Channel Seven has issued a formal warning to comedian Dave Hughes' newly launched venture, Hughesy's Bar, following a slew of viewer complaints. The show, which promises an unfiltered look into the mind of the Australian comic, has been deemed to have crossed the line with its content.
The broadcaster was forced to take action after the programme's premiere episode attracted significant criticism for its use of strong language and sexually suggestive material. A dedicated segment, which involved Hughes and fellow comedian Ed Kavalee, was singled out as being particularly offensive.
A Breach of Broadcasting Standards
In an official statement, a Channel Seven spokesperson confirmed the warning, stating the content had 'breached its classification guidelines'. The segment in question was found to be not suitable for its M classification, which is intended for a mature audience but stops short of allowing the strongest material.
The controversial moment featured Hughes and Kavalee engaging in a bit that viewers found to be in 'poor taste' and excessively vulgar, prompting the network to step in and distance itself from the creative direction of the show.
Production Company Responds
It's All True Productions, the company behind Hughesy's Bar, has acknowledged the complaints and the subsequent warning from the network. While the show is intended to be a bold and humorous take on the traditional bar show format, the producers have conceded that the premiere may have pushed boundaries too far for its initial broadcast timeslot.
The incident raises questions about the balance between edgy comedy and adherence to broadcasting codes of practice, a tightrope that many entertainers are forced to walk in the modern media landscape.
