Disney+ has made the decision to include offensive content disclaimers before certain episodes of The Muppet Show. After ending its five season run in 1981, the popular Jim Henson variety show has made its return via Disney’s subscription streaming service. For fans it’s been a long wait to return to this point, despite the franchise’s recent reworking.
Back in 2011, it seemed as though the beloved puppets had once again found their way into the hearts of the public, as The Muppets proved a satisfying box office hit. But the release of a sequel in 2014 failed to match the first film’s acclaim, and since then, no new Muppets features have arrived. The same could be said for attempts to create a new Muppet-themed variety show, in the vein of the original Muppet Show. That series was cancelled after one season, prompting some to feel that the Muppets just can’t reclaim the popularity they once had. After all, it’s easy to point to the era in which the Muppets originally found fame and argue that it was a simpler time, when puppets had big entertainment value. It seems that the passing of time can greatly effect even the most innocent forms of entertainment.
For Disney, the return of The Muppet Show has also brought with it the challenge of dealing with social norms that are no longer acceptable today. While the return of the series is being met with joy, Variety is reporting that Disney+ has decided to include a disclaimer that appears prior to the start of 18 of its Muppet Show episodes. The disclaimer aims to help kickstart conversations on hurtful or controversial elements that The Muppet Show might possess. It 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.”
The questionable content in these episodes isn’t specified by Disney, and involves guest stars such as comedians Peter Sellers and Steve Martin, as well as musicians Kenny Rogers, Joan Baez and Johnny Cash. However, despite not making it clear what’s objectionable in the episodes, the Johnny Cash segment shows the famed country singer performing in front of a confederate flag, something that is problematic. The question of how to deal with disagreeable content in classic TV and film has been a persistent issue in recent months, with some networks even axing controversial episodes altogether.
The move to offer a blanket warning on some episodes of The Muppet Show might strike some as little more than lip service from Disney. Rather than take responsibility for what they are airing, the subscription streaming service has left it up to viewers to decide what is and isn’t offensive. The fact of the matter, however, is that removing the content altogether does nothing to fix the issue, nor does it offer an opportunity for questions and dialogue. With a warning, parents can be better prepared for the content and act accordingly. Given the circumstances, Disney+ has made the most diplomatic move possible on the issue.
