Only Fools And Horses outrage as sitcom slapped with trigger warning

Only Fools and Horses has been slapped with a trigger warning some fans have deemed 'excessively woke'. 

The BBC show is known for being feel-good TV, but has become the latest sitcom to be issued with disclaimers around offensive or outdated language.

All seven series of the 80s hit starring David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst and the late Lennard Pearce are on streaming platform ITVX.

However, many of the episodes have been hit with trigger warnings for racial and 'outdated attitudes'.

'The Russians are Coming' from series one was a fan favourite, but now features a disclaimer that reads: 'Contains some offensive racial language of the time.'

'The Yellow Peril' from the second series and 'Who's A Pretty Boy' from the third also feature a number of warnings now. 

Two episodes in the fourth installment also have a warning, while 'The Miracle of Peckham' from series five warns of language that 'may offend'.

The only two series which did not receive a disclaimer of some kind are the sixth and seventh.

Even the 1985 Christmas special includes a message that says: 'Contains dated attitudes and behaviours and racist language some viewers may find offensive.'

The repeats of Only Fools And Horses still air on digital channel U&Gold and have also been slapped with warnings. 

Fans have taken to social media to share their frustration at the new warnings.

One said: 'It takes a brave platform to showcase a comedy. People are desperate to be outraged and offended in this country Even UK Gold has to give a f***ing warning before showing an episode of Only Fools And Horses,'

'I'm watching series 1 of Only Fools & Horses and I wonder how much of this humour would get written today. If any, it's comedy genius but the woke brigade cancel it out nowadays,'

'You know you are living in an upside down offended by everything society when the TV is giving warnings before airing episodes of Only Fools And Horses,'

'This is what happens when everyone gets offended all the time, comedy programs are on their a**e, nowadays you watch only fools and horses and before it comes on they pretty much say these are old jokes that might offend a little whine bag with no soul,'

'There'll never be a new series of Only Fools And Horses because the 2024 generation will get offended,'

'Being offended by Only Fools And Horses, pathetic, get a grip,'

'Anyone offended by Only Fools And Horses has clearly had a sense of humour failure, and needs to lighten up.'

MailOnline has contacted representatives for ITV and UKTV for comment. 

It comes after TV bosses slapped a trigger warning on a Michael Portillo travel documentary - as it shows him sipping sherry.

Viewers are now unable to watch the ex-MP's Andalucia show on the My5 streaming service unless they confirm they are over 16.

A large alert also warns that the program contains 'adult themes' and 'may not be suitable for children'.

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TV bosses put trigger warning on Michael Portillo travel show because it features him sipping sherry

Such warnings are usually reserved for material that can be potentially harmful or offensive, such as strong language, violence, graphic images and sexual behaviour.

In the show, that aired in 2023, Mr Portillo visits the Spanish city Jerez dubbed the sherry capital of the world.

He takes part in a 15-minute tasting session where he tells viewers that Andalucia is a region known for its wide variety of wine.

The decision to add the trigger warning to the show has baffled critics.

Tory MP Sir John Hayes told The Sun: 'Most people find these types of trigger warnings very bizarre.

'It's less about the programs and more about these people who feel we have to protect everyone from any kind of fear or stimulus.

'If these warnings can go on family-friendly shows, it makes you wonder where this woke Puritan culture ends.'