Four Of Chris Lilley's Shows Have Been Permanently Removed From Netflix Due To Racial Depictions

We Can Be Heroes, Summer Heights High, Angry Boys and Jonah From Tonga have all been removed from the Australian and New Zealand catalogues.

This morning, Netflix has confirmed the removal of four series created by and starring comedian Chris Lilley on their Australian and New Zealand catalogues.

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We Can Be Heroes (2005), Summer Heights High (2007), Angry Boys (2011) and Jonah From Tonga (2014) are the shows in question, with each of them depicting Lilley in some form of blackface or brownface.

ABC / Netflix

Although these programs once raised Lilley into mainstream prominence, over the years, the portrayal of non-white characters — for example, a Tongan schoolkid named Jonah Takalua — have generated controversy and debate.

ABC / Netflix

This debate has been accelerated in response to Black Lives Matter protests, which have placed racial depictions in popular TV shows and movies under further scrutiny.

BBC

Gone With The Wind and Little Britain have also been removed from streaming services. Although according to HBO Max, Gone With The Wind will return with updated messaging.

It's worth noting that Lilley's other shows — Ja'mie: Private School Girl and Lunatics — still remain on the streaming service for now, even though the latter featured a South African character Jana, who Lilley plays while wearing an Afro.

ABC / Netflix

As of now, Lilley has not responded to the removal of his shows from Netflix.