China bans “The Big Bang Theory”

The Big Bang Theory, produced by Chuck Lorre, has integrated itself into CBS as an extremely successful sitcom since it’s beginning in 2007. Although its success must not have been worldwide because it has been banned in one of the largest countries, China. That’s right folks, China’s government has banned The Big Bang Theory from being streamed on the internet because the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television has decided that the program is unsuitable for viewing.

Apparently, according to article 16 in China’s media watchdog groups rules, the state prohibits shows that “harm the nation’s reputation, mislead young people to commit crimes, prostitution, gambling, or terrorism.” China has a dense history of imposing Internet censorship and has banned other shows such as NCIS and The Good Wife so the government’s decision was not exactly surprising. Still it is upsetting to see such a successful TV show eliminated from the Internet and taken from such a large mass of people.

The show grew to popularity in the country and reached an iconic status having been watched no fewer than 1.4 billion times, and astounding number, before the ban was put into practice. The youth of China are usually in support of their government’s actions to protect them, but in this instance the ban proved to be alarming to the population. In a city called Wuhan, student members of an organization titled the Center for Protection for the Rights of Disadvantaged Citizens of Wuhan University demanded to know why their favorite show had been taken away from them. The government only offered a general explanation of the termination of the show referring to article 16, stated previously. The government seems to be set in its decision, but who knows? This generation doesn’t seem to accept being quieted.