Does it Matter What We Watch on TV?

Let’s be honest: TV isn’t what it used to be.

Gone are the days of The Andy Griffith Show, Leave it to Beaver, and Happy Days—the days when wholesome entertainment was normal, even expected. Now it feels like every show comes with graphic sex scenes, constant swearing, and violence on levels we wouldn’t have imagined a decade ago.

And honestly? A lot of it is entertaining. I’ve binge-watched my fair share of shows. I’m human. You’re human.

But lately, I’ve been asking myself:

Does what I watch on TV actually matter to God?

The Bible Doesn’t Say “Don’t Watch Netflix,” But It Does Say This…

There’s no verse in the Bible that says, “Thou shalt not watch HBO.” But Scripture gives us guidance about what we allow into our hearts and minds:

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23

I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. Psalm 101:3

God cares about what shapes us, even through the things we call entertainment.

Watching Sin Isn’t the Same as Doing It… Right?

This is where it gets tricky.

We tell ourselves:
It’s just a show. It’s not real.
I’m not doing these things, I’m just watching.
Everyone else watches this stuff—it’s not a big deal.

But here’s the hard truth: what we consume impacts our hearts.

What we laugh at… we start to accept.
What we tolerate… begins to desensitize us.
What we binge… begins to shape what we think is normal.

The Slow Fade

The enemy rarely pulls us into sin through one big leap. More often, it’s a slow fade:

·         Watching things that normalize casual sex, making it seem harmless.

·         Constant exposure to crude jokes or language that dulls our sense of conviction.

·         Finding ourselves less sensitive to violence, disrespect, and dishonesty because it’s “just a show.”

Over time, our spiritual sharpness can get dull without us even realizing it.

Should We Only Watch Christian TV?

No, this isn’t about throwing away your TV or watching only Christian media. This is about awareness and discernment.

Ask yourself:
Is this show pulling me closer to God or slowly numbing my spirit?
Do I feel convicted while watching, or am I ignoring that quiet nudge?
Am I choosing entertainment that’s in alignment with my faith, or am I making excuses?

A Healthy, Honest Approach

Pray before you press play.
Don’t be afraid to walk away from shows that disturb your peace.
Mix in content that builds you up. Faith-filled podcasts, inspiring documentaries, wholesome shows—they still exist!
Give yourself grace. Conviction leads to change, not condemnation.

It’s About Influence, Not Legalism

This isn’t about legalistic rules or feeling guilty every time you enjoy a show. It’s about being honest with ourselves about what’s shaping our hearts.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right… think about such things. Philippians 4:8

We are called to be in the world, but not of it—and that includes what we invite into our homes through our screens.

A Prayer for Discernment

Lord, help me to guard my heart and mind. Give me discernment when it comes to the things I watch. Help me to recognize when something is pulling me away from You, and give me the strength to turn it off. Let my entertainment choices reflect a heart that desires to honor You. Amen.

You’re Not Alone

If you’ve wrestled with this, you’re not alone. It’s okay to enjoy entertainment, but let’s be mindful of what we feed our hearts.

Because what we consume doesn’t just entertain us… it shapes us.