Channel 4’s latest series Virgin Island has been branded ‘exploitative’ by shocked viewers – but it’s not the first time it has ruffled feathers.
The broadcaster has a long history of producing controversial content and is considered more ‘daring and edgy’ than its counterparts, including the BBC and ITV.
It’s a label that Channel 4 has often leaned into, most notably in the two seasons of Banned, a selection of programmes that had been previously banned from TV or cinema, which aired in 1991 and 2004.
Meanwhile, in the 80s, in the hope of gaining a more ‘avant-garde’ reputation, it broadcast provocative films under the Red Triangle series, named after the content warning sign.
In 2007, Channel 4 went too far after commissioning three documentary programmes about masturbation called ‘W*nk Week’, which were axed before airing over complaints they contradicted the broadcaster’s public service broadcasting credentials.
But many more eyebrow-raising shows have been broadcast on Channel 4. Here are the broadcaster’s most shocking TV shows.
Paedogeddon
A 2001 special of the British satirical current affairs series Brass Eye, Paedogeddon was a parody news programme on paedophilia, covering farcical stories about paedophiles and sexual crimes towards children.
The show also starred the likes of Gary Lineker and Phil Collins, who play themselves as celebrities being duped into advocating a spoof children’s charity.
After it aired, Channel 4’s phone lines became jammed with thousands of viewers making complaints, and it was later subject to a special investigation by the Broadcasting Standards Commission. The Met Police also received complaints.
Sex Box
Sex Box was released as part of Channel 4’s Campaign for Real Sex, which the channel described as ‘a series of programmes which aim to reclaim sex from porn.’
The broadcaster tried to realise this aim by sending real-life couples into a private box on stage where they have sex and afterwards have a post-mortem about each other’s bedroom preferences with Mariella Frostrup.
In the second season, Frostrup was replaced by presenting duo Steve Jones and Goedele Liekens. Sex Box has not been officially axed, but a third season has yet to be commissioned.
10 Years Younger
10 Years Younger launched on Channel 4 in 2004 and was initially presented by stylist Nicky Hambleton-Jones.
In the early days of the show, a member of the public was given a total makeover, including plastic surgery, in an attempt to shave years off their age.
As well as fetishising youth, 10 Years Younger attracted criticism over the cosmetic procedures, which were often extensive and completed in a short space of time.
Derren Brown’s Russian Roulette Live
A huge 3.3 million viewers tuned in to see whether Derren Brown would blow his brains out in a live game of Russian Roulette on Channel 4 in 2003.
Attracting fierce criticism from anti-gun campaigners and police, officers in Jersey, where it was filmed, were later forced to confirm that there was ‘no live ammunition and no one was at risk’ after being inundated by complaints.
Illusionist Derren had previously claimed he was using a ‘live bullet’.
Anatomy for Beginners
In 2002, German doctor Gunther von Hagens performed a post-mortem in front of hundreds at aLondon theatre, which was later televised on Channel 4.
Gunther risked being arrested for the dissection, as public autopsies were illegal under the 1984 Anatomy Act, but police officers in attendance did not act.
Over 100 people also complained to Ofcom, but it was later ruled that Anatomy for Beginners had not breached broadcasting rules.
Open House: The Great Sex Experiment
Channel 4 has a bit of a thing for sex – and its latest offering on the topic is Open House: The Great Sex Experiment.
In the show, committed couples come to a luxury retreat to explore whether having open relationships and sex with other people can strengthen their bond.
Former Brexit minister and ex-Welsh Secretary David Jones branded Open House as ‘sexploitation’, while sex therapist Lori Beth said it was a ‘reality show and not a documentary.’
Supersize vs Superskinny
In Supersize vs Superskinny, an underweight and an overweight person cohabited for five days during which they swapped diets while being supervised by Dr Christian Jessen.
The programme attracted widespread backlash for portraying eating disorders to a potentially vulnerable audience and perpetuating ‘body-shaming.’
In a Mamamia article, Supersize vs Superskinny was called ‘the most screwed up show on television’ and a ‘problematic mess.’
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