Are 'Guilty Pleasure' Shows Okay for Christians?
Our minds are not made for all work; they need space to rest, refresh, and reemerge into childlike wonder. Childlike wonder can be experienced as an adult through the art of storytelling from others, just as children light up at new worlds, renowned heroes, and uncertain cliffhangers. The art of storytelling through television has massively grown, and with it, a sub-category of “guilty pleasure” shows has entered alongside. As Christians, are guilty pleasure shows good for us, or should we refrain from indulging in them?
A Pathway to the Mind
Your eyes are a pathway to your mind, and what enters your mind will inevitably impact your thought life. Matthew 6:22 says, “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness.” (NIV).
Considering this, what do guilty pleasure shows bring to your mind? Do they offer emphasis on the Light, or do they champion darkness? Are these shows leading to redemption, or are they training your mind to view sin as something it is not? Pondering these questions can help determine if a show is worthy of being welcomed inside.
Desensitized to Sinful Desires
A common trait of “guilty pleasure shows” is that they often portray sin in alluring scenes. This can be a provocative sex scene, an adultery scandal, or a persuasion to cheer for the villain to overcome and win. As the audience is given things bite by bite, they may not realize that they are becoming attuned and desensitized to the sin that is becoming normalized. The consumption entering in loses its shocking flavor because the palate has been trained to accept sin without flinching. Consider someone who eats bitter lemon—the first one will make them wince, but if they are given lemons over and over again, they get used to the taste. They no longer see lemons as something to spit out; they have become a commonplace menu item for the person. In the same way, guilty pleasure shows can cause the viewer to not find issues or harm when what is happening on the screen becomes reality around them. Sex outside of marriage is “just what happens,” or theft must be “sticking it to the real bad guy” somehow. When sin, like lemons, no longer makes the human wince and feel sick, it can then be adopted as a suitable part of a diet. But can this be redeemed?
Seeking the Holy Spirit for a Redemptive Arch
In a fallen world with humans who all miss the mark, there is beauty in the redemptive power of God at work in a story. It is evident repeatedly throughout the Bible where someone’s story will be assumed as beyond repair or hope, and then God will have the final say. The same can be said of storylines categorized as “secular.” In the context of guilty pleasure shows the bigger question must be asked, “is this character headed towards true redemption?” or “will this story end with grace and benefit to me by watching to be encouraged in a fallen world?” Tolkien said that since we are made in the image of God as Creator, we are therefore “sub-creators” after Him. What this entails is the potential that in living out the image of God that the writer or creator of the plotline would entwine the story to offer sentiments of real, tangible change for the arch of a character. Unfortunately, unless we know the end from the beginning, we cannot really know just how the show will unfold in time. This is why we must seek the Holy Spirit for His wisdom regarding such media. James 1:5 reminds us that God is more than willing to give us the wisdom we seek in all things, not just some, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (NIV). The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth, and He will graciously guide us in what is right and acceptable for the season of life we are navigating. Remember that even if it does not make sense, He sees more than we do, and threads of redemption may be found evident in unlikely places.
What Is Permissible for Some
Paul spoke to the argument that all things are permissible in 1 Corinthians 10:23, ““Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything builds up.” (CSB). What this means in the context of media is that what is acceptable for some will not be for others. That is why we so desperately need to include the Holy Spirit for guidance on what is good for us and what we ought to refrain from. This goes beyond just sex in shows. It can include gore. Excessively violent films or shows can prove too much for someone, so it would be best if they did not view such films. They can instead be shielded from what will linger in their mind afterwards. This is freedom, for the person is free from the aftermath of what some media can introduce of fear, anxiety, and beyond. There is also the call to be sensitive towards others because what is without harm is not the case for another.
What Should You Do?
To properly answer if a guilty pleasure show is okay, the Lord is the one to ask. He can work in mysterious ways, pulling a golden thread of wisdom in the most unlikely of places at times, but it must be Him revealing the way forward. Ask Him if the program is something for you, or if it is better that you find an alternative to enjoy. Philippians 4:8 reminds us to, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (NIV). This does not mean cutting off everything streaming services have to offer. It means including God in every choice of your life. If He is Lord of your life, then allow Him to be Lord of your entire life. Know that if He leads you away from a binge-worthy series, it is ultimately for your benefit, not to keep anything good from you. Also, be open-minded that He may lead you to watch something else because there is a lesson to be gleaned from the characters and their experiences. I have seen Him use shows like 1923 to paint a concept and picture to me from a very background character. It is unconventional to some, but for me it offered me the understanding I needed in my own life. Trust that under His leading there is no guilt, just pleasure in watching the show He approves of.
Originally published August 12, 2025.
