BBC Cuts Mitchell & Webb Sketches Over Racism Concerns
The BBC has pulled 11 sketches from the classic comedy series That Mitchell & Webb Look on iPlayer, citing concerns about potential racism. The cuts include scenes involving blacked‑out war reenactments and a burqa‑wearing contestant. Critics argue the move is excessive censorship, while the BBC sa…
By Felo News Desk · Published
The BBC has pulled 11 sketches from the beloved comedy series That Mitchell & Webb Look on its streaming platform, citing fears that the material could be interpreted as racist. The decision, announced in late September, has sparked a debate over whether the broadcaster is overreacting or simply updating its catalogue for contemporary sensibilities.
What Happened?
When the BBC added all four seasons of That Mitchell & Webb Look to iPlayer to celebrate the network’s 20th anniversary, it also removed 11 sketches that the broadcaster deemed potentially offensive. The cuts include a war reenactment that was blacked out, a scene featuring a ‘tribe’ living in a garden centre, and a burqa‑wearing contestant on a makeover show. The broadcaster said it had consulted with the programme’s creators, David Mitchell and Robert Webb, and had only kept the sketches that “still work today.”
Background on the Show
That Mitchell & Webb Look ran on BBC Two from September 2006 to August 2010. The sketch comedy series, starring David Mitchell and Robert Webb, earned BAFTA awards and became a staple of British television comedy. The show was known for its sharp satire and willingness to push boundaries, often lampooning politics, culture, and social norms.
Why the Cuts?
The BBC’s decision follows a broader trend of the broadcaster reviewing older content for modern audiences. Earlier this year, the BBC removed Little Britain and Come Fly With Me from its platforms over concerns about blackface, brownface and racial stereotyping. In each case, the broadcaster cited a change in societal attitudes and a desire to avoid content that could be seen as offensive today.
In the case of That Mitchell & Webb Look, the BBC cited “racism fears” as the reason for removing the sketches. The broadcaster’s spokesperson said, “That Mitchell & Webb Look has been made available on BBC iPlayer. This is a 20‑year‑old sketch show; in consultation with the programme makers, we have included the ones that still work today and not the ones that don’t.”
Reactions from the Comedy Community
Comedian Dom Joly, best known for Trigger Happy TV, criticised the BBC’s move as “classic overkill.” He described the removal of sketches that satirised racism as “hysterical censorship.” Joly argued that the original intent of the sketches was not to be racist but to highlight absurdity. He noted that the BBC’s approach could stifle creative freedom and set a precedent for future censorship.
Other commentators echoed Joly’s concerns. A writer for The Times wrote, “I totally get it if the BBC is putting out something really racist, which is laughing at and encouraging other people to feel that it’s okay to do that. But it’s so clear that Mitchell and Webb are not doing that. Their intent was not to be racist.”
What’s Next?
It remains unclear whether the BBC will revisit the decision or offer an explanation for why specific sketches were chosen for removal. The broadcaster has not yet confirmed whether Mitchell and Webb were consulted on each individual cut. The incident raises questions about how broadcasters should balance historical context with contemporary standards.
Meanwhile, fans of the show are divided. Some argue that the original sketches are an integral part of the series’ legacy, while others support the BBC’s effort to make older content more inclusive.
As the conversation continues, the BBC’s handling of older programming may set a precedent for how other broadcasters approach legacy content in an era of heightened sensitivity to race and representation.
Key facts
- BBC removed 11 sketches from That Mitchell & Webb Look on iPlayer
- Cuts include blacked‑out war reenactments and a burqa‑wearing contestant
- Comedian Dom Joly called the move "classic overkill"
- Similar removals have happened with Little Britain and Come Fly With Me
- Debate over censorship versus updating content for modern audiences
Why it matters
The BBC’s decision highlights the tension between preserving comedic history and addressing contemporary concerns about racism and representation. It raises questions about how media institutions should handle legacy content in a changing cultural landscape.
Frequently asked questions
Why did the BBC remove the sketches?
The broadcaster said it was to avoid content that could be interpreted as racist in today’s context.
Were David Mitchell and Robert Webb consulted?
The BBC claims it consulted with the programme makers, but it is unclear if each cut was discussed individually.
What other shows has the BBC removed?
Little Britain and Come Fly With Me were also pulled from streaming platforms over similar concerns.
Is this a sign of increased censorship?
Critics argue it is, while the BBC maintains it is about updating content for modern audiences.
Sources
- [1] dailymail.co.uk — originally reported as “BBC accused of 'overkill' as it cuts Mitchell and Webb sketches”
