Life as a freelance writer
In: Follies
17 Apr 2009
This week I was watching some reruns of Entourage on MuchMore (previously known as MuchMoreMusic, MuchMusic’s alternate channel) when I noticed something strange. If you’ve ever watched Entourage, you know that there’s a lot of coarse language and definitely mature, adult situations. Because of this the TV network played one of those “viewer discretion is advised” warnings when they came back from each commercial break. Only this warning was different. That’s why it caught my eye, or ear, rather. Listen to this:
This program contains extremeley coarse language, mature themes and nudity, and is not suitable for younger audiences. Even some adults may be offended.
What caught my ear was the last statement, “Even some adults may be offended.” The rest of the warning wasn’t good enough? Why do we have to say it’s only unsuitable for “younger audiences”? Can’t you simply say “…and is not suitable for all audiences”? That would cover everyone, wouldn’t it?
Aside from my amusement at this warning as a writer, I am actually a bit annoyed with all of these warnings in general. Every show on tv now has a warning, and up until this new MuchMore warning my favourite was the one seen on Fox’s Bones, which talked about how the show contains “forensic content”, so “viewer discretion is advised”.
I'm a freelance technical writer who's trying to make the transition from working for somebody else to working for me.
4 Responses to Are We Taking TV Warnings Too Far?
Marty
April 17th, 2009 at 10:22
It’s no doubt in response to viewer feedback. Someone complained and the network is doing a little CYA. Sort of the same reason a pack of matches tells you to close the cover before striking, or a McSpew’s hot apple pie has “Caution: Filling Hot” on the package. You know there’s a lawsuit behind that stuff somewhere.
Personally, I don’t care what the warnings say, I just like when they’re inserted so I know when to stop fast forwarding my PVR.
Mel
April 17th, 2009 at 14:37
That’s crazy! Yes, this is definitely taking it too far. Just say ‘all’. good grief.
Julia
April 18th, 2009 at 09:32
@Marty – That’s so true, I use those warnings as a marker on when to stop fast-forwarding too! I just think it’s funny that they have to phrase them that way.
Marty
April 18th, 2009 at 15:02
Yeah, it is. Sometimes they use “canned” warnings, too. Just give a laundry list of what “might” be in the show. I always found Showtime’s funny when I was watching Rescue Me (new season debuts tomorrow!). At the end of the show, they’d give the warning just before coming back to roll the credits.