Foul language and nudity - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

bb · 09-21-2001, 06:52 AM

I heard on the radio yesterday that the FCC has granted an OK to the broadcast networks and radio stations that beginning this fall they can air shows with nudity and foul language. I dont mean a scene of someones butt like NYPD Blue or words like "hell" or "damn" but scenes of bare breasts and words that are taboo like the "f" word for example. The radio said that it was CBS that called for the rules to be relaxed. Anybody else heard this? Reason being is that the main nets are losing viewers to channels like HBO, Showtime, ect thanks to shows like Sopranos, OZ, Queer as Folk, Chris Issak, and Sex in the City.

If it is I dont get it. Doesnt CBS own HBO?
If thats true then whats the point?
Also what about the public cry that regular tv has enough sex, violence, and foul words?
If the nets do start doing airing more dirtier shows I wonder how long will it be before some shows are banned in some parts of the country. For example I have been told that Queer is Folk is banned in some parts of the south though it IS on a cable channel.

I still remember when Soap was banned in Baltimore when it first aired. " awful dirty trash" was what WJZ-TV called it back in the 70s.

My have times changed!!!

ThomasE · 09-22-2001, 03:37 PM

I think that is soooo crappy! Now we know TV has hit rock bottom. I even have an issue with shows like NYPD blue airing someone's butt. Back in the 50's Lucy could not use the word "pregnant". We hear all this stuff about "well if you don't like it, turn it off". That is starting to annoy me some. People turn on the TV to get laughs and entertainment.

[This message has been edited by ThomasE (edited 09-22-2001).]

twinkle44301 · 09-22-2001, 10:19 PM

I hadn't heard this, but nothing surprises me these days.

James · 09-23-2001, 02:20 AM

Join the fight against this by becoming a member of the Parents Television Council! Their website is http://www.parentstv.org and you can write to them for membership at the following address:

Parents Television Council
707 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1950
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 629-9255

Truth · 09-23-2001, 02:22 AM

well one of PTC's Main goals is to shut down the WWF, and im a wwf fan so forget it....

edoug · 09-23-2001, 04:00 AM

It's not going to be as bad a you think. There will probably never be nudity or strong language on any network sitcom, atleast not for a long time. The networks wouldn't want to offend a large group of people so they would use it only sparingly and the companies that produce shows don't want them to be to racy because they won't be able to syndicate them. I know NYPD Blue is in syndication but it's only on after 11 PM on weekends in most places and you can't make as much money that way. Money is the bottom line. If you don't watch they don't make money.

Sean Snow · 09-23-2001, 11:52 AM

Also, if these really do go in effect, it'll prob. be in dramas. If they're in sitcoms, then it's sad that the writer's can't get viewers for the laughs, not the scenes!

Jimbo · 09-23-2001, 03:44 PM

I have also heard these reports, and it doesn't surprise me one bit. Television has been going deeper and deeper into the sewer each year. What really gets me is the fact that it is so unnecessary - it takes no writing or acting talent to produce a show the relies primarily on nudity and vulgarity. What does take real talent and creativity is when you produce a show with scripts that do not depend on such tasteless and juvenile antics as you see on "Friends" or "The Drew Carey Show". Take a look at some of the all-time classics: The Honeymooners, I Love Lucy, The Dick Van Dyke Show, and The Bob Newhart Show. None of these programs engaged in the practice of using nudity or obscenity-filled scripts. If you want a more recent example of a quality show on the order of the classics I just mentioned, check out "Home Improvement". It can and has been done. Finally, I take issue with what Jwillhight said above, when he stated the following: "well one of PTC's Main goals is to shut down the WWF, and im a wwf fan so forget it....". I too, used to be a WWF fan. I began to support the PTC's efforts against them when I started to attend WWF cards in my area, and heard 8 and 9 year old children in the arena shouting out the same obscenities, and using the same hand gestures, that they saw the wrestlers using on TV. Also, there have been a number of tragic incidents where young children have been seriously hurt, and in some cases even killed, by other kids imitating moves they saw on WWF wrestling programs. If you are that short-sighted and selfish that you can't see the influence this kind of behavior has on young children, then I feel sorry for you. I have sent donations to the PTC in the past, and will continue to do so in the future.

09-23-2001, 07:21 PM

Cable systems down south block the showing of Queer as Folk to its viewers? I have to wonder about that one.

I can see over the air tv stations block a certain show for various reasons. Many ABC stations in Virginia wouldnt carry NYPD Blue when it first came out, even in Norfolk which is a rather good sized tv market ( though the "ban" didnt last long ).

The cbs station in our nation's capitol for many years didnt show the CBS morning game shows due to them carrying a local popular talk show at 10am. As a result Press Your Luck, Child's Play were never seen in that market. Even Price is Right for the longest time was available either as channel 9 instead aired reruns of Rich Man Poor Man.

But for a show to be blocked to viewers on PAY cable, this is the first I heard. Sure shows like Chris Issak, Soul Food, and of course Queer as Folk may not be everybody's cup of tea but if I am paying Showtime, HBO, Cinemax money each month then I should have the right to see what that channel offers.

