Disney+ reportedly removes The Simpsons Tiananmen Square episode

Disney+ started offering content in Hong Kong in mid-November. However, it has removed an episode of The Simpsons which depicts the family visiting Beijing's Tiananmen Square. Multiple reports including The Guardian said episode 12 of season 16, which debuted in 2005, featured the cartoon family going to China to try and adopt a baby. During the same journey, they also visit Beijing’s Tiananmen Square. In the episode, there is a sign in the square that reads “On this site, in 1989, nothing happened”. However, in reality, there are two signs. The left one reads "long live the People's Republic of China", while the right one reads "long live the great unity of the world's peoples." It remains unclear if Disney+ decided to self censor the episode or if it was an order from the Chinese government. 

In early November, the film censorship (amendment) ordinance 2021 and the updated film censorship guidelines for censors came into effect. Censors are required to consider a number of factors before approving a film, including the exhibition of the film would be contrary to the interests of national security. Meanwhile, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam also said last week that she would "proactively plug loopholes” in Hong Kong's internet regulation, ensuring that "fake news" circulating online would not harm society. Lam also said the government needs to supervise and manage the media. 

Disney+ started its services in Hong Kong in mid-November. Subscribers of Disney+ can access Disney’s content brands, including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and new general entertainment brand lineup Star with a monthly fee of HK$73 a month, similar to its competitors such as Netflix. At launch, subscribers had access to a selection of over 1,200 films and 16,000 episodes from Disney's entertainment brands. The company highlighted Star at the launch event on 7 October, saying that subscribers can enjoy a range of titles from Disney Television Studios (ABC Signature and 20th Television), FX Productions, 20th Century Studios, Searchlight Pictures, brand new originals and Asian content developed in collaboration with talent in the region.

Disney+ is the home to many Disney+ Originals. Apart from feature films from Pixar Animation Studios such as the Toy Story series, Finding Nemo, Finding Dory, as well as theatrical shorts like Bao, there will be spin-offs from the hit Pixar film such as an animated series. Meanwhile, over 1,600 episodes featuring a wide array of content from National Geographic will be available too.

Prior to launch, MARKETING-INTERACTIVE interviewed industry players on Disney+ impact on the media landscape in Hong Kong where industry players said the launch of the channel would benefit Hong Kong audiences who do not have too many channels through which they can access Marvel content. The platform is also advised to offer better original content, higher quality video content, and affordable subscription plans to engage the audience too, said industry commentators. 

(Photo courtesy: The Simpsons)

Related articles
Viu flexes content line up in massive campaign just as Disney+ lands in HK
Disney+ unveils lineup and pricing strategy as it readies for HK launch
Disney+ sets its eyes on Hong Kong
Analysis: What are the challenges and opportunities for Disney+ in Hong Kong?