Why was Grease given a trigger warning on ITVX?

ITVX added a warning for 'mild language and teenage misbehavior' despite the film's PG rating.

What kind of content in Grease is considered 'teenage misbehavior'?

The warning refers to mild profanity, suggestive jokes, and scenes of characters messing with cars.

Are other classic shows receiving trigger warnings on ITVX?

Yes, shows like 'Byker Grove' and films like 'Downton Abbey' have also received warnings for outdated attitudes or language.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Grease Gets Trigger Warning for 50s "Misbehavior"

Grease Gets Trigger Warning for 50s "Misbehavior"

4 Dec, 2025

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Summary

ITVX added a warning for 'mild language and teenage misbehavior'.
The film is rated PG but flagged for its 1950s setting.
This follows similar warnings for 'Byker Grove' and 'Downton Abbey'.

Grease Gets Trigger Warning for 50s "Misbehavior"

The beloved 1978 musical 'Grease' is now subject to a content warning on ITVX, despite its PG rating. The advisory highlights 'mild language and teenage misbehavior' inherent to its 1950s setting. This decision has drawn criticism, with some questioning the relevance of such warnings for a film rated suitable for families and featuring what is considered mild by today's standards.

This situation echoes recent instances where older media has been similarly flagged. The children's show 'Byker Grove,' which launched the careers of Ant and Dec, also received a trigger warning for 'outdated attitudes' and discriminatory language. Additionally, the period drama 'Downton Abbey' faces a warning for its use of classist insults and portrayal of social stigma.

The application of these warnings to classic films and television programs, including 'Grease,' has ignited discussion about modern sensibilities applied to historical content. Critics argue that these advisories may be overly cautious, potentially misrepresenting the nature of the content or undermining the historical context in which it was created.