7. Breakdown Of Boundaries
Comedy CentralEvery country has broadcasting standards, which dictate what can and can't be aired (or what can't be aired at certain points of the day), though it is arguable that this equates to censorship in countries where freedom of speech and freedom of expression are supposed to be a given. Certain networks and production companies have, over the years, sought to constantly challenge such standards and erode boundaries through the airing of groundbreaking risqué programming. In the UK, the best example is Channel 4, which has built itself a reputation as an 'edgy' network, having done things such as air the first public autopsy for 170 years, air the first lesbian kiss in a British drama and air Chris Morris' Brass Eye, which attracted rave reviews despite attracting masses of controversy (mostly from people that hadn't seen it) for its satirising of taboo subjects. Other networks are not afraid of taking risks either, however, something that they are able to do through the existence of the 9pm watershed. In America, the 'big four' core networks of ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox are still forbidden from airing such things as profanity and nudity at any time, and have been eclipsed as the homes of high-quality drama by cable networks such as HBO, which has constantly challenged the belief that all television should be 'family friendly' throughout its history and developed some of the greatest shows ever made as a result. Others, such as Comedy Central, have allowed the mocking of anything and everything through the animated series South Park, which courts controversy with every episode its airs but rightfully takes the stance that nothing should be off-limits.