Fans took to the social media site Weibo to vent their frustration. However, this also faced a fate similar to the show, as the hashtags #FriendsDeleted and #FriendsCensorship were removed from the platform.
Despite Previous Bans, Friends is Extremely Popular in China
Few TV shows can command the rabid fan following like that of the sitcom ‘Friends’. It continues to capture the hearts of people around the world twenty-eight years after the show first aired. The show is beloved in China, so much so that, at one time, several cities had ‘Central Perk’-themed cafes. But since 2012, fans could not access the show in the Mainland. This changed on February 11th, as streaming platforms like Tencent, Youku, Bilibili, and others began re-streaming season 1. Unfortunately, fans received a heavily-edited version of the show.
Fans Highlight the Censorship in the Latest Version of the Show
Friends superfans were quick to point out some of the clear changes. Many were critical of the censorship, stating it reinforced gender stereotypes. A key example of this is in the Chinese subtitles. Rachel exclaiming that a gravy boat turns her on more than her fiancé now reads as her being more “happy to see” the tableware. There are many other instances where dialogues involving sexuality end up reading completely differently. An even more blatant example involves scenes about Ross’ ex-wife, who turns out to be a lesbian. These scenes are simply cut out, making for a very confusing viewing experience for the audience. Of course, the larger issue involved is the suppression of any mentions of LGBTQI content. Fans pointed this out and expressed their frustration at this decision to steer away from normalizing discussions on LGBTQI in the country.
Use a VPN to Overcome Censorship and Stream your Favorite Shows
Apart from pointing out the censorship on the show, many fans began making bets on censorship of future episodes. Since only the first season is out at the moment, fans wonder how the platforms will show other major plotlines and episodes, like Phoebe becoming a surrogate mother for her brother and the episode about seven parts of a woman’s body for pleasure. ‘Friends’ has a special place in the hearts of its fans, and also holds a significant place in the history of television. If you’re a fan and live in a place where you cannot watch ‘Friends,’ a VPN can help you find a stream where you can find an uncensored version of the show. In fact, there are plenty of streaming options to choose from around the world. Check out our complete guide on how to watch ‘Friends’ from anywhere in the world.
