The Big Bang Theory Got Banned by China For a Mind-Blowing Reason
Our whole universe was in a hot dense state, but China has broken all the records.
When the show gets as huge and as popular as The Big Bang Theory did, it is expected to be broadcast overseas. However, no one expects them to be abruptly banned with little to no explanation years after they hit the screens. That is what happened with the iconic sitcom back in 2014 in China, and to this day there is no clarity in what exactly happened.
To say that The Big Bang Theory grew popular in China fairly quick would be an understatement. Due to numerous references to geek and popular culture, the series found a way to hearts of many fans of comic books, science fiction and various videogames.
Besides, no matter the country, the series touched upon many relatable issues with friendships and relationships, so it wasn’t surprising to see it grow to such success. Through one rewritten pilot and 2008’s infamous writers’ strike, The Big Bang Theory stood stroing and continued to gift its fans with new episodes.
However, in 2014 the show, along with many other popular U.S. productions like The Good Wife, NCIS, and The Practice got banned with little no explanation at all. The decision of the government didn’t make much sense to either television networks, or the viewers, who still had access to the shows with much more questionable content.
It was only after the international public backlash, that China's State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) came out with the statement on the matter.
A very vague comment on the matter stated that The Big Bang Theory was banned for the content “that violates China’s constitution, endangers the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, provokes trouble in society, promotes illegal religion, and triggers ethnic hatred”. With no particular explanation about which exact rules from the list were violated, it was impossible to determine the real cause.
Luckily, The Big Bang Theory was allowed back on Chinese TV channels after a year-long hiatus. However, the reasons behind such radical ban still remain mysterious, and will probably stay that way forever.
Source: US Department of State