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InnsStarsThe Television ToppersThe Mitchell MinstrelsDai FrancisSing-along variety show with black-face performers.This outdated musical performance show featured white people "blacking up" to perform song and dance numbers.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.
- StarsMichael GambonPatrick MalahideJoanne WhalleyTormented and bedridden by a debilitating disease, a mystery writer relives his detective stories through his imagination and hallucinations.Dennis Potter's excellent drama was heavily criticised for its sex scenes, swearing and some disturbing scenes.
Released on DVD uncut with a 15 certificate. - StarsDuncan CampbellClive PontingFrank CooperA politically charged mini-series researched and written by Duncan Campbell which saw dramatic Special Branch raids on BBC Scotland. An entire production office was loaded into transit vans and confiscated by the police. + One: 'The Secret Constitution' about secret Cabinet committees that amount to a secret decision making system at the highest levels of power in the United Kingdom. + Two: 'In Time of Crisis' about secret preparations for war that began in 1982 within every NATO country. This programme revealed what Britain would do. + Three: 'A Gap In Our Defences' about bungling defence manufacturers and incompetent military planners who have botched every new radar system that Britain has installed since World War II. + Four: 'We're All Data Now' about the Data Protection Act. + Five: 'Association of Chief Police Officers' and how Government policy and actions are determined in the fields of law and order. + Six: 'Communications' with particular reference to Zircon spy satellites which the public accounts committee were not told about."The government demanded that the programme on Zircon be shelved, on the grounds of national security, and the BBC complied. A second episode, titled Cabinet, was also held back."
- DirectorRichard EyreStarsTony HarrisonVisualisation of Tony Harrison's poem "v.". v. is about the multiple meanings of the letter - victory, versus, verses, etc. Starting from an incident in a Leeds' graveyard where the poet's parents' headstone has been defaced with graffiti,v. rises to a view of the divisions, antagonisms and aspirations within British society, and the poets own self.This controversial poem drew complaints for its very strong language. I think it was one of the programmes that lead to Channel 4 being nicknamed "Channel Swore".
- StarsJon GloverJonathan KyddEnn ReitelA satirical children's comedy show with puppet characters such as "Doc Croc" and "Vincent Vermin"ITV 1 \CITV children's programme from SPitting Image creators. Reportedly had complaints for its toilet humour and innuendo.
- StarsGeorge CarmanJulian ManyonSAS execute 3 unarmed IRA Volunteers in Gibraltar. Witnesses discuss the British Military cover up.An investigation into the shooting of 3 IRA members in Gibraltar; caused complaints as it could influence the inquiry.
- DirectorJo MenellB. MoelStarsChuck FarnhamErik MillerRobert SokolPhotographs of many flaccid male organs are flashed on the screen to the accompaniment of women's voices describing their opinions or experiences of them.This short American documentary was axed from Channel 4's 1991 Banned season.
- StarsGeraldine McEwanElizabeth SpriggsFreda DowieJessica, raised in a fanatical cult, endures brainwashing until her forbidden relationship with Melanie opens her eyes. They face cruel treatment for their 'unnatural' bond, but Jessica's spirit overcomes the oppressive teachings.This BAFTA nominated drama was controversial for depicting lesbianism and its portrayal of the Elim Pentecostal faith.
Released on DVD uncut with a 15 certificate. - StarsMichael GoughCarol RoyleNigel PlanerBlackeyes is an attempt to explore "what does go on between men and women in their heads, to show the possibilities of the ways that they see each other." Complex and multi-layered, the interweaving narrative threads include novelist Maurice James Kingsley who appropriates accounts by his niece Jessica about her life as a professional model. Kingsley's embellishments become a trashy bestseller, "Sugar Bush," tracing the rise and decline of fictional fashion model Blackeyes, victimized by men. Angry and betrayed, Jessica begins to rewrite Kingsley's novel to set Blackeyes free from the abuse of men.Another controversial Dennis Potter series. This one received complaints for scenes of sex and domestic violence. It never received the acclaim of some of his other work.
