Actress Su Pollard has criticized what she describes as "scared" broadcasters and streaming services for applying trigger warnings to classic comedy programs. The 76-year-old star believes such warnings are unnecessary, asserting that language and attitudes reflected in older shows were representative of their time.
"There's absolutely no b***** need for it at all because people said things like that back then, and people will get warnings for what they say now in 10 years' time," Pollard told Bang Showbiz at the Great British Theatres Awards. "So you just have to say, 'Oh, don't be b***** ridiculous.'"
Pollard emphasized that viewers should assess older comedy within its historical context. "They're so scared of offending. Well, who's decided what's offensive or not? Get some balls!" she stated.
Her comments come as a growing number of older television programs are being presented with content warnings. In January 2025, multiple episodes of the BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses, available on ITVX, were flagged for offensive and outdated language, with notes citing "offensive racial language of the time." Similarly, Channel 4 added a disclaimer to a 1998 episode of Father Ted for "language and racial impersonation which some viewers may find offensive." BritBox has also placed warnings on older shows, including the 1980s sitcom Terry and June, citing "discriminatory language of the period," and 'Allo 'Allo!, which carried a warning for "language and attitudes of the time that may offend some viewers."
BritBox has responded that programming with potentially sensitive language has carried appropriate warnings since its launch, and that they regularly re-examine historical programming to review, re-label, provide context, and ensure proper guidance for viewers.
Pollard's sentiments echo those of Dame Judi Dench, who recently argued that trigger warnings have "gone too far" and are "mollycoddling" audiences. Dench believes that the best performances push viewers beyond their comfort zones and questioned the necessity of warnings beyond those for strobe lighting, gunshots, or age appropriateness. "If you're that sensitive, don't go to the theatre," she advised. Dench also expressed concern that excessive warnings could detract from the audience's enjoyment and understanding of a narrative, drawing a parallel to revealing plot twists beforehand.