Chinese SNL Pulled During Content Crackdown

A local version of Saturday Night Live is no longer streaming in China after the Chinese content regulation agency announced they were cracking down on content. The agency has said they want to see content that broadcasts “positive energy” programs, and is eliminating “harmful programs” with low taste.

The Chinese produced version of the show premiered just a few weeks ago in June and was hosted by Chinese comedy duo Yue Yunpeng and Chen He.

A spokeswoman for the streaming channel that broadcast the show told Reuters that they are working to get the series back online saying the show was “working hard to become better.” According to Reuters this is the second comedy show to be yanked this year. The first was a talk show hosted by comedian Liang Huan. American programming has also failed to pass the nation’s strict standards.

Reuters reported that while the Chinese version of SNL refrained from parodying political leaders- a practice not permitted in China- targets of parody included taking shots at the Chinese national football team.

Alibaba, which owns Youku the streaming platform which aired the series.

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