NBC pulls several '30 Rock' blackface episodes from circulation
WASHINGTON (SBG) — NBC has pulled several episodes of the "30 Rock" television series from streaming and syndication because actors are shown in blackface.
Tina Fey, the executive producer and series' star, apologized for the pain the episodes have caused, USA Today reported.
The four episodes pulled are the following:
- Season 3, Episode 2 "Believe in the Stars"
- Season 5, Episode 10 "Christmas Attack Zone"
- Season 6, Episode 19 "Live from Studio 6H"
- East Coast version of Season 5, Episode 4 "Live Show"
"As we strive to do the work and do better in regards to race in America, we believe that these episodes featuring actors in race-changing makeup are best taken out of circulation," Fey wrote in a note to NBC's partners.
"I understand now that 'intent' is not a free pass for white people to use these images."
Actor Jon Hamm wears dark makeup, an Afro wig and overalls in the "Live from Studio 6H" episode. Co-star Jane Krakowski wears blackface in at least two episodes, according toVarietyand Vulture.
In Fey's note to network partners, she addresses the episodes, "I apologize for pain they have caused. Going forward, no comedy-loving kid needs to stumble on these tropes and be stung by their ugliness. I thank NBCUniversal for honoring this request."
As of Monday, the episodes were already removed from Hulu, but at least one of the now banned episodes is still available on Amazon Prime.