Controversial UK TV Shows
A list of some UK made television programmes, which drew complaints and debate. I'm trying to create the ultimate list; if you see a missing programme that should be included, leave a message.
Missing
* Live autopsy
* Dancing with the Devil (Black Metal documentary)
* Visions: World Cinema Brazil
* The Secret Agent (2004)
Missing
* Live autopsy
* Dancing with the Devil (Black Metal documentary)
* Visions: World Cinema Brazil
* The Secret Agent (2004)
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- DirectorMichael AndersonStarsEdmond O'BrienMichael RedgraveJan SterlingIn a totalitarian future society, Winston Smith, whose daily work is re-writing history, tries to rebel by falling in love.Controversial for showing scenes of torture in a teatime slot and for being disturbing.
- CreatorGeorge InnsStarsThe Television ToppersThe Mitchell MinstrelsDai FrancisSing-along variety show with black-face performers.This outdated musical performance show featured white people "blacking up" to perform song and dance numbers. The programme was dropped in 1976, due to a cut in the light entertainment budget, but times have changed; it is unthinkable that a programme like this would be broadcast today.
- CreatorTony WarrenStarsWilliam RoacheHelen WorthBarbara KnoxThe world's longest-running television soap, Coronation Street focuses on the everyday lives of working-class people in Manchester, England.This is included for some controversial storylines: the rape of Leanne Batersby, shown pre-watershed and the hammer murderer.
- DirectorPeter WatkinsStarsMichael AspelPeter GrahamDave BaldwinA docudrama depicting a hypothetical nuclear attack on Britain.The BBC said that "the effect of the film has been judged by the BBC to be too horrifying for the medium of broadcasting"
Remained unshown in full on British television until 1985. It is available on DVD with a 12 certificate, for those that missed it. - CreatorJohnny SpeightStarsWarren MitchellAnthony BoothUna StubbsA working-class Cockney bigot with a biased and experienced opinion of everything shares them bluntly and carelessly.This sitcom received many complaints over character, Alf Garnett's liberal use of racial language. The programme also received complaints for other swearwords used.
- StarsPeter EganAlan BrowningDonald BurtonThe rise of a vicious young thief, Hog, to the top of the London criminal fraternitySome brutal violence offended some viewers when it was first broadcast.
Some episodes are lost, but a DVD was released with a 15 certificate. - StarsBenny HillHenry McGeeJackie WrightA skit based show with Benny Hill, often containing smutty humour.This world famous comedy sketch show received complaints for sexism and racial stereotyping. It rarely gets broadcast on UK TV any more.
- StarsSpike MilliganEric SykesKenny LynchA Pakistani Irishman Kevin O'Grady arrives in England and joins the workforce at a novelty objects manufacturers. He also shares digs with his factory manager. He quickly becomes bemused with British labour practices and suffers the slings and arrows of racism.This Spike Milligan sitcom vehicle was criticised for its racial stereotyping.
Available on DVD uncut with a 15 certificate. - CreatorRonald ChesneyRonald WolfeStarsAnna KarenBob GrantStephen LewisJack-the-lad bus driver and conductor Stan and Jack enjoy the female employees more than their work and Inspector Blake is relentless in his attempts to make their lives a misery.In recent years this series has gained some criticism for alleged sexism and racial language.
All series released on DVD uncut with PG certificates. - CreatorHarry DriverVince PowellStarsJack SmethurstRudolph WalkerNina Baden-SemperA white working-class socialist has his world turned upside down when an educated black man moves in next door.This sitcom received complaints for racist language and racial stereotyping.
All series released on DVD uncut with 12 certificates. - StarsWindsor DaviesMelvyn HayesDonald HewlettThe comic adventures of a group of misfits who form an extremely bad concert party touring the hot and steamy jungles of Burma entertaining the troops during World War II.Condemned as racist, homophobic and imperialistic by the BBC. It is never repeated on UK TV these days.
All series released on DVD uncut with 12 certificates. - StarsJohn CleesePrunella ScalesAndrew SachsHotel owner Basil Fawlty's incompetence, short fuse, and arrogance form a combination that ensures accidents and trouble are never far away.Regarded as a classic sitcom, but came under fire for racial stereotyping and offensive language.
