Netflix Will Curb Smoking Depictions After Stranger Things Complaint

Residents of Hawkins might be chewing an awful lot of nicotine gum by the time Stranger Things 4 rolls around. Following an analysis from anti-smoking group Truth Initiative, Netflix has decided to rethink its depiction of smoking in TV and movies, moderating the practice in forthcoming shows with a rating of of TV-14 or below.

Per Variety, an analysis from Truth Initiative tied to the release of Stranger Things 3 found that the shows second season contained 262 instances of tobacco use, up 44 percent from the first season. Other shows aimed at viewers in the 15-24 age range also featured significant spikes in tobacco depictions across their more recent seasons—whether actual smoking or the appearance of tobacco products—something Netflix now appears to have taken into consideration.

The streaming service now confirms that any new shows with or below the TV-14 rating (along with films PG-13 and under) will exclude the use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes, with the exception of “reasons of historical or factual accuracy.” Not only that, but future projects with more adult ratings will generally curb the practice as well, “unless its essential to the creative vision of the artist or because its character-defining (historically or culturally important).” Existing shows like Stranger Things will otherwise keep their current depictions of smoking products and practices.

“Netflix strongly supports artistic expression,” a company spokesperson told Variety, simultaneously confirming that smoking will factor into ratings info starting later this year. “We also recognize Read More – Source

Vanity Fair