It also remains unreleased on DVD and VHS in the UK. - StarsTerry ChristianDani BehrKatie PuckrikThe show that pushed forward the boundries of youth TV, always coming close to going too far.This mainly received complaints for bad taste in the "Hopefuls" segment. It had a person bathing in manure and a young man French kissing a pensioner. Some TV critics said it represented a cultural lowpoint, if only they knew what was to follow.
- StarsBen BoardmanNeil McCaulDenica FairmanIn Berlin, 1938, Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun have a love-hate relationship with their Jewish neighbours in this bizarre spoof of 'fifties American sitcoms.This ill-informed sitcom featured Hitler as the lead character; no surprise it got complaints. Only one of the seven episodes were broadcast.
- StarsJerry SadowitzDreenagh DarrellFlaminia CinqueJerry Sadowitz is no stranger to controversy. This BBC show attracted lots of complaints for: strong language and offensive humour. The TV series has not been broadcast since by the BBC.
- DirectorLesley ManningStarsMichael ParkinsonSarah GreeneMike SmithIn a "live" broadcast on Halloween night, a BBC team investigate a reported poltergeist in an ordinary London home.This mockumentary had some viewers complain they suffered trauma because they saw a "live ghost". It has not been broadcast on terrestrial TV since, but has been released on DVD with a 12 certificate.
- StarsDervla KirwanRonald PickupJacqueline LeonardA 50 something English Banker falls for and has an affair with a teenage Irish waif from the wrong side of the tracks causing him grief at work and at home.This BBC series received complaints for broadcasting a rape scene before the 9pm watershed.
- StarsFelicity KendalClaire BloomJennifer EhleIn 1939, young Oliver, Calypso, Polly and Walter visit friends and family in Cornwall. Spanish Civil War is over and WW2 has begun, so they enjoy their love life while they can. Decades later, they gather again, this time for a funeral.This period drama received complaints for strong language and its sex scenes.
Released on DVD and VHS uncut with a 15 certificate. - DirectorPaul YuleStarsJimmy TingleDavid J. AlbaneseDennis BarrieA documentary about censorship in America.This US\UK production caused some controversy due to its "obscene" content. It was also subject to a legal case.
- StarsJonathan RossDave AllenClive AndersonJulian Clary's joke about "fisting Norman Lamont" caused many complaints and newspaper articles to be written. It's hard to see what the fuss was about these days.
- DirectorBeeban KidronStarsRichard ChilmazaAdamM. DeskeyMichael GrayAn exploration of New York's prostitution scene in the early 90s.A film from the "Red Light Zone" season. Controversial for featuring real-life prostitutes and some sex scenes.
- StarsNaveen AndrewsBrenda BlethynRoshan SethKarim's mother is English and his father is Indian. Therefore Karim has some problems with life in British society which is becoming more and more racist and intolerant; he experiences this especially when he pursues acting.This excellently scripted drama series due complaints for its sex scenes, notably a scene of group sex.
Released on DVD uncut with an 18 certificate. - StarsAntoine de CaunesMaria McErlaneJean-Paul GaultierA 30-minute magazine-format programme in English. Despite being a big-budget show, it was surreal and had a deliberate low-budget feel.This silly comedy programme drew complaints for its sexual content and bad taste humour.
Compilation released with an 18 certificate. - CreatorJed MercurioStarsAndrew LancelHelen BaxendaleAce BhattiComedy set in and around a hospital, where the newly qualified Dr Andrew Collin is thrown into a world that is totally beyond him.The series was controversial due to its cynical depiction of doctors, nurses, and the National Health Service.
Released on DVD uncut with a 15 certificate. - DirectorJenny MorganStarsChristopher HitchensMother TeresaJean-Bertrand AristideChristopher Hitchens investigates whether Mother Teresa of Calcutta deserves her saintly image. He probes her campaigns against contraception and foeticide and her questionable relationships with wealthy religious and political leaders.This insightful documentary provoked debate because it heavily criticised the holier than thou, Mother Teresa.
