BBC iPlayer adds warnings about outdated language to classic comedies removed from Netflix
Message warns that shows ‘reflect the broadcast standards, language and attitudes’ of their time
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.BBC iPlayer has introduced warnings about outdated “social attitudes” to a number of their TV shows.
As TV networks and streaming services around the world reckon with their past use of racist stereotypes on screen, the BBC’s catch-up service added a pop-up warning to shows containing language deemed offensive in 2020.
A message accompanying the recent remake of Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads reads: “This film is set in the 1980s and reflects the language and social attitudes of its time.”
Meanwhile, a number of classic comedies including The Mighty Boosh and The League of Gentlemen have an added message noting that each show “reflects the broadcast standards, language and attitudes of its time”, adding that “some viewers may find this content offensive.”
Both comedies were removed from Netflix in June due to their use of blackface, but have remained on iPlayer throughout.
Earlier this week, Channel 4 responded in a similar manner to the news that Netflix had removed a scene containing blackface from a 2004 episode of Peep Show, telling Newsweek that many of the shows in their archive “reflect the time they were made and some contain content which could now be regarded as inappropriate”.
They added: “We understand the strong feelings provoked by some of this content but we do not believe that erasing our creative history is a quick fix for the issues affecting our society today.”
After Gone With The Wind was removed from HBO Max, the show returned to the streaming service with a pre-roll disclaimer explaining that the film “denies the horrors of slavery”.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments