I don't think no one should be offended by what is seen or heard in a sitcom because it's connected to entertainment and the purpose of the show is to make us laugh, not MAD. Thoughts?

I disagree. There should be limits--by your logic, hardcore pornography could be shown in the family hour and excused by a joke or the purpose of "Entertainment"

Shows like "Friends," "Will & Grace," and "Coupling" are push the limits of broadcast entertainment too far and are easily bested, IMO, by more creative and family-friendly fare (such as "Star Trek," "Pokemon," "Green Acres," "Frasier," "Laverne & Shirley," "Andy Griffith Show," etc.). Its worse that Friends and now Will & Grace air in the family hour.

Thankfully, there seems to be a huge kick-start in the fight against indecency recently!

Originally posted by ClassicComedyFan2
I disagree. There should be limits--by your logic, hardcore pornography could be shown in the family hour and excused by a joke or the purpose of "Entertainment"

Shows like "Friends," "Will & Grace," and "Coupling" are push the limits of broadcast entertainment too far and are easily bested, IMO, by more creative and family-friendly fare (such as "Star Trek," "Pokemon," "Green Acres," "Frasier," "Laverne & Shirley," "Andy Griffith Show," etc.). Its worse that Friends and now Will & Grace air in the family hour.

Thankfully, there seems to be a huge kick-start in the fight against indecency recently!

Come on, there a big difference between hard core porn and FRIENDS/Will & Grace. Yes they are adult humor and they push the envelope but they are FUNNY (and I Realize we all have different standards of funny so you may think it's not funny but I do and that's my right). Standards are different now on TV than they were 20 years ago. How many years ago was it that Lucy and Ricky couldn't even be shown sharing a bed together?

My 9 year old watches FRIENDS. Most of it goes over her head. She thinks they are funny, she laughs at stuff she understands and the other stuff she doesnt' even know what they are talking about. This same child turns around and watches MR. Ed, Green Acres, Laverne & Shirley, etc with me.

If you think it's too crass or rude, just avoid it. I'm sick that FRIENDS is coming to an end and Thursday nights won't be the same without it.

In Solomon's thread, "Would you still buy TV shows on DVD if the eps were NOT UNCUT?", I mentioned that if some episodes were edited for the sole reason that they contained stuff that might offend people like minorities, then I would still buy it. If a show from the 70s used words like the "N" word, then it would probably offend someone who is African-American. I'm not African-American, in case you are wondering.

Originally posted by Nanny Fine
Come on, there a big difference between hard core porn and FRIENDS/Will & Grace.
Not much of one, really. The only difference is that they don't show the hardcore sex, but the implication is there.
Ok, maybe the acting is a little better also, but that is about it. But perhaps if the actors on Friends and Will&Grace would take some acting lessons from the porno actors, they could always get better!:D ;)

Like Brian said.... words like the "N" word shouldnt be used.




But when used right.... racism can be funny.
Take a show like All in the Family, The Jeffersons, or even the currently airing -- Chappelle's Show.... they all have racist remarks.... but it shouldnt offend anyone.



Its like with Speedy Gonzalous....
he's forbidden to be seen on Cartoon Network because he's considered a "racial profile" of all Mexicans.
But Speedy was always the FASTEST.... he was the winner.
And as far as I know and have heard.... Mexicans HATE the fact that they wont show him.






Racism isnt right.
But when used in the right way.... it certainly is funny!
I mean.... people are black.
people are white.
nothing can change that.... just like height and age....
might as well make fun of it.
(as long as its not descrimanotary.... there's a difference)

It is a CHOICE to watch adult-themed sitcoms so I don't think people should be offended. I understand why people were upset about the halftime show because the Superbowl is family viewing and people didn't know it was coming but you know what to expect when you watch "Friends" or something so I don't think people should be offended

Originally posted by barwars88
Like Brian said.... words like the "N" word shouldnt be used.




But when used right.... racism can be funny.
Take a show like All in the Family, The Jeffersons, or even the currently airing -- Chappelle's Show.... they all have racist remarks.... but it shouldnt offend anyone.



Its like with Speedy Gonzalous....
he's forbidden to be seen on Cartoon Network because he's considered a "racial profile" of all Mexicans.
But Speedy was always the FASTEST.... he was the winner.
And as far as I know and have heard.... Mexicans HATE the fact that they wont show him.






Racism isnt right.
But when used in the right way.... it certainly is funny!
I mean.... people are black.
people are white.
nothing can change that.... just like height and age....
might as well make fun of it.
(as long as its not descrimanotary.... there's a difference)



The N-word or H-word should not be CUT out of episodes of the Jeffersons Good Times, Sanford and Son and All in the Family because it's what the MADE those shows CLASSICS. TBS alwways cut those scenes OUT but thankfully UPN didn't.

Originally posted by Sitcom Analyzer
The N-word or H-word should not be CUT out of episodes of the Jeffersons Good Times, Sanford and Son and All in the Family because it's what the MADE those shows CLASSICS. TBS alwways cut those scenes OUT but thankfully UPN didn't.

H-word??
you mean Hell??




I didnt say that the word should be edited out.... if it was alright the first time.... its certainly alright now.


But I just think CURRENT shows shouldnt use the N-word.... but besides that.... anything goes IMO.

Originally posted by ClassicComedyFan2
Shows like "Friends," "Will & Grace," and "Coupling" are push the limits of broadcast entertainment too far and are easily bested, IMO, by more creative and family-friendly fare (such as "Star Trek," "Pokemon," "Green Acres," "Frasier," "Laverne & Shirley," "Andy Griffith Show," etc.). Its worse that Friends and now Will & Grace air in the family hour.


Pokemon is definately NOT family-friendly.
But I agree with everything else.
Pokemon appeals to young children, and anime fans.
None of which are in my family.... so its not family-fare.

Originally posted by barwars88
H-word??
you mean Hell??




I didnt say that the word should be edited out.... if it was alright the first time.... its certainly alright now.


But I just think CURRENT shows shouldnt use the N-word.... but besides that.... anything goes IMO.


HONKY. That what George would CAll Archie, and Tom Willis

Originally posted by Sitcom Analyzer
HONKY. That what George would CAll Archie, and Tom Willis

haha.... id give anything for Sherman Helmsley to do "the walk".... come in my face and shout "HONKY".... that would be AWESOME.

Originally posted by barwars88
haha.... id give anything for Sherman Helmsley to do "the walk".... come in my face and shout "HONKY".... that would be AWESOME.


George didn't say Honky no more in the 80's

there is no time when someone should be offended by tv...if u are offended by Tv just turn it off and if you can't turn it off they have one their job.

as in the chapelle show. i love his racial jokes. especially the white ones ( i am white). u always hear the same black joks and how much fun can chicken and cadillacs be after 30 years. but the way chapelle pokes fun at all races and nothing is held back is awesome and i love it.

it offends me that shows like Will & Grace are on during pimetime TV when little kids are subject to the homosexual lifestyle. If someone becomes gay that is fine. But to promote it on primetime TV is wrong. Therefore I do not watch it and rarely watch the WB.

Originally posted by lockdown06
there is no time when someone should be offended by tv...if u are offended by Tv just turn it off and if you can't turn it off they have one their job.

as in the chapelle show. i love his racial jokes. especially the white ones ( i am white). u always hear the same black joks and how much fun can chicken and cadillacs be after 30 years. but the way chapelle pokes fun at all races and nothing is held back is awesome and i love it.

it offends me that shows like Will & Grace are on during pimetime TV when little kids are subject to the homosexual lifestyle. If someone becomes gay that is fine. But to promote it on primetime TV is wrong. Therefore I do not watch it and rarely watch the WB.


Yeah Will ad Grace belongs on Bravo

Originally posted by Jen1989
Barwars88,
Why is the "n" word the only word that you think should not be used on tv? That word isn't nice, but at the same time you shouldn't give it special treatment because it's annonation refers to black people.

So are you saying words like the "P" word that are used on Will & Grace are ok to say? No it's not a racist word, but it's offensive. Why people want to name certain body parts dosen't make sense. That's pretty sad that the only way you can get laughs is by refering to a guy's "p*nis"

Also are you saying that words like the "B" word, "S" word, "F" word, "MF" word, "GD" word etc. can and/or should be used? With small exceptions for the word "d*mn" because in one context its' meaning refers to a waterfall. And the word "h*ll" is used when talking about heaven and h*ll. I do think that curse words should not be said on tv before a certain hour (this goes for current shows). For older shows I think it is ok, because if it was ok back then then perhaps it's ok today--to a degree that is.

Lastly, if the "n" word shouldn't be allowed neither should words like cracker etc. White people deserve respect as well.


I agree that certain words should only be used at certain times.
But really.... if somebody called me a cracker.... id call 'em a pretzel.

The "B", "S", "F", and "D" words dont offend me.
But the "N" word does.... and Im white.
I just think its the most racist thing you can say.

Originally posted by lockdown06
there is no time when someone should be offended by tv...if u are offended by Tv just turn it off and if you can't turn it off they have one their job.

it offends me that shows like Will & Grace are on during pimetime TV when little kids are subject to the homosexual lifestyle. If someone becomes gay that is fine. But to promote it on primetime TV is wrong. Therefore I do not watch it and rarely watch the WB.

Will & Grace isn't promoting the homosexual lifestyle any more than Full House is promoting that three grown men live together with a bunch of little girls; or Cops or America's Most Wanted is promoting criminal lifestyles. One would think you'd be more offended by images of shootouts, bloodied bodies, etc. on primetime tv being seen by little kids than whatever they're doing on Will & Grace. As you say in the first paragraph of your own post "if u are offended by Tv just turn it off" then you won't have a situation where "it offends me that shows like Will & Grace are on during pimetime"

A lot of things on tv offend me but I don't make a big deal about it. If you don't like it don't watch. I also don't know how anyone can be offended by Sanford and Son or The Jeffersons but if you are than don't watch. Its as simple as that.

Lockdown:

You don't become gay, you are born gay.

Originally posted by Sitcomwriter
Lockdown:

You don't become gay, you are born gay.


I agree with that

Originally posted by barwars
tsk tsk tsk, how could I be so dumb?

No show should ever be edited no matter what the circumstance.
After watching shows like AITF and GT on DVD.... using the N word makes the show even better, because sadly thats how people really talk.


Racism is funny, being prejudice is not.
(there's a BIG difference)


I found it funny that N@N aired a scene with the N-word but TBS and TV LAND hardly ever.

Although I gave my opinion on this earlier this year, I think since then I have formed a different one.

I'm not black but I know that there are others who post here that are. I personally wouldn't be offended if the N word was used but I was concerned about those who are black.

If it was a black character using the N word, then that would be ok. In fact, I have heard black people calling each other that word not to be insulting but because it's part of the culture. That doesn't mean all aren't offended by it, I know that there are some who don't like to hear it regardless of the speaker's race.

Now if it was a white person calling a black person the N word, then that would be cause for concern. I mean any person who is caucasian who uses the N word no matter what context, it is bound to offend a lot of people who are black.

Reading the other posts in this thread, I agree on the notion that if you are offended by it, nobody's holding a gun to your head to make you watch it.

Originally posted by Brian
Although I gave my opinion on this earlier this year, I think since then I have formed a different one.

I'm not black but I know that there are others who post here that are. I personally wouldn't be offended if the N word was used but I was concerned about those who are black.

If it was a black character using the N word, then that would be ok. In fact, I have heard black people calling each other that word not to be insulting but because it's part of the culture. That doesn't mean all aren't offended by it, I know that there are some who don't like to hear it regardless of the speaker's race.

Now if it was a white person calling a black person the N word, then that would be cause for concern. I mean any person who is caucasian who uses the N word no matter what context, it is bound to offend a lot of people who are black.

Reading the other posts in this thread, I agree on the notion that if you are offended by it, nobody's holding a gun to your head to make you watch it.




THe only time i think that happened is when Tom Willis called George the N-Word. I think that it's

theres no point in being offended by tv, unless somebody says: Hey you. Yes I'm talking to you David! Your a complete b******

My opinion, all shows should be shown they way they were meant to be. No censoring, if it offends you turn the channel.

I don't believe in censoring, like with the "N" word, yes it might offend some, but considering the time period the show is from, that word was commonplace then, not that I'm condoning the use of the word, I hate that word.

I hope that makes sense :)

what is wrong with offense? Some of the best sitcoms ARE offensive. Look at All In The Family. Also look at South Park, Family Guy and (to a lesser extent) The Simpsons. They don't play it safe

Originally posted by BuffySlayer79
what is wrong with offense? Some of the best sitcoms ARE offensive. Look at All In The Family. Also look at South Park, Family Guy and (to a lesser extent) The Simpsons. They don't play it safe

Exactly. There's always risk involved in good comedy.

Besides there's something that's always gonna offend someone, so does that mean we should cut everything? Then shows wouldn't be worth watching IMO :)

I agree what everyone is saying. However I am black and I remember growing up as a kid in the 70's I use to watch "The Dukes of Hazzard" I mention this show because someone who was offended by Will&Grace and Friends said to bring it back on in the family hour. (I'm sorry i can't remember who posted it so i don't to credit the wrong person). Anyway as I said I would watch DOH when it first ran. It wasn't until I was an adult that I realized that I was rooting for 2 white guys from the South(Georgia I think that's where Bo And Luke were from) to get away from Boss Hogg while driving a car named "The General Lee" with a Confederate Flag On Top Of It!!! (What was the producers smoking?) anyway it went over my head and my mother allowed me to watch it and guess what SHE was from South Carolina and she would watch it with me! Why b/c the show was STUPID, entertaining but STUPID. I can watch the show in a new light and not be offended b/c I there are always going to be something on TV that is going to upset someone. You can't cater to eveyone and unless they make the KKK/NAZI/NOI Variety Hour, people really need to lighten up a little.

i think it's understandable to be offended by some things you see on tv. If i see something that totally bashes who i am as a person (religon,sexuality,etc), I'll change it yeah but im still gonna be offended.

Sometimes sitcoms that don't play it safe work, and sometimes they don't, but IMO it shouldnt be taken too far with both playing it safe and not playing it safe.

The only limitations we should have on BROADCAST television, is language, which we have!!! So, if people can't take a joke against religion or race or country or coffee brand or anything like that, that's their problem and they need to form a sense of humor.

humor people can take im sure, but when it's not a joke...

Hogan's Heroes is a show that was a big hit and won awards and acclaim when it was on but is now villified by many as being a horrible show because some find the subject matter offensive. What a turnaround in attitude toward this particular show.

who do people who dislike Hogan's Heroes HATE it with such passion? I am not a fan of a lot of classic sitcoms, but there's nothing from that era I hate with scorn, the way some people do towards Hogan's Heroes

Originally posted by BuffySlayer79
who do people who dislike Hogan's Heroes HATE it with such passion? I am not a fan of a lot of classic sitcoms, but there's nothing from that era I hate with scorn, the way some people do towards Hogan's Heroes

I suppose the content is what offends people but what I find strange is that it was so well received in its era and is now on the worst show list of TV guide and in a book I saw about Bad TV it was ranked at #5 so it's like the same people who praised the show at one point now damn it. Very inconsistent.