- DirectorCampbell XStarsTabatha CashA profile of France's most successful adult movie star Tabatha Cash.This documentary was shown as part of Channel 4's controversial "Red Light Zone" season.
- DirectorTania DíezStarsFrances BarberCon O'NeillA straight woman and a gay man cruise their way across north-east England in this Tennessee Williams-inspired short.Another from the Red Light Zone season.
- StarsChris EvansCatalina GuiradoCherComedy, guest interviews and live bands in the studio, from a bar in London's riverside studios.This live music and chat show received complaints mainly for strong language being broadcast before the watershed. The two most famous celebrities swearers are: Shaun Ryder and Ewan MacGregor. Channel 4 decided to ban Shaun Ryder appearing on any Channel 4 programmes after two sweary outbursts. The ban seems to have been lifted.
- StarsSara CoxRachel WilliamsSarah CawoodTacky late-night show.This post-pub magazine show received complaints for swearing, sexual discussions and the glamorisation of "ladette" culture. The main complaint seemed to be that it represented a television low-point.
- CreatorAmy JenkinsStarsJack DavenportAmita DhiriAndrew LincolnA series following the lives of Miles, Milly, Warren, Egg and Anna, five young legal professionals.The drug use, homosexuality and sex scenes all drew complaints. Some critics complained about the constant roving camera movements.
Released on DVD uncut with an 18 certificate. - DirectorNick BroomfieldStarsMistress BeatriceNick BroomfieldMistress CatherineMasochism, rubber, corporal punishment, wrestling, and infantilism are all examined into detail as a documentary crew visits a bondage house and its mistresses in upstate New York.Nick Broomfield's documentary on fetishes was bound to offend. I think it was shown on TV in a shorter, censored version (than the later DVD release).
Released on DVD uncut with an 18 certificate. - StarsChristopher MorrisMark HeapKevin EldonControversial spoof of current affairs television, and the role of celebrity in the UK.The special is one of the most complained about UK programmes ever. The other episodes generated controversy as well.
Released on DVD uncut with an 18 certificate. - CreatorAndrew DavenportStarsRolf SaxonJessica SmithJohn SimmitFour creatures with televisions in their stomachs have fun in their magical world.This kids show got complaints for: featuring a supposedly gay character. Some parents questioned whether the programme has any educational value.
Some episodes released on DVD and VHS with U certificates. - StarsVictor Lewis-SmithStephen HawkingRedvers KyleComedian Victor Lewis-Smith presents an alternative view of the world. Archive and news footage are re-dubbed with new commentaries, taking them completely out of context, in order to make them look ridiculous. The same treatment is given to tawdry TV programmes, to make them appear even more rubbishy then they already were.This poor taste, but excellently written comedy programme caused controversy for its bad taste jokes. One section called "honest obituaries" created an offensive obituary of a living celebrity, this remains one of the most contested parts.
- Documentary about pedophiles. Attracted complaints.
- StarsGraham NortonKevan AllenMiles O'KeeffeOutrageous late-night talk show with celebrity guests, shocking audience confessions and bizarre internet sites.Graham Norton's Channel 4 show received weekly complaints for its sexual humour. The format of the show was migrated to BBC 1 in a more sanitized version.
A compilation of best bits is released on DVD uncut with an 18 certificate. - StarsMichael WinnerLarry FlyntChristi LakeThis was one of Channel 5's (now Five) controversial programmes. The channel got accused of showing salacious programmes to gain viewers.
- StarsMark GatissSteve PembertonReece ShearsmithAn interweaving narrative chronicling the antics of such diverse characters as: a transgender taxi driver, a family obsessed with hygiene and toads, a fiery reverend, a carnival owner who kidnaps women into marriage, and a xenophobic couple who run a local shop for local people.Received criticism for the "blackface" character of Papa Lazarou. Withdrawn from Netflix in 2020 after the George Floyd protests.
Released on DVD uncut with a 15 certificate. - StarsDenise Van OutenPaul ZenonLate Friday night sex-themed quiz show.This entertainment show was a sort of successor to "The Word" and "The Girlie Show" - frank sexual discussions drew complaints.
