Television didn’t always give us the most realistic version of men. We grew up watching guys like John Rambo, James Bond, Don Draper, or Tyler Durden. They were always perfect, rarely emotional, and somehow had everything figured out. But, does that actually feel real anymore?
Because today, the kind of men we see around us is very different. They overthink, they struggle, they open up, and sometimes, they don’t have it together at all. Modern shows are slowly moving away from the “perfect man” idea and revealing the vulnerable sides of modern men.
Here are 12 such tv shows which are rewriting the concept of masculinity on screen.
12. Fleabag (2016 – 2019)
Women have long been targets of “male gaze,” but ‘Fleabag‘ flips the concept and shows how insecure men can get when they are the ones subject to “female gaze.” Instead of strong, emotionless men, the show gives us a mix. Harry shows vulnerability, the Priest is honest and emotionally aware, while Martin represents harmful, toxic behavior. However, the show doesn’t remain stuck in stereotypes and points out that masculinity can evolve, too, by including characters like the Bank Manager.
Related: 5 TV Characters Who Expose the Reality of Toxic Hyper Masculinity
11. Trying (2020 – 2026)
Men always have this undying need to show off their ‘macho’ side, but Jason, from ‘Trying‘, isn’t one of them. Jason is open about his anxieties, especially during the adoption process, and doesn’t hide behind the usual “strong and silent” image. In fact, the show also challenges the idea that a man’s worth comes from status or being a provider.
10. Schitt’s Creek (2015 – 2020)
Men don’t need to be tough or dominant to be strong. Men just need to be flesh-and-blood humans. And this show gets the perfect grip on this concept. Even though Johnny ends up losing all his materialistic belongings at the beginning of the show, there’s no shortage of support or respect for his wife and children, no matter the circumstances. David also breaks free from traditional gender rules by being fully himself without apology.
9. Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013 – 2021)
Men have always heard growing up, “act tough,” but this show flips that whole idea. Jake starts off chasing a hero image, but as he slowly takes accountability, gets into relationships, and shows up for people, we see him become more grounded.
Even though Terry is really tough and strong, that doesn’t make his character emotionless. When it comes to his daughters, he has plenty of emotions to show. But what takes most of the attention is their friendship. The men are so supportive towards each other, and there’s no scope for ‘macho’ show-offs.
8. This Is Us (2016 – 2022)
Instead of showing men in their usual emotional shut-off phase, this show takes masculinity to a whole new level. Jack may look like the “perfect” father, but we slowly see his battles with trauma and addiction. Randall openly deals with anxiety, Kevin struggles with identity and validation, and Toby hides his depression behind humor. It also shows how patterns pass from one generation to the next, and how hard it is to break them.
7. Malcolm In The Middle (2000 – 2006)
Instead of showing one “right” way to be a man, the show gives us a mix. In the show, we meet a dysfunctional middle-class family in which the child prodigy Malcolm tries to build his life the best way he can, leading to many unexpected adventures. The show presents one of the most interesting subversions of masculinity, as we see the brothers embody and also reject traditional masculine stereotypes.
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6. New Girl (2011 – 2018)
When the quirky Jessica Day moves into an apartment loft with three single men, they must learn to handle their adorable new roommate, and in the process, figure themselves out, too. ‘New Girl‘ doesn’t restrict us to a single, fixed idea of masculinity; it offers us multiple perspectives. Nick is lost and emotionally confused, and Schmidt hides his insecurities behind confidence and style.
5. Rooster (2026)
What if the “strong man” image we see in some men is just an act? Well, in ‘Rooster’, Greg Russo is one of them. Greg Russo aims to be a bold, macho hero, but in real life, he’s awkward, sensitive, and often unsure of himself. And that’s exactly what the show wants us to see. Many men out there are just trying to live up to an image they don’t fully relate to.
Besides, it also flips certain traditional expectations when we see Greg being the more emotional and caring parent. Instead of pushing the idea that men must be tough, ‘Rooster’ introduces us to their vulnerable side.
4. Barry (2018 – 2023)
This one stars Bill Hader as the titular protagonist, Barry Berkman, a depressed hitman who joins an acting class in pursuit of his target. As he gets caught up in the theater arts scene, Barry begins to question his path in life and finds a new purpose amid an eager, hopeful community. The series flips the script and questions the relationship between masculinity and violence.
3. Bupkis (2023)
Described as a “heightened fictionalized version of Pete Davidson’s life,” you don’t have to be a fan of Davidson to like this show. Bupkis takes a very unfiltered look at masculinity by focusing on a man who clearly hasn’t figured it all out yet, and isn’t pretending to. Pete is stuck somewhere between growing up and staying comfortable in his messy, chaotic life. He deals with addiction, loneliness, and mental health, but instead of hiding it, he has a very acceptable and humorous approach.
2. Ted Lasso (2020 – 2023)
When Ted Lasso is hired to coach an English soccer team, many expect him to fail. But he brings an optimistic approach to leadership, which proves to be unexpectedly successful. While the community expects sports teachers to have a rugged, edgy side, the show shows how the character can get the same job done with openness, warmth, and compassion.
1. Shrinking (2023 – 2026)
Shrinking looks at masculinity through a much more honest lens when men stop pretending they’re okay. Jimmy, dealing with grief, doesn’t hide his breakdowns or try to act “strong.” He makes mistakes, struggles openly, and shows that falling apart is sometimes part of the healing process.
The most realistic part is that none of these men are “fixed” overnight. They mess up, they struggle, and they take each other’s help to stand up again. That’s the beauty!
You might also like to read: ‘Shrinking’ Season 3: The Hidden Story Behind Michael J. Fox’s Most Powerful Moment
