TUBE TROUBLE
The year’s biggest TV controversies (so far)
ADD “Insatiable” to the long list of 2018’s TV controversies.
The 12-episode Netflix series, premiering Friday, has been slammed for its “fat-shaming” storyline about Patty (Debby Ryan), a former overweight young woman turned vindictive beauty queen. Critics of the series started an online petition at Change.org to get “Insatiable” cancelled — and it currently has nearly 230,000 signatures. “This series will cause eating disorders, and perpetuate the further objectification of women’s bodies,” the petition reads. “Let’s stop this, and protect further damage.”
Netflix exec Cindy Holland says the network stands by the show. “Ultimately, the message [of ‘Insatiable’] is that what is most important is [that] you feel most comfortable with who you are,” she told reporters recently. Series star Alyssa Milano also defended the series. “We are addressing (through comedy) the damage that occurs from fat shaming. I hope that clears it up,” she tweeted.
Besides the “Insatiable” kerfuffle, and ABC’s well-documented axing of Roseanne Barr from its “Roseanne” revival, here are TV’s other biggest scandals from the past season:
“The Handmaid’s Tale.” The Hulu series, about a dystopian universe where women are raped and subjugated, launched its own line of wine corresponding to characters Offred (Elizabeth Moss), Ofglen (Alexis Bledel) and Serena Joy (Yvonne Strahovski). “Lush, fruit flavors of cherry and cassis are complemented by earthy flavors of mushroom and forest floor,” read one wine’s pithy description. “We honor Offred with a wine that will stay with you long after you’ve finished your glass and a powerful experience you will never forget.” After a swift and vicious social media backlash — “Can you turn rape into marketing copy?” one viewer tweeted — the wine was cancelled within a day. “Heathers.” Paramount Network’s series based on the eponymous 1987 movie proved so scandalous that it will likely never see the light of day. The show, which involves high school students murdering each other, was initially slated for a March 7 premiere. After the Parkland school shooting in February, its premiere was delayed — and eventually scrapped by Paramount Network altogether.
“Who is America?” Come- dian Sacha Baron Cohen’s TV return (on Showtime) uses his foolproof technique of donning disguises — an Israeli Mossad agent, a Finnish TV interviewer — to dupe unsuspecting public figures into making fools of themselves. Politicians including Alabama judge Roy Moore and Sarah Palin, both targeted by Cohen, released statements condemning him and Showtime (Palin’s episode has yet to air). One politician, Georgia lawmaker Jason Spencer, resigned after he appeared on the show gleefully shouting racial slurs. The series airs its fifth episode this Sunday night. “Lethal Weapon.” Clayne Crawford was fired from Fox’s procedural (co-starring Damon Wayans) after two seasons for allegedly abusive on-set behavior (for which he eventually apologized — too late). He’s being replaced by the better-known Sean William Scott for Season 3. Looks like the show’s real “lethal weapon” was its own co-star.