BBC Removes 11 Mitchell and Webb Comedy Skits from iPlayer
BBC News reports that the BBC has removed nearly a dozen comedy sketches from That Mitchell and Webb Look following a decision that they "no longer work today."
The Show and Its Return
The Bafta-winning series, starring David Mitchell and Robert Webb, originally aired for four seasons between 2006 and 2010. It recently returned to the BBC's iPlayer to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
Skits Removed
Among the sketches cut are those depicting:
- War re-enactors in blackface
- A contestant on a makeover show wearing a burka
- A "tribe" living in a garden centre
- Jimmy Savile making a joke about himself
- An impersonation of late chef Gary Rhodes making homophobic remarks
Reactions
Dom Joly, a fellow comedian, questioned the BBC's self-censorship, stating:
I totally get it if the BBC is putting out something really racist, which is laughing at and encouraging other people to feel that it's OK to do that. But it's so clear that Mitchell and Webb are not doing that.
Jimmy Mulville, co-founder of Hat Trick Productions, understands the corporation's dilemma but warns against setting a precedent:
The BBC are in an impossible position. [Producers] have to be careful though, that this is not the thin end of a wedge where we cut things out.
Context and Precedents
This move follows similar actions taken by the BBC and other streaming services post-Black Lives Matter, with Little Britain being another notable example. The show was removed from iPlayer, Netflix, and BritBox in 2020 due to objections to its portrayal of ethnic minorities. It has since returned to iPlayer with some sketches edited out.