All series released on DVD uncut with 12 certificates. - DirectorBarry DavisStarsDenholm ElliottMichael KitchenPatricia LawrenceThe Bates sadly care for their severely disabled daughter Pattie. Martin arrives at their door claiming to be her college friend. He charms them into accepting him as a lodger and carer for Pattie. But Martin is not all he seems.Another controversial Dennis Potter adaptation. The film version was shown as part of Channel 4's 1991 Banned season.
Released on DVD uncut with a 15 certificate. - StarsDerek JacobiJohn HurtSiân PhillipsThe personal and governmental affairs of the Julio-Claudian dynasty at the beginning of the Roman Empire, as recalled by one of its rulers.This BBC drama was the "Rome" of its day. Some TV critics and viewers complained about the sex and violence featured.
Released on DVD uncut with a 15 certificate. - CreatorVince PowellStarsBarry EvansGeorge CamillerJacki HardingA diverse group of immigrants and foreigners learn English at an adult education school in London.This sitcom was criticised for its use of racial and national stereotypes.
- DirectorAlan ClarkeStarsRay WinstoneDavid ThrelfallMartin PhillipsThis is the hard and shocking story of life in a British borstal for young offenders. The brutal regime made no attempt to reform or improve the inmates and actively encouraged a power struggle between the 'tough' new inmate and the 'old hands'.This violent drama was banned by the BBC. It was remade for cinema and became a cult classic.
Released on DVD uncut with a 15 certificate. - DirectorJohn MackenzieStarsLouise O'HaraRobbie OubridgeIan ScraceA group of children play at being "Apaches" on an English farm, ignoring all safety precautions. One by one they die a variety of gruesome deaths.This public information film featured some disturbing violence that upset some viewers. I think it hasn't been shown on TV since the 80s.
- DirectorMyriam AlauxVictor SchonfeldStarsJulie ChristieRichard CourseSandy DennisThe film offers a comprehensive examination of the exploitation of animals in modern society.Graphic images of animal testing and slaughter garnered complaints. Shown as part of Channel 4's 1991 Banned Season.
Released on DVD uncut with a 15 certificate. - CreatorPhil RedmondColin McKeownStarsDean SullivanPaul ByattClaire SweeneyThe everyday life and times of the residents, friends and enemies who live in a suburban street in the city of Liverpool in the north of England.This soap was controversial for many reasons: strong language before the watershed, first lesbian kiss in a primetime slot, violence etc.
A best of compilation DVD was released with a 15 certificate. Some video exclusives released on VHS with 18 certificates. - StarsZoë HartJo WyattJoanna FisherKids perform covers of popular songs.This show had children imitating adult pop stars. It made for bizarre viewing.
- StarsStephanie PugsleyJack BabuscioKate CrutchleyMagazine style program for and about homosexual people, with entertainment interviews and features.This early Channel 4 gay-themed magazine show got complaints before it was broadcast for its frank discussion of homosexuality.
- DirectorMick JacksonStarsKaren MeagherReece DinsdaleDavid BrierlyThe effects of a nuclear holocaust on the working class city of Sheffield, England and the eventual long-term effects of nuclear war on civilization.This nuclear war drama contained many shocking scenes that disturbed some viewers.
Released on DVD uncut with a 15 certificate. - StarsMichael CockerellThis episode claimed that several Conservative MPs had links to far-right organisations.
"Two of the MPs named, Neil Hamilton and Gerald Howarth, sued the BBC for slander. In 1986 after the BBC withdrew from the case Hamilton was awarded £20,000 damages" - CreatorPeter FluckRoger LawStarsSteve NallonKate RobbinsChris BarrieA satire show using puppets that are caricatures of major public figures.This puppet show drew a lot of complaints for blasphemy with a sketch of God calling Yellow Pages. The grotesque representations of politicians also upset some grotesque politicians.
All series released on DVD uncut with 15 certificates. - DirectorKen LoachStarsCharles BoalEric BoothKeith BrookesSongs, poems and experiences of the Miners' Strike, 1984.Ken Loach's documentary on miner's strikes was banned due to impartiality.