- CreatorRussell T. DaviesStarsAidan GillenCraig KellyCharlie HunnamA groundbreaking gay adult drama which chronicles the lives of Stuart and Vince, as well as 15-year-old Nathan, who is in love with Stuart.This gay-themed drama received a lot of controversy due to graphic, homosexual sex scenes. It's now considered ground breaking.
Released on DVD uncut with an 18 certificate. - StarsKeith ChegwinCindyAndy CrawfordAction-oriented game show for nudists.Full frontal nudity caused complaints in this naturist version of "The Crystal Maze".
- StarsChristopher MorrisAmelia BullmoreDavid CannA surreal, ambient mix of bleak comedy sketches.This dark comedy sketch show received complaints for its disturbing nature. It has been imitated many times since by other sketch shows.
Released on DVD uncut with an 18 certificate. - StarsMarcus BentleyDavina McCallAisleyne Horgan-WallaceA group of contestants move into the Big Brother house, where they nominate each other to be evicted by public vote. The last person remaining will take home a large cash prize, while the others take home nothing.This ground breaking snoozefest had many column inches written about it, for various reasons. The first complaints came when an unedited version was broadcast on E4 in the daytime and multiple swearwords were uttered.
Other criticisms included: the promotion of non-talented people into celebrity stardom, nudity and being broadcast too many times in a day.
Compilations are released on DVD uncut with 18 certificates. - StarsRachael StirlingKeeley HawesJodhi MayThe story of Nan Astley who falls in love with three different women on her journey to stardom and happiness in 1887 Victorian England.This period-drama received some press for its reportedly, explicit lesbian sex scenes. The drama looks quite tame now.
Released on DVD uncut with a 15 certificate. - StarsGillian TaylforthZöe LuckerPaul ClarkeDrama focusing on the players at Earls Park Football Club as well as the lives of their wives and girlfriends.Frequent sex scenes offended some.
Released on DVD uncut with a 15 certificate. - StarsLeigh FrancisCraig PhillipsPatsy KensitComedy involving celebrity stalker Avid Merrion, and a whole host of "celebrities".In recent years people have questioned the use of black face masks used and racial stereotyping.
Released on DVD uncut with a 15 certificate. - StarsRichard McCourtDominic WoodDave ChapmanMessy children's gameshow with Richard McCourt and Dominic Wood (or Dick and Dom as they are commonly known).This children's comedy entertainment show drew complaints from both MPs and parent, due to its heavy use of innuendo. Innuendo included "make Dick sick" and "morning wood".
- StarsDeclan DonnellyAnthony McPartlinStephen MulhernA game show hosted by Ant and Dec filled with stunts, sketches, and special guest appearances.Criticised in 2020 for a "blackface" sketch.
- StarsJeremy ClarksonRichard HammondJames MayThe hosts talk about everything car-related. From new cars to how they're fueled, this show has it all.Recent episodes of the show have been accused of having racist and xenophobic comments being made by the presenters.
Some episodes released on DVD - 15 was the highest certificate awarded. - DirectorMartin HerringStarsWaldemar JanuszczakArt critic Waldemar Januzczak explores Beijing's controversial and challenging modern art scene.This documentary featured a Chinese artist eating a dead baby in some photographs. If you look beyond the sensationalism its actually a really good documentary.
- CreatorMatt LucasDavid WalliamsStarsMatt LucasDavid WalliamsTom BakerMatt Lucas and David Walliams, the creators of this character-comedy sketch show, delight in all that is mad, bad, quirky and generally bonkers about the people and places of Britain.A lot of the controversy was hype. Main complaints were for: poor taste humour (vomiting, fake nudity etc) and the stereotyping of homosexual people. Some also found the Thai bride character, Ting Tong to be a crass stereotype.
Released on DVD uncut with a 15 certificate. - StarsJulian BarrattNoel FieldingMichael FieldingSurreal British comedy in which Vince Noir and Howard Moon have adventures filled with oddball characters while working as Zoo Keepers, before pursuing a musical career and running a second-hand shop.Removed from Netflix in 2020 due to the blackface Spirit of Jazz character.
