The Muppet Show adds a disclaimer that warns of "offensive content" to 18 episodes - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TMC · 02-21-2021, 10:41 PM

https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/dis...er-1234911964/

The classic Jim Henson series that aired from 1976 to 1981 debuted on Disney+ Friday with 18 episodes featuring the content disclaimer, which reads: “This program includes negative depictions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures. 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...Disney is committed to creating stories with inspirational and aspirational themes that reflect the rich diversity of the human experience around the globe. To learn more about how stories have impacted society visit: www. Disney.com/StoriesMatter.” They include one episode where Johnny Cash is singing in front of a Confederate Flag. While Disney+ didn't comment on the disclaimer, Disney’s Stories Matter initiative outlines the platform’s reasoning for adding the labels to its content. “As part of our ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, we are in the process of reviewing our library and adding advisories to content that includes negative depictions or mistreatment of people or cultures,” reads a statement on Disney’s website. “Rather than removing this content, we see an opportunity to spark conversation and open dialogue on history that affects us all. We also want to acknowledge that some communities have been erased or forgotten altogether, and we’re committed to giving voice to their stories as well.” ALSO: Two of The Muppet Show's episodes didn't make it to Disney+ due to music rights issues.

king of comedy · 02-22-2021, 10:34 AM

I never thought about that when I saw the original run.

stevea · 02-22-2021, 11:03 AM

Translation on the last statement: "We're too cheap to pay for the music rights."

TMC · 02-22-2021, 08:01 PM

Fox News "absolutely freaks out" over Disney+ adding a content disclaimer to 18 The Muppet Show episodes

Fox News devoted multiple segments on Monday morning to complaining that The Muppets are the latest victim of “cancel culture” because Disney’s streaming service has added a short disclaimer to 18 episodes of The Muppet Show warning about potentially offensive content, reports The Daily Beast. Despite the fact that Disney+ isn't removing any episodes, Fox News hosts referred to the disclaimers as being part of "cancel culture."

RetroGuy2000 · 02-22-2021, 08:25 PM

How could it be "cancel culture" when the episodes are being aired, rather than removed? It's the exact opposite.

I loved The Muppet Show as a kid, and am hoping it holds up as an adult. Back to Disney+ I go!

ThatWriterChick1976 · 02-22-2021, 08:55 PM

I'm watching now. It's still good.

02-21-2021, 10:41 PM	#1
TMC Member Forum Idol Join Date: Jan 09, 2001 Posts: 126,010	The Muppet Show adds a disclaimer that warns of "offensive content" to 18 episodes https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/dis...er-1234911964/ The classic Jim Henson series that aired from 1976 to 1981 debuted on Disney+ Friday with 18 episodes featuring the content disclaimer, which reads: “This program includes negative depictions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures. 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...Disney is committed to creating stories with inspirational and aspirational themes that reflect the rich diversity of the human experience around the globe. To learn more about how stories have impacted society visit: www. Disney.com/StoriesMatter.” They include one episode where Johnny Cash is singing in front of a Confederate Flag. While Disney+ didn't comment on the disclaimer, Disney’s Stories Matter initiative outlines the platform’s reasoning for adding the labels to its content. “As part of our ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, we are in the process of reviewing our library and adding advisories to content that includes negative depictions or mistreatment of people or cultures,” reads a statement on Disney’s website. “Rather than removing this content, we see an opportunity to spark conversation and open dialogue on history that affects us all. We also want to acknowledge that some communities have been erased or forgotten altogether, and we’re committed to giving voice to their stories as well.” ALSO: Two of The Muppet Show's episodes didn't make it to Disney+ due to music rights issues.

02-22-2021, 08:25 PM	#5
RetroGuy2000 Julie,Julie Anne,&Felice 4Ever Forum Star Join Date: Dec 27, 2013 Posts: 16,914	How could it be "cancel culture" when the episodes are being aired, rather than removed? It's the exact opposite. I loved The Muppet Show as a kid, and am hoping it holds up as an adult. Back to Disney+ I go!
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02-22-2021, 10:34 AM	#2
king of comedy Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Aug 31, 2012 Location: New Jersey Posts: 5,140	I never thought about that when I saw the original run.

02-22-2021, 11:03 AM	#3
stevea 22 Years On Sitcoms Moderator Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 13, 2003 Location: Indy Posts: 44,634	Translation on the last statement: "We're too cheap to pay for the music rights."

02-22-2021, 08:01 PM	#4
TMC Member Forum Idol Join Date: Jan 09, 2001 Posts: 126,010	Fox News "absolutely freaks out" over Disney+ adding a content disclaimer to 18 The Muppet Show episodes Fox News devoted multiple segments on Monday morning to complaining that The Muppets are the latest victim of “cancel culture” because Disney’s streaming service has added a short disclaimer to 18 episodes of The Muppet Show warning about potentially offensive content, reports The Daily Beast. Despite the fact that Disney+ isn't removing any episodes, Fox News hosts referred to the disclaimers as being part of "cancel culture."

02-22-2021, 08:55 PM	#6
ThatWriterChick1976 Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Feb 01, 2021 Location: United States Posts: 74	I'm watching now. It's still good.