A classic 1970s comedy adventure series starring the late James Bond legend Sir Roger Moore has been given a contemporary content warning by streaming platform ITVX, in what some viewers are calling part of a broader cultural reassessment of older television programmes.
Content Warnings Applied to Vintage Episodes
Fans attempting to watch episodes of The Persuaders! on the ITVX streaming service are now being presented with a cautionary message before certain instalments. The warning flags content deemed potentially violent, specifically citing scenes where Moore's character, Lord Brett Sinclair, employs a starting pistol and engages in physical altercations.
Scenes Under Scrutiny
The flagged episode, originally broadcast in the 1970s, features the iconic duo of Moore and his co-star Tony Curtis, who played self-made American millionaire Danny Wilde, becoming embroiled in a dangerous investigation. The plot sees them investigating the death of a professional swimmer in the South of France, leading them to a confrontation with gangster henchmen at a reclusive businessman's estate.
The episode contains two notable fight sequences: one occurring in the back of a car and another taking place perilously on the edge of a cliff as the pair fend off antagonists. In a separate scene, Moore's character is shown defending against a home invader, resulting in a struggle that sees a man pushed through a table.
Firearms appear briefly on two occasions: during a jet-ski race sequence and later when a supporting character is threatened by criminals. The series, renowned for its glamorous Mediterranean settings and lighthearted tone, followed the mismatched pair as they tackled cases beyond the reach of conventional police and courts.
Broadcaster's Stance on Content Guidance
When approached for comment, ITV provided a statement to The Sun newspaper, explaining their policy. 'Programming that contains potentially sensitive or distressing themes, content or language has carried appropriate warnings since our launch,' a spokesperson said. 'We regularly review our catalogue to ensure the right guidance is in place for viewers.'
This move reflects an ongoing industry-wide practice of retrospectively applying modern content standards to archived television material available on digital platforms.
Roger Moore's Legacy and Broader Context
Roger Moore, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 89, starred in The Persuaders! just before assuming the role of James Bond in 1973. He would go on to portray the iconic spy in seven official films until 1985. The series remains a cherished part of his extensive filmography, which also includes his earlier starring role in the detective series The Saint.
This incident is not isolated. It follows similar actions taken by broadcasters concerning other classic programmes. Notably, the 1960s children's sci-fi series Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons, also available on ITVX, has received warnings for the 'use of guns', despite the protagonist being a puppet wielding a plastic weapon. The warning also cites 'violence' and 'explosions', the latter often created using firework sound effects.
Furthermore, the BBC previously attracted attention when a disclaimer was briefly applied to episodes of the 1990s children's show Brum on iPlayer, noting that the series 'may reflect the language and attitude of the time' it was made. The BBC later stated this label had been 'added in error' and was removed.
A source commenting on the trend suggested to The Sun that broadcasters are implementing cautious policies, stating: 'Bosses are clearly scared of worrying even the most sensitive of viewers to these shows. But slapping warnings on children’s series with the most basic and unrealistic special effects feels over the top.'
The application of these advisories continues to spark debate among audiences regarding the balance between providing viewer guidance and preserving the historical context of classic entertainment.
