)

I’m completely hooked on this show! It’s about people who work at this biotech company, and they actually have a surgery to completely separate their work memories from their personal ones. It’s a really powerful way of showing how disconnected we can feel from our jobs and how much control companies have over us. The show highlights how the people in charge have all the power, and the workers don’t even remember what rights they should have outside of work. It really makes you think about what it means to give up a part of yourself – your memories, your consciousness – just to earn a living. It’s a disturbing, but brilliant, look at modern work life.

Tell us which of these series you found most compelling in the comments.

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2026-01-24 09:26