Classic Father Ted episode gets trigger warning on streaming over ‘offensive’ content

Some Father Ted fans have criticised Channel 4 for the warning.

The entire series is streaming on Channel 4's website right now but attached on the site alongside its season three opening episode 'Are You Right There Father Ted?' is a guidance warning.

In the episode in question, "a perfect square of dirt on the window and an ill-conceived and unfortunately-timed impression" by lead character Fr. Ted Crilly (Dermot Morgan) causes the Chinese community on his island to deem the priest racist and turn against him.

In an attempt to prove he is not racist, Ted decides to hold a presentation on multiculturalism that also goes terribly wrong.

One of Father Ted's most loved episodes - and one that is still referenced to this day - Channel 4 has now added the following message alongside it on streaming:

"The episode was made in 1998 and contains language and racial impersonation which some viewers may find offensive."

Though content warnings have become quite common on streaming services, some Father Ted fans have criticised Channel 4 for the addition - accusing it of being oversensitive and missing the point of the episode.

EXCL: Woke Channel 4 bosses were accused of pandering to "scolds and finger-waggers" after slapping a trigger warning on an iconic episode of Father Ted.

On the front of today's Irish Sun. pic.twitter.com/YZDJYhlXeq

— Thomas Godfrey (@thomasgodfreyuk) February 12, 2025