Chinese streaming services censor ‘Friends’ plotlines, other suggestive material
nypost.comaccording to CNN.. Ross had made the statement in a debate the pros and cons of men and women.The TV show developed a large and loyal following in China after it was first broadcast uncensored by streaming services Sohu video and iQiyi in 2012.
But it was removed in 2013 when its contract ended, CNN said.Following the widespread popularity of HBO Max’s “Friends: The Reunion” last year – which was heavily censored by China – several Chinese streaming service providers bought broadcasting rights to the show.
However, Chinese fans of the show were quick to notice that the “Friends” episodes released on Chinese platforms such as Bilibili, Tencent, Youku, Sohu and iQiyi on Friday were different than they remember.Fans outraged by the censorship took to Chinese social media website Weibo, where #FriendsCensored became the top trend on the site with over 54 million hashtag views, CNN reported.
However, the hashtag itself was later censored on Saturday morning.One Weibo user wrote “Not only does it ignore women’s sexual desire and enjoyment, but also reinforces the gender stereotype of women,” in a comment that garnered over 80,000 likes, the outlet said.
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