The BBC has removed 11 sketches from the 20th-anniversary rerelease of That Mitchell and Webb Look on its iPlayer streaming service, citing concerns about their potentially offensive content. The sketches include jokes about Jimmy Savile, a scene in which Robert Webb portrays a rude version of Gandhi (apparently using skin-darkening makeup), and two instances where the comedians use blackface to depict white people, not people of color. In one of the sketches, Webb repeatedly asks, “Are you sure that this isn’t racist?” highlighting the duo’s awareness of the potential for offense. The decision has sparked debate, with some arguing that a warning or disclaimer might have sufficed instead of outright removal. Critics suggest that these sketches, which satirize chauvinism rather than embody it, should remain. However, the BBC has emphasized that blackface and the use of the N-word are considered irreducibly hurtful to a portion of its audience, regardless of context. Some have suggested the BBC may have focused on audience reactions or preempted criticism by erring on the side of caution. Comedy producer Jimmy Mulville noted the BBC is in an “impossible position” regarding such decisions. The removal has drawn comparisons to the editing of Roald Dahl’s books for modern sensitivities, though in that case, the unedited versions remained available. In contrast, the removal of individual sketches from a comedy series leaves the rest of the content intact, potentially misleading the public about the past. Mitchell and Webb themselves have sanctioned the removal, with Robert Webb stating in 2017 that he would not make a show like Little Britain today. The decision has not prompted significant outrage from comedians, who are generally aware of shifting social attitudes. There is concern, however, about the potential for over-censorship of vintage comedy. The focus should remain on supporting new comedy that addresses contemporary issues with the same irreverence that defined earlier works. This situation highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing historical context with modern sensibilities in media.