The curious television reboot of teen black comedy Heathers has been delayed by Paramount Network, citing concerns about the show’s content in the aftermath of yet another fatal school shooting.
The all-new Heathers reportedly maintains the original 1988 classic film’s macabre humour, and includes an episode shot from the first-person-view of a school shooter. Understandably, the studio felt that knowingly provocative content may not sit so well considering the recent massacre at Florida’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
The show’s promotional material also hints at the shooting-themed episode.
In a statement, the network explained exactly why it would be pushing the show back from its slated March 7 premiere date.
Paramount Network’s original series Heathers is a satirical comedy that takes creative risks in dealing with many of society’s most challenging subjects ranging from personal identity to race and socio-economic status to gun violence. While we stand firmly behind the show, in light of the recent tragic events in Florida and out of respect for the victims, their families and loved ones, we feel the right thing to do is delay the premiere until later this year.
No new release date has been named, but writer Ira Madison III suggests it’s unlikely that episode will be ‘safe’ to broadcast in America any time soon.
https://twitter.com/ira/status/968968744415330304
Heathers had previously been criticised for using a diverse cast for its titular high school bullies while casting its protagonist as a straight white girl, a decision which was itself countered by the fact the real big bad is someone else entirely. You’ll be able to judge for yourself if the show ever appears on Australian screens.
