Television history is filled with moments that were too controversial, sensitive, or ill-timed to make it to air. These episodes that were pulled from air often became legendary not for what they showed, but for what they didn’t, at least not right away. Whether it was due to real-world events, graphic content, or public backlash, these episodes remain infamous and in some cases, nearly impossible to find. Here are 9 episodes that were pulled from air, and why.
9. “Our Father,” Dexter
While not entirely banned, this episode saw delays and temporary removals on streaming platforms following real-world parallels to serial killings at the time. Given Dexter‘s violent premise, networks have occasionally had to re-evaluate airing certain episodes depending on what was happening in the news cycle.
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8. “See Me, Feel Me, Gnomey,” Powerpuff Girls
Despite being completed and ready for release, this musical episode was banned in the U.S. due to perceived religious imagery and political overtones. Though aired in other countries, Cartoon Network shelved it domestically. Fans consider it one of the most mysterious episodes that were pulled from air in animation history.
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7. “The Puerto Rican Day,” Seinfeld
This Season 9 episode faced backlash for its portrayal of a Puerto Rican Day Parade and a scene where a flag is accidentally burned. Protests ensued, and NBC temporarily pulled the episode from rotation. Though it later returned, the controversy highlighted the delicate balance of comedy and cultural sensitivity.
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6. “Mr. Ratburn and the Special Someone,” Arthur
In 2019, PBS aired an episode revealing Mr. Ratburn as gay and getting married, but not in Alabama. The state’s public broadcasting affiliate refused to air it, citing concerns over its appropriateness for children. It sparked national conversation about representation in kids’ programming and became a high-profile case of episodes that were pulled from air by regional networks.
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5. “Œuf,” Hannibal
One of the most disturbing entries in the series, this episode revolved around children being manipulated into killing their families. NBC pulled it before airing in light of real-life violence at the time, opting instead to release the episode online in a segmented format. It’s a chilling installment and a clear example of an episode deemed “too much” for primetime.
4. “Prom-ises, Prom-ises,” Boy Meets World
This episode dealt with Cory and Topanga deciding whether to have sex on prom night. Though it aired initially, it was later pulled from reruns due to its mature themes, especially for a family-oriented network like Disney Channel. It’s a surprising inclusion among episodes that were pulled from air given the show’s generally wholesome tone.
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3. “Stark Raving Dad,” The Simpsons
Featuring the voice of Michael Jackson (uncredited), this episode was pulled from circulation following the release of Leaving Neverland, the documentary detailing allegations against Jackson. Though once a fan-favorite, the episode’s connection to a now-controversial figure led to its quiet removal from streaming platforms and reruns.
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2. “Partial Terms of Endearment,” Family Guy
This banned Family Guy episode tackled abortion, a subject considered too hot for Fox to handle. The network ultimately refused to air it in the U.S., though it later appeared on DVD and international broadcasts. As one of the most infamous episodes that were pulled from air, it showcases the boundary-pushing (and often divisive) style of Seth MacFarlane’s humor.
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1. “Earshot,” Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Originally scheduled to air shortly after the Columbine High School shooting in 1999, Buffy’s “Earshot” episode involved a storyline where Buffy hears the thoughts of someone planning violence at school. Given the national mood, the network delayed the episode’s airing. It’s one of the more notable episodes that were pulled from air due to tragic timing, and it eventually aired months later with context.
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