Part 8/13:
Proponents of free speech emphasize that comedy has always been a space for challenging societal norms and bold commentary. Legendary comedians like George Carlin, Richard Pryor, and Sam Kinison were known for their unapologetic truths, often pushing boundaries with little regard for political correctness. The current push for trigger warnings and content editing echoes a desire to sanitize humor, make it "safer," and cater to a more sensitive audience.
Ted Sarandos’s earlier stance—defending The Closer as an art form and resisting content warnings—was rooted in protecting creative freedom. However, the backlash has made it clear that corporate and activist pressures threaten to erode that freedom, transforming comedy into a heavily regulated form of entertainment.