The Walt Disney Company will add several Marvel Television shows to Disney+ and the Parents Television and Media Council (PTC) have taken issue with the new TV-MA content, despite the streaming service's updated parental controls.
"The company's eponymous platform Disney+ logically marketed itself as a family-friendly streaming service, and parents have placed their trust in Disney to deliver just that," said Tim Winter, president of the PTC. "It seems wildly 'off-brand' for Disney+ to add TV-MA and R-rated programming to this platform, ostensibly to increase subscription revenue." He also added, "So what comes next, adding live striptease performances in Fantasyland at Disney World?"
Winter noted that, while the PTC appreciates that Disney+ updated its parental controls in light of its new TV-MA and R-rated content, the "mere presence" of this content "violates the trust of families, and may well turn them off entirely." He continued, "There is no need for Disney+ to compete with the explicit content on other streaming platforms. Disney is already at a competitive advantage with a streaming platform that is the safest one out there for families. Its foray into TV-MA-rated fare will forever tarnish its family friendly crown."
Disney+ recently confirmed that it had officially acquired Netflix's Marvel Television series -- Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, The Defenders and The Punisher -- which will all become available to stream on the service on March 16. Each of these shows bears the TV-MA rating and feature graphic violence, sexual content and strong language not usually depicted not other Marvel productions. They will be joined by the ABC original series Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. on the same day.
Following the announcement that Netflix would no longer host these Marvel Studios shows, there was concern from fans that Disney would censor each show's more mature themes. However, the addition of these adult-oriented series forced Disney+ to reevaluate its parental controls, for which updates will begin rolling out as the Marvel Television series make their way onto the service. Alongside the announcement that Disney would add Marvel's Netflix shows, Disney+ confirmed it would "concurrently release an update to its Parental Controls in the U.S." This means that every subscriber signing into Disney+ on March 16 will be prompted to update their parental control settings, which will include the option for content rating restrictions and the ability to add a PIN lock for certain profiles.
"Disney+ has served as the home for some of the most beloved brands in the industry, and the addition of these live-action shows brings more from the Marvel brand together, all in one place," said Michael Paull, President of Disney Streaming. "We have experienced great success with an expanded content offering on Disney+ across our global markets and are excited to continue that here in the U.S. as well by offering our consumers not only great content with the new Marvel additions, but also a set of features that help ensure a viewing experience most suitable for them and their family."
Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, The Defenders, The Punisher and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. will be available to stream on Disney+ starting Wednesday, March 16.