So Now the 'S' Word Is Okay on Television? (south park, commercials, shows)

[Prince of Lombards]

I watched a bit of a program on TNT this evening, I believe it was called Saving Grace, and I heard the 'S' word repeatedly. Is it now normal to hear this sort of language on television? I don't watch any modern dramas, and neither does anybody I know, so I really don't know. BTW, do they ever use the 'F' word on these types of shows, or is that one at least still off limits?

[eevee]

pretty sure it's ok, though this is TNT. I've also heard the B word uttered a few times on LOST.

I can't help but remember that South Park episode where the S word was said over 100 times and there was a little counter on the screen tallying up the total (that episode was funny- I love SP!). it was such a scandal when it aired, but now it pops up in prime time too. a lot of taboos are dropping, though I've yet to hear the F word on prime time TV

[FightinPhils]

TV keeps lowering its moral standards. Next thing you know, they'll be using the F-word.

Pathetic. Anyone who can't get their point across without profanity does not have much between the ears. These shows are catering to the lowest common denominator.

[McGowdog]

God I love sin.

[austinsmom]

It's still considered a cable network which can get away with a bit more. On network tv it isn't allowed.

[mishigas73]

What was it? Chicago Hope, about 9 years ago...Mark Harmon's character uttered the "F word". Wow, did that cause a stir.

TV has been catering to the "lowest common denominator" for AGES now. A couple of "foul words" don't change that unarguable truth. It's amazing to me, with all of the utter trash on TV, and all of the other things that people could harp on, that they focus on a couple of foul words. Seems like they're trying to get the barn doors closed after the horses are WAY gone.

[McGowdog]

Originally Posted by eevee

pretty sure it's ok, though this is TNT. I've also heard the B word uttered a few times on LOST.

I can't help but remember that South Park episode where the S word was said over 100 times and there was a little counter on the screen tallying up the total (that episode was funny- I love SP!). it was such a scandal when it aired, but now it pops up in prime time too. a lot of taboos are dropping, though I've yet to hear the F word on prime time TV

Leave it to South Park to push the limit! I'd be the first one to agree that some stuff just isn't for everybody. If you have children that you are trying to protect, my hat is off to you. We have a local channel that airs shows like South Park late at night.

What I think is funny is when A&E airs shows like the Supranos. Don't they have to bleep like every other word? Why even air a show like that?

It's getting to the point where the sports channels are a safe bet, but the commercials that air with them late at night are another matter.

[aragx6]

Cable networks don't really have to abide by any of the FCC's rules, but what they don't want to do is cross the line to the point that Congress changes the law and includes them in the FCC regulations.

They mostly self-sensor themselves.

I agree about the barn door thing- is s**t really the biggest thing to worry about or is it the graphic sex type stuff you see on shows like Nip/Tuck?

[RoaminRed]

Whatever. Don't like what you see or hear on television, there's always the OFF switch.

[b. frank]

I'm pretty desensitized to "bad" words on TV.
If it fits the characters (as in The Sopranos or The Wire) then I hardly even notice the actual words.
One thing surprised me recently: I can't remember which show but I recently saw the word d**k used on TV on a non-pay network. I don't think I had seen that one before.