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Netflix Original Shows Has Strict Rule For Smoking Scenes After Backlash

In a significant move to address concerns about the pervasive depiction of smoking in its original content, Netflix has strict rule for smoking scenes on its shows. This decision comes in response to criticism and a report from the public health nonprofit group Truth Initiative, highlighting the alarming prevalence of smoking scenes, particularly in hit series like Stranger Things.

Author:Alex Mercer
Reviewer:Nathanial Blackwood
Jan 31, 2024
36.9K Shares
513.4K Views
In a significant move to address concerns about the pervasive depiction of smoking in its original content, Netflix has strict rule for smoking sceneson its shows. This decision comes in response to criticism and a report from the public health nonprofit group Truth Initiative, highlighting the alarming prevalence of smoking scenes, particularly in hit series like Stranger Things. As the streaming giant takes a proactive stance to mitigate the potential influence on viewers, this policy marks a notable step towards balancing artistic expression with public health considerations.

Netflix Has Strict Rule For Smoking Scenes

Netflix logo
Netflix logo
In a bid to address mounting concerns over the pervasive depiction of smoking in some of its most popular series, Netflix has announced a stringent new policy restricting the inclusion of smoking and e-cigarette use in its original content.
The streaming platform's decision comes on the heels of criticism and a report from public health nonprofit group Truth Initiative, which identified Netflix's hit series, Stranger Things, as one of the worst offenders in terms of featuring smoking scenes. The report revealed that tobacco use was present in 100 percent of episodes in the show's second season.
Netflix responded proactively to the concerns raised by viewers who reported feeling tempted to smoke after watching their favorite characters light up on screen. In the wake of the report's findings, the streaming giant unveiled a comprehensive policy applicable to all new shows it commissions.
According to the new guidelines, any show with ratings of TV-14 or below and films rated PG-13 or below commissioned by Netflix will exclude smoking and e-cigarette use, except when essential for historical or factual accuracy. Additionally, higher-rated projects will only feature smoking if it is integral to the creative vision of the artist or character-defining from a historical or cultural perspective.
A spokesperson for Netflix emphasized the platform's commitment to artistic expression while acknowledging the potential harm of positively portraying smoking on screen. The spokesperson stated:
Netflix strongly supports artistic expression. We also recognize that smoking is harmful and, when portrayed positively on screen, can adversely influence young people.- Netflix
The move reflects a growing awareness within the entertainment industry about the impact of on-screen smoking on viewers, especially younger audiences. Truth Initiative's report highlighted a concerning trend, revealing that since 2018, tobacco depiction on television has more than doubled. Despite existing limitations on tobacco advertising, an estimated 28 million young people witnessed tobacco incidents on their screens, with over 200 such incidents occurring in programs rated TV-Y7 and TV-PG.

Final Thoughts

Netflix's commitment to curbing on-screen smoking reflects a growing awareness within the entertainment industry of the impact such scenes can have on viewers, particularly younger audiences. By setting stringent guidelines for its original content, Netflix aims to strike a balance between creative expression and responsible content creation.
This move underscores the streaming platform's recognition of the potential harm associated with positive portrayals of smoking on screen and aligns with broader industry efforts to promote healthier viewing experiences. As Netflix continues to evolve its content policies, the entertainment landscape may witness a positive shift towards more mindful storytelling.
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Alex Mercer

Alex Mercer

Author
Alex Mercer is a seasoned author and analyst specializing in wealth research, with a keen focus on evaluating the net worth of individuals across various industries. With over a decade of experience in financial analysis and wealth assessment, Alex has developed a nuanced understanding of the factors that contribute to an individual's financial status, from investments and assets to market trends and economic policies. His work involves in-depth reviews and analyses, providing insightful observations on wealth accumulation, management strategies, and the socio-economic implications of wealth distribution. Throughout his career, Alex has become known for his ability to distill complex financial data into understandable and engaging narratives, making the subject of wealth and net worth accessible to a broad audience. His expertise is not just in numbers but in telling the stories behind them, highlighting the journeys, strategies, and decisions that lead to financial success or challenges. Alex's contributions to the field of wealth research are valuable resources for anyone looking to understand the dynamics of wealth in today's world, offering a unique perspective that bridges the gap between financial analysis and human interest.
Nathanial Blackwood

Nathanial Blackwood

Reviewer
Nathanial (Nate) Blackwood is a distinguished financial journalist with a decade of experience in net worth analysis. He holds an Economics degree from the University of Finance and a Data Analysis certification, enabling him to blend thorough insights with engaging storytelling. Nate is known for making complex financial information accessible to a wide audience, earning acclaim for his precise and reader-friendly analyses. Beyond his writing, Nate is dedicated to financial literacy, actively participating in educational forums and workshops. He is the founder of PureNetWealth, a platform that demystifies the financial achievements of public figures by exploring the strategies and decisions behind their fortunes. Nate's work bridges the gap between intricate economic concepts and the general public, inspiring a deeper understanding of wealth dynamics. Follow Nathanial Blackwood for essential insights into the financial narratives shaping our world.
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