Movies and TV shows worldwide have caught up to sensitization and a sense of “political correctness” in the last decade. Aimed at creating more awareness and not adding to existing barriers and stereotypes against certain segments of societies, Disney is doing the rounds now. Originally airing in 1976 and 1981, the Muppet Show is currently streaming on the OTT platform Disney+. Particularly popular with children, and well-liked by all age groups, the classic show has an offensive content disclaimer, aiming to warn viewers of potentially offensive material.
Disney, while taking responsibility, acknowledges their past mistakes
A statement released by Disney, states that the program includes negative depictions and mistreatment of people or cultures. The statement goes on to clarify that these stereotypes were wrong then, and they are wrong now. The studio refrained from total removal of the content and instead acknowledged the shortcomings within the industry at that time. Although we do not know which specific scenes are the ones that the disclaimers exist for, there were depictions of Native American, Middle Eastern and Asian characters. Singer Johnny Cash has been seen singing in front of the confederate flag, which singer Luke Combs has recently issued his apologies.
There have been episodes missing from the five seasons of The Muppet Show, but that does not seem to be related to the disclaimers. Reports say that, there was an issue with securing the music rights for some of the episodes, according to Disney representatives. That was also what prevented most of the series from releasing for home video for many years.
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Jim Henson gave us one of the best children’s shows of all time
The Muppet Show was one of the most popular shows for children in its years. Hosted by Kermit the Frog and features his muppet companions like Miss Piggy, Gonzo the Great, Fozzie Bear, Rowlf the Dog, Scooter, and Animal. Jim Henson created it, and the cast included Frank Oz, Jerry Nelson, Richard Hunt, Dave Goelz, Louise Gold, Steve Whitmire and Jim Henson himself. The series was nominated for 21 Primetime Emmy Awards, with 4 wins along with an award in 1978 for “Outstanding Comedy-Variety or Music Series.”
