15 Children's Shows That Got Banned After Controversy
These 15 children’s shows were banned or pulled off-air after facing serious backlash or controversy.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Children’s shows are expected to be safe and age-appropriate, but some have crossed lines that led to public complaints, censorship, or full bans. Issues ranged from inappropriate content to cultural insensitivity and political pressure. These examples show how even cartoons and kids’ programs can face real consequences.
1. Teletubbies – United States and Poland
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Some conservative groups criticized the character Tinky Winky for carrying a bag that looked like a purse. They claimed it promoted certain ideas to children. The controversy became so large that some broadcasters stopped airing the show. It remained popular in many places but faced bans in specific regions.
2. Peppa Pig – Australia and China
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In Australia, an episode showing Peppa befriending a spider was pulled because it went against local safety messages about dangerous spiders. In China, Peppa Pig was temporarily banned from a video-sharing platform because she was associated with rebellious online behavior. Both cases led to episodes being removed. The bans were about safety and social influence.
3. Pokemon – Japan and Other Countries
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One early episode of Pokémon caused seizures in hundreds of viewers due to flashing lights. The episode was pulled immediately, and the show went on a brief hiatus in Japan. It was also banned or heavily edited in several other countries. Safety concerns led to stricter animation guidelines worldwide.
4. Caillou – United States
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Caillou was criticized for showing a child who often whined and threw tantrums without clear consequences. Parents and experts said it encouraged bad behavior. PBS eventually stopped airing it. Some stations continued to show it, but it lost major support.
5. Sesame Street Episode with Margaret Hamilton – United States
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This 1976 episode featured the actress who played the Wicked Witch of the West. Viewers said the scenes were too scary for children. After many complaints, PBS pulled the episode and never aired it again. It was later made available in a museum archive.
6. Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood – Venezuela
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The Venezuelan government banned the show, claiming it promoted selfishness by encouraging kids to feel special. Officials said it did not fit their cultural values. The ban was part of a larger media control strategy. The show remained widely loved in most countries.
7. The Simpsons – Several Countries
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Although not strictly a children’s show, The Simpsons was often watched by younger viewers. It faced bans or censorship in countries like Myanmar and Venezuela for political content. Some episodes were also pulled in other regions for offensive material. The controversy usually involved adult themes or government criticism.
8. Thomas & Friends – China
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An episode showing a country called “Island of Sodor” not letting other engines in was seen by some as political commentary. Chinese media regulators pulled it from their platforms. The show later returned with a stricter review, but international audiences did not notice the change.
9. Adventure Time – Some Countries in Asia and the Middle East
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Some episodes included themes and character relationships that certain countries found inappropriate. These were edited or entirely banned in conservative areas. The creators said these parts were subtle and never meant to offend. Still, all episodes were removed from the airing schedules.
10. Bananas in Pyjamas – Indonesia
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Some stations removed the show because of cultural sensitivity regarding costume-based characters. The government did not officially ban it, but local groups raised concerns. Over time, it became harder to find on TV. No major explanation was given publicly.
11. Steven Universe – Russia and parts of Asia
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The show included LGBTQ+ characters and themes. It was banned or censored in several countries where such topics are restricted in children’s programming. Some episodes were cut, and others were never aired. Fans often had to access the full series online.
12. In the Night Garden – India
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Some episodes were pulled because parents said they were too strange or confusing for young children. Critics said the show lacked clear lessons or structure. It received some backlash on local media channels. Eventually, broadcasts stopped in certain regions.
13. Maya the Bee – Netflix (Global)
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One episode briefly showed a drawing of male genitals carved on a log in the background. Viewers noticed and shared screenshots online. Netflix pulled the episode and later replaced it after editing the scene. The creators said it was added by a rogue animator.
14. Shin Chan – India
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The show was pulled from Indian television due to inappropriate jokes and behavior that were not suitable for children. Parents complained that children were copying the character’s rude actions. The show later returned with heavy censorship and a new voice cast. It remains controversial in some areas.
15. Bluey – Some Episodes in the U.S. and U.K.
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A few episodes were temporarily removed because they included outdated or insensitive jokes. Viewers gave feedback, and networks agreed that edits were needed. After the changes, the episodes were added back. The creators thanked audiences for pointing out the issues.