Released on DVD uncut with a 15 certificate. - DirectorStefan StuckertTony GregoryStarsDerren BrownA show in which a man plays Russian Roulette live on TV was bound to generate complaints.
Released on DVD uncut with a 15 certificate. - DirectorBrian PercivalStarsKatie LyonClaire HackettMichael DunnThe story of Joanna, a 14-year-old girl who feels pressured by her peers to lose her virginity.This excellent drama received similar complaints to the later "Skins" TV show for its sex scenes, strong language and drug taking scenes, mainly featuring teenagers.
- StarsJulia DavisAngus DeaytonRebecca FrontAlthough Jill's husband seems to respond well to cancer treatment, she tells him that he's dying. Jill pretends she's already a widow and pursues her next-door neighbor, Don. Jill manipulates and torments Don's wife, who suffers from MS.This dark comedy series received complaints for its second series due to some poor taste humour using a Christmas dinner.
Released on DVD uncut with an 18 certificate. - DirectorChristopher SpencerStarsMark MatthewsHani MiletskiJerry SpringerA British documentary on zoophilia presenting various personal, religious, psychological, and sociological views on the phenomenon of sexual relations between humans and other animals.This strange documentary gained complaints for its discussion of "animal love".
- DirectorAnna HallDocumentary looking at the work of Bradford Social Services and some of the people in Bradford who are struggling to cope in their lives.This documentary was shelved due to right wing groups using one report to promote their parties. Some critics said it was biased in its treatment of Asian people. The documentary was only broadcast once, I think.
- DirectorJulia BlackStarsJulia BlackDocumentary on the legal and moral issues of abortions.Attracted many complaints for featuring footage of a real abortion.
- DirectorStefan StuckertStarsDerren BrownThe master of illusion hosts a one-off special which assembles 12 members of the public to re-create a traditional séance.Many viewers believed they were witnessing a real seance and not an illusion.
Released on DVD uncut with a 15 certificate. - DirectorLiviu TipuritaA frank look at Britain's brothels. Observational and investigative documentary about Britain off-street sex industry.BBC 1 documentary about prostitution.
- DirectorTim CarterTim CarterStarsJon SnowChris GuelffGregory HartleyChannel 4 documentary. Criticised for glamorising torture and violence.
- DirectorBruce GowersNick HopkinMichael MaierStarsBob GeldofArticolo 314Peace Ensemble20 years on from their Live Aid (1985) triumph, Bob Geldof and Midge Ure recruit the world's music superstars once again to perform live and put pressure on Western governments to help Africa and Make Poverty History.Pre-watershed swearing drew over 200 complaints.
- CreatorIsabelle DubernetÉric FührerPhil OxStarsMorwenna BanksMackenzie CrookKevin EldonThe series follows the doodles and scribblings of a student at school during the daily lessons. His drawings depict the life of Father Nicholas, who lives in a Vatican City , he is charged with being the handler for the Pope.As fair as I now this animated sitcom was unbroadcast due to the Catholic church taking offence to its depiction of the pope.
It was later released on DVD with a 15 certificate. - DirectorPeter OrtonStarsDavid SoulDavid BedellaLeon CraigA TV presentation of the successful London stage show. A fully operatic production very loosely based on the 'Jerry Springer' TV show.This television broadcast of a live opera attracted complaints for its frequent, use of very strong language and mocking of Christianity. The opera attracted protests from Christian groups.
Later released on DVD with an 18 certificate. - DirectorRussell BarnesStarsYousef Al-KhattabRichard DawkinsTed HaggardRichard Dawkins' highly critical documentary attacks the pulsing heart of all mainstream religion- faith; with special focus on Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Contains repeated references to sectorial schools as child abuse and faith as the stepping stone to terrorist activity.This documentary spoke out against religion; as a result caused offence to many religious groups, mainly Christian ones.
