Michael Palin’s iconic travel documentary Around the World in 80 Days has recently received a trigger warning on BBC iPlayer. In a surprising move, the BBC added the advisory label for a scene in the 1989 series. During the episode, Palin can be seen sampling a traditional meal made with snake in Guangzhou, China.
The segment shows a snake being beheaded and skinned by a chef before Palin tastes the dish, remarking: "That's great. It's lovely." When viewers play this episode on BBC iPlayer now, they’re greeted with a message that the episode "contains upsetting scenes".
Typically such warnings are reserved for programs featuring violence, strong language, or nudity. However, BBC iPlayer has recently expanded its use of these labels, even applying them to some classic comedies. The decision hasn’t come without criticism.
Conservative MP Sir Alec Shelbrooke expressed his frustration, saying: "These things happen around the world, yet the BBC says ‘you better not watch that, it might upset you’. "This decision has been made by snowflakes in office with no experience of the world." Meanwhile, Toby Young of the Free Speech Union remarked that viewers expect to see "weird and wonderful things" when tuning into travel shows like Around the World in 80 Days.
Young went on to joke that the BBC might soon find itself slapping warnings on I’m A Celebrity, for the reality show's famously unconventional eating challenges. In defence of the broadcaster's choice, a BBC spokesper.
