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Comedy Classics Get Trigger Warnings Over Old Jokes
15 Dec, 2025
Summary
- BBC issued a trigger warning for 'discriminatory language' on Nan's Christmas Carol.
- The special, from 2009, features Nan mocking a German character.
- Grease received a warning for 'teenage misbehaviour' despite its PG rating.
A beloved BBC comedy special, Nan's Christmas Carol, has been issued a trigger warning by network executives. The 2009 program, starring Catherine Tate as the character Joanie 'Nan' Taylor, was flagged for containing 'discriminatory language.' Specifically, the warning addresses scenes where Nan Taylor makes disparaging remarks about her grandson's German girlfriend.
This cautionary notice echoes a recent decision by ITV to apply a similar warning to the classic 1978 musical Grease. Despite its PG rating and widespread appeal to families, ITVX flagged the film for 'teenage misbehaviour' and 'mild language.' The movie, set in 1950s Los Angeles, follows high school cliques and their various antics.
Catherine Tate herself has previously spoken out against what she calls 'cancel culture,' expressing concern over jokes being 'willfully misconstrued.' She advocates for a less adversarial approach to comedy, stating, 'I don't think there should be a war on jokes.' The issuance of these warnings on older, established content continues to fuel discussions about evolving societal standards and artistic expression.