Available on DVD uncut, possibly unrated. - DirectorGabriel RangeStarsHend AyoubBecky Ann BakerGeorge W. BushYears after the assassination of President George W. Bush in Chicago, an investigative documentary examines that as-yet-unsolved crime.This American\UK co-production was bound to cause offence - it recreated a fictional assassination of George W Bush.
Released on DVD uncut with a 12 certificate. - StarsAlex ZaneJonathan GoodwinStuart UnwinChannel 4 comedy series. Criticised for dangerous imitable stunts.
- DirectorSimon DinsellStarsBarry JonesStuart MacLeodMagicians Barry Jones and Stuart MacLeod turn their attention to stories from the Old Testament, and perform illusions based on some of the mystical feats recorded in the text.Magicians performing stage tricks inspired by the bible such as: turning water into wine, it gained complaints on the grounds of blasphemy.
- StarsChris O'DowdRichard AyoadeKatherine ParkinsonThe comedic misadventures of Roy, Moss and their grifting supervisor Jen, a rag-tag team of IT support workers at a large corporation headed by a hotheaded yuppie.One episode removed from All4 for depictions of Trans people. Available uncut on DVD rated 15.
- StarsElectra FormosaBetsie DsaneGok WanMeet Gok Wan, stylist to the stars, the man with the magical know-how.Drew some complaints for showing full frontal nudity before the 9pm watershed.
- StarsErin SharkeyAva CadellCatherine HoodDocumentary series exploring sex, presented by Dr. Catherine Hood.This Channel 5 educational programme; was the first to show explicit real sex on UK TV, and get away with it.
- CreatorJamie BrittainBryan ElsleyStarsKaya ScodelarioNicholas HoultJoe DempsieThe story of a group of British teens who are trying to grow up and find love and happiness despite questionable parenting and teachers who would rather be friends (and lovers) than authority figures.Received many complaints for: swearing, drug use, sex scenes etc.
Released on DVD uncut with an 18 certificate. - CreatorLucy PrebbleStarsBillie PiperIddo GoldbergCherie LunghiBased on the popular diary of the anonymous sex worker known only as Belle de Jour.This series gained complaints from Mediawatch and a few others for its prostitution theme and sexual scenes.
Released on DVD uncut with an 18 certificate. - DirectorMartin DurkinStarsTim BallNir ShavivIan ClarkEverything you've ever been told about Global Warming is probably untrue. This film blows the whistle on the biggest swindle in modern history. We are told that 'Man Made Global Warming' is the biggest ever threat to mankind. There is no room for scientific doubt. Well, watch this film and make up your own mind.This was dismissed by some as being propaganda.
Released on DVD with E certificate. - StarsMahmoud AhmadinejadJohn PirkisA Christmas message from Mahmoud Ahmadinejad caused offence due to the appropriateness of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as speaker. His speech was mainly on religion which further offended some people.
- DirectorPeter KayStarsPeter KayJudith AlexanderIan ArmerCat Deely hosts the epic 'live' final of Britain's Got the Pop Factor, where musical acts R Wayne, 2 Up 2 Down and Geraldine battle it out for their own record deal and an automatic entry to the show Celebrity Jesus Christ Soapstar Superstar Strictly on Ice. Nicki Chapman, Neil Fox and Pete Waterman will judge their efforts, but who wins?Controversial in recent years with Peter Kay being accused as "tranning up" for laughs and requests for it to be banned from Channel 4 repeats due to transphobia.
- StarsAnna RichardsonRadha ModgilLionel BlueAnna Richardson and a team of experts visit various secondary schools in the UK in an attempt to educate teenagers about sex in relation to their consumption of pornography.This educational programme drew complaints from both parents and the press for constant nudity and frank sexual discussions. One series drew controversy when it was broadcast before the watershed (9pm).
- DirectorSophie RobinsonStarsSteven MackintoshDavid NuttClare GeradaThis science documentary featured a controversial subject matter and started a press debate.
- DirectorOsca HumphreysNeil RawlesStarsBarbara FlynnThelma MadineA look at the lives of gypsy travelers as they prepare for a wedding.Attracted some complaints for its portrayal of Gypsy\traveller communities.