BBC censors ‘Horrible Histories’ episodes with slavery, child labor to meet ‘editorial guidelines’

The episode that was removed featured slavery, Victorian child workers, as well as chimney sweeps, according to The Times. Additionally, there were at least seven scenes that were cut from the show based on the bestselling books. The series has been able to get children engaged with history by sharing terrible things that have happened in the past.

The move also comes after 11 sketches were removed from the BBC in the comedy show "That Mitchell and Webb Look." Some of the scenes had made light of racism and the company said that the sketches do not "work today."

A historian and author, Guy Walters, told reporters in reaction to redactions and removals on "Horrible Histories": “This is an insane decision and it obviously follows hot on the heels of sanitising Mitchell and Webb sketches. The BBC has absolutely no idea what children like. Children love horrible things. The entire career of Roald Dahl is based on that.”

“This really needs to be thought again. What’s the point of Horrible Histories? You might want to call it Nice Histories. And if you call something Nice Histories, you know what? Children wouldn’t watch it," he added.

Author of the book series, Terry Deary, did not give comment on the incident, saying, "No comment. I just wrote the books.”

The BBC said about the adjustments, “The edits to Horrible Histories were made seven years ago, in consultation with the programme makers, to ensure the series meets our editorial guidelines for children’s programmes.”

Some online reacted to the move, pointing out that the show is literally called "Horrible Histories" and features terrible things that have taken place in the past, such as slavery.

"Horrible histories.. the show designed to show how horrible history was.. has pulled some scenes because.. they are horrible?? am I getting this right?" one X user said.

Another said, "Does the BBC know why it was called 'Horrible' Histories?"