One of Britain’s most recognizable comedy shows for many years was The Benny Hill Show, which was renowned for its slapstick routines, irreverent humor, and the classic “Yakety Sax” chase scenes. Despite the laughter, one moment in particular has been blamed for the show’s demise, and it left viewers in disbelief.
The aforementioned comedy, which was shown in the early 1980s, caused a stir since it was deemed excessively risqué and out of date. What Benny and his group believed to be lighthearted humor became contentious when critics called it “outdated” and “sexist.” During a time when television standards were changing quickly, this scene became a hot topic of discussion.
The outcry signaled the start of the end, even though the program went on for a little while after that. The once-loved program found itself on the wrong side of cultural shift as networks became cautious and sponsors withdrew. After entertaining millions of people worldwide for almost two decades, The Benny Hill Show was permanently ended in 1989.
The effects of that contentious scenario are being felt today. Many recall Benny Hill as a pioneer of slapstick and satire, while others find it insulting. Unquestionably, the sequence made The Benny Hill Show one of the most enduring—and contentious—programs in television history, even if it also forced the show off the air.