Disney+ has added mature content to their North American subscribers. A pin code is available for subscribers to add defense against minors viewing inappropriate material, and users can choose to not see the mature content at all. While this may be a positive for Disney+ in terms of content, not everyone is thrilled.
“Disney+ has served as the home for some of the most beloved brands in the industry, and the addition of these live-action shows brings more from the Marvel brand together, all in one place. We have experienced great success with an expanded content offering on Disney+ across our global markets and are excited to continue that here in the U.S. as well by offering our consumers not only great content with the new Marvel additions, but also a set of features that help ensure a viewing experience most suitable for them and their family.
— Michael Paull, President of Disney Streaming
Tim Winter of the Parents’ Television and Media Council apparently does not have the same regard for this new content:
“For more than 98 years, the Walt Disney Company has been synonymous with the words Family Friendly, and I can think of no other corporation in American history that has been built more squarely on the backs – and on the wallets – of parents and families. The company’s eponymous platform Disney Plus logically marketed itself as a family-friendly streaming service, and parents have placed their trust in Disney to deliver just that.
It seems wildly ‘off-brand’ for Disney Plus to add TV-MA and R-rated programming to this platform, ostensibly to increase subscription revenue. So what comes next, adding live striptease performances in Fantasyland at Disney World?
There is no need for Disney Plus to compete with the explicit content on other streaming platforms. Disney is already at a competitive advantage with a streaming platform that is the safest one out there for families. Its foray into TV-MA-rated fare will forever tarnish its family friendly crown.”
— Tim Winter, Parents’ Television and Media Council
Disney+ users will want to set up their preferences for content for mature audiences today Marvel's Netflix series are available today on the streaming service. https://t.co/LfluLKknCl
— TheDisneyBlog.com (@TheDisneyBlog) March 16, 2022
There is a good question in there. If Disney is willing to put extreme profanity, violence, and/or nudity onto their Disney+ service, why would they not also be willing to add profanity, violence, or nudity into their parks? It’s a worthwhile question. They are, after all, already looking into sports gambling, and we all know that sobriety is not the main attraction to Epcot in the evenings.
This website takes no position as to the moral or ethical decision Disney is taking with their platform, though we may offer a opinions on the business side of things in the future. From an economic standpoint there are positives and negatives. In the meantime, let us know what you think in the comments below. Did you feel it was odd to see a mature content prompt on Disney+ when you logged in today or yesterday? As always, keep reading That Park Place for all the latest on news that should be fun.
