Popular shows from the past, such as “Friends” and “How I Met Your Mother,” have been criticized for their outdated humor and offensive content. While streaming services like BritBox now include trigger warnings on some classic shows, some argue that these warnings are unnecessary or even misleading. Critics point to shows like “Terry and June,” which received a trigger warning despite containing relatively mild offensive content compared to shows like “All in the Family” or “Mind Your Language.” The overuse of trigger warnings, it is argued, dilutes their meaning and fails to prepare viewers for truly offensive content. Additionally, some argue that Gen Z, the generation most likely to seek out older shows, is already aware of changing cultural standards and is less likely to be triggered by dated humor. Ultimately, while trigger warnings can be useful for sensitive viewers, their overuse can be counterproductive and undermine their intended purpose.
Trigger Warnings: Overused or Overdue?
