The Muppet Show: Disney Plus adds content advisory warning of ‘negative depictions of cultures’
Streaming platform states that it ‘wants to acknowledge its harmful impact’ rather than remove content
Your support helps us to tell the story
My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.
Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond
Eric Garcia
Washington Bureau Chief
A new disclaimer has been added to old episodes ofThe Muppet Show on Disney Plus.
The platform – which began streaming the family variety show on 19 February – has added a warning of “negative depictions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures” to 18 of the 120 episodes available to watch on the streaming service.
The disclaimer reads: “These stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now. Rather than remove this content, we want to acknowledge its harmful impact, learn from it and spark conversation to create a more inclusive future together.”
The 11-time Emmy winning show ran for five seasons between 1976 and 1981.
According to Variety, episodes hosted by Steve Martin, Johnny Cash, Peter Sellers, Kenny Rogers, and Debbie Harry are among those that now begin with the disclaimer.
As found by The Guardian, one Reddit user has offered their thoughts on why the content warning was applied to those 18 episodes specifically.
“Being a show from the late 70s/early 80s, it’s no surprise that The Muppet Show has plenty of problematic moments, when it comes to its depictions of certain cultures,” wrote the user behind the thread.
They go on to explain that one episode hosted by Cash likely had the disclaimer added because it saw the country legend perform in front of a Confederate flag, which has connotations with white supremacy.
Another instalment features Irish actor Spike Milligan dressed up in a variety of caricatured and offensive national costumes as part of his performance of “It’s a Small World”.
This is not the first time the disclaimer has been added to shows on the streaming platform.
The same content advisory warning opens Lady and the Tramp, The Jungle Book, Peter Pan, Aristocats, Dumbo and Swiss Family Robinson.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments