More than 30 years after Keeping Up Appearances first graced television screens, the beloved BBC sitcom found itself at the center of controversy. In 2021, when the show was added to the streaming platform BritBox, fans were surprised to see a viewer discretion warning attached to the classic series.
The sitcom, created by Roy Clarke, originally aired from 1990 to 1995 and starred Patricia Routledge as Hyacinth Bucket (who insisted it was pronounced “Bouquet”) and Clive Swift as her patient husband, Richard. The show followed Hyacinth’s relentless attempts to climb the social ladder while avoiding embarrassment from her working-class relatives.
Even decades later, its humor and charm continue to resonate with audiences.
However, modern broadcasting standards have changed, leading BritBox to add a content warning to the show. The message stated that Keeping Up Appearances “contains language and attitudes of the era that may offend.”
A spokesperson for BritBox explained, “We review and refresh BritBox’s programme catalogue on an ongoing basis. Programming on the service that contains potentially sensitive language or attitudes of their era has carried appropriate warnings since our launch in November 2019, to ensure the right guidance is in place for viewers who are choosing to watch on demand.”
Some of the show’s humor, which was widely accepted in the 1990s, has come under scrutiny in today’s cultural climate. One scene that raised eyebrows involves Hyacinth and Richard visiting her wealthy sister and brother-in-law in the countryside.
During a conversation with a well-spoken man, Hyacinth comments to Richard that the gentleman is “quent,” meaning eloquent, and follows it up with, “as quent as a £4 note.”
Another episode features characters poking fun at a Polish man’s surname, with jokes questioning his right to reside in the UK. While these moments were originally played for laughs, they now highlight how comedy has evolved over time.
Keeping Up Appearances is not the only British sitcom to receive a cautionary label. Many classic TV shows from past decades have faced similar scrutiny.
Recently, Terry and June, a popular sitcom that aired from 1979 to 1987, was also given a content warning when it was added to ITVX in April. The show starred Terry Scott and Dame June Whitfield as a middle-class couple navigating everyday life.
ITV stated that Terry and June included “discriminatory language of the period.”
While the broadcaster did not specify which parts of the show led to the warning, some viewers pointed out that one episode revolves around Terry mistakenly using his wife’s perfume. The storyline follows his panic over his boss assuming he is gay, using outdated stereotypes for comedic effect.
These changes reflect a broader trend in how past television content is presented today. As media companies revisit their archives, they are increasingly adding disclaimers to older shows that may contain language, themes, or portrayals considered inappropriate by current standards.
Over the past few years, several iconic comedies have received similar treatment. Shows such as Fawlty Towers, Little Britain, and The Mighty Boosh have either been edited or removed from streaming platforms due to concerns over offensive content.
While some fans argue that these warnings are unnecessary, others believe they offer important context for modern audiences. Rather than censoring or altering the shows, the disclaimers serve as reminders that humor and societal attitudes have evolved over time.
Despite the content warning, Keeping Up Appearances remains a cherished classic, continuing to entertain audiences around the world. The sitcom’s timeless humor and unforgettable characters ensure that it holds a special place in television history—content warning or not.
