Television shows often push boundaries and challenge social norms, but some episodes cross lines that get them completely removed from screens worldwide. From controversial political statements to graphic content and religious insensitivity, these banned episodes reveal how cultural differences and societal values shape what audiences can watch in different parts of the world.
Behind every banned episode lies a fascinating story of public outrage, network decisions, and changing social standards. While some of these episodes eventually returned to television years later, others remain locked away in network vaults, serving as reminders of television’s power to influence and sometimes divide viewers across different cultures and countries.
Pokemon – Electric Soldier Porygon
This infamous Pokemon episode caused over 700 Japanese viewers to have seizures due to its rapid flashing lights. The episode features Pikachu using his thunderbolt attack, creating intense strobing effects that trigger photosensitive epilepsy in many children. After this incident, the episode was banned globally and led to new guidelines for animation effects. The Pokemon franchise had to undergo major changes in how they animated bright scenes and flashing sequences.
The Simpsons – Bart vs Australia
This controversial episode sparked outrage in Australia for its stereotypical portrayal of Australian culture and customs. The episode showed Australians living in a backward society and mocked their government system. Many Australian television networks either banned or heavily edited the episode before broadcasting. The episode created diplomatic tensions and discussions about cultural sensitivity in international television.
SpongeBob SquarePants – Mid-Life Crustacean
This episode was removed from streaming platforms and TV rotation because it featured Mr. Krabs joining SpongeBob and Patrick on a “panty raid.” The episode showed them breaking into a woman’s house to steal her underwear. Nickelodeon later decided this plot promoted inappropriate behavior for children. The network officially pulled the episode from circulation in 2018.
South Park – 200 and 201
These two connected episodes were banned due to their controversial depiction of religious figures, including the Prophet Muhammad. Comedy Central heavily censored the episodes after receiving threats. The episodes tackled themes of censorship and religious sensitivity in their usual satirical style. Neither episode has ever been rebroadcast or made available for streaming.
Sesame Street – Episode 847
This early episode featuring Margaret Hamilton reprising her role as the Wicked Witch of the West was removed after parents complained it terrified young viewers. The episode showed the witch threatening to take away Gordon’s whistle and turn Big Bird into a feather duster. Many children were so frightened by her appearance that the episode never aired again. The episode remains in the Sesame Workshop archives but hasn’t been broadcast since its original airing.
Dragon Ball Z – The Sacred Water
This episode was banned in several countries due to its controversial content involving Master Roshi’s inappropriate behavior. The episode featured scenes that were considered too suggestive for young viewers. Multiple networks around the world either heavily edited or completely removed the episode. The original version remains unavailable in many regions.
Friends – The One Where Rachel Tells Ross
Originally scheduled to air in 2001, this episode was modified due to a storyline involving airport security. The original plot included Chandler making jokes about bombs in an airport. After the September 11 attacks, the episode was rewritten and reshot. The original version has never been broadcast or released.
The Powerpuff Girls – See Me Feel Me Gnomey
This episode was banned due to its use of strobe effects similar to the Pokemon incident. The episode featured intense flashing lights during battle scenes that could trigger seizures. Cartoon Network decided not to air the episode in several countries. The episode remains largely unseen except in certain international markets.
Tiny Toon Adventures – One Beer
This episode attempted to teach about alcohol dangers by showing Buster, Plucky, and Hampton getting drunk. The episode ended with the characters apparently dying in a car crash after drinking. Parents complained that the message was too dark for children. The episode was pulled from syndication and future DVD releases.
Peppa Pig – Mister Skinny Legs
This episode was banned in Australia because it showed Peppa befriending a spider and suggested spiders weren’t dangerous. Australian authorities worried this message could be dangerous in a country with many venomous spiders. The episode was removed from Australian television to avoid sending the wrong message to children. It remains banned in Australia while airing normally in other countries.
Family Guy – When You Wish Upon a Weinstein
This episode was initially banned by Fox due to its controversial portrayal of Jewish stereotypes. The episode remained unaired on network television for several years after its production. Cable channel Adult Swim eventually broadcast the episode with minor edits. The episode sparked discussions about religious sensitivity in comedy.
Dexter’s Laboratory – Rude Removal
This episode featured Dexter creating a machine that separated rudeness from politeness, resulting in two versions of himself and Dee Dee. The episode contained too many implied curse words and rude behavior for Cartoon Network standards. Despite being fully produced, it never aired on television. The episode only surfaced years later at special events.
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