Are "dirty words" allowed on basic cable now? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Yong Fang · 08-21-2014, 02:42 PM

Just watched an episode of TBS show "Sullivan and Son" (The Monkey Plate) where the word '****' was used, in the very last sentence of the episode "Clean that **** up." Earlier in the episode was the word 'dick" used in a sexual content.

Are so called "dirty words" being allowed on basic cable now? Was there an FCC ruling on that?

TKMetal · 08-21-2014, 03:51 PM

The cable industry has always set it's own decency standards, the FFC has no regulation. The four letter S word has become universally acceptable amongst the industry and it's showing up in a lot of shows.

factsoflife · 08-21-2014, 04:20 PM

Many words that were once considered dirty are now even allowed on broadcast TV. The S-Word, The B-Word and The D-Word, all once considered off-limits are now used on broadcast TV and cable on a regular basis.

Yes, cable TV isn't as regulated as broadcast TV, but in the last decade or so they've started regulating some of it. The only thing not regulated right now is Pay cable (HBO, Showtime, etc) and the internet.

MrCleveland · 08-21-2014, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by factsoflife

Many words that were once considered dirty are now even allowed on broadcast TV. The S-Word, The B-Word and The D-Word, all once considered off-limits are now used on broadcast TV and cable on a regular basis.

Yes, cable TV isn't as regulated as broadcast TV, but in the last decade or so they've started regulating some of it. The only thing not regulated right now is Pay cable (HBO, Showtime, etc) and the internet.

...yet!

But I hope that never happens. Cable can say the seven curse words that George Carlin talked about at a certain time such as the wee hours.

comedyfreak · 08-22-2014, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yong Fang

Just watched an episode of TBS show "Sullivan and Son" (The Monkey Plate) where the word '****' was used, in the very last sentence of the episode "Clean that **** up." Earlier in the episode was the word 'dick" used in a sexual content.

Are so called "dirty words" being allowed on basic cable now? Was there an FCC ruling on that?

I was surprised at what they were allowed to say, FX is the same way. On Syfy they can say everything accept the "F" word.

Dude111 · 08-22-2014, 08:20 AM

Even the N word?? (In todays Politically correct nonsense world that might cause an issue!)

EmoJoe · 08-22-2014, 11:41 AM

The "s word" has been allowed on basic cable for a while. I think the only word off-limits now is the f word, but there were actually quick, uncensored f-bombs on both Louie and Mad Men this past spring so maybe even that's changing?

On broadcast TV you still can't say "the s word", and you also can't say "a-hole". You can say "the d word" but only if it's referring to a person and not the male genitalia. Kind of dumb!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dude111

Even the N word?? (In todays Politically correct nonsense world that might cause an issue!)

And rightfully so.

factsoflife · 08-22-2014, 03:36 PM

The FCC has been inconsistent with their enforcement especially in the post-George Bush era. In the years after the 2003 Superbowl (Janet Jackson incident) they were much more harsh in their enforcement of curse words, and they went overboard. BUT in the years since Obama took over the FCC hasn't been as willing to enforce harsh rulings. In fact, CBS is still fighting the FCC over the fine they were ordered to pay for the Jackson superbowl incident.

James28 · 08-23-2014, 12:59 AM

I know that on the USA Network, there is a drama titled Suits which uses the word "$#*t", uncensored, around 14 to 16 or more times per episode. Other dramas on the USA Network have started using the word "$#*t", like Covert Affairs and Graceland.

UMFaninMD · 08-23-2014, 11:06 PM

I just watched the premiere of Intruders on BBC America and they didn't censor s#!t which is interesting because they've done it in the past.

Dude111 · 08-24-2014, 09:42 AM

Stuff seems to be getting worse........... (More harsh language on MSM tv)

Mr. Television · 08-24-2014, 10:10 AM

Some think that bad language equals quality. I don't get it.

Patty Duke · 08-24-2014, 01:56 PM

I wish I could remember the program that contained nudity (naked woman walking around). My husband and I were both a little shocked because of the channel it was on, pretty sure it was a regular network like Fox or CBS but it's been a while back and I don't remember.

It seems to me just about anything goes on TV these days which is why we watch very little of it. We don't cuss and we don't care to hear it, it certainly doesn't enhance movies and TV shows so we don't get it.
I have noticed they'll say GD with ease on shows but beep out something MUCH less offensive like S**t.

We are in the age group networks target and I think the stuff is trash. I hate to think what TV and movies will be like in a few years, we can't tolerate most of it now.

I was told when I was a kid that Swearing showed a lack of intelligence, morals and a limited vocabulary. I know some people that work at the hospital with me that have horrible potty mouths and they are highly intelligent. So I lean more towards believing it's their lack of morals, respect for themselves and others.

Frenky · 08-24-2014, 07:32 PM

You can't say f word on basic cable, I think only on channels like HBO, Showtime.

EmoJoe · 08-25-2014, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuck In The '70's

Some think that bad language equals quality. I don't get it.

