Today in pop culture, television shows have become much more risque, giving the media a reputation that isn’t exactly very nice. Some people say that television rots children’s brains and that time should be limited when it comes to watching, and others say that teenagers are becoming more influenced by the malicious actions that many of them portray. Well, I think differently. The following are a few shows in specific that have influenced me to make rather good choices for myself.

1. "The Facts of Life"

Despite how old this show is, it taught me a lot about how friends are supposed to act, and how to react to situations unfamiliar to me. I also discovered that having a support system is honestly the best thing in the world and that holding onto those surrounding me will be important in the end because no matter what, I'll know that I have them when I really need them.

2. "Reign"

Though it contains many sexual scenes and references, the reoccurring theme is the arranged marriage between Mary, the Queen of Scots, and Francis, the heir to the French throne. It taught me that choice isn’t always involved and that while I do have control over myself, I should use it for better things. In addition to this lesson, I began to become more interested in the culture, in the topic of arranged marriage. I did not know that it had so much history behind it and that it was a genuine thing.

3. "Full House"

Wow, OK. So this show taught me more than any of the ones in this list, due to the fact that most of the lessons and key things that I've acquired knowledge of has come from it. Each and every episode included some sort of conflict and resolution, which are still occurring today, such as body image, confidence and even relationship issues. But even more than that, I learned that your family is always there, even when you don't think they are, and they'll have your back. It taught me that being selfless is one of the best things that you can be, not only for yourself, but for others, because being there when needed truly counts in the long run.

4. "Supernatural"

While this CW show makes references to many malicious religious figures and is quite violent, it taught me that life will always be hard, no matter what we do or say to attempt to change it, but it is how we react to it and how we get through it that really defines us. But in addition, there are many many other controversial topics that are covered over a variety of episodes, for example, mental illness, death, and even sexuality. It feels good to feel represented, which induced me to want to make others feel that way, to continue to share my voice. It taught me that having a voice is a good thing, despite anyone's discouragements.

5. "The Cosby Show"

Despite the ongoing Cosby controversy, the Huxtable family showed me so many things, and they taught me lessons, ones that I remember even now. I was led to believe that family is only as strong as you make it and that is true, and I've learned that the members of the family are the ones whom have the power to bring everyone together and to form the bonds they do. They taught me about everything from cheating to staying out late, even to how puberty works and seeing it as a pre-teen, it was a lot for me to understand at that time, but now I see what it meant and how much it helped me through those things.

6. "The Secret Life of the American Teenager"

I only began watching this television show a few months ago, but boy, did I learn from it. It taught me that sex isn't always needed to have a successful relationship, but that when sex does roll around, it is good to know what you're doing, and to have good reasoning. I learned that being safe and protected during the action is important, because if not, there is the possibility of unexpected illness and/or pregnancy as a result. It taught me that age is not just a number, that teenagers do go through many things and despite how difficult it may seem, there is always a way through.

7. "Shake it Up"

This Disney show taught me a few important things, that I value a lot. For one, it taught me a good amount about friendship, both the good and bad sides. It also taught me that sometimes, it is good to take risks and to go after what you love, what you're passionate about, because you will never know if you truly can do it, if you don't try. It also taught me that being unique and being yourself is so much better than trying to follow other people, because I will never be them, I'll only ever be me, and that is the best that I can be, because I have so much potential.

8. "Doctor Who"

Education has always seemed somewhat boring to me, almost like a chore because of so many years of school and having to acquire the same facts and stories, that is until Doctor Who showed me differently, an opposite side to learning new things. It showed me that not only is knowledge power, that it can be fun to obtain even more knowledge, in addition. I have also realized how much companionship can mean, in comparison to being alone. Instead of waiting for it, "Doctor Who" taught me to go out and find it.

9. "Merlin"

Though it was a fantasy based television show, the importance of loyalty was one of the main things that I learned while immersed in it. Loyalty is always something that is important, in any relationship, because it reveals not only trust, but it helps to induce hope when it seems lost, and I've learned not only to give it, but to teach myself to be able to receive and accept it as well. In addition, I've retrieved the art of honesty, and how much it truly can mean in certain situations. Honesty is an incredibly

10. "Degrassi: The Next Generation"

Right now, in my life, I am in the middle of a transition and it's important to me that I obtain a healthier mindset about everything surrounding me, and Degrassi did such. The characters in this show changed, whether they were bad before or their morals had been erased, they were able to get through it, and it's helped me realize that perhaps I can, too. I've learned that nothing is impossible if you go after it hard enough and if you truly work for it until you finally achieve it. In the end, all the effort put into it will have been worth it.

You see, television has helped me in ways that I didn't know that I could learn, yet it has also inspired me to share my knowledge with others. It may seem as if an excessive amount could do damage to one's mind, but I must admit that I think that a lack of knowledge is worse than knowing too much. What do television shows teach you?