We wanted to know how far our readers think Disney+ should go to keep content on the platform family-friendly!

Ever since Disney+ launched, we’ve enjoyed binging our favorite classics and brand new content! For the most part, Disney has remained committed to keeping the streaming service arguably “clean.” Although a R-rated additions have been added. In the past, Disney+ has come into the spotlight for the lengths they’ve gone to to censor content (looking at you, Splash butt scene!). So we wanted to hear your opinions on whether Disney+ should censor content and we reached out or our instagram readers to find out!

What is Disney+ Censoring?

As Disney+ has continued to evolve, there have been some changes in terms of censorship and how Disney has decided to handle the addition of more violent and mature content. Currently, Disney+ has parental controls which allow subscribers to select content rating restrictions for each profile on their account. For younger kids, you can select “G” or “PG” (and below) content only. Subscribers can also lock profiles with a PIN code to prevent other users from accessing higher-rated content on different profiles.

But this isn’t the only way that content is censored on the platform. Some scenes have been edited or removed from shows and films entirely. And on top of that, there are some episodes of shows that have simply not been added to the platform at all.

Examples of Disney+ Censorship

A scene from Splash has been edited to remove a brief glimpse of Daryl Hannah’s naked rear end, even though this movie earned a PG rating when it was released (to be fair, the PG-13 rating had not yet been created!).

We’ve also seen the rating guidelines cause hangups for new programming as well. The much-anticipated revival of Lizzie McGuire was put on hold.

Star Hilary Duff expressed concerns that Disney would remove any adult themes from the show saying, “I’d be doing a disservice to everyone by limiting the realities of a 30 year old’s journey to live under the ceiling of a PG rating. It’s important to me that just as her experiences as a preteen/teenager navigating life were authentic, her next chapters are equally as real and relatable. It would be a dream if Disney would let us move the show to Hulu, if they were interested, and I could bring this beloved character to life again.”

The 1946 film Song of the South, long considered controversial due to racist character depictions, is notably unavailable on the streaming service. While Dumbo is on Disney+, a dated scene featuring stereotyped crows remains with a disclaimer that it contains culturally outdated depictions. You will see disclaimers like the one below on films like Peter Pan, The Aristocats, and more as well.

Disney has gone to great lengths to ensure its content falls squarely into the “family-friendly” category.

This is Disney’s statement on the advisory. “As part of our ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, we are in the process of reviewing our library and adding advisories to content that includes negative depictions or mistreatment of people or cultures. Rather than removing this content, we see an opportunity to spark conversation and open dialogue on history that affects us all. We also want to acknowledge that some communities have been erased or forgotten altogether, and we’re committed to giving voice to their stories as well.”

What Do Our Readers Think?

We wanted to hear what our readers think about Disney+ censoring content, so we reached out on Instagram to get their thoughts. And we were super interested to see how this one turned out!

Of the 218 initial responses, a resounding 181 people said NO they don’t think Disney+ should censor their content. In contrast, 19 people said YES they do think the streaming service should be censored, and 18 people said IN SOME CASES they think it’s a good idea. Here’s a visual breakdown of the results!

Let’s take a look at some of the reasons behind the responses!

“Yes, Disney+ Should Censor The Content!”

Of the people who responded, 9% think Disney+ should censor the content available on the service. The consensus among this group was that as a Disney platform, the programming should stay family-friendly. As one reader put it, “It’s Disney. [We] shouldn’t have to worry about what’s on.” 

Another reader also pointed out that lots of younger viewers will be watching. “I think Disney+ is geared towards a younger crowd and should be kept family-friendly!”

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“Disney+ Should Censor Some Things”

Close behind the number of people who said all content on the service should be censored, 8% said they think Disney+ should censor some parts of the platform. There were a few reasons given for this response. Some said that they think certain things should make the cut, while others go too far. “Depends! No to Song of the South, but yes to adult Lizzie!”

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“No, Disney+ Should Never Censor!”

Making up the majority of responses, 83% of people said that Disney+ shouldn’t censor their content. As one reader put it, “Families can make their own choices about what they want to watch [and] allow for their kids.”

Others also pointed out that by censoring, it would be difficult for Disney to decide where to draw the line. One reader gave the example, “Endgame had Thor chop off Thanos’ head. Maybe add a warning with a button.”

Of the people who responded, most thought that Disney+ shouldn’t censor their content, saying Disney should allow users to take personal responsibility for what they and their family watch.

Others raised concerns and said they would prefer for Disney to continue censoring some, or all, of their programming. We think there were valid points made on all sides of the issue, and it will be interesting to see whether Disney continues the current guidelines and practices!

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Do you think Disney+ should censor their content? Let us know in the comments!