I don't think anyone has ever made that argument. The argument is that some shows would be unrealistic if they weren't allowed to use bad language. No one would believe The Sopranos if it had a bunch of mobsters sitting around saying "crap" and "freakin".

Personally I find violence much more objectionable than language, yet the restrictions on that are much tamer. If we can watch someone getting shot in the brains on Criminal Minds, is the f word really that big of a deal?

08-21-2014, 02:42 PM	#1
Yong Fang Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 04, 2009 Location: Memphis Tennessee Posts: 3,073	Are "dirty words" allowed on basic cable now? Just watched an episode of TBS show "Sullivan and Son" (The Monkey Plate) where the word '**' was used, in the very last sentence of the episode "Clean that ** up." Earlier in the episode was the word 'dick" used in a sexual content. Are so called "dirty words" being allowed on basic cable now? Was there an FCC ruling on that?

08-21-2014, 03:51 PM	#2
TKMetal Millennial Member Frequent Poster Join Date: May 12, 2006 Posts: 280	The cable industry has always set it's own decency standards, the FFC has no regulation. The four letter S word has become universally acceptable amongst the industry and it's showing up in a lot of shows.
	Last edited by TKMetal; 08-21-2014 at 04:10 PM.

08-21-2014, 04:20 PM	#3
factsoflife Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Sep 11, 2000 Posts: 8,747	Many words that were once considered dirty are now even allowed on broadcast TV. The S-Word, The B-Word and The D-Word, all once considered off-limits are now used on broadcast TV and cable on a regular basis. Yes, cable TV isn't as regulated as broadcast TV, but in the last decade or so they've started regulating some of it. The only thing not regulated right now is Pay cable (HBO, Showtime, etc) and the internet.
	__________________ "and to the fans. I was only supposed to be on every other Tuesday. But, thanks to you, I'm here, and I promise! I will try my best never to let you down. I am going back into that studio on Monday, and I'm going to play Erica Kane for all she's worth!"-- Susan Lucci, May 1999 Daytime Emmy Speech.

08-23-2014, 12:59 AM	#9
James28 Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 14, 2007 Posts: 3,991	I know that on the USA Network, there is a drama titled Suits which uses the word "$#t", uncensored, around 14 to 16 or more times per episode. Other dramas on the USA Network have started using the word "$#t", like Covert Affairs and Graceland.
	__________________ "When the run of a network TV show has ended, some go out with a bang, some with a whimper, but all are...Future Endeavored." "Stay Safe"? More like "Stay Sad". #2020Hurts

08-24-2014, 10:10 AM	#12
Mr. Television 23 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,132	Some think that bad language equals quality. I don't get it.
	__________________ Sonny

08-22-2014, 08:20 AM	#6
Dude111 Forum Legend Join Date: Nov 05, 2013 Posts: 36,687	Even the N word?? (In todays Politically correct nonsense world that might cause an issue!)

08-22-2014, 03:36 PM	#8
factsoflife Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Sep 11, 2000 Posts: 8,747	The FCC has been inconsistent with their enforcement especially in the post-George Bush era. In the years after the 2003 Superbowl (Janet Jackson incident) they were much more harsh in their enforcement of curse words, and they went overboard. BUT in the years since Obama took over the FCC hasn't been as willing to enforce harsh rulings. In fact, CBS is still fighting the FCC over the fine they were ordered to pay for the Jackson superbowl incident.

08-23-2014, 11:06 PM	#10
UMFaninMD I love a mystery Senior Member Join Date: Apr 19, 2011 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,287	I just watched the premiere of Intruders on BBC America and they didn't censor s#!t which is interesting because they've done it in the past.

08-24-2014, 09:42 AM	#11
Dude111 Forum Legend Join Date: Nov 05, 2013 Posts: 36,687	Stuff seems to be getting worse........... (More harsh language on MSM tv)

08-24-2014, 01:56 PM	#13
Patty Duke Good night, John Boy Forum Regular Join Date: Feb 09, 2013 Location: The Land of Milk and Honey Posts: 788	I wish I could remember the program that contained nudity (naked woman walking around). My husband and I were both a little shocked because of the channel it was on, pretty sure it was a regular network like Fox or CBS but it's been a while back and I don't remember. It seems to me just about anything goes on TV these days which is why we watch very little of it. We don't cuss and we don't care to hear it, it certainly doesn't enhance movies and TV shows so we don't get it. I have noticed they'll say GD with ease on shows but beep out something MUCH less offensive like S**t. We are in the age group networks target and I think the stuff is trash. I hate to think what TV and movies will be like in a few years, we can't tolerate most of it now. I was told when I was a kid that Swearing showed a lack of intelligence, morals and a limited vocabulary. I know some people that work at the hospital with me that have horrible potty mouths and they are highly intelligent. So I lean more towards believing it's their lack of morals, respect for themselves and others.
	__________________ Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

08-24-2014, 07:32 PM	#14
Frenky Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Dec 28, 2013 Posts: 146	You can't say f word on basic cable, I think only on channels like HBO, Showtime.