Top 10 Most Controversial Kids Show Episodes Ever

“Sesame Street” (1969-)

“The Wizard of Oz” is one of the most beloved classics ever made. So, Margaret Hamilton’s return as the iconic green-skinned villain should have been an instant win for “Sesame Street.” But, apparently, Hamilton did too good of a job, as kids were reportedly so frightened of her performance that some swore off the show for good. As a result, the episode was eventually pulled off the air, and has hardly ever been screened since. At least Hamilton’s in good company, since other celebrities like Katy Perry have had segments they appeared in cut out from the show. Though, in the pop star’s case, the clip did first appear online and the controversy was more to do with her wardrobe than her performance.

“iCarly” (2007-12)

Despite its supposed scandal, this episode is more remembered for the Sam and Freddie kiss than anything else. So, it’s surprising that it kicked up enough dust to be pulled from rerun circulation. Sure, a storyline about Sam’s exploits in a hospital for mental health issues isn’t super kid-friendly, but the series handles it with plenty of breezy humor. Despite everything, there’s never been an official word as to why it was quietly banned. But, some fans theorize it’s because of the plot’s similarities to the widespread “Free Britney” movement. Either way, the episode is still available to purchase online and in a DVD set, in case anyone wants to check out what all the fuss is about.

“Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” (1993-95)

They may be called “teenagers with attitude,” but these spandex-clad heroes were usually as PG as it comes. Their cartoon-like violence only became a problem in a western-themed two-parter, where the Rangers used their Blade Blasters like actual firearms. Parents took serious issue with the team using weapons that so closely resembled guns, and the backlash proved too great for even these heroes to overcome. While it seems the production company, Saban, never officially commented on the controversy, it doesn’t take Billy’s brains to realize that the Blasters were holstered indefinitely as combat weapons after this episode. Later, the Rangers transitioned to more brand-safe Ninja powers, ensuring the Blade Blasters would never shoot again.

“Cow and Chicken” (1997-99)

This episode only aired once, but apparently, that was all it took to get it yanked from the airwaves forevermore. On paper, Cow’s exploits trying to join a motorcycle gang don’t sound all that bad. But, Cartoon Network reportedly thought the actions and mannerisms of the Buffalo gals promoted stereotypes generally associated with lesbians. And it wasn’t just an implication, though, the entire segment is udder-ly full of sexual innuendos and mature winks at the audience. Well, at least, more than usual for a “Cow and Chicken” episode. Till the end of its run, the Buffalo Gals never rode through the show again, leaving Cow no one else to rev up with.

“TaleSpin” (1990-91)

It’s almost poetic that a show centered around a bush pilot had to call mayday on an episode about flying. After all, taking to the air was a common occurrence for Baloo, but this time, the friendly bear hit some major turbulence in this satirization of World War 2. On its own, a kid’s cartoon about anthropomorphic animals may not be the best vessel to explore the impact of such a major historical event. And things only got worse when the episode came under fire for what many perceived to be greatly unflattering Asian stereotypes. Given the not-so-subtle references to real-life tragedies like Pearl Harbor, it’s no surprise that this flight was grounded from reruns shortly after taking off.

“Dexter’s Laboratory” (1996-2003)

Of the many inventions of the bespectacled kid scientist, this one never even got to see the light of day. The banned segment followed Dexter and Dee Dee extracting their vulgar selves into duplicate bodies, who then proceed to speak in profanities throughout. It didn’t fly well with censors, and so the episode lived up to its name and was rudely removed from any official release. At least, until 2013, when a censored version was posted online. Even though the curse words were bleeped-out, it’s still a shock to hear Dexter and Dee Dee be so crass. But, what’s more surprising is that anyone thought this could be in a kids’ cartoon at all.

“Tiny Toon Adventures” (1990-92)

This isn’t the first cartoon to take a crack at dark subject matter, but it’s definitely one of the most jarring. After all, no one expects an innocuous episode of “Tiny Toon Adventures” to include peer pressure, grand theft auto, and drunk driving. Even though the characters explain that this is what not to do, it still doesn't make it any easier to watch them drive off a cliff. It’s remarkably grim, and as a result, became one of two episodes of the show to ever be banned, although it later found its way onto cable TV. However, even by today’s standards, it’s hard to disagree that this PSA might have gone a tad too far.

“Pokémon” (1997-)

Apparently, the only thing more shocking than Pikachu’s Thunderbolt is how much effect a single episode of television can have. The flashing lights in this installment infamously triggered seizures all across Japan, sending nearly 700 viewers to the hospital. As a result, the “Pokémon” anime went on an immediate hiatus, Nintendo’s stock sank, and several broadcasters came together to create all-new guidelines on visual effects. The industry-shaking episode was never officially released outside of Japan, but that hasn’t stopped it from infiltrating pop culture all around the world. With this level of infamy, it’s no surprise that Porygon has never again featured on the show beyond just small cameos.

“Gargoyles” (1994-97)

It’s honestly kind of impressive to create an episode this controversial just eight scripts into a new series. That’s right, before the show’s production count even hit double digits, “Gargoyles” decided to pull the trigger on an episode all about gun safety. Sure, the main characters are supernatural, but it’s all too real when Elisa almost dies from a gunshot. Evidently, the broadcasters thought so too, and the episode was almost immediately pulled from circulation. However, it would eventually reload onto the airwaves after edits were made to cut out any shot of Elisa’s blood. To be frank, the fact that an episode this intense saw the light of day at all is a victory in itself.

“Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” (1968-2001)

For over thirty years, Fred Rogers hosted a kid-friendly talk show about, well, just about everything. While it was primarily targeted at preschoolers, Rogers wasn’t afraid to tackle subject matter other programs wouldn’t, such as divorce or death. However, the neighborhood got a bit too rowdy when, in 1983, Rogers spent five whole episodes discussing war and its associated violence. Even though it was filtered through an accessible lens, his frank political discussion still drew significant controversy. In fact, it was enough to have the whole thing erased from the series’ history altogether after the arc’s last time being part of regular rotation in the mid-’90s. In a way, that just goes to show how persuasive Rogers’ must’ve been.