Trigger warnings have been added to episodes of the beloved British sitcom “Only Fools and Horses,” cautioning viewers about potentially offensive content. The classic BBC show, created by the late John Sullivan, now features disclaimers alerting viewers to offensive and outdated language. Trigger warnings are notifications provided prior to content that may evoke strong emotional responses or distress in some individuals. These warnings aim to allow viewers to prepare for or avoid material that could have a negative impact on their mental well-being. While some people appreciate trigger warnings for giving them the choice to engage with the content or emotionally prepare, others question their necessity, raising concerns that they could stifle open conversations.
The first series episode titled ‘The Russians are Coming’ includes a note indicating, “Contains some offensive racial language of the time.” Similarly, episodes ‘The Yellow Peril’ and ‘Who’s A Pretty Boy’ from the second and third series respectively also carry the same warning. Additional episodes from the fourth series feature trigger warnings, with the fifth series episode ‘The Miracle of Peckham’ cautioning viewers about potentially offensive language. The 1985 Christmas special ‘To Hull and Back’ also includes a message warning about “dated attitudes and behaviours and racist language some viewers may find offensive.” Interestingly, the sixth and seventh series do not have any trigger warnings attached.
Interestingly, “Only Fools and Horses” episodes are also aired on the channel UKTV Gold, where they have similarly been updated with trigger warnings. The move to add these warnings has sparked debate online, with one viewer questioning the necessity of such disclaimers for a comedy show. Another viewer suggested that those offended by the show may need to lighten up and find their sense of humour. Actor Sir David Jason, who portrayed Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter in the series, previously shared that the cast was provided with guidelines to adhere to during the production of the show. He mentioned in a podcast interview that there were certain topics, like religion, that they were not allowed to touch upon.
In the ever-evolving landscape of sensitivity and inclusivity in media, the addition of trigger warnings to not only controversial but also classic and beloved television shows like “Only Fools and Horses” reflects a broader societal shift towards acknowledging and addressing potentially offensive content. While some applaud these warnings for their consideration towards viewers’ mental well-being, others believe they may hinder the freedom of expression and limit the authenticity of past representations. As discussions surrounding trigger warnings continue to unfold, it will be intriguing to observe how different audiences respond to the implementation of these labels on familiar content.
The decision to incorporate trigger warnings into the episodes of “Only Fools and Horses” signifies a commitment to fostering more mindful viewing experiences, ensuring that viewers are forewarned about sensitive material and can make informed choices about their engagement with the show. Ultimately, the inclusion of these warnings prompts reflection on the evolving standards of what is deemed acceptable in entertainment and the importance of contextualising historical content within contemporary sensitivities.