BBC puts ‘offensive language’ warning on iPlayer versions of classic prison sitcom Porridge

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Now Norman Stanley Fletcher falls victim to the woke police: BBC puts ‘offensive language’ warning on iPlayer versions of classic prison sitcom Porridge

  • Episode of Porridge features a warning that some viewers may find it ‘offensive’ 
  • Fans of the 1970s comedy have hit out after one episode featured a warning 
  • It said the programme ‘reflects the broadcast standards, language and attitudes of its time’, adding: ‘Some viewers may find this content offensive’

By Henry Martin For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

The BBC have attached an ‘offensive language’ warning on iPlayer episodes of classic prison sitcom Porridge.   

The programme revolves around protagonist Norman Stanley Fletcher, played by Ronnie Barker, serving time at the fictional HM Prison Slade in Cumberland with cellmate Lennie Godber, played by Richard Beckinsale. 

Fans of the 1970s comedy have hit out after one episode featured a warning, advising viewers that the programme ‘reflects the broadcast standards, language and attitudes of its time’, adding: ‘Some viewers may find this content offensive’.

Twitter user Andrew Denisovan who posted a picture of the warning online, said: ‘Logged onto BBC iPlayer this evening as they have every series of Porridge. Made in mid 70s.

The programme revolves around protagonist Norman Stanley Fletcher, played by Ronnie Barker, serving time at the fictional HM Prison Slade in Cumberland with cellmate Lennie Godber, played by Richard Beckinsale

Twitter user Andrew Denisovan who posted a picture of the warning online, said: 'Logged onto BBC iPlayer this evening as they have every series of Porridge. Made in mid 70s'

Twitter user Andrew Denisovan who posted a picture of the warning online, said: ‘Logged onto BBC iPlayer this evening as they have every series of Porridge. Made in mid 70s’

A BBC Spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Attitudes and language change over time and our approach, just like other streaming services, is to tell viewers when a show includes something that maybe offensive, inappropriate or outdated and because some people aren't offended, it doesn't mean that others aren't

A BBC Spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘Attitudes and language change over time and our approach, just like other streaming services, is to tell viewers when a show includes something that maybe offensive, inappropriate or outdated and because some people aren’t offended, it doesn’t mean that others aren’t

‘Got this warning as soon as I selected it. Logged off immediately as I’m easily offended!’

Another fan tweeted: ‘Porridge has a warning message now on BBCiPlayer – I give up.’

A third said: ‘Why have the @BBC put an advisory notice on Porridge? This nonsense has to stop. One of the greatest ever sitcoms.’

In one episode of the programme, Fletcher told a prison escort ‘You’d have to be Sidney Poitier’ to serve in London’s Brixton Prison, while in another he calls prisoner McLaren a ‘poof’.   

A BBC Spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘Attitudes and language change over time and our approach, just like other streaming services, is to tell viewers when a show includes something that maybe offensive, inappropriate or outdated and because some people aren’t offended, it doesn’t mean that others aren’t.’   

One disgruntled fan said: ‘Why have @BBC put an advisory notice on Porridge? This woke nonsense has to stop. One of the greatest ever sitcoms.’

Another said: ‘What a load of tree hugger guff.’

One disgruntled fan said: 'Why have @BBC put an advisory notice on Porridge? This woke nonsense has to stop. One of the greatest ever sitcoms.' Another said: 'What a load of tree hugger guff'

One disgruntled fan said: ‘Why have @BBC put an advisory notice on Porridge? This woke nonsense has to stop. One of the greatest ever sitcoms.’ Another said: ‘What a load of tree hugger guff’