British broadcaster ITV has placed a modern content advisory on its streaming platform for the beloved 1978 musical film Grease, citing scenes of 'teenage misbehaviour'.
The New Warning for a Classic Film
The film, starring John Travolta and the late Olivia Newton-John, follows the high school romance of Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson. While a staple of family entertainment for decades, its depictions of teenage life, including discussions about virginity and pregnancy, are now viewed through a contemporary lens. The description on ITVX now carries the note: 'With mild language and teenage misbehaviour.'
A Wider Trend of Reclassification
This move is part of a broader pattern where classic films and series are receiving new warnings or age rating changes. Notably, the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) recently reclassified the 1961 musical West Side Story from a PG to a 12 certificate after nearly 40 years.
The BBFC raised the rating due to themes it considers potentially triggering for younger viewers. These include 'occasional transphobic remarks' – thought to refer to the character Anybodys – alongside warnings for sexism, moderate violence, and sexual threat. The board also noted scenes of smoking and verbal references to alcohol addiction.
Evolving Standards and Public Consultation
The BBFC updates its classification guidelines every four to five years following public consultation, reflecting evolving societal attitudes. This process has also recently seen the sequel Wicked: For Good receive warnings for magical spells and threatening scenes involving cyclones and fantastical creatures.
For Grease, first released in 1978, and West Side Story, originally classified as PG in 1986, these new advisories mark a significant shift in how their content is contextualised for today's audiences on streaming platforms and home media.
