2016 has been full of fun, love, and excitement. However, in light of recent events, there has also been much heartache felt around the world. Racism, hatred and fear, have also made themselves extremely present this past year. This heartache has made itself a part of television and media as writers are searching for ways to add messages of equality to their shows, films, and other forms of entertainment. A few shows in particular have made the quest to display inequality and how to correct those ignorant behaviors. And their all over television whether you've been paying attention or not. Whether it's racism, sexism, or any other discrimination, these shows excelled in bringing these important messages of equality, love, and hope, into our homes.

1. "Fresh Off the Boat"

A family of immigrants trying to pursue the American dream in a suburban Orlando, Fl, in the 1990s. This show does an excellent job of displaying the racism and cultural misunderstandings that come with the territory of adapting to a new culture. From discussing the changing of birth names to adapt to the American culture to the importance of your roots, this show has a lot to say and has been highly regarded for being accurate in all the right ways. Fresh, hilarious, and progressive, this show has many lessons to teach their viewers.

2. "Broad City"

In almost every episode, Abbi and Illana have made the effort of adding feminist, racial equality and other social equality contexts to their dialogue. Whether it's discussing the need for tampons (which is rarely done on television), women expressing their sexuality, relationships, drugs, role models or being a semi-adult, this show is an open book. Humorous and original, the show is definitely worth a watch as it continues to inspire a change in our world.

3. "Black-Ish"

One episode in particular stood out this year. The episode, "Hope," explored racial inequality and the violence that can come with it. When watching a fake case of police brutality (that was inspired by true events) they came to a difficult decision: how to communicate these events to the younger generation. Do we talk with hatred or with hope? That episode was written beautifully and deserves great recognition for tackling such a big topic while remaining up-beat with their usual humor. This show is greatly educating its' viewers, and hopefully we will see more of this dialogue in future episodes.

4. "Orange is the New Black"

Consistently reviewed as impressive, explosive and honest, "OITNB" attacks every social issue in existence. Whether it's mental health, racism, sexism, LGBTQ discrimination, transgender rights or political corruption, this show is ready with a storyline and amazing acting. This show has probably done more for bringing the presence of social injustices into our homes than other shows out there. With the tragic events going on around the world today, it is important that our media properly reflects it. We cannot live in a world that is ignorant of the bigger picture. This show made sure that while you're at home binge watching each season, that you are reminded of this bigger picture and the chaos that is the world today.

5. "Law & Order: SVU"

For years this show has delivered the same lesson: consent. This is one of the most important things to be stressed to the public. Because of the sexist treatment of women, there are more occurrences of sexual violence. Everyone's favorite detective Olivia Benson has gone above and beyond by assuring the definition of consent and the complexity of rape cases in every episode. As a woman, I am forever grateful for a show like this. "SVU" is great for a lazy day, but also educates its viewers of the real world and the violence that is out there. With easy education like "SVU" we can stop the fear, terror, and violence in the world.

6. "Inside Amy Schumer

The sketch show has tackled countless issues from sexist behavior in the media, gun violence, racism, and has called out the outrageous behavior we continue to do on a daily basis. I am grateful for this show because it has introduced us to a hilarious, smart, and strong, woman we can all learn a thing or two from. Schemer has a lot to say and I am definitely in for the long haul.

7. "The Carmichael Show"

"The Carmichael Show" is under-watched and undervalued as it makes consistent strides towards racial equality with every episode. In one specific episode, they discussed Bill Cosby and what side to take regarding his career. Do we hate him for his actions and avoid all of his entertainment or can we still enjoy his comedy while accepting his actions? Not many shows were discussing Cosby because he was such a big figure in entertainment for so long, and had such a big part in comedy for years. In every episode, there is an expectation of these discussions and they never fail.