List #65: "S" Is for ... Socially Aware Sitcoms?

These three shows seem to be flying under the critical radar, but they deserve some attention and kudos for their matter-of-fact approaches to being socially progressive.

Schitt's Creek

• Solid on: Sexuality. One of the main characters is pansexual -- this is not treated as a big deal, but he also gets to have sex without anyone being tragically killed off.
• Bonus points for: Having a mayor named Roland Schitt, but still not making all of the townspeople idiots.
• Notable scene: David explains his ... wine preferences.
• Where to stream: Seasons 1 and 2 are on both Amazon and Netflix.

Speechless

• Solid on: Disability rights
• Bonus points for: The younger sister is a supercompetitive jock, but there are no tomboy jokes.
• Notable scene: Explaining inspiration porn.
• Where to stream: Season 1 is on ABC.com and Hulu.

Superstore

• Solid on: Blue collar workers, immigration issues, unionization
• Bonus points for: Having a truly diverse ensemble cast that's not led by a white dude.
• Notable scene: The employees strike for workers' rights.
• Where to stream: Season 2 is on NBC.com and Hulu.