Scene too explicit, speech deemed blasphemous or #MeToo affair, here are 10 Netflix series that have been in turmoil for various and varied controversies.
“13 Reasons Why”
As soon as it was released in March 2017 on Netflix, the teenage series 13 Reasons Why created controversy. While staging the suicide of a high school student, many accused her of having harmful effects on young people and of “Glamorize” such an act. So much so that in July 2019, Netflix made the decision to change the graphic scene during which Hannah dies in the last episode of season 1, and cut the most shocking part.
The 13 Reasons Why series airs on Netflix.
“Messiah”
On March 25, 2020, Wil Traval, actor of Messiah on Netflix, announced its cancellation after only one season. Despite its short lifespan, the series has caused a lot of ink to flow. Indeed, this politico-religious thriller was the subject of a petition on the Web even before its broadcast, on January 1, 2020, accused of “Evil and anti-Islamic propaganda”. Messiah tells the story of the appearance in the Middle East of a mysterious figure pretending to be the eschatological return of Isa (Jesus) and on whom a CIA agent will investigate.
The Messiah series is available in full on Netflix.
“Insatiable”
Released on Netflix on August 10, 2018, the series Insatiable at sparked controversy right from his trailer. It features Patty, an overweight teenager mocked by her classmates. Overnight, she loses weight and the look of others radically changes towards her. The series has been accused of grossophobia or of promoting thinness. She was also accused of using a fat suit for her lead actress Debby Ryan. Despite the controversy, Insatiable met his audience and lasted 2 seasons.
The Insatiable series is available in full on Netflix.
“Baby”
The Italian series Baby has not escaped controversy. It tells the daily life of two high school girls who, tired of their daily life, begin a secret life which does not obey any rules. Even before its release, the National Center on Sexual Exploitation association accused Baby of “Glamorize” the adolescent sex trafficking industry. Behind his story hides a news item which took place in Rome in 2013, where two young girls aged 15 and 14 were arrested for prostitution.
The Baby series is broadcast on Netflix.
“House of Cards”
In October 2017, as the #MeToo movement gained momentum after the Harvey Weinstein affair, actor Kevin Spacey was the subject of multiple charges of sexual harassment and sexual assault. The American media CNN reports that eight employees of the series House of Cards have called “Toxic” the atmosphere on the set because of the actor’s behavior. As a result of these charges, Kevin Spacey is fired from the series by Netflix and season 6 is announced as the last.
The House of Cards series is available in full on Netflix.
“Atypical”
Atypical recounts the daily life of Sam, a young autistic adolescent, who wishes to find love and gain his independence, much to the dismay of his mother. When it was released in August 2017, the series was talked about for its portrayal of autism and was accused of being stereotypical and inaccurate. Atypical was also singled out for not having anyone with an autism spectrum disorder in their cast or team. The creators then made adjustments in season 2 and hired consultants with autism.
The Atypical series is broadcast on Netflix.
“The Home Party: 20 years later”
The sequel to the cult series The House Party has been the subject of several controversies. In March 2018, creator Jeff Franklin was fired by Netflix after being accused of harassment. Several complaints have been filed against him, for his behavior in the writers’ room or on the set of the series. Jeff Franklin is accused of having made insulting and inappropriate comments, or of bringing the women he associates on the set and of imposing them for small roles in the series.
In March 2019, actress Lori Loughlin was charged in a court case related to the falsification of school records. Aunt Becky’s interpreter is accused of paying bribes to guarantee her daughters’ university entry. Production of the series The Home Party: 20 years after decides to end the actress’ contract.
The Home Party: 20 Years Later series is broadcast on Netflix.
“The Crown”
One of the biggest scandals tainted Netflix historical series is the pay gap between Claire Foy and Matt Smith. The latter, already known for his role in Doctor Who, was paid more than his filming partner while the latter played the central character in the series. Much has been written about this affair, sparking controversy over the gender pay gap in Hollywood. As a result of this story, the creators of The Crown apologized and said that from now on, no actor in the series would touch more than the interpreter of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Crown series airs on Netflix.
“Love 101”
Even before its release on Netflix April 24, 2020, the Turkish series Love 101 caused controversy in his home country. The alleged presence of a homosexual figure in his story led to harsh criticism and calls for a boycott. “We will not tolerate programs that are contrary to the national and spiritual values of our society” Ebubekir Sahin, President of the Supreme Audiovisual Council of Turkey told the newspaper Yeni Akit. In response to these attacks, Netflix Turkey issued a statement saying: “A lot of false information is circulating through false accounts … just believe what you hear from us about the series and the characters, not the rumors”.
The Love 101 series airs on Netflix.
“The Ranch”
In March 2017, four women filed a complaint against Danny Masterson for rape. As a result of these charges, Netflix fired the actor from the series The ranch December 5, 2017. Danny Masterson denied the charges and said ” very disappointed ” by Netflix in a press release. A fifth woman filed a complaint against him for rape in December 2017.
The Ranch series is available in full on Netflix.
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