I wonder if people who pay for Showtime on these cable systems get some sort of discount?

Dude111 · 03-08-2014, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edoug

It's not going to be as bad a you think. There will probably never be nudity or strong language on any network sitcom, atleast not for a long time.

No with all the politically correct garbage in this country now? (Even in 2001 when this thread was posted)

I read something about this last year (I found the article again)

http://personalliberty.com/2013/04/0...y-and-language

I think the fcc knows NO ONE WILL DO THIS even if they allow it so why not?? (Most everyone is so dumbed down and in control its scary!!)

In my opinion though: THERE IS NO NEED FOR NUDITY OR LANGUAGE for a show/movie to be good!!!

Look at Star wars,The star trek movies,Land of the lost (70s),etc...........

Marvo301 · 03-08-2014, 04:00 PM

This is why I prefer classic TV on DVD!!!

Zebra 3 · 03-08-2014, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edoug

It's not going to be as bad a you think. There will probably never be nudity or strong language on any network sitcom, atleast not for a long time. The networks wouldn't want to offend a large group of people so they would use it only sparingly and the companies that produce shows don't want them to be to racy because they won't be able to syndicate them. I know NYPD Blue is in syndication but it's only on after 11 PM on weekends in most places and you can't make as much money that way.

You're almost describing Canadian TV...almost. There's no federal law in Canada to censor coarse language and nudity on TV, and it's not A-bombs, B-bombs, C-bombs, D-bombs, F-bombs...24/7, but there's some raunchy stuff including a few sitcoms.

Quote:

Originally Posted by edoug

Money is the bottom line. If you don't watch they don't make money.

And on the flip side, they including American companies did sponsor late night erotic movies back in the 70s to today 'respectable' companies discreetly owning hardcore pay TV channels.

Coffeecup · 03-08-2014, 10:17 PM

I think it is sad that tv show writers have to sink so low to get a viewer. But sad to say many young people love the shock. I saw the other night one of those dopey nit wit 911 calls programs and a little 5 year old said the P word. "My mom will be P". I was shocked, little children saying those words. You know darn well where they picked it up. The parents. If I was a child and said that, My mom would tell me No girl speaks like that and I don't want to hear again. Times have changed. I tend to think in another 20 years the George Carlin words that were censored won't be anymore. The people who hated the words now will be dead and the younger folks will spout off the foul words like it is nothing new. I suppose we could all read a fluff book and huddle in a cave.

ThomasE · 03-08-2014, 11:28 PM

I hadn't read anything on this topic in 13 years since I posted on it! LOL. Wow!!!!

Coffeecup · 03-08-2014, 11:54 PM

Yes when I first saw the post, I thought it was just posted a week or so ago. Christmas of 2012 I received a book on TV Guide covers. It was interesting to see what topics were discussed over the years. One in the 1960's "has tv gone too far in language".

09-21-2001, 06:52 AM	#1
bb Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Sep 30, 2001 Location: Martinsburg, WV usa Posts: 276	Foul language and nudity I heard on the radio yesterday that the FCC has granted an OK to the broadcast networks and radio stations that beginning this fall they can air shows with nudity and foul language. I dont mean a scene of someones butt like NYPD Blue or words like "hell" or "damn" but scenes of bare breasts and words that are taboo like the "f" word for example. The radio said that it was CBS that called for the rules to be relaxed. Anybody else heard this? Reason being is that the main nets are losing viewers to channels like HBO, Showtime, ect thanks to shows like Sopranos, OZ, Queer as Folk, Chris Issak, and Sex in the City. If it is I dont get it. Doesnt CBS own HBO? If thats true then whats the point? Also what about the public cry that regular tv has enough sex, violence, and foul words? If the nets do start doing airing more dirtier shows I wonder how long will it be before some shows are banned in some parts of the country. For example I have been told that Queer is Folk is banned in some parts of the south though it IS on a cable channel. I still remember when Soap was banned in Baltimore when it first aired. " awful dirty trash" was what WJZ-TV called it back in the 70s. My have times changed!!!

09-23-2001, 07:21 PM	#9
dwayne Guest Posts: n/a	Cable systems down south block the showing of Queer as Folk to its viewers? I have to wonder about that one. I can see over the air tv stations block a certain show for various reasons. Many ABC stations in Virginia wouldnt carry NYPD Blue when it first came out, even in Norfolk which is a rather good sized tv market ( though the "ban" didnt last long ). The cbs station in our nation's capitol for many years didnt show the CBS morning game shows due to them carrying a local popular talk show at 10am. As a result Press Your Luck, Child's Play were never seen in that market. Even Price is Right for the longest time was available either as channel 9 instead aired reruns of Rich Man Poor Man. But for a show to be blocked to viewers on PAY cable, this is the first I heard. Sure shows like Chris Issak, Soul Food, and of course Queer as Folk may not be everybody's cup of tea but if I am paying Showtime, HBO, Cinemax money each month then I should have the right to see what that channel offers. I wonder if people who pay for Showtime on these cable systems get some sort of discount?
dwayne Guest Posts: n/a

03-08-2014, 04:00 PM	#11
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,456	This is why I prefer classic TV on DVD!!!
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

09-22-2001, 03:37 PM	#2
ThomasE Member Moderator Forum Fanatic Join Date: Apr 04, 2000 Location: New York, New York, U.S.A. Posts: 10,857	I think that is soooo crappy! Now we know TV has hit rock bottom. I even have an issue with shows like NYPD blue airing someone's butt. Back in the 50's Lucy could not use the word "pregnant". We hear all this stuff about "well if you don't like it, turn it off". That is starting to annoy me some. People turn on the TV to get laughs and entertainment. [This message has been edited by ThomasE (edited 09-22-2001).]

09-22-2001, 10:19 PM	#3
twinkle44301 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Mar 24, 2001 Posts: 351	I hadn't heard this, but nothing surprises me these days.

09-23-2001, 02:20 AM	#4
James Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Jan 07, 2001 Location: Dayton, Ohio, USA Posts: 6,370	Join the fight against this by becoming a member of the Parents Television Council! Their website is http://www.parentstv.org and you can write to them for membership at the following address: Parents Television Council 707 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1950 Los Angeles, CA 90017 (213) 629-9255

09-23-2001, 02:22 AM	#5
Truth •°·Alien Believer·°• Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 15, 2001 Posts: 3,463	well one of PTC's Main goals is to shut down the WWF, and im a wwf fan so forget it....

09-23-2001, 04:00 AM	#6
edoug Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Sep 10, 2001 Posts: 128	It's not going to be as bad a you think. There will probably never be nudity or strong language on any network sitcom, atleast not for a long time. The networks wouldn't want to offend a large group of people so they would use it only sparingly and the companies that produce shows don't want them to be to racy because they won't be able to syndicate them. I know NYPD Blue is in syndication but it's only on after 11 PM on weekends in most places and you can't make as much money that way. Money is the bottom line. If you don't watch they don't make money.

09-23-2001, 11:52 AM	#7
Sean Snow moo Forum Fanatic Join Date: May 06, 2001 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,408	Also, if these really do go in effect, it'll prob. be in dramas. If they're in sitcoms, then it's sad that the writer's can't get viewers for the laughs, not the scenes!

09-23-2001, 03:44 PM	#8
Jimbo Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Jul 29, 2001 Location: United States of America-One Nation UNDER GOD! Posts: 471	I have also heard these reports, and it doesn't surprise me one bit. Television has been going deeper and deeper into the sewer each year. What really gets me is the fact that it is so unnecessary - it takes no writing or acting talent to produce a show the relies primarily on nudity and vulgarity. What does take real talent and creativity is when you produce a show with scripts that do not depend on such tasteless and juvenile antics as you see on "Friends" or "The Drew Carey Show". Take a look at some of the all-time classics: The Honeymooners, I Love Lucy, The Dick Van Dyke Show, and The Bob Newhart Show. None of these programs engaged in the practice of using nudity or obscenity-filled scripts. If you want a more recent example of a quality show on the order of the classics I just mentioned, check out "Home Improvement". It can and has been done. Finally, I take issue with what Jwillhight said above, when he stated the following: "well one of PTC's Main goals is to shut down the WWF, and im a wwf fan so forget it....". I too, used to be a WWF fan. I began to support the PTC's efforts against them when I started to attend WWF cards in my area, and heard 8 and 9 year old children in the arena shouting out the same obscenities, and using the same hand gestures, that they saw the wrestlers using on TV. Also, there have been a number of tragic incidents where young children have been seriously hurt, and in some cases even killed, by other kids imitating moves they saw on WWF wrestling programs. If you are that short-sighted and selfish that you can't see the influence this kind of behavior has on young children, then I feel sorry for you. I have sent donations to the PTC in the past, and will continue to do so in the future.

03-08-2014, 10:17 PM	#13
Coffeecup coffeecup. Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 17, 2003 Location: snoozeville Posts: 3,183	I think it is sad that tv show writers have to sink so low to get a viewer. But sad to say many young people love the shock. I saw the other night one of those dopey nit wit 911 calls programs and a little 5 year old said the P word. "My mom will be P". I was shocked, little children saying those words. You know darn well where they picked it up. The parents. If I was a child and said that, My mom would tell me No girl speaks like that and I don't want to hear again. Times have changed. I tend to think in another 20 years the George Carlin words that were censored won't be anymore. The people who hated the words now will be dead and the younger folks will spout off the foul words like it is nothing new. I suppose we could all read a fluff book and huddle in a cave.

03-08-2014, 11:28 PM	#14
ThomasE Member Moderator Forum Fanatic Join Date: Apr 04, 2000 Location: New York, New York, U.S.A. Posts: 10,857	I hadn't read anything on this topic in 13 years since I posted on it! LOL. Wow!!!!

03-08-2014, 11:54 PM	#15
Coffeecup coffeecup. Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 17, 2003 Location: snoozeville Posts: 3,183	Yes when I first saw the post, I thought it was just posted a week or so ago. Christmas of 2012 I received a book on TV Guide covers. It was interesting to see what topics were discussed over the years. One in the 1960's "has tv gone too far in language".