15 TV Episodes That Had to Be Edited for Later Reruns
These 15 TV episodes were edited before later airings due to public backlash, real-world events, or controversial content.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Some TV shows aired episodes that later caused concern or offense. Networks decided to change or remove parts of these episodes for future broadcasts. These edits were often made out of respect for viewers or to meet new content standards.
1. Friends – “The One with the Inappropriate Sister”
John on Wikimedia Commons
Originally aired in 1999, this episode featured a subplot in which Ross attempted to discipline himself using self-defense techniques in his apartment. After the events of 9/11, scenes involving shouting “fire” and other loud noises were removed from reruns. The edits were made to avoid reminding viewers of traumatic events. Only the lighter plotlines remained intact.
2. Buffy the Vampire Slayer – “Earshot”
Snaevar on Wikimedia Commons
This episode featured a character planning a school shooting. It was scheduled to air shortly after the Columbine High School shooting in 1999. Producers delayed the episode and changed several scenes before it was later shown. The original version was considered too similar to the real-life tragedy.
3. The Simpsons – “Stark Raving Dad”
20th Century Studios on Wikimedia Commons
This episode featured a character voiced by Michael Jackson. After public allegations against Jackson were revisited in the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland, producers chose to remove the episode from circulation. It was taken off streaming platforms and future reruns. The creators said the decision was made to respect those affected.
4. Hannah Montana – “No Sugar, Sugar”
The Walt Disney Company on Wikimedia Commons
This episode focused on a character being diagnosed with diabetes. After it aired, health experts said the portrayal was medically inaccurate. Disney pulled the episode and re-edited it before airing it again. The revised version included corrected information about diabetes care.
5. Seinfeld – “The Puerto Rican Day”
Wdwdbot on Wikimedia Commons
This episode featured a scene where Kramer accidentally burns a Puerto Rican flag. The moment sparked protests and complaints from the Puerto Rican community. NBC later removed the episode from syndication for years. It was eventually reintroduced with edits and a warning.
6. Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood – Various Episodes
Fred Rogers Productions on Wikimedia Commons
Some older episodes of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood included scenes or language that no longer align with modern standards for discussions of race and gender. These moments were edited out for reruns on public television. The updates were intended to maintain the show’s safety and respect for current audiences. Only selected episodes remain in rotation.
7. The Office – “Diversity Day”
Jo9100 on Wikimedia Commons
This episode used racial stereotypes as part of a workplace training skit. Though meant as satire, parts of the episode were seen as offensive by modern viewers. Some reruns cut out specific lines or scenes. On certain platforms, content warnings were added instead of edits.
8. SpongeBob SquarePants – “Mid-Life Crustacean”
Nickelodeon on Wikimedia Commons
This episode featured a controversial scene in which characters engaged in a “panty raid.” After Nickelodeon reviewed the content years later, they pulled the episode from reruns and streaming. Executives stated that the humor was not suitable for children. The episode is no longer officially available.
9. Family Guy - “Road to the North Pole”
20th Century Fox on Wikimedia Commons
Originally aired as a Christmas special, this episode featured graphic scenes of violence at the North Pole. Later broadcasts edited out scenes that were considered too dark or violent. Some holiday reruns also removed disturbing dialogue. These changes were made to meet family viewing standards.
10. Power Rangers – “Foul Play in the Sky”
Power Rangers on Wikimedia Commons
This episode involved a hijacked airplane. After the 9/11 attacks, the scene was considered too sensitive. The episode was edited for future broadcasts. Scenes involving planes were shortened or removed entirely.
11. How I Met Your Mother – “Slapsgiving 3: Slappointment in Slapmarra”
self on Wikimedia Commons
The episode featured actors in makeup and costumes meant to represent Asian martial arts masters. Viewers later pointed out that it used stereotypes and yellowface. CBS and the creators apologized, and some reruns were removed or edited to remove the offensive parts. Discussions about the portrayal led to more scrutiny of similar shows.
12. Community – “Advanced Dungeons & Dragons”
Xeworlebi on Wikimedia Commons
This episode showed a character in dark makeup as part of a fantasy costume. Viewers and critics pointed out that the appearance resembled blackface. In response, streaming services removed the episode entirely. NBC did not edit it but chose to pull it from rerun rotation.
13. 30 Rock – Multiple Episodes
30 Rock on Wikimedia Commons
Several episodes of 30 Rock included characters in blackface during flashback scenes. After public criticism and reflection from the cast and creators, NBC removed those episodes from syndication and streaming. The network did not re-edit them but chose to stop showing them altogether. Tina Fey supported the decision publicly.
14. The X-Files – “Home”
Fox Broadcasting Company on Wikimedia Commons
This episode featured disturbing themes, including incest and infanticide. After its first airing, Fox decided it was too graphic for network television. The episode was pulled from reruns for several years. It was eventually shown again, accompanied by content warnings.
15. Boy Meets World – “Prom-ises, Prom-ises”
ABC Signature on Wikimedia Commons
This episode dealt with teenage sex and showed characters preparing to lose their virginity on prom night. Some parents complained it was too explicit for the show’s usual tone. Disney Channel edited the episode for later airings. Scenes involving condoms and direct conversations